Interview: Women's Fiction Writer Skartsiaris Shares Secrets

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary!  I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome Jeanne Skartsiaris.

When not writing Jeanne Skartsiaris also works as a Sonographer. Prior to that she was a medical/legal photographer for a plaintiff’s law firm. She attended creative writing courses at Southern Methodist University and is a member of Romance Writers of America’s local chapter, Dallas Area Romance Authors. Also the author of Surviving Life and Snow Globe. She lives in Dallas, Texas.

1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Young adult and women's fiction
2. What made you want to be a writer? To quell the voices in my head.
3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? There are so many! Jodi Picoult, Pat Conroy, David Sedaris.
4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I let the characters move the story forward. I'd like to do more outlining, but the characters usually do whatever they want no matter how hard I try to control them.
5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? No. I work full time. My weekends are my busy writing time. Although if inspired, usually while driving or walking, I'll jot down ideas.
6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? YES! Writing is a craft and it opens the reader to another world or life. If you're a storyteller then you enjoy stories. End of story. J
7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Write. Read. Learn the art of slashing, not horror but editing. A writer opens their soul a little when creating a character and it's hard to take criticism and rejection. You need a tough hide. Never give up.
8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? As I'm still not on a bestseller list, no. I'm trying to learn better marketing skills.
9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Yes. The resources a writer can get from a conference can be invaluable. I've been to book signings where I've not sold anything, but I've made important connections. I'm also a member of Romance Writers of America and have learned much from authors there.
10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? My YA books are available on Amazon and in a local specialty bookstore in Dallas. I've just gotten them into a Dallas library—Surviving Life and Snow Globe. I'm hoping my women's fiction novel, Dance Like You Mean It, is acquired 2016. www.jeanneskartsiaris.com  http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/jeanne-skartsiaris/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Melissa Carrigee Melissa.C@llallc.net http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/drake-vaughn/ Agent,  Marketing and Publicity – Melissa Carrigee

Facebook  Melissa Carrigee Covers  Melissa Carrigee Book Trailers

Carrigee Graphic Art Contract Template

Reading and writing is a way of life for Melissa Carrigee.  As a literary agent and award winning graphic artist, she combines her two passions of business and writing.  She has published works in newspapers and magazines as well as a published novel. Featured Columnist for The Family Forum, Parents and Kids Magazine – Mississippi Gulf Coast.

I want a horror book to read all night long while I check behind the doors for the boogey man.  I’m looking for a thriller that keeps me reading and guessing (and just when I think I’ve figured it out, I’m wrong).  I’m looking for children’s books that engage the parent and the child.  I’m looking for young adult novels – but NOT Twilight and not wizards.  That’s been done.  I’m looking for any story with a great plot.  Something I can sit and read in a few days with characters that make me think about them long after I’ve finished the book.

Genres: horror, science fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction, mysteries, thrillers, dramas, historical romance, children’s (picture and mid-grade)—any book that has a great story with unforgettable characters.

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency - A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net  www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.

----- 
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.