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. We've been partnering on these reviews for over a month now, so have some fun checking old posts!
So,
today welcome Rebecca Besser.
Rebecca
Besser resides in Ohio with her wonderful husband and amazing son. They’ve come
to accept her quirks as normal while she writes anything and everything that
makes her inner demons squeal with delight. She’s best known for her work in
adult horror, but has published fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for a variety of
age groups and genres. She’s entirely too cute to be scary in person, so she
turns to the page to instill fear into the hearts of the masses. She is
- What
is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction?
Horror, mostly. I have written for a
variety of genres and age groups. Mostly fiction, although I do write nonfiction
from time to time.
- What
made you want to be a writer?
I’ve always had a natural way with words and an overactive imagination. Writing
was always a good fit for me!
- Of
all the authors out there, who inspired you most?
Wow! That’s a hard one. My favorite authors are Jean M. Auel and Linda Rios
Brook…but I’ve had some fellow authors who write horror inspire and encourage me
quite a bit. Just to mention a few: David Moody, Joe McKinney, and Gregory
Norris.
- What
is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why?
My writing style is easy-to-read flow, I guess. I strive to write relatable
characters that use natural dialogue, while at the same time, help the reader
not to be taken out of the story by awkward wording. I outline long projects
(novellas or novels) by chapter, but usually as a loose outline so I know where
I’m going and what I want to happen.
- Do
you write every day? How much? How long?
I wish! I’m a busy woman (wife, mother, and self-employed). I take writing time
when I can get it. I tend to write more, and am happier with my progress, when I
have big chunks of time to write.
- Do
you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why?
Yes! Reading is a great way to study other styles of writing. Reading can also
inspire new stories ideas. Also, if you don’t have the urge to write for
whatever reason, reading will usually bring you out of that
funk.
- What
are some of the things you would like to share with budding
authors?
Writing is rough. It’s going to take time, energy, and a lot of emotional highs
and lows, but don’t give up. Also…learn as much about spelling and punctuation
as you can! Well-written and edited works have a higher chance of
publication.
- Do
you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to
share?
Make friends with other writers in your genre and coordinate blog tours and
signings together. You will then be cross-exposed to each other’s fans and
you’ll have moral support for the hard times.
- Do
you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you
learned?
Which ones do you frequent? I have
yet to actually attend a conference, but hope to this coming year. But I have
coordinated events online with other authors in my area and we’ve had signings
together as well.
- Where
can we find you, your books and when is your next event?
I’m on Facebook under Author/Editor Rebecca Besser, on Twitter @BeccaBesser, and
you can visit my blog or website www.rebeccabesser.wordpress.com
www.rebeccabesser.com Amazon
Author Page Besser
Events My
books are available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
As
far as events…I was just on the #WinterofZombie tour with over forty authors
(Nov. 2015). Represented by
Loiacono Literary Agency, Melissa Carrigee http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/rebecca-besser/
MORE
ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS
Represented
by Loiacono Literary Agency, Melissa Carrigee Melissa.C@llallc.net Agent, Marketing
and Publicity – Melissa Carrigee
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
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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.