June Featured Author
What made you choose Red Adept Editing?
When I first had the confidence that my writing might be worthy of publishing, I started researching “how to publish.” In this search, Red Adept’s name came up a few times on YouTube. I saved the link to Red Adept, and when I was ready, it became my go-to for editing.
You’ve worked with Kate. What did you enjoy most about working with her?
Kate was a perfect mixture of encouragement, compliments, corrections, and suggestions for change. When I asked for an explanation about a suggestion, she was thorough in her explanation.
What do you write about? And who is your biggest audience?
My novels are for women over forty who find themselves in their transformative years now asking, “What’s next?” or wondering how to release a life that no longer serves them. In each story, my novels entertain (love, lust, death, and surprises), as well as carry the reader to a place that they can relate to, which gives strength to the voice that is already rising within.
Do you have a favorite place or time of day to write?
I have a magical place set up in my living room. The desk is a refurbished hundred-year-old English pub table. I love writing in the mornings, but sometimes my schedule guides me to write in the evening as the sun sets.
Do you like to plan before you write? Or do you prefer to start and see where the story goes?
When I first purposed to write fiction, a storyline immediately came to me. I took partial-reality from my own life and melded it into fantasy. I soon discovered the need to write out a time line to keep the story flowing and even in the creation of an outline, new ideas just appeared.
Which of your covers is your favorite and why?
I love both of my current books’ cover designs. The book cover designer’s name is Iram Shahzadi. My first book; Amelia, is mystical and multi-layered, so the cover reflects a brooding mood of suspense. The cover for Clare Imagined, my second book, is more symbolic in image-art with alluring light colors.
What part of self-publishing do you enjoy the most?
There are thousands of talented writers that might never be invited to publish in the traditional sense yet, our stories need to be read, and self-publishing offers a way to not wait until you’ve been “discovered.” So far, self-publishing has been easier than expected. I’m a big-picture gal rather than a detail-oriented person. The instructions were straightforward, which I so appreciate.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I’m a professor at a local college. I teach, another one of my gifts that I’m so fortunate to enjoy. Still, the idea of writing full time is exciting, and I’m making-a-plan.
My relaxation time is spent in my RV with short or long trips with the dog. I’ve completed many remodeling projects in my older home and am currently remodeling the RV. Otherwise, summer months, you’ll usually find me in the pool.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?
I asked a published and full-time writer how to “become” a write. She simply said: “Just write– and you are now a writer.” Stephen King said to write every day and read all types of books and styles. This is what I started doing even before I finished Amelia. This practice has both inspired me and given me confidence to forge ahead.
Where can readers find you?
Amazon profile page: https://www.amazon.com/Belle-Blaney
Website: https://www.belleblaney.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BelleBlaney
Google: belle@belleblaney.com
