Nocturnal Journal–Mandy M. Roth

I’m sitting here, hanging out in this quaint little coffee shop in the historic waterfront district of downtown. The left side has a brick wall and a sitting area with oversized, olive furniture, begging to be sat in. A bookcase graces its presence as does a propped up acoustic guitar—there for the playing. It’s inviting, so much so I have to continually remind myself I’m here to write not to strum chords of my favorite tunes. The high ceilings and low lighting make for the perfect creative environment. It’s hard to be here and not feel the spark of the muse, the stirrings of the need to flex your artistic muscle, whatever your vice may be. The only thing it lacks is access to the modern super highway. Though, the absence of the internet increases my productivity exponentially. Without email, there are no distractions. Okay, aside from the damn guitar I still want to play.

The owners are entirely too nice for their own good. If only they’d be colder I might want to pack up my writing gear and run. As it stands, I’m dangerously close to camping out. Not only have they provided a setting conducive to writing, they also have amazing coffee. In a day and age that everyone is conditioned to equate good coffee with a large coffee chain, it’s refreshing to happen upon a tiny café that not only meets but exceeds what is the “norm.”

I think I’ve found my newest hangout. Here’s to hoping they don’t tire of me too quickly.
Anyone wanting to give them a try, you can find them here….

Mr. Smith’s Coffee House
140 Columbus Ave
Downtown Sandusky, Ohio, across from the State Theatre.
Hours:
Open Mon-Fri 7 am – 5 pm
Sat 8 am- 4 pm
Sun 11 am- 4 pm

If you do stop by, be sure to tell them I sent you their way. I have hopes that if I kiss enough ass, they won’t block the door when they spot me and my laptop coming.

LMAO

Back to writing and staring longingly at the guitar.

Q:Tell us a little about your experience with New Concepts Publishing.
A: So far, I have had a very positive experience with NCP. Anyone I have dealt with has been nice and professional. Those are two things I really prize in anyone I am associated with.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: First off, I don’t keep it a secret! I tell everyone I know and a lot of people I don’t know about my work. I introduce myself and tell them what I do and why I love it. No, I don’t chase down people on the street, but if the opportunity presents itself, I have no problem talking about my writing. I’m constantly amazed at how many people will ask, “So, what do you do?” and genuinely want an answer.

I also am a big fan of bookmarks. My dad keeps some with him, and so does my husband. They’ve given out about a hundred since the release of my first book just last month.

Something else I’ve had success with is press releases. Many papers printed what I sent exactly as it read. However, I followed up with a phone call to some of the local papers and just flat out asked if they’d like to feature me. You know what? The said yes!
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: First, I’d like to tell them congratulations. Do not let yourself be overwhelmed with everything there is to do, marketing etc. Never lose the joy of what you do. Never stop taking pleasure in the experience of it all. It will all come together if you just continue to work at it. This includes everything from the book you’re working on to your next promotional venture. Just stick with it.

Also, remember to be professional in all your dealings. You never know what the future holds, so be nice.

Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?
A: I write primarily paranormal romance, simply because that’s what I love to read.
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: I’ve always wanted to be a writer. In the past I’ve had short stories and poems published. I was fortunate last year to be able to finally find/make time in my life to pursue my dream and write my first novel.
Q: What types of research do you do for your books?
A: I read, a lot. I read all types of books, not just those in my genre. I read a great deal of history and science. I am also utterly fascinated with mythology and folklore. One of my close friends is a physicist, so that comes in handy too. I call him up any time I’ve got a “scientific” question. He’s taught me a lot of astronomy too.
I also do a lot of research online. Never underestimate the power of a search engine. I can’t count the times that I’ve been right in the middle of a book, but needed to check my facts. So, I take a break, make some coffee, and Google it.

I have been known to even learn a second language for my books. For instance, when I decided to write my Werewolf Hunter Series, one of the main characters, Alfred, is Italian. So, I learned to speak Italian. I’m not fluent, but I can get by okay. Oh, and of course I learned all the dirty words first.
Q: How do you come up with your ideas?
A: I literally draw inspiration sometimes. In my spare time, I’m an artist. I keep a sketchbook and when the mood strikes me, I’ll sit down and draw my characters. In book three of my series, which I’m currently preparing for submission, a vampire character is introduced. Oh, my. Have I ever had fun drawing him.
Besides my sketches, I get inspiration from any and everything. I love music, so that’s another constant source. I can be inspired from anything from a new song I love, to the way the rain sounds when it hits the trees outside my bedroom window.

LINKS:
http://www.traceyhkitts.com – My homepage.

http://www.newconceptspublishing.com – My publisher

http://traceyhkitts.blogspot.com/ - My blog