Author's Bio: Nanette Buchanan is
a wife, proud mother, and grandmother. She is currently employed full time in
the State of New Jersey as a New Jersey Corrections Sergeant. Her literary
journey began when she began putting pen to pad, writing poems and children
stories while attending Rutgers University. I Pen Designs became a business,
catering to personalized writings for gifts. Nanette's debut novel was released
in December 2007 and I Pen Designs began its publishing division with its
publication. Since then she has published a total of eight novels and one
poetry collaboration. Her novels have a "what if" twist, topics with
questions that readers may have about everyday living. Her latest work is The Stranger Within and the beginning of
a new series is in the making. Her books are available in Kindle, Nook, and
e-reader formats.
What inspired you to write your book?
I’ve always been a writer.
Putting my thoughts on paper became a welcomed escaped for me. After being
asked to convey others feelings in words for gifts, I then realized that my
written expressions helped others escape, heal and use their voice as well.
Now, I created stories that relate to the realities we live with the intent to
heal and inspire my audience.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any
way either growing up or as an adult?
There are many… Maya
Angelou, Walter Mosley, Nikki Giovanni, are a few that I read growing up. I
don’t know that I can narrow it down to one book that influenced me. I read all
genres and as a writer I don’t limit myself. However, the voice created by the
characters in many of Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Victoria Murray and Trice
Hickman have intrigued me.
Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish
your book?
No this is my eighth book.
I try to stick to a “writing schedule,” a tip I learned reading about other authors
that publish more than one book a year. So I write, or delve into promoting,
branding or something connect to my novels at least two hours a day. Usually
within eight months the book, after editing and re-reads is ready to be
published.
Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?
I start with an outline. I
know the storyline and don’t want the characters to take me away from the focus
within the storyline. An outline also helps keep the details of the events and
character descriptions consistent. It can be added to it for small changes or
to assist in not dragging the story on. An outline is beneficial to my
writings. Also if I have a new idea for a story. I can put it in an outline and
file it until I’m ready to write that story.
Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme
song for this book?
No particular music. I can
have the television on or be in silence. I fell into this habit while attending
school. Sounds don’t distract my writing and often set a peaceful mode for the
words to flow.
What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the
public?
I wish I knew. Readers,
like any other audience in entertainment tend to be trendsetters. Genres are
constantly entangled which changes who may or may not read my books. Over the
years I learned to be where readers are. As a fairly new author, eight years
now, people tend to want to know more about me and then buy my books. There are
so many authors that have dedicated their lives to their work and then there
are others who just appeared and both groups have been embraced by our readers.
The trend is now e-books, a change that has affected authors branding and
marketing. At this point, I have chosen to be visible and aware of any new
techniques. I blog, post on my various internet pages, do signings and chats
with book clubs, and literary events. Leaving one out, one may miss a group of
readers, so I delve in it all.
What advice would you give to new authors?
Don’t be discouraged. Keep
writing and learn the business. Understand your weaknesses and do what is
necessary to improve them. You are your best salesperson, know that one line
that will captivate the attention of the readers that ask, “What is your book
about?” That elevator pitch, as it is called, will get you a new group of
curious readers. Be consistent with your work and your appearance on the
internet. People follow you without you knowing it. Lastly, enjoy the ride.
When it becomes tedious, frustrating, overwhelming, you will not be at your
best. Enjoy what you do and you’ll be blessed in it.
How about sharing an
excerpt from A Stranger Within (Chapter Four)
Brenda checked over the dates on
the calendar. She was right when she told Deacon Pratt that they booked the
wedding for Sister Smith’s daughter and the speaking engagement for Pastor
Turner on the same day. Now she would have to call and make apologies for the
mistake. The Pastor wouldn’t mind changing the date for his sermon during the
recital for Chapel Hill Church in Philadelphia. There would be a problem if the
Ministerial Staff couldn’t make the change. The recital was more than three
months away. She was sure they would accommodate Pastor Turner’s schedule. She
would remind Deacon Pratt again that before any scheduling, he should check the
calendar kept in the main office. She made herself a note, a reminder to speak
with him in the morning.
She left the main office and pulled the door close, careful to leave it partially open, so she could hear the phone if it rang. Brenda continued with her end of the day ritual. There was mail that hadn’t been picked up scattered on the table in the foyer. She took a moment to sort it again into neat piles. It would soon be time to leave; she knew the mail would still be there in the morning. Brenda checked the other offices ensuring the lights and computers were off. The sound of Pastor Turner’s voice caused her to pause waiting to hear a second voice answer his questions.
She left the main office and pulled the door close, careful to leave it partially open, so she could hear the phone if it rang. Brenda continued with her end of the day ritual. There was mail that hadn’t been picked up scattered on the table in the foyer. She took a moment to sort it again into neat piles. It would soon be time to leave; she knew the mail would still be there in the morning. Brenda checked the other offices ensuring the lights and computers were off. The sound of Pastor Turner’s voice caused her to pause waiting to hear a second voice answer his questions.
“Not a problem, I’ll give the
information to Sister Preston. Yes, yes I understand totally. Thank you so much
and I’m sorry about the confusion.”
Brenda could tell from the
conversation, Pastor had made contact with Chapel Hill. She shook her head,
aggravated that he would have to make the call to reschedule his sermon. As
quickly as she thought about it, she dismissed it. Pastor handled it. She
learned over the years not to dwell long on the problems others created. Pastor
Turner helped her through those years when she worried about every problem,
both large and small. There was no way to define her relationship with Jacob
Turner. They were friends for most of her adult years. She met him at a party
given by a mutual friend. Brenda and Dominique’s father, Zeke were introduced
to the man who was leaving at the end of the summer for theological studies in
Philadelphia.
Brenda walked into the next room.
She checked the magazines, putting them back on the tables and paused in deep
thought gazing out of the large bay window. The visitor’s sitting room was
where she often fell into her memories from a time that was. The party was a
surprise for a friend. Neither Brenda nor Jacob could recall her by name. They
both were guests of other people. Zeke, as usual, became argumentative and
loud. Brenda was ready to leave. His accusations about her and the men who were
in attendance had become vulgar. The nods and smiles, as she tried to explain,
were all cordial. Jacob’s smile from across the room was the only gesture she
wasn’t sure of.
She prayed Zeke hadn’t seen it. The young couple had been together off and on since high school, and she knew his jealousy would cause a fight. Zeke snapped. He pushed Brenda back on the couch when she tried to leave with him. His harsh words let the young crowd know he thought she, and Jacob had been sleeping together behind his back. Brenda was paralyzed by his words hoping she could disappear without anyone noticing. The silence brought on by Zeke’s outburst broke when the whispers and laughter around the room increased. It was a matter of minutes, but it seemed like eternity.
She prayed Zeke hadn’t seen it. The young couple had been together off and on since high school, and she knew his jealousy would cause a fight. Zeke snapped. He pushed Brenda back on the couch when she tried to leave with him. His harsh words let the young crowd know he thought she, and Jacob had been sleeping together behind his back. Brenda was paralyzed by his words hoping she could disappear without anyone noticing. The silence brought on by Zeke’s outburst broke when the whispers and laughter around the room increased. It was a matter of minutes, but it seemed like eternity.
Brenda waited until she was no
longer under an imaginary spotlight to attempt to leave the room. Jacob noticed
her as she eased through the crowd heading toward the apartment door. He
followed her, and as he often told her later in their friendship, he thought
Zeke might have been waiting for her outside. Their friendship started from
that night and lasted longer than her marriage to Zeke. Jacob went on to become
a minister and never married. Brenda often thought what it would be like to be
the minister’s wife. After Zeke’s death, his murder, she couldn’t bring herself
to marry or date again. Their friendship would have to be enough.
“Tiny, are you ready to leave?”
Jacob called from his office. She didn’t answer, and his entrance into the room
startled her. “Are you okay? You’re not worrying about that mistake with the
schedule are you?”
“Oh no, I was just reminiscing.”
She turned and smiled at her friend. “Good memories.”
“Must be, you’re smiling. Are you
done in here?” He scanned the room looking for items she would deem out of
place.
“Jacob, Dominique is having trouble
sleeping again.”
“Is that what you were thinking
about?”
“No, but I guess my thoughts
would have led to it. I thought she got over her father’s death. You know those
dreams, and her sleepless nights began after the murder.”
“Is she remembering anything?”
“No,
but what am I going to say when she does?”
What’s next for you? I
just completed my first book in a Detective Series. I love a good mystery and
suspense. “The Perfect Side Piece” will be on the market before the end of the
year. Also I am pitching my first novel, Family
Secrets, Lies & Alibis, as a film. I’ll be putting it out as a web
series. My intention is to go to film or stage plays with my work.
Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)?
·
Website: whttps:www.ipendesigns.net
·
Amazon Author Page:
Nanette M. Buchanan
·
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nanettebuchanan
·
Book buy Links: https://www.ipendesigns.net
It’s been a pleasure
having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you
and your work.
Thank you, it’s been a
pleasure!
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