Author’s
Bio: Ellen Butler is a best-selling novelist writing edgy
suspense thrillers and award-winning historical fiction. Ellen holds a master’s
degree in Public Administration and Policy. Her experiences living and working
in the D.C. area inspired the Karina Cardinal mystery series.
DL: What inspired you to write
your book?
EB: [Spoiler Alert] While I
was working on the first Karina Cardinal mystery, Isabella’s Painting, I saw an ad on television recalling pacemakers
because they could be hacked and thought, “What a diabolical way to kill
someone, I’ve got to put that in a book.”
DL: Describe your writing process?
Do you use an outline or let it flow organically?
EB: When I wrote romances, it
was very easy to be a pantster over plotter. However, I’ve found with writing
mysteries, I have to prepare an outline to make the suspense flow properly,
drop clues in the right place, and keep the timeline consistent.
DL: What do you think makes a good
story?
EB: Personally, I prefer
stories that move at a quick pace, have good character development, and provide
stimulating dialog.
DL: Is there any particular author
or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
EB: When it comes to my mystery
writing I would say Elizabeth Peters, Dan Brown, and JD Robb have all
influenced my writing. I really enjoyed Peters’ ability to create wonderful
fiction around real life events and have incorporated a similar tactic with my
Karina Cardinal mysteries.
DL: If you were hosting a dinner
party which three authors would be your dream guests?
EB: Thomas Jefferson, Jane
Austin, and Janet Evanovich.
DL: What are the keys to success
in marketing book(s)?
EB: First and foremost, a
quality book and appealing cover are keys to getting out of the starting gate. Once
you’ve done that, I’d love to say this one
thing or that one promotion does the
deed. However, what I’ve found is an everchanging publishing landscape. Amazon’s
logarithms, new social media marketing rules, and the rise of independent
bookstores are constantly changing the scene. I’ve found SEO optimization is
important along with choosing your keywords and meta data. In addition, social
media ads, author branding, and getting out in front of audiences all play a
role in a book’s success. The truth is, marketing is throwing everything
against the wall and see what sticks. But, realizing that it may not stick the
next time. What works for some authors doesn’t necessarily work for me or you,
so don’t be afraid to branch out and try new marketing techniques.
DL: What tips would you give to aspiring
writers?
EB: First, WRITE THE BOOK!
Too many aspiring writers tell me woes of working on a book for the past 2, 3
or 5 years. You’ll never get anywhere without parking your butt in the chair
and letting your fingers flow across the keyboard until your story comes to an
end. Second, realize writing is only half the battle, the other half is
marketing and getting your name heard above the fray of the millions of other
books out there. So many authors are introverts, and you may have to step out
of your cocoon of comfort to make your project successful.
DL: How about sharing an excerpt
from Fatal Legislation?
EB: Sure thing. Here you go:
“You’ll
know when I’m good and ready for you to know. You lobbyists are all the same.
Couldn’t keep a secret if your life depended on it, and right now I’m working
the back channels. I decided it’s time to call in some
chips . . . maybe all of them.” His breath came out in pants and
he stumbled.
“Senator!”
I reached out to steady him.
He
pulled a roll of Tums out of his coat pocket, but his hands were so unsteady he
fumbled to open the package.
“Here,
let me help you.” I used my thumbnail to slit the wrapper, and two antacid
tablets fell into his palm.
He
pressed his fist against his chest as he chewed. “Must have been the pastrami
sandwich I had for lunch.”
It
was close to six. Lunch had been hours ago, and I didn’t like the greenish
tinge of his coloring. “Are you going to be okay? Do you want me to get help?”
We’d reached the curve, the midpoint between the two buildings. The tram at the
far end was empty of passengers and the operator.
“I’ll
be fine.” He puffed past me.
“I’m
not sure, Senator.” I glanced over my shoulder to see if anyone was coming from
the Capitol side. “I think I should—”
His
right hand slapped against the wall, his knees buckled, and he pitched forward.
I’ll never forget the dull, smacking thud
that reverberated through the tunnel as his skull hit the polished cement
floor. In the movies, dramatic events often transpire in slow motion. Not so in
real life. The collapse happened in nanoseconds.
DL: What’s on the horizon for you?
EB: I’m
currently working on the next installment of the Karina Cardinal series, book
3, Diamonds & Deception.
DL: Where can readers learn more
about you and your book(s)?
EB: They can find out more
here:
·
Twitter: @EButlerBooks
·
Instagram: @ebutlerbooks
DL: It’s been a pleasure
having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you
and your work.
EB: Thanks for having me!
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