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Story Ideas – Cindy Bradford Virtual Book Tour
By Deb Gallardo
Today at the The Story Ideas Virtuoso, we serve as a stop on the whirlwind virtual book tour of author Cindy Bradford as she promotes her latest novel “Promises Kept.” Here’s the interview I did with Cindy, especially for my blog readers.
1. Cindy, can you give us an example of an idea you had for one of your novels, and how that inspiration led you to the story it ultimately became?
Crazy as it might sound I had a dream about a minister having an affair. I started thinking about the general topic of the clergy and how, unfortunately, people with power and charisma often use those two elements in a negative way. At the time the child abuse issues of the Catholic priests were just beginning. The book, Keeping Faith, is a result of my thoughts stemming from these issues. It is not an attack on the church, but rather about how the effects of abuse can change a person’s life and affect every relationship that occurs over that lifetime. I pay very close attention to current events and human interest stories so my ideas often come from hearing a news happening, and then I let my imagination take me to a whole different set of fictional events.
2. What is your story germination process? At what point do you begin brainstorming and asking “What if?” Then what?
When I get an idea I try to think immediately about the first, middle and ending I want to happen, but sometimes I can only get two of those at first. I then just start thinking about a reasonable, believable route the story should take. My books are about life experience so they are just an extension of what might happen to anyone. I think that is what makes them interesting. The reader understands that the good, bad and ugly are all a part of each of our existences.
3. Has writer’s block ever affected you? If so, to what degree and how did you cope?
I really don’t think so. Every now and then I simply can’t get the scene or setting to gel, but it isn’t really writer’s block, it’s just that I’m sick of it for the moment and want a diversion. So, I simply play at something else and come back to it whenever I feel like it. I don’t write for a living so I can take my time, although I try not to be away from it too long or I will forget where it was going.
4. Tell us about your latest book, including some tantalizing tidbits that will make us all want to rush out and buy it.
Promises Kept is Faith’s story, an unforgettable young woman whose life’s journey has been filled with uncertainty, of searching for people and answers that others take for granted. Compassionate and courageous, she never gives up, showing strength and character beyond her years. It is also the story about the power of the human spirit, of family, friends and love.
The book is a sequel to the novel, Keeping Faith, but can also stand alone as an independent book. Avid readers of the romance genre will fall in love with Faith O’Brien’s gritty determination. After finding the father she never knew until adulthood, and graduating law school, she is focused on bringing down the priest who abused her father as a child. She wants the cunning, deceitful cleric put behind bars long enough that no other young boy will ever have to fear his touch. To do this, she takes on a veteran, highly experienced and shrewd Boston lawyer who will go to any means to win a case. But, he underestimates her passion for justice, her fight for right against a wrong.
The story transforms from the legal battle on behalf of her father into a beautiful love story as she falls madly in love with her colleague, Tyler England. Soon, her fighting instincts are called on like never before. Only this time her intelligence, perseverance and resolve may not be enough.
The author weaves the plot through the local charm of various locations around the world globe, including Italy, Boston, Texas & New Mexico, which provides the reader with a sensory experience. She also develops the characters through their experiences, needs, and inner conflicts. No one who reads this novel will finish without tears and a longing to read more of what this author has to offer.
5. What is your writing schedule like and what do you suggest writers consider to develop a routine that is perfectly tailored to them, since “one size fits all” doesn’t apply to such things?
I have been so busy lately with my educational consulting job that I haven’t had a real schedule, but now that summer is here, I will get back on my schedule of continuing to write my third book. That means I’ll write about 5 hours each day until it is finished. Usually I take off a couple of days a week or at least not work as long on a couple of days. Because it is not my “job” it is hard to convince people that I don’t want to be interrupted so that is going to always happen. No matter what, I stop at 5:00 for Happy Hour. I have my priorities!!!
6. What has been your biggest struggle as an author?
Selling the book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7. Do you have a sense of where the publishing industry is headed, and what impact will it have in the near future on those aspiring authors who want to be published?
Oh, I probably shouldn’t get started because it is so frustrating to me. It seems like the only people who ever get a break are those who are already rich and famous. I do think we will see less and less print copies and more e-books, Kindle books, etc. That is just the way this fast-paced society appears to be going. I still like to hold my books in my hand, but I love my Kindle, too.
8. How are you utilizing the internet and the offline world to promote your book?
I have what I think is a super web site where I post at least three blogs a week, and this appears to be paying off, especially since it is linked to my Facebook fan page (more than 150 fans) and Twitter 900 followers). Book signings are helping me a little because I have been able to advertise these through the newspaper and a large email distribution furnished by friends and bookstores. I am also using online marketing such as bookmarking and other web sites. I send out a weekly email to more than 150 individuals, have an opt-in subscriber list, and use numerous sales distribution channels. The books are available on Amazon, www. wikio.com, www.Indiependentbooks.com, eBay, www. m.goodreads.com and BiggerBooks.com, Createspace extended distribution channel and Paragraphs Book Store on South Padre Island. I am also using Kindle and MobiPocket formats.
9. What advice do you have advice for aspiring writers?
Be very patient and persistent! And above all else, just keep writing. Remember, it is not a book until it is finished.
10. Is there anything you would like to say that hasn’t been covered yet?
Writing is a solitary endeavor, but marketing the book is just the opposite, so there is something for the whole brain to embrace. It is a fascinating, wonderful journey. So come along for the ride and the read!!!!
Be sure to read Cindy’s fascinating background as an educator and school administrator, and graduate-level instructor on her own blog. Go there to check out her bio and listen to an interview at Meet Cindy Bradford (opens in new window). You can also view info on the other virtual book tour stops Cindy has already made and will make in the next few weeks here. On those blogs you can leave comments that may qualify you to get a free copy of her book. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to win a copy of her novel.
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4 Comments »
May 27th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
[...] Thurs May 27 – Deb Gallardo shares her interview with Cindy Bradford, author of Promises Kept http://www.debgallardo.com/virtuoso/1805/story-ideas-new-cindy-bradford-novels-blog-tour/ [...]
May 27th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Deb,
Thanks for joining in on the blog tour. These were great questions.
.-= Chris Cobb´s last blog ..Audio & Video Gadgets — My Favorites =-.
May 28th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Hi Deb, thank you so much for hosting me. The blog tour is almost over, and it has been a great adventure! Thanks for being a part of it. You made the tour end on a high note!!! Thank you, and if I can ever help you on anything, you know where to find me.
June 1st, 2010 at 8:15 am
Cindy, you are a gracious lady, and I thank you for your kind words and praises. I definitely know where to find you, and I may take you up on that offer! Thanks so much.