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Health & Fitness

Road to Publication: Another Author's Journey

In this interview, we learn how another author found her way to publication.

I’m excited to welcome author Ally Shields to my blog where she shares her own “road to publication.”

On Ally Shields’ Writing

Linda Covella: Do you write in one particular genre, or explore a variety of stories?

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Ally Shields: I currently write in two genres: paranormal and mystery, with an element of romance. My published Guardian Witch series, while marketed as paranormal, actually covers all three genres! I have another series still being written that is more mystery.

LC: From where do you get your inspiration for your stories?

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AS: It always starts with the characters. Once I know whose story it is, I think about what that person would do, what problems they would encounter. Then I start writing.

LC: What is your writing process? How much/often do you write?

AS: I've been writing full-time, every day, seven days a week, since 2009. Even if I'm on vacation, I try to get in a few paragraphs or jot down scene ideas. I treat my writing like a business, and I work best at home in my office, my writer's cave. Writing usually goes smoothest first thing in the morning and late at night. I think it's because there are less distractions. I rarely write with music playing—I tend to sing along—but often have a small TV on. I'm good at ignoring it!

LC: Do you have writing partners who critique your work before submission? Why do or why don’t you think this is important?

AS: I have a single critique partner, Kathleen Marsh, another writer. We swap manuscripts or scenes or just brainstorm. I find her an invaluable part of the process. Critique groups have been less helpful and too time-consuming. For my first three books, I also used beta readers, but I no longer find time in my process to wait for their responses. Too many deadlines.

Ally Shields’ Road to Publication

LC: How long have you actively been pursuing publication?

AS: I began way too early in 2009 and submitted queries to a lot of agents. I received some interest but no offers of representation. After I learned a lot more about writing fiction from 2009 to 2011, I rewrote my first books and began marketing them to small presses in March 2012. I found small press editors much friendlier and more helpful than 99.9 percent of the agents. In May 2012, I entered my first contract with Etopia Press and currently have three additional contracts in the Guardian Witch series with them.

LC: Do you have an agent? If yes, how did you go about finding him/her and what have the benefits been to having an agent?

If not, do you think an agent would be helpful to your writing career/do you plan to seek an agent?

AS: You can probably guess from the prior answer that I don't have an agent, nor am I looking for one. At this point, an agent would have to convince me they had something to offer. I'm very satisfied with the route I've taken.

LC: Have you self-published your books, or gone through a traditional publisher? If self-published, why did you go that route? Or, why a traditional publisher? In your view, what are the pros and cons of each?

AS: I don't think I've chosen either of those publishing routes; small presses are something in between. I didn't have the headaches of finding an editor, and a cover artist, and learning the formatting that go along with self pub. I also didn't have the wider distribution available through the large traditional publishers. I enjoy working with a small, friendly group that gives me more control over my story and covers than most large publishers. It's all a balancing act. Writers have to find out what works them.

LC: What’s up next for Author Ally Shields?

AS: I have edits for book 3 in my urban fantasy series coming up and then edits for book 4. I've started book 5, but recently I've been doing some work on the thriller series that I also hope to publish. I see a busy year ahead.

LC: Any advice for aspiring authors?

AS: Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite, and then be persistent in getting your work in front of agents or editors. Self-publish if that's your chosen route. Writers who continue to believe in their stories will usually find a way.

LC: Great advice, Ally. Thank you for sharing your road to publication. It’s interesting to read about other writers’ journeys, and to learn there’s more than one path a writer can take to realize his or her dream!

Following are links and information about Ally’s work.

Fire Within book blurb:

A hidden evil stalks the city…

Ari Calin refuses to believe her human friend Eddie murdered a vampire—in spite of his confession. Her human partner Ryan thinks the case is a slam dunk, even though there’s no weapon and no witnesses, but Ari’s not about to let her friend take the rap without finding out more.

When Ari attends a charity event on the arm of a handsome werewolf, she finds someone she never expected to see again—Andreas De Luca, the charismatic vampire she used to date. When their eyes meet across the room, memories come rushing back. His kiss, his touch, a savage death…and a terrifying magical bond. A reconnection is the last thing she wants. Only by staying away and forgetting Andreas can she hope to avoid the Legend of Ramora.

But when vampires keep dying, one thing becomes clear: Riverdale has a serial killer on its hands, and Andreas could be next. Ari begins to fear there’s more to it, though. Something truly evil is stalking the city, waiting to take control…

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AllyShieldsAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6527209.Ally_Shields

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/allyshields

Author bio:

Ally Shields was born and raised in the Midwest, along the Mississippi River, the setting for her urban fantasy series. After a career in law and juvenile justice, she turned to full-time writing in 2009, and Awakening the Fire, the debut novel in her Guardian Witch series, was released in September 2012. Ally still lives close to the Mighty Mississippi with her Miniature Pinscher, Ranger. When not writing or reading, she loves to travel in the U.S. and abroad. Way too often she can be found on Twitter.

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