Interview with Bethany Macmanus

1. When did you start writing? What inspired you to become a writer? 

I started writing when I was in elementary school. Poetry and two-page short stories were first, followed by a novella in middle school. I think writing was in my genes, because my father wrote skits when I was little, and continues to write plays for church. He writes mostly humor, though. I've never felt I have the knack for humor.

2. Tell us about Nerve, your latest novel. 

Nerve has a lot of medical thriller elements, though technically it's a romantic suspense. Lauren "Wren" Masterson is the environmental photographer heroine, coupled with her small-town cop hero, Lieutenant Justin Breck. Their story goal is to find out who stole her father's medical invention and why he is using it to kill people.

3. How were the writing and publishing processes different this time from your first novel, Six Solitude Road? 

This time I released the book with an online party which included movie trivia, recipes and prizes. It was fun, but a LOT of work. I gained a precious handful of new readers, who I love! However, I don't think I will be doing it again. The return on investment wasn't large enough to warrant a repeat.

Also, this time the book has been released across all platforms: iBooks, Nook, and Amazon (instead of Amazon only). This is also something I'm not sure I will repeat. Being brutally honest here, I can count the ebook downloads from the other platforms on one hand.

4. What made you choose indie publishing over traditional? 

I have a large indie support group, for one thing. Also, I love having control over my book's design and cover. And, if I do it right, I stand to receive a much bigger profit off my books with indie than with traditional.

5. What's coming up next for you? 

I'm currently hard at work on the book following Six Solitude Road, titled Seven Sentinel's Gate. It will follow my character, Allison Reese, to California where she will have to tackle her past head-on. 

I'm also working to drive more blog traffic by doing book cover modeling shoots for independent authors. I know how to sew and do vintage hair and makeup, and I have connections with other models and a wonderful photographer. I'm working to bring all possible options to the table for authors to have AMAZING covers!

You can find Nerve here: 

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Nerve-Bethany-Macmanus-ebook/dp/B00S98RRLA/

Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nerve-bethany-macmanus/1121176257?ean=2940046562002

Smashwords link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/517157

Interview with Bethany Macmanus

I had the privilege of interviewing Bethany Macmanus. I met Bethany online through ACFW. She's a talented writer and a sweet person! 

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WRITE SIX SOLITUDE ROAD? 

The idea formed while I was reading the book “The Anatomy of Story,” by John Truby. His unique story-building format helps writers plot, not plod. Everything, even the theme/takeaway, was developed through his model.

WHAT IS THE THEME OF THE NOVEL? 

Very little of your life is left to your control. At some point, you have to let go and trust God.

ARE ANY SEQUELS PLANNED? 

Yes, in fact, there's a trilogy planned. I'm at work on Twelve Tragedy Lane, which will be followed by Eighteen Illusion Court. Twelve Tragedy Lane features Croft Thames, the man who will one day marry Allie Reese, the woman victimized in Six. I would call it “suspense with romantic elements.”

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? 

My dream vacation spot is Ireland. But right now I just want to go to L.A., where my WIP is set.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS? 

Don't be afraid to reach out to other writers, and “normal” people, too. It's a lonely road we travel, butt in seat, hands traveling the keyboard. If we don't live in the “real” world some of the time, how will we research our characters? There is such a thing, however, as TOO connected. I think one of the most important things you will do for yourself as a writer is establish your social boundaries—for one thing, to know when to turn off your cell phone's notifications. (hee...the extrovert in me struggles with that one daily!)

WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM WRITING RESEARCH?

Well, at one time I thought I wanted to write about the Masons. Especially after the movie National Treasure, I was interested in how nearly every president this country has ever elected was a Mason. It didn't take me much research to learn, this secretive cult was not something I wanted to delve into as a Christian, no matter how provocative their story might be.

WHAT IS YOUR WRITING SCHEDULE LIKE? 

Eek...well, right now it is summer, and my two children are hanging out with me. They are only this little once. :) So if I get any writing time, it's when my writing partner and I schedule a playdate for our kids. That, or during a Veggie Tales movie. Next week they both will start school, and I will start writing full-time. I plan to reward my solid word count days with one, maybe two Panera Bread writing days!

If you're wanting to know what having a writing partner is like, she and I write in different genres, and we met at our local ACFW chapter meeting. At first I wondered if it would work out because we both like to talk a lot. But once we have our lunchtime conversation out of the way, and actually start writing, we find it extremely helpful to bounce ideas off of each other, and can get a lot done!

HOW CAN FANS CONTACT/FOLLOW YOU? 

I am blogging short, suspenseful stories (1500 words or less) at http://bethanymacmanus.com. Come comment! I am active on my Facebook author page http://facebook.com/bethanymacmanusauthor , but not as much on my Twitter (@bgmacmanus). I like to post novel bonus material on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/bethanymacmanus ).