Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I’m a wife, mother, and lover of life. I spent 10 years in the military in which time I became an engineer officer. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in psychology and sociology. But I consider my greatest accomplishment my children and the husband who helped create them. They are my sun and moon. Without them I would be so much less.
Which writers inspire you?
Diana Gabaldon and Patrick Rothfuss to name a couple. They turn words on a page into music. If I can ever come close to the symphony they create on paper, I will consider myself lucky.
Have you written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?
No, I’ve been in two anthologies, but never tried to write a story with someone else. Quite frankly, the idea does not appeal to me. When I set out to write a story, I have a very specific idea of where it will end. I think working with someone else would be frustrating. No one wants to work with a frustrated Beth.
When did you decide to become a writer?
About four years ago I went on a quest to find a very specific book. It had to have all of the elements my mind was set on. On my journey I read some great books but none of them were what I was looking for. I decided it was time to write that book. So three years later, countless revisions, multiple rejections, and much heartache my YA fantasy “The Sound of the Stones” was released September 18th through eLectio Publishing.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
It depends on what I have going on. I have multiple projects going on to include running a website for a writer’s group “The Phoenix Quill”, producing a podcast for “The Writer’s Edge” which was the brain child of Crimson Edge Publishing, and writing and illustrating my children’s picture books and YA fantasy trilogy. I do all of that while maintaining the home and family. I will say this, writing is my full time job and every day is spent making headway in those endeavors. But my family will always come first.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I always have an idea of where the story is going to end up. I do use a loose outline in that I make chapter headings up to three ahead of time. The subplot is usually where I’m a pantster. This simply means that often times side character’s get back story that end up tying into the main plot, and often it surprises even me how it twists together.
Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?
I’ve only just begun my journey of approaching reviewers. But my strategy thus far is to do my homework. I don’t approach reviewers who do not express interest in the genre I write. When I do approach the reviewer I do it on a personal level, keeping in mind that they are people just like me. I make sure to address them by name and include something in my request that shows I read their submission policy.
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
All reviews are helpful, even the bad ones. Why? Because writing is art. Not everyone is going to like the art you create. Bad reviews that are well thought out help potential readers see what it is that the reviewer didn’t like. In fact, the thing the reviewer didn’t like might be the very thing the reader is looking for. As for bad reviews that just spew hate, readers are smart enough to separate the useful bad reviews from the poorly written hateful ones. All reviews matter.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
You can visit my website http://bethhammond.com. There you will find my published works to include my latest story in the “Heroes” anthology published by Bushmead Publishing, and my YA fantasy “The Sound of the Stones”.
Any Comments for the Blog readers?
If you like fantasy then we might be twins. Come on over to my site and take a peek at my book trailer, or watch a silly You Tube vlog where I act ridiculous and you get to walk away feeling more normal. It’s a win win!
Any feedback for me or the blog?
Yes, I love the fact that your blog is bilingual. I haven’t seen that often and I really appreciate that. Keep up the good work!
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