Apr 15 2021

Spanish Translator Cinta Garcia #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Spanish Translator Cinta Garcia

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m an international award-winning writer who lives in Spain with my wonderful American husband (he’s also a writer). When we take a holiday, which is rare, we sometimes vacation in the States, other times in lovely Europe. Apart from writing, I’m a full-time translator and proofreader. I typically spend my days typing like I’m crazy, totally submerged in whatever work is at the top of my task list. When not working and writing, I read. I’ve loved books since I was five years old, and currently average over one hundred books a year.

My BA is English Studies, and my field of expertise is Literature. Much of my Creative Writing Courses occurred at Oxford University in the UK. I rather miss England. But why wouldn’t I? I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen.

An unbridled passion for Literature is what makes me successful at literary assessments and proofreading, whereas my love for English and Spanish is what makes me a success at translating. Initially, I learned English on my own as a child. Later, I studied it throughout school, including university. I was so adept with English by the time I met my husband, his family had difficulty believing I was Spanish.

How did you get started as a translator?

Back in 2003, I was working as a private tutor of English for kids and teenagers. Although I enjoy teaching, it was never my passion. I had always wanted to work as a translator, but it is very difficult to get work translating books if you are not well connected with publishing houses and editors. One day, a family member told me that an acquaintance of hers was looking for someone to translate into Spanish several medical articles and she had recommended me, since I was quite proficient in the language pair. So I did that job, and then that led to me translating several medical textbooks.

From there, I started advertising myself as a translator and, with the boom of Indie publishing around 2012, a brand new world opened in front of me. Authors wanted to explore other markets and I had the key to the huge Spanish-speaking market. Slowly and steady, I have been able to build up a business around my passion for books, and I feel very happy and accomplished every day.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Hmm… I don’t really think so. I need to have my desk arranged in a certain way and I always have a cup of tea handy. Are those quirks? I don’t know. I don’t really do anything crazy or weird. I have more quirks when I write my own stories, to be honest.

What are your hopes for the future?

Well, it would be wonderful if one day I can collaborate with a big publisher and translate the works of some of my favorite authors. Mainly, I just want to be able to make myself a name in the freelancing world so I can truly save for the future.

Do you have any advice for newbie translators?

Work hard, be humble, and be patient. Very patient. No business grows overnight and the competition is fierce. I would also recommend them not to sell themselves cheap. It’s not good for them or for any of the other translators who are trying to make a living out of it. There are enough scammers out there who use Google Translate and offer cheap translations with zero quality. So don’t become one of them.

Are you available for new work or booked solid?

Covid-19 has been a disaster for everybody, and we translators are no exception. So right now I’m not as busy as I normally am. I am absolutely available for new work and I would love to get new authors to translate. If people want to know more about me and my work, they can visit my website:

Thanks a lot, Helle, for hosting me on your website! It’s been fun.

Twitter

Apr 7 2021

Photographer/Cover Model Alen Hasic #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Alen

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, my name is Alen, also known as Jack. Born in May, 15, 1994. Born in Trieste but having Bosnian rootes.

Have you always wanted to become a Photographer/Model?

– Have I? Not really no… Well I worked few times as model when I was younger, but I was never up to modeling honestly. Photography was always something I was attracted to. The problem is that I was always attracted to cars and speed also. When I traveled to Sofia I decided to merge photography passion and car passion. I am not really a materialistic guy, so I never wanted to do a job that would make me earn a lot of money. I always preferred to do a job – that is not a job, that would make me happy and give me the chance to share it with other people. About modeling, well that came out easily with photography. People as friends, clients etc.. they were all asking me: “Why you don’t pose on your own pictures? Your face is perfect, looks like an actors face”. That’s mainly the reason why I started “kinda modeling”.

Do you have any advice to give?

– Advices… Well there are some I can give for new models and photographers… But the best one is to live your life by your own rules. Don’t hesitate and always try something new. Never be afraid to change. Be kind always to everyone.

What are your hopes for the future?

I don’t really have any hopes for the future. I mean, I’m a guy who really lives the moment, the present. I just wish to share my passion with everyone as long as its appreciated.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Something I can say to my followers is: Thank you so much for your love! Stay humble and enjoy life 😀

Facebook

Instagram

IG Alen H. Photography

Feb 26 2021

Jenny Bodle PA #interview

Please give a warm welcome to PA Jenny Bodle

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Jenny and I live in Central Minnesota with my Husband, one of my kids, a cat and a dog.

How long have you been a PA?

I have been a PA for about a year and a half now.

Have you always wanted to be a PA?

Actually, I didn’t even know what it was till Carissa Andrews found me. I was working at a deli and she was one of my customers. We became friends but I had no idea she was a writer till I was shopping at the local consignment shop when I picked up a book and found her picture in the back of it. A while later she asked me to be her PA because she could not find one that was a good fit for her.

What do you do as a PA?

I do anything that the author does not want to do except write or edit the book. I help them as they write with ideas and things like that though. I do images, scheduling, market research, ads, uploading books to different platforms, newsletters. I really can keep going but I think you get the drift.

Do you have any quirks while working?

When I do graphics I like to listen to the book I am working with on audio. It gets me in the frame of mind so that the images match the book better.

What are your hopes for the future?

When I started I wanted to be an all inclusive service. I would have graphic designers on hand and all that jazz. I have since found that I like chatting with the authors so my goal is to get very effective for the authors so that I can charge more and take less clients. I love the relationship I have with them and do not want to have to give that up to take on more clients.

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

Charge what you are worth, ask questions, and take criticism. Not everyone’s the same and will want different things. Be flexible. Join a PA group chat and do not hesitate to ask them questions. We are all here to work together.

Are you available for new work or booked solid.

For the right client I would take them on but I have become a little more picky. I do not mind helping out anyone if they need it and I can answer questions for anyone.

Jan 23 2021

Allie Green PA #interview

Please give a warm welcome to PA Allie Green

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, Everyone! I live in Monroe, Washington which is about a 45-minute drive North-East of Seattle. I work full time as a diesel mechanic although I don’t know how much longer I’ll be doing that if things go the way I want! I also pet sit in addition to being a PA to a bunch of wonderful writers. I love reading, writing, hiking, and camping.

How long have you been a PA?

I have been a PA for about a year now! And I’ve loved every second of it!

Have you always wanted to be a PA?

It isn’t even something that had crossed my mind until I stumbled across the Indie community on FB. I fell in love with the whole community and wanted to help out and the best way for me to do that seemed to be to offer up PA services!

What do you do as a PA?

Let’s see…. I help all my authors by promoting their work in various ways. I run their facebook groups to keep up interaction and ensure their names are staying out there! I am basically an emotional support animal in that I help keep their confidence up and help them work through any issues they may be having. While I might be an employee I am very much friends with all my authors and I enjoy being there to help them. I help them plan fun events and find fun events that they can participate in. I also help them find new opportunities for writing; if I find fun box sets or collaborations I think they would enjoy I make sure they get the information for them. Besides those things, I just help them with whatever they may need!

Do you have any quirks while working?

Not that I know of. Sometimes I spazz out and have to get a cup of tea to chill out when FB is being annoying but other than none that I can think of. You’d have to ask my authors lol! 😂

What are your hopes for the future?

I am hoping to help my authors reach their dreams of being full time writers or reach a bestsellers list. My personal goals are to finish writing MY first book that I have up for Pre-Order on Amazon right now. Starting off as a PA has really helped me make my dream of being a writer a little easier.

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

I think the best advice I have for someone just starting as a PA would be to connect with PA’s that have been out there for awhile. I found a fabulous group that made my job a whole heck of a lot easier. They are able to answer questions, send you good opportunities, and offer you support. Besides that, you just need to be BOLD! If you see a job and think you’d be a good fit you need to jump at it even if it seems daunting!

Are you available for new work or booked solid.

At the moment I could only take on 1 or 2 more clients depending on what they might require.

Instagram

Allie’s Eclectic Bookworms

May 13 2020

Model – Actor – Writer Donny Lewis #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Donny Lewis

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hello, my name is Donny Lewis. I have been a professional model since I was 18 years old some 25 years at the top of the fashion industry. My first big advertising campaign was for Guess jeans in 1996. Since that time I have worked all over the world for most all of the major brands. Levi’s, Valentino, Armani, Boss, YSL, Esprit, Zara, H&M, Dolce & Gabanna, Bulgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, and many many many others. I am probably known in the industry more for the number of men’s and women’s fragrances I have done. Don’t think there are many people that have done 18 different perfumes and had a perfume contract for 20 years straight with various brands! All of this is easy tot find with a quick google search if you want. I suppose you are asking for something a bit more personal.

So here you go;
I am from a town in what is known as the South Plains of Texas. Our big claims to fame in the area are, Buddy Holly (from Lubbock, TX), and Waylon Jennings (from Littlefield, TX). We also have oil, cattle, cotton, route 66, and sand storms. There is not much else there to speak of and in keeping with that theme, my home town had a total of 216 people in it. I graduated with a class of 12 in my high school. So it is safe to say that I am from small town USA. I was never a good student but I did have good grades. I have a very curious mind and love to learn, I just did not always care for what they were teaching.

We were a farming family. We raised cotton, sheep and boarder collies, mostly. I could drive a tractor at 8 years old. (Not at all uncommon). My first car was a 1990 white 5.0 mustang.

Have you always wanted to become a model?

No. lol I actually had no idea that it could be a job until a model scout saw me and explained a bit about the business.

How did you get started?

Showing sheep actually. 🙂
I still was not interested in being a model until there was no dreamed of Football career and the best academic scholarships I was offered were only 1/2 scholarships to Yale, Princeton, Emory, Rice and Austin College. They all offered based on my SAT and ACT scores (standardized test required for entrance into university), which I scored in the top 1%. That was quite a big deal but alas, for a farm boy from a modest family, 1/2 off of way too much is still way too much! LOL. So I did about 2 years worth of University over the 2 summer semesters at the local junior college (they gave me a full scholarship) and one fall semester (I had to pay for at West Texas A&M University), and tested out of every class I could. Finally, I decided that I would see if I could take up that model scout guy on his deal to fly me up to NYC and sign on with Next model management. They took care of my flight, my apartment, my first test shootings, and a little pocket money. All as a loan that would need to be paid back if I started working! But, no strings attached if it did not work out. The way I saw it I had nothing to loose. I would try it for an experience. IF, it worked out then I would do it for no more than 2 years so I could save up enough money to pay for the rest of my education. I had plans to get a law degree, and move into politics.
I actually really enjoyed my time in the business and making some pretty decent money while traveling around the world. So, I just kept doing it. Having been to 89 countries so far! I mean, I am a little farm boy from West Texas that gets to live on two continents!

Do you have any quirks while working?

I don’t think so. The only thing that might be a quirk is that I almost always have gum in my mouth in every picture. Can’t do it so much with the acting but for photo’s no one knows but me.

Do you have any advice for new models?

My standard answer for this question has always been find a good agent! Though, the business has changed drastically in the past 5 to 6 years and there is a great deal of self promotion that is now required that was frowned up for most of my career. I would still say though that having a great agent in your corner is the best way to advance in the modeling industry. If you have say 1 million followers, then you will be just fine as well.

What are your hopes for the future?

I have many plans in the works as I have always had. I write, I have always loved books and wrote my first full novel when I was 14. Also, short stories, poetry, and screen plays, I even created and wrote a TV series. I will continue on that path, thankful that I have other means to keep the lights on! Very hard to break into and become successful as a writer. I applaud all that have and do! Other than that I would say my hopes and plans for the future are much what they are for the present. Do my best to be a good person and to be happy.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thanks for following along @donny7lewis instagram, FB, Twitter, pinterest and youtube as well as my donnylewis.com website. As I experiment with this new dialog, sharing more of myself than just what I look like, the comments, ideas, and encouragement has been very nice. In the same way I did not know what to think about modeling before I got started in the business, I really did not know if I was going to enjoy putting myself out there in other ways. It’s always nice to learn new things about yourself. I have all of followers to thank for that.

Twitter – Website – YouTube – Pinterest – Facebook – Instagram

Mar 31 2020

Photographer Michelle Lancaster #interview @Lanefotograf

Please give a warm welcome to Michelle Lancaster/Lanefotograf

Tell us a bit about yourself

This question could be answered a million different ways.. I was born, I lived, I’m still here… ummm when I was 10 I poked 4 holes into my earlobe and my mum said don’t come running to me when it hurts.

I guess I’m a sensitive introverted extrovert who grew up loving images and fantasy worlds for escapism and creativity. I always loved rebellion and being naughty and listening to other people tell me about horror stories I was too afraid to watch.

Have you always wanted to become a photographer?

I think so yes. I strayed for a while and became a music teacher but I’ve always come back to art and imagery throughout my life. I gave up in high school because I think I was waiting for the digital era. Being in a darkroom was really only good for one thing in my opinion.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration within the human I’m working with.. the way we interact and connect.. I see a light in them and want to capture it. I also like to imagine a story line in my head to go with an image. Like I might say.. “ok you’ve been waiting for your lover to come home and she hasn’t arrived and it’s driving you crazy.. show me what that looks like”

What are you working on now?

I’ve been working through recent shoots with Mitchell Wick, Lochie Carey and Tommy Fierce. I’ve also been writing… dun dun dun dahhhh..

Do you have any quirks while working?

I often bash my head into running ceiling fans when I’m standing on a bed taking photographs of a model. I often walk backwards into things and smash my knees on furniture. I’m just waiting for the day I slip off the sides of a bath tub and break my neck. All the injuries are worth it for the right shot.

What are your hopes for the future?

Right now it’s just the ability to shoot again.. this virus is ruining the world and I hope we stamp it out fast with isolation. Stay the fuck home. I’m addicted to photography so this is cold turkey at the moment. And photographing flowers ain’t gonna cut it.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I fucking love you. Especially the cheeky authors, I’m endlessly entertained by the things they say to me. I’m in awe of their talent and I’m so grateful to have fallen into this magical sexy world with them.

Cover Queen of Hearts

Here are some covers by Michelle.

Mar 6 2020

Graphic Designer HarleyQuinn Zaler #interview #HQArtwork

Please give a warm welcome to

HarleyQuinn Zaler

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a stay at home mom to my crazy four year old. Happily married to my wonderful hubs. I’m still pretty new to being a graphic designer! But I love making covers. I put a piece of my heart and soul into each and every cover I make.

Have you always wanted to become a artist/designer?

Oh gosh no! I never used to be able to draw. I would make fun of myself, saying I didn’t have one artistic bone in my entire body. I can’t even draw stick figures! 😂 It just happened accidentally to be honest.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

A lot of times from my friends. Or from the books I read and the worlds I get lost in.

What are you working on now?

I am always working on 4/5 different premades at a time, in my spare time when I’m not in the office doings customs. And I usually have about one custom a week to work on. So I’m always as busy as a bee!

Do you have any quirks while working?

Yes! I always have to have the TV going while I’m working, but it has to be a show/movie I’ve already seen a bunch so I don’t have to pay attention. Or music. I have 3 set playlists specifically for work and my different moods. And I can’t talk/text while I’m in the zone. I barely hear it if someone is talking to me until they break my concentration.

Do you have any advice for new artists about the publishing world?

Just do. Try it. The worst that can happen is, what? You end up creating a piece of art that YOU made. Anyone can learn how to do it! But you have to be ready to put in the work.

What are your hopes for the future?

I just hope that I always get to do this! Becoming a designer was the best thing to ever happen to me, and I know how lucky I am. Every. Single. Day. It takes my breath away when someone puts art that I created on their book babies. I still can’t believe I get to do this!

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart and soul. Having you guys means everything to me, and I wouldn’t be here without y’all. The amount of love and support I get shown on a daily basis is just everything. I’m the luckiest, I swear.

Instagram

Facebook

Feb 18 2020

Audio Sorceress Marnye Young #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a narrator/producer of audiobooks and I own my own company with a team of 9 others. It’s a globally recognized SAG AFTRA contracted award winning company called Audio Sorceress where we service indie authors (self published or with smaller publishers). I am also a stay at home mother to 5 year old identical twin girls. And I raise chickens. I am also cowriting an adaptation of a historical romance fiction series into a play about Matilda Flanders (William the conqueror’s wife) and the first anointed queen of England also my 27th great grandmother I learned about that months ago.

Have you always wanted to become a narrator?

Actually no. LOL! What I mean is I was pursuing a career in acting and had just broken into TV when I found out I was pregnant with twins and that changed the trajectory of my career path. The wonderful thing is that I still act just not on stage as much it’s mostly behind a mic now.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

My children inspire me. People watching where you can do character studies of people hopefully not that they notice that’s what you are doing. But whereas in acting I used to watch people and imitate their hand gestures body movements I now really focus on their voices and what they are doing with their tongues when they speak and then file that away for a character to use later somewhere.

What are you working on now?

Too many things. Hah. No seriously I have 20 books in my cue most of them romance with some poetry thrown in there along with time travel and a non fiction dual narration something I have actually never done that should be very interesting. And that doesn’t include the 30 or some projects that I will be producing with my company and other narrators this year.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Not a quirk but I do love my stuffed animals. I have a ton of them and some are 3 feet high and the studio is like 6 by 5 feet or something crazy. It’s tiny. My favorite is a yellow bear names Milo. He is the best.

What are your hopes for the future?

I really hope to grow Audio Sorceress where we can service even more of the indie community and get their words out there. I love supporting great talent. I would also loved to strengthen relationships with publishers so that they will look to us to do their audio for their clients.
I would also like to develop stronger relations with publishers to be hired independently of Audio Sorceress.

Do you have any advise for authors concerning audiobooks?

Absolutely. I saw someone the other day who said when I win the lottery I will do an audiobook for my book. Audiobooks can be done for no pay up front like through ACX when you do a royalty share and split the net royalties with the narrator. There are some super talented folks who do RS so don’t ever think it’s not possible to bring your book to audio. And it can be a significant financial commitment but the benefits are amazing. It does several things for you the least of which is increasing your credibility as an author. Remember what works for one person may not work for all so you may have someone who wants to go through ACX or Findaway (that’s another one if they want global reach) and someone else who wants to go through a production company. Now will you pay more than simply hiring a narrator on ACX absolutely but remember that by hiring a company you now have an entire team working to help with the success of your audiobook. So you must determine your budget and figure out what works for you. I will say this though RS can be a tough sell these days so I would strongly consider offering a stipend or flat PFH rate along with it like 100 or 125 PFH so that the narrators editing proofing and mastering cost are covered or at least some of it is. If you do you will find that your pool of talent will grow exponentially.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I LOVE YOU!! Seriously I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for you. I think I have about 20k across all social media now and man it’s mind blowing. Your support and your trust and your faith in me has been tremendous and my only hope is to continue to pay it forward and to continue to give you my very best.

I am currently working on a romantic comedy series by international bestselling author Lucía Ashta who is just a dream to work with. It’s a dual narration with the sexy voiced Lucas Webley who is fantastic as well and can pretty much do anything…seriously he can.

Twitter

Website

BookBub

Facebook

Instagram

Feb 12 2020

PA Sara Gonzalez #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

Well, my name is Sara. I’m a Mom of three grown children, I’m and Author and a PA. My first published work was almost fourteen years ago. With more to come.
I’ve been a PA for almost a year.

Have you always wanted to be a PA?

Never even considered it until I had been hanging in a group of an Author i had come to respect. I had always had fun and then the opportunity came about and here I am.

What do you do as a PA?

These things vary, but schedules, editing, events, brainstorming, all aspects of admin. But also can’t leave out that we have an amazing admin team that helps as well and couldn’t imagine this job with out them.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I’m sure I do but nothing that stands out. Mostly certain things being done certain way. But again as a team we do this together.

What are your hopes for the future?

To see that my Author successfully succeeds as my Author will do the same for me. We all write and we all support each other. Its amazing!

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

Insist on an open communication with your Authors. No lies no hold backs. A PA can not truly do their job well if their Author is not forthcoming with information needed and promptly. Create a bond, a good friendship even.

Are you available for new work or booked solid.

No, I’m committed to my work where I am. Totally booked. Two many hands in the pot creates a chaos not needed.

Feb 7 2020

PA Julia Murray #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, the name is Julia. I like to call myself the professional Serena Akeroyd stalker, it’s ok she loves me and welcomes my stalking. She now even employs me to do it, win for me! I have two young boys who like to keep me busy and a mischievous dog called Loki. If I’m not reading or surfing Facebook I love to bake for my family and friends.

How long have you been a PA?

I’m a relative newbie! Coming up for 2 months now.

Have you always wanted to be a PA?

The job was a complete surprise! I have been a very vocal supporter for Serena’s books and helped however I could to get the word out on her work, either by recommendations or posting promo. I might’ve shed a few tears when she offered me the job. I feel truly blessed to have her in my life.

What do you do as a PA?

I help with whatever Serena needs, from doing promo, helping out in her group on facebook. Organising Newsletter swaps and finding takeovers. Research for books. Helping with the Arc and Street teams. And I will have the privilege of helping out at a few conventions this year too.