10 Questions & Answers w/ @ELFunderbirk, an Up & Coming Literary Diva and "Readers In Motion" June's Author of the month!

Thank You "Readers In Motion" (RIM) For naming me, Elizabeth Funderbirk, Junes Author of the month. Below I wanted to share out Interview for the feature. This can also be found on my Website "Literary Liz Writes"

 1.Tell us a little about you.

 
I am a Full Time mommy of 3 Beautiful children, Soon to be wife to the dreamiest man I have ever met (wedding in Sept.), Client Rep. for a toy distributor, Blogger, and Now Published Author of "Love TORN Asunder" my debut novel. These are the working elements of my life that keep me grounded. I am passionate about everything that I take on. I just have a issue with taking too much on. :-)

2.When did you first consider yourself a writer?

 
Well, I began Blogging about My Journey to complete My novel in 2009. "Trials, Tribulations, & Torn" (www.writingtorn.blogspot.com) It's a Journal of the things I went through on a Personal level and knowledge I gained on a professional level. I considered myself a writer when there were people that reached out to me on certain articles that I have written. They either asked more questions, said they related, or simply Thanked me for sharing what I have learned. I didn't know how many if any would read it.... So, when I knew I had an audience that made me realize that I am already building my name and brand. 

 
3.What do you do for fun and relaxation?

Read! :-) That is were my passion for books came from.  I also LOVE to go and get a pedicure. I grab a Starbucks Frap and I am able to sit and relax. That is usually when I go over my personal calender and make sure that I am on top of whatever projects that I have going on.

4.Where do you see yourself as a writer ten years in the future?

Oh boy... for the immediate future I see the "TORN" series out in publication. That is a 3 part 4 book Series. "Love TORN Asunder" being book one.  Further out... I want to continue to sharpen my skills as a writer. I pray that I am able to pen books that are relatable and entertaining. I want my books to give people something to talk about. That is why I think this book is such a great book club read. I would like to broaden my scope as well. Meaning I consider my writing to be contemporary drama genera. Eventually I would like to spread my wings and see where I can go in different genera's.

5. What do you hope to write in the future?

Beside the "TORN" series being my top priority right now. I have an idea to write a book based on several couples. I want to Interview them and write on each of there personal stories. You know that saying "You Never Know What Happens Behind Closed Doors." Well, I want to know! I want to bring light to the different dynamics of a few families in different stages of their lives.

6. If you could do a joint writing venture with another artist, who would it be and what would be the nature of the work?

Just One??? OK, I would have to say Carl Weber. The reason being, I would definitely want to work with a man. To have the XY & XX chromosome collaboration. It would be an interesting dynamic. I would like if we could decide on a concept and he wrote ONLY for the male point of view and myself ONLY the female. Therefore I know he would up to doing something of that nature. He is a GREAT author and I believe that his drama sequences are intriguing. Together we could really do an excellent Book.

7. How do you publish your books? (E-Book, Self published, or Traditional) Why did you chose that mode?

"Love TORN Asunder" is published in collaboration with a Independent publishing company, Emerald Star Press. My novel is available on-line through all major book retailers, In E-Book format through Kindle & Nook, and on My website "Literary Liz Writes" www.LiteraryLiz.com as well as My publishers website www.emeraldstarpress.net. Originally I thought I would have my book Traditional Published. I had no idea how the Literary Community worked. I thought I would write a fabulous book, submit it and BAM! Someone would love it and I would be on my way. WRONG! :-) It is more difficult then people who want to enter this field realize. That is when my research began. Research is imperative for success. I started late. I was writing, researching and trying to get my footing all at the same time. I knew when I began that I did not want to go the Self Publishing route. There was still so much that I needed guidance on like Distribution. There are Pro's and Con's to each. You just have to know exactly what you want. Have a plan on what methods and steps you need to make in order to achieve it. Including the funding it will take. THEN decide what is the best fit for you as an individual. Essentially I hired one company to assist me on my Journey. Where You need various services to prepare your Manuscript to be published. Such as Typesetting, Printing, and Distribution. Instead of seeking these services from various sources, that is what Emerald Star Press did for me. I am happy with the route I chose. It's important to know your strengths. That was and is not mine. So, I found a company that was willing to work with me and be patient in the process. I am completely satisfied. After the writing was complete, I hired a Editor prior to me submitting the Novel, I also had a Book cover concept. I had that done as well. I had it hand drawn with many revisions until it was just the way I pictured.

8.What advice would you give to fellow authors?

Research! Like I stated before it is imperative. When the writing is complete there is so much more that needs to be done in order for your project to be a success. If you are unaware of those many elements it can cause you to have to go back to the drawing board. Weather you Self Publish, Traditional, Independent, or E-book. You are solely responsible for your success. Never leave that in that hands of others. Stay on top of Everything. Ask as many questions as you need to have clarity and then ask some more. I had a problem with not wanting anyone to think I was questioning there professionalism in this process. Then I realized that if I don't have an understanding in whats going on, I have given up my ability to control my Brand and the outcome of my future. A professional will not be uneasy about your quarries.

9.What project are you working on now?

Right now I am trying to gain exposure for "Love TORN Asunder". Also, Ironing out the details for the release of my second book. Which is already complete. So the release date for that Novel, The cover concept, and setting up Book Club meet and greets. Besides that I am currently writing book number three, and have a out line for book number four.

10. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

THANK YOU! :-) I am elated that "Love TORN Asunder" is receiving such good reviews. To know that people who don't know me only know of me are reading my words, a book that I worked so hard to make an interesting and intricate need is so amazing to me. I cant wait to hear more feedback on what people really think about my Book. The support makes all the hard work so worth it.

Thanks To:  Patrice & Everyone at RIM , For making me Junes Author of the Month.
Literary Liz....
www.LiteraryLiz.com 

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