Like my previous interviewee, author Misty Provencher is a woman of action. She's a fine example of how your writing dream isn't necessarily waiting for you in the bedroom, smelly-candles burning, and wearing those naughty knickers you bought her for Christmas. No, she may play hard-to-get. You may have to chase that dream down, club in hand, like the cave-people of yore.
Seriously though, Misty is an absolute pal, and as funny and real as it gets. I hope you'll enjoy getting to know her as much as I have.
Interview - Misty Provencher
Author of Keystone & Cornerstone
 |
| Gorgeous cover, right? |
EJ (ME) - A bit about her latest book, KEYSTONE, first:
Struggling to fit into the destiny she’s accepted, Nalena Maxwell has been left with one objective: she must find her murdered grandfather’s Memory. Stolen and hidden away by her own father over seventeen years ago, the Memory could be the key to ending the Cusp and destroying the Ianua’s rival community, The Fury.
Driven by each individual’s selfish desires, The Fury has always lacked the loyalty and organization it needs to be an actual force of power.
Until now.
Someone masterminded the Fury’s massive attack on the Ianua, slaughtering twelve of their thirteen community leaders, the Addos. Now there are rumors that the 13th Cura, to which Nali belongs, has gone to the Fury, manipulating the last Addo in order to control the other 12 Curas.
As the Cusp brings the Fury and their own communities against them, Nalena’s Cura must preserve the Ianua, but finding the key to the Cusp isn’t as simple as it seems."
Keystone is book 2 of the Cornerstone series ( YA paranormal romance). Both books have gotten outstanding reviews, and you can learn how to find them at the end of the interview...
ME - Tell everyone why I'm awesome. (Okay, this wasn't a question in the interview, but Misty needlessly heaped some praise on me anyway...)
MISTY PROVENCHER (MP) - I am so honored and grateful and excited to be on your blog today, EJ. Your blog has always had the latest and greatest of the goings-on in the writing world and I’ve long enjoyed your posts. AND, you were one of the first writers to read my blog, back when I first started out, and I’ve always appreciated and remembered that too. You’re an awesome writer friend to have and I’m happy to have your friendship!
ME - This isn't your first rodeo (Keystone being the second book in the Cornerstone series) did the writing process change from book 1 to 2? How? Why?
MP - I opened your questions and almost spit my coffee, EJ. “This isn’t your first rodeo”…I had literally just written something VERY similar to that line in my upcoming stand alone draft and it took me a minute! I love coinkydinks!
Ok, I’m here to answer questions, so I better quit screwing around, right? LOL. You want to know the difference in writing processes and yes, there was a HUGE difference between Cornerstone and Keystone. Cornerstone was a blast from start to finish. I wrote it just to amuse myself and my bff, Laura, so there was no pressure, no expectation. I wrote just to hear Laura shriek or laugh or beg me for the next chapter each night. (I read her each scene/chapter each day, after they were written).
While querying and playing with myriad agents, I was writing Keystone. I got about half way through it when the agent that signed me suggested strongly that I work on other projects, in case Cornerstone didn’t fly. So, I put Keystone to bed for a bit and tiptoed away.
However, after jumping out of the traditional publishing stream and into the Indie one, the requests started pouring in. I was blown away by how many people wanted the next story and wanted it NOW. I went into sophomore shock. I mean, you know what they say about sequels. I struggled with Keystone and worried every step of the way that the voice wasn’t right or there wasn’t enough this or that or whatever else. I rewrote Keystone so many times, lumberjacks had to go on overtime to keep up with my demand. I sticky-noted and plotted and unplotted and rewrote and reworked and re-wallpapered the entire project at least five times over. I changed perspectives and openings and tenses and yikes. It has to be right, you know?
But I’ll tell ya, when I got to the moment of hitting the detonate button to release it to the world, I did it with one hand over my face. I was petrified. I know what went down with The Matrix Reloaded and the Jurassic Park sequels…
Thank God the feedback has been favorable. It taught me to muscle on, buck up and to keep on keepin’ on. It was a horrible and priceless lesson in the career of writing for me.
ME - You're an independent author now, but had some experience with traditional publishing. How did that transition happen? You happy with the results?
MP - The transition wasn’t one I expected or wanted initially. I was as scared of being downed as a ‘worthless’ Indie as most writers are. The Traditional process is often hailed as validation of real writing, but the truth is that there’s a whole lot of Emperor’s New Clothes being sewn out there. There’s excellence and crap in both channels. There are writers who get picked up or spit out for a multitude of reasons that can have little or nothing to do with their caliber of writing.
When my agent and I parted ways, I had to decide if I wanted to continue with Traditional and I decided against it. What I actually decided was to give Cornerstone away, a few chapters a week beginning in October, until Christmas. It was a gift to me, actually. I just wanted to be read.
I jumped into Indie publishing because of threats of piracy. I mean, I wanted readers but I didn’t want them claiming to have written my book. I published like my publishing pants were on fire and that was that.
Happy? Yes, but that’s a funny question. Traditional and Indie publishing each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Right now, I’m enjoying the many freedoms of being an Indie, but it’s not to say that I won’t try Traditional again. I mean, it might be necessary if I’m going for world domination, right? LOL
ME - Speaking of being independent and rodeos... Learning to manage all the aspects of the publishing process (covers, editing, etc.) is a crazy ride! What did you learn from publishing book 1 that helped you with book 2? Any tips you can share with other authors considering the indie leap?
MP - Hmmm, I’ve learned to make ridiculous mistakes and laugh like mad about them and to do what I like. Anyone who’s followed me for any amount of time knows how much I fall on my face and drag along on it sometimes. The saving grace is that I do eventually get back on my feet again. I’m learning that the stumbles come when I don’t trust my gut, so I’m hoping eventually I’ll have just scars to show for my efforts, instead of open wounds. Make your mama proud and GO WITH YOUR GUT, for goodness sake.
ME - The Cornerstone books are YA paranormal romance. We love 'em, but there's a LOT of 'em. What makes Cornerstone and Keystone special? (And they are special folks, read the reviews...)
MP - I guess that at the paranormal romance table, what makes the Cornerstone Series stand out is that you haven’t read this story or explored this world before. I can guarantee it. I thought up this whole new world to escape all the vamps and werewolves and zombies that were flooding the book shelves. Based on the idea that you are never forgotten so long as your memory is shared, the Ianua are a group that keep the intellectual evolution of the human race pumping along. There is a whole spiritual stew going on under the romance (that I think we can all connect to), along with a lot of action bubbling away on top of it. I figure the readers will let me know in their reviews and word of mouth if the books are good enough to earn a spot on their ‘special’ shelves.
ME - Enough chat, tell us where we can get the books!
ME - This isn't your first rodeo (Keystone being the second book in the Cornerstone series) did the writing process change from book 1 to 2? How? Why?
MP - I opened your questions and almost spit my coffee, EJ. “This isn’t your first rodeo”…I had literally just written something VERY similar to that line in my upcoming stand alone draft and it took me a minute! I love coinkydinks!
Ok, I’m here to answer questions, so I better quit screwing around, right? LOL. You want to know the difference in writing processes and yes, there was a HUGE difference between Cornerstone and Keystone. Cornerstone was a blast from start to finish. I wrote it just to amuse myself and my bff, Laura, so there was no pressure, no expectation. I wrote just to hear Laura shriek or laugh or beg me for the next chapter each night. (I read her each scene/chapter each day, after they were written).
While querying and playing with myriad agents, I was writing Keystone. I got about half way through it when the agent that signed me suggested strongly that I work on other projects, in case Cornerstone didn’t fly. So, I put Keystone to bed for a bit and tiptoed away.
However, after jumping out of the traditional publishing stream and into the Indie one, the requests started pouring in. I was blown away by how many people wanted the next story and wanted it NOW. I went into sophomore shock. I mean, you know what they say about sequels. I struggled with Keystone and worried every step of the way that the voice wasn’t right or there wasn’t enough this or that or whatever else. I rewrote Keystone so many times, lumberjacks had to go on overtime to keep up with my demand. I sticky-noted and plotted and unplotted and rewrote and reworked and re-wallpapered the entire project at least five times over. I changed perspectives and openings and tenses and yikes. It has to be right, you know?
But I’ll tell ya, when I got to the moment of hitting the detonate button to release it to the world, I did it with one hand over my face. I was petrified. I know what went down with The Matrix Reloaded and the Jurassic Park sequels…
Thank God the feedback has been favorable. It taught me to muscle on, buck up and to keep on keepin’ on. It was a horrible and priceless lesson in the career of writing for me.
ME - You're an independent author now, but had some experience with traditional publishing. How did that transition happen? You happy with the results?
MP - The transition wasn’t one I expected or wanted initially. I was as scared of being downed as a ‘worthless’ Indie as most writers are. The Traditional process is often hailed as validation of real writing, but the truth is that there’s a whole lot of Emperor’s New Clothes being sewn out there. There’s excellence and crap in both channels. There are writers who get picked up or spit out for a multitude of reasons that can have little or nothing to do with their caliber of writing.
When my agent and I parted ways, I had to decide if I wanted to continue with Traditional and I decided against it. What I actually decided was to give Cornerstone away, a few chapters a week beginning in October, until Christmas. It was a gift to me, actually. I just wanted to be read.
I jumped into Indie publishing because of threats of piracy. I mean, I wanted readers but I didn’t want them claiming to have written my book. I published like my publishing pants were on fire and that was that.
Happy? Yes, but that’s a funny question. Traditional and Indie publishing each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Right now, I’m enjoying the many freedoms of being an Indie, but it’s not to say that I won’t try Traditional again. I mean, it might be necessary if I’m going for world domination, right? LOL
ME - Speaking of being independent and rodeos... Learning to manage all the aspects of the publishing process (covers, editing, etc.) is a crazy ride! What did you learn from publishing book 1 that helped you with book 2? Any tips you can share with other authors considering the indie leap?
MP - Hmmm, I’ve learned to make ridiculous mistakes and laugh like mad about them and to do what I like. Anyone who’s followed me for any amount of time knows how much I fall on my face and drag along on it sometimes. The saving grace is that I do eventually get back on my feet again. I’m learning that the stumbles come when I don’t trust my gut, so I’m hoping eventually I’ll have just scars to show for my efforts, instead of open wounds. Make your mama proud and GO WITH YOUR GUT, for goodness sake.
ME - The Cornerstone books are YA paranormal romance. We love 'em, but there's a LOT of 'em. What makes Cornerstone and Keystone special? (And they are special folks, read the reviews...)
MP - I guess that at the paranormal romance table, what makes the Cornerstone Series stand out is that you haven’t read this story or explored this world before. I can guarantee it. I thought up this whole new world to escape all the vamps and werewolves and zombies that were flooding the book shelves. Based on the idea that you are never forgotten so long as your memory is shared, the Ianua are a group that keep the intellectual evolution of the human race pumping along. There is a whole spiritual stew going on under the romance (that I think we can all connect to), along with a lot of action bubbling away on top of it. I figure the readers will let me know in their reviews and word of mouth if the books are good enough to earn a spot on their ‘special’ shelves.
ME - Enough chat, tell us where we can get the books!
There’s
probably a few places you can get it that aren’t even legal, but seriously-
it’s only $3.99, guys. Please help a
sister out and help me to keep writing by paying for the book!
Hey, and
I’m all about connecting with readers!
If you want to check out my giveaways, breaking news and blog tours, or
just share in my general happiness, you can always throw a post on my blog .
Or we can tweet each other up with the
standard 140 on Twitter – I’m @mistyprovencher
Or we can
be friends on FB
If you
prefer, you can ‘like’ my FB Cornerstone Series page where I also run contests
and whisper tidbits.
Oh, and I’m
on Goodreads sharing thoughts on other books too.
I mean,
guys…I’m kind of everywhere, so feel welcome to say hello!
Posts
Wonderful interview!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jess! EJ makes it so easy- he asks great questions!
DeleteI know what you mean about a difference in writing one book to the other in a series. My first one went fast like that too, and now the second is much harder, because it has to line up so neatly with the other one. It's tough. Glad you pulled it off and things are working out in the Indie publishing. :))
ReplyDeleteLove that cover too!
Yeah, L.G., I hear you in regards to the lining up neatly. Oh yes. If you are a pantser, there is a lot of uuuuuuuuuggggggghhhhh along the way because you forget to tie this string or pull on that one, but I've found that if you can develop an intricate note system, it may help. I'm now experimenting with index cards, jotting notes for foreshadowing and then tying strings later on, and sorting them in chapter order so I can review what I need to accomplish in each chapter before writing it.
DeleteHowever, in Keystone, I had notes on my laptop, my AlphaSmart, my various Moleskins and notebooks, on the back of receipts and in my hair. It was FRIGHTENING. I'll let you know how the new system works. But maybe you have a system? If you do, OMG...share!! I LOVE talking process!!
Oh and hey, thanks for the cover love :))
Love this! #ThatIsAll :)
ReplyDeleteSupaGurl
Love you back, Chica! That's all of that, too ;)
DeleteAnother great interview with Misty! And it seems like there's always more to learn about her! Fantastic questions EJ!
ReplyDeleteAwww, Candace...if only people knew more about YOU. They'd be blown apart by the sheer awesomeness!!
DeleteThanks E.J. for sharing this wonderful interview with my friend Misty. She's a great writer and I met her on her blog but couldn't get enough. I love the new covers and hope to get involved in her whole new world someday.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Desert! You're the best!
DeleteNice interview full of great bantering. Sir Poops and Hair Ball will be contacting Misty.
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate,
Shelly
That just cracks me up to no end, Shelly!
DeleteThanks Misty!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Amber! Thank you too!
DeleteReally helpful to know that a writer can be successful both ways: pure inspiration AND artful plotting! Loved both books. They flow like a river after a heavy rain, and have everything one wants in a story: romance, adventure, fantasy, humor, and all the twists and turns of an expert belly dancer. Waiting anxiously for the next installment.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nana!
DeleteAwesome interview. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. :)
ReplyDeleteI also really enjoyed this interview, interesting, informative and entertaining . I look forward to reading more
DeleteI loved this interview and I think that Misty's personality really came through. Her thoughts on writing the sequel and going Indie were very informative and helpful. I have heard such great things about this series that I can't wait to get started. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete~Stephanie
Such a fun interview! And I have to say I really like the covers for both books. And I think writing sequels are always a bit scarier than writing the first book. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview - it's interesting to hear the take on traditional/indie publishing from someone who has experience with both.
ReplyDeleteFascinating interview... I love reading people's stories... and I always find it very interesting with people who have jumped back and forth between Trad and Indie. Really fun. :D
ReplyDeleteExcellent interview!
ReplyDeleteMisty, the story concept sounds harrowing!