Interviewed by J.B. Scott
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JB
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Hi
Glenda Ivey! Thank you for joining us at the newly created
"E-Literate" interview room. It is a privilege and
pleasure to have you as our guest. You have achieved a high
standing reputation, all of which is well deserved through your
hard work and determination in helping others. Your debut novel Silent
Revenge is doing very well in bookstores
everywhere, so much so that you had to delay the release of your
second novel Ripped Apart! Share with us now the
woman behind this lady, Glenda Ivey, a special person who has been
quoted as being
"extremely
driven, ambitious and naturally intense, and proof of that is the
many challenges Glenda has chosen to pursue."
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GI
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Hi
JB, thanks so much for inviting me and please know that I feel
very comfortable here with you and especially with those who are
taking their time to read this. I appreciate your interest
immensely
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JB
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Your
newest venture, the Florida Writers' Association, to which you are
the founder, what inspired that?
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GI
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Just
plain ol' fashioned jealousy. ;-) I know that isn't a pretty word,
but I really can't think of one more appropriate. Even though I
have lived many years in Florida, I was born and raised in North
Georgia, and a portion of my heart will always belong to that
beautiful state. Georgia has a wonderful writer's association,
Georgia Writers, Inc. Bobbie Christmas, a dear friend, and a
definite mentor of mine, is the President of that fine
organization. Geri Teran is the Executive Director and under the
leadership of those two dedicated and talented women, Georgia
Writers has evolved into, not only a strong support system for
Georgia Writers, but a network of extreme importance to the entire
state. They, along with their volunteers, have given their heart
and soul to this mission and as a result, have succeeded in
forming an organization that is well known in the southeast for
its charitable contributions as well as its constant support to
writers. This is what I want for Florida writers. My husband and I
lived in Georgia from 1990 until 1998 before returning to Florida.
When we came back, I searched "high and low" for
something similar in this state. There wasn't one. There are
wonderful local and regional writer's groups, many of which are
off-springs of national writer's organizations, but there was
nothing strictly for the state of Florida. Now there is, and now
all I have to do is find myself a Geri Teran and we'll be well on
our way. ;-) |
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JB
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What
are you goals and ambitions for the FWA? What steps have you taken
to meet those goals?
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GI
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Oh,
my goodness, JB. I doubt that we have time for that, but I'll try.
I want Florida Writers to become the best of the best! We already
have some extremely talented members who have given so much in
such a short time. We've only really "been in business"
since May 14, and sometimes I have to give myself a good shake to
remind myself that it isn't a dream. I believe that my main goal
is to establish enough Palm Groups, scattered all over the state,
so writers can come and learn about the writing and publishing
business, and always feel that they are among friends. I want us,
as a support network, to be able to furnish writers with the
information they need to advance in their writing careers. I want
them to feel comfortable and worthwhile and most of all, I want
them to know that we really care about them and their chosen field
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JB
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How
can writers find out more about what you do at FWA? In addition,
take the time to provide any details of up-coming events
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FLORIDA
WRITERS ASSOCIATION
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GI
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Very
easily. ;-) They can
go to our website at www.FloridaWriters.net
or write directly to me at GlendaIvey@aol.com.
I am pleased to say that Vicki Taylor, the editor of our
newsletter, The Florida Palm, has done a fantastic job with our
first newsletter that will come out in July. We will have a
surplus and anyone interested can write me for a copy. Florida
Writers is also sponsoring the GA/FL Book & Art Festival,
which is a new concept for authors and artists to showcase and
sell their work. I am working with Everett Beal, the Chairman of
the festivals, and he has done a marvelous job of accumulating
authors and artists for the first of these events to be held in
the beautiful, historic surroundings of St. Marys, Georgia on July
4. I am only the Co-Chairman of the Festival Committee ;-), and
our plans are to have 4-6 festivals a year up and down the GA/FL
coast. They will always be held in elegant surroundings, which is
where authors and artists deserve to be. I'm really excited about
this concept, and all appearances are that this first one will be
a smashing success. In addidion, I am happy to announce that plans
are already underway for the first Florida Writers Assn.
Conference which will be held in Orlando, Florida in July, 2002. |
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JB
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I
admire how you make your readers feel like your most honored
guests in your literary home. How do you incorporate all that you
do each day, as well as being so attentive to your audience?
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GI
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Whatever
I am, I wouldn't be without my honored guests. Every person who
writes to me, and some days the number is staggering, is a
compliment, and I am humbled at the confidence they have in me. I
remember well when I first began staggering my way around the
Internet five years ago. There was little help out there for
writers. By this I mean, individual help. I wanted to do just a
little to remedy that "facts only" line of information,
and it kinda' snow-balled, but I love every moment of it and every
writer I've met along the way.
Writers are wonderful people. We cry together, we rejoice
together, and yes, sometimes we even "lock horns," but
it never lasts. ;-) When one of us is treated unfairly, the whole
herd gathers around and makes it right. As a dear writer friend of
mine once said, "You'd better not mess with one of us because
you'll end up dealing with hundreds of angry writers!" That
is very true.
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JB
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What
currently is in your "in-tray"? How do you prioritize
all that you have to achieve each day?
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GI
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LOL
... Which one? I
never get it all done and proof of that is this interview that I
should have had to you days ago. ;-) The first thing I do every
morning when I turn my computer on is look for email from writers.
Many times they are writing because they need information, or some
sort of help, and that is always my top priority for the day. I
probably shouldn't admit this, but doing that even takes
preference over sending out information on Florida Writers or the
GA/FL Book & Art Festival, both of which are very important.
However, those things do come second. New writers are signing onto
the Internet daily. They all have questions and they have doubts.
If they can take the time to search for someone who might be able
to assist them, I can surely take the time to try to make their
life in the writing world a little easier. I knew when I started
the Florida Writers Assn. that I would have to put my own writing
on hold, as well as some of the marketing of my own books. I miss
both terribly, but with all the encouragement and help I'm getting
from the beginning members of Florida Writers, I'm sure I'll get
back to my own writing very soon.
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JB
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As
an author, how do you progress from the thought in your head to
the illustrious "the end" on your manuscript?
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GI
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By
the time I sit down to type the very first word, I already know
what the ending will be. Now, how to get to the ending is another
question in itself, but easily answered. My characters take me
there. I already know the main characters, and along the way I
introduce secondary characters in order to give the main
characters a vehicle to keep the story moving and then, I just
hang on for the ride!
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JB
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Your
websites are not only informative but also encouraging to all who
visit. What do you credit that "feeling" to? Do you
believe websites are the new platform for the millennium?
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GI
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Thank
you so much, and I really mean that because less than a year ago,
I had no idea how to begin making a website. What I did know was
that I didn't want to hire a webmaster to do it for me. I much
prefer having control of anything that involves me directly,
especially something as important and as personal as my own
website. So, I found the easiest host I could without having to
learn all the HTML mumbo-jumbo (which I still do not know) and
just started playing. I probably should have spent time visiting
lots of other sites to see what they were doing, but I didn't. My
website is 100% "me" and that's what I wanted, whether
it's within the limits of what one should, or shouldn't, be. I
didn't want visitors to come to my site and only find information.
I want them to enjoy the visit, and I want them to feel as if
they've made a friend while they're there. I definitely believe
that websites are the new platform for the millennium. It is an
instant way to be introduced to someone from any part of the
world. I wish I had more time to visit because there are some
marvelous websites out there.
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JB
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Your
website, "The Authors Circle of Success" has grown
rapidly. What has been the most positive experience for you with
the generation of this site?
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GI
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You
know, it's amazing how that happened. I first started it with just
me and a friend whose website I had designed. (Ha! Poor guy had no
choice - it was pay-back time) I then sent invitations to writers
that I knew would qualify, sat back and held my breath! They
joined immediately and began referring talented writer friends of
theirs. Now, I receive from 10-15 requests a day and unfortunately
I am not able to accept every request. I do not take X-rated
material and for this year, only books in print form have been
added. I have been extremely selective in choosing the author's
work and many times have requested a reading of their work before
accepting them. Every author on that site, and now there are close
to 100, is a positive experience for me. We have become good
friends, and for that I am grateful. If only one author out of all
of us can achieve something positive as a result of being on the
Authors Circle of Success, then I will consider my time and effort
well spent. Many people have asked me why I do it and how can I do
it for free. The answer is very simple. I'm on there, too!
;-)
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JB
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You
also offer marketing advice with your Book Marketing Shop. What
has been the best advice you have given in respect to the
important topic of book marketing? On the other side of the coin,
what has been the best advice you have received from another
author?
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GI
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I
believe the best advice I have given is to encourage writers to
help each other. These are very difficult times for authors in
book publishing and book promotion. The motto for Florida Writers
Assn. is "Writers Helping Writers" and I am convinced
this is the only thing that works nowadays. There is so much to
learn, so much to do, that one person can't do it all alone.
Writers need each other more now than they ever have. The best
advice I've ever received from another author was "learn your
trade." I knew that, Bobbie Christmas had given me the same
advice years ago, but hearing it again was only another reminder
of how important it is for us to learn all we can about the
business we're in. If we don't, we'll fail. |
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JB
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What
are your feelings toward the new medium to which authors are being
published, namely e-books and POD? Do you feel that the bookstores
are welcoming this move away from traditional paperback
publications?
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GI
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I
can't speak on e-books because that is a field that, so far, has
not intrigued me. I do believe that POD is the new wave of the
future, and I believe it's here to stay. Some of the noted
publishing houses have admitted making the biggest mistake they've
ever made, almost a hundred years ago, by allowing bookstores to
return unsold books within a short period of time. Print-on-Demand
is the perfect "out" for these large publishing houses.
On the other hand, the no-return policy of most POD publishers
makes it almost impossible for authors to get their books on the
bookshelves. The bookstores don't want books on their shelves that
they can't return, and from their side of the fence, I don't blame
them. However, nothing stays the same and nothing can stop
progress. Something will have to give, and I think it is just on
the horizon. Either the POD publishers will have to institute a
"return policy" for the bookstores, or the bookstores
will have join the ranks of other retailers and be content to put
the books that haven't sold "on sale."
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JB
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What
do you believe is the greatest pitfall today for authors published
on the WWW?
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GI
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Again,
I have yet to be attracted to WWW publishing. As fast as the
publishing industry is changing, I still think we're years away
from most readers giving up the enjoyment and comfort of holding a
book in their hands. |
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JB
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Do
you believe writing competitions are beneficial to authors? Is
there any advice you have for those considering such a move?
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GI
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Several
years ago, I probably would have said that I didn't think they
were of extreme importance; however, in today's world of tough
marketing, I am in full favor of reputable writing competitions.
Largely because any way we can get our name, and the title of our
books, in front of the public is one step closer to success.
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JB
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What
are you feelings towards book signings? Do you believe it is a
positive method of promoting ones book and meeting your readers?
Is it your experience that bookstores are open to local authors in
this way?
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GI
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I
won't call any names, but some of the chain bookstores cringe at
the thought of POD authors asking for a booksigning in their
store. In fact, one major chain store has forbidden booksignings
by any POD author. But not to worry because some of the other
chain bookstores are opening the doors really wide. It's only a
matter of time, I believe, before they all give in. There has been
such an influx of POD authors in the past year and a half, and I
honestly believe that the bookstores simply don't know what to do
with us all. However, we're not going to go away and hide in the
woodwork, so they will have to contend with us sooner or later.
;-) I have mixed feelings about bookstore signings anyway. I know
how important it is for authors to meet their readers; however, I
also know that spending hours getting there, setting up, etc. and
having only sold 5-6 books is not productive. I believe we have to
face the fact that people are not going to line up outside a
bookstore to meet an author they've never heard of. That is one of
the reasons Everett Beal and I gave birth to the GA/FL Book &
Art Festivals. When people come there, they know they are coming
to meet authors and artists. It's a brand new concept that I would
like to see succeed and spread all over the world.
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JB
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What
is one professional goal that you have not achieved yet in respect
to your literary field?
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GI
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Polishing
up the third novel and getting it to my publisher, then finishing
the fourth one that is tired of being left unattended in the
manuscript box. ;-) You
know, I'm really not sure what my next goal will be, but I'm
certain there will be one. I had no idea this time last year that
there would be a Florida Writers Assn., and now there is. I'm sure
there is something equally as exciting waiting for me to grab hold
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JB
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Now
obtaining a review is often dubbed "risky business." How
would you advise an author in seeking reviews?
What advice can you offer to an author to keep those
insecurities at bay once the reviews have been forwarded, and all
that is left is to wait by the inbox? What suggestions can you
offer an author who has received a less than favorable review? |
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GI
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There
are some reputable reviewers on the Internet now, many are small
publishing houses looking for good work and hoping to get that
author's next book. As writers, it is mandatory for us to realize
that everyone will not like those thousands of words that we are
so in love with. That isn't reality. Another thing that isn't
reality is to expect a raving review from everyone who reads our
work. It just isn't going to happen. If we believe in our work
strongly enough, and if we've done our homework and produced the
best product possible, then we can be less insecure. Fortunately,
I have gotten only one review that I wasn't pleased with. When I
questioned the reviewers motives, he told me that he was trying
out a new concept of review in that it was always necessary to say
one little negative thing in order to make the review more
believable. I read all the other reviews that he had done,
reminded him that he had not used that concept on any other books
he had reviewed and that I didn't appreciate him trying out his
"new theory" on me. He apologized, changed the wording,
and now we're friends again. However, if I ever do, and I'm sure I
will, get a review that makes me want to tear the reviewers eyes
out, I'll simply run it through the shredder and pretend it's the
reviewer who's being shredded instead of the paper. :-) |
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JB
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Now
a little birdie told me that reading is one of your passions. So,
donning the reader hat now¼please
share with us what is the most important aspect of that book for
you? Does it vary depending on the book genre, the author, the
type of characters within that story, or is it the message behind
the plot? Is the book cover important? Alternatively, is it merely
the opportunity to escape for a while into someone else's world? |
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GI
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I
am drawn to family/saga and southern historical fiction. I do have
a few choice authors, LaVerle Spencer and the late Eugenia Price
are among my favorites. I enjoy reading about real people in real
circumstances. I am very outgoing and am naturally drawn to
people, so that probably explains why I am more drawn to the
characters in a book than the actual plot, or the message. I love
reading about how people react to certain circumstances and what
drives them to do the things they do. And yes, the escape factor
is definitely there. My mother-in-law told me several years ago
when I was complaining about the lack of service in a retail
store, "Glenda, you have to get with the nineties."
Well, a reader doesn't have to "get" with any time in
history. They can go where they want to go, be with the people
they enjoy being with and do what they do. Yes, without a doubt,
characters are the most important aspect of any book I read. I
know that many will disagree with me on this, but the cover has
absolutely no drawing power for me at all. I couldn't care less
what's on the outside of a book, but I care very much what is on
the inside. Then again, I care very much what my covers look like,
but it isn't for me, it's for those who might be attracted to it.
I am aware that the cover of a book is extremely important when it
is on a bookstore shelf and competing with thousands of other
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JB
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Now,
this is where you let your hair down, and offer anything further...yes
a free plug is more than okay.
Glenda, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for
agreeing to do this interview and I wish you well for all your
future endeavours.
Regards JB Scott
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GI
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My
goodness, JB, I've already let my hair down so much it's dragging
the floor. ;-) Now you all know why I don't write short stories. I
can't say anything worthwhile in less than 100,000 words. However,
I will take advantage of the "free plug" as all writers
must, and proudly announce that my first novel, Silent Revenge,
and the new one, Ripped Apart, due out in September, will both
carry the imprint of Rose International Publishing House. (RIPH) I
am the one to thank you, JB, for giving me the opportunity to join
your noted authors at Sharpwriters. It is truly my honor. I have
enjoyed this immensely. I feel as if I'm in a room full of
friends, only I've done all the talking. ;-)
Thank you so much for your well wishes, JB, and I admire
you tremendously for giving authors the opportunity to express
their views. |
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