Author Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult
Website: Anna Questerly
Twitter: @AnnaQuesterly
E-Mail: AnnaQuesterly@gmail.com
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Amazon Author Profile
Author Description:
Bookseller and bibliophile turned award-winning author, Anna Questerly writes medieval fiction and fairy tales for smart kids and young hearts. For adults, she writes utopian fantasy as A.J. Questerly.
SPOTLIGHT Questions and Answers with the Author
Let’s start with what’s next. Do we have another novel on the horizon? Can you tell us the timeline for its release and give us a little tease?
Oh, my! I have so many new projects coming up this year, I'm not sure where to begin. I have two non-fiction books I'm working on. The first one is for writers and should be out by the end of April. Wise Writer's Workbook. It's something I wish I'd had when I began writing. Not only a planner, but a great place to store information for future books in a series. Instead of having all my notes scattered about, half online and half in folders, this will give me a convenient place to store it all. I can't wait.
My next one is another book by The Alchemist's Guild and it's about managing pain using essential oils and CBD oils. I don't have a title for it yet. I'm still researching at this point, but I should have it out by the end of the year.
As far as a novel, I'm working on a gothic romance. No vampires, but lots of suspense and shivers! Hopefully, by November 2018. Fingers crossed!
You have a good following on twitter. Since you started before the social media buzz, what impact has social media relationships had on your current success? How did you build your following in your niche? How much has it changed your book launch process?
Thanks, I love my Twitter peeps! simply connecting with people who love to read. Book people are great to network with.
You do a lot of book signings, interviews, speaking and personal appearances. When and where is the next place where your readers can see you? Where can they keep up with your personal contacts online?
I love doing events and meeting readers. My next signing will be at Dog-Eared Pages bookstore in Phoenix, Arizona on April 21st. I usually sign at the Glendale Chocolate Affair in February, at the Renaissance Festival in February or March, and at the Tucson Festival of Books every year. Sometimes, I can be found at Phoenix Comi-Con. My schedule is posted on my website. (see author contact information)
You have written several fairy tales in rhyming verse. Can you tell us if they had an impact on the sales of your novels? Are shorty’s one of your styles of writing or are they created to give readers a sample of your work?
LOL. no master plan. I don't know if they help sell my books, but the kids seem to enjoy them, and they are so much fun to write and quite addicting!
What is your primary genre? What has been your best marketing approach to this group?
Middle Grade Historical Fiction with a bit of Fantasy thrown in for fun. What has been your best marketing approach to this group? Signing events and school visits by far.
What has been your experience in giving your books away free? Have you been involved in any other type of giveaways and how did that work out? What was your main goal in doing this? Did you run into any obstacles?
I began giving my first book away for free at signing events because I write for children and I would feel terrible if young readers wanted my books but maybe their parents couldn't afford it. I remember what it was like being cash-strapped as a parent. This way, the family can try it for free and if they really love it, could get it from their library. Back in the old days, it really helped sales rankings when we gave books away, but Amazon changed their system, and it really doesn't help much anymore.
I did one on Goodreads once a long time ago. I had to send five print books by snail mail and didn't limit it to the U.S. Postage was quite the surprise. So I've been a bit gun shy about trying it again.
Do you maintain a reader list? What are the methods you use to find your readers and create the list and the relationship? Do you use social media, forums, newsletters and/or support groups to build your list?
I don't anymore. I probably should. I had really good intentions on keeping up a newsletter, but since I already do a monthly one for Dog-Eared Pages bookstore, it simply got to be too much. Most of my readers know I'm at the bookstore and can email me or contact me through social media. I'm pretty accessible.
What is your method of getting reviews for your novels? Do you seek professional reviews, use social media or do you rely on your reading audience to supply them?
I prefer to just let it happen. Although I always ask at events when I'm giving a free book away that if they love it to leave a review.
You have published several individual fairy tales from your The Minstrel's Tales novels set. What was your main objective in bundling your novels? Did you see an impact on the sales of your trilogy?
Yes, the fairy tales can be enjoyed by a younger reader than the novels. I've also had several requests to do a full book of fairy tales and might get on that next year. Absolutely, bundling my trilogy had increased event sales. I'm so glad I did it. Now, I know they have the whole story!
The Tucson Festival of Books 2018 was a great event, enjoyed by thousands. A Book festival is a unique selling situation. How did you prepare for the festival? Did it meet your goals? If you had to do something different next year, what would that be?
I love TFOB! So many readers and so many authors all in one place! I get a sparkly ribbon to wrap up my book bundles and make quite the mess with all the sparkles! Make sure I have plenty of bookmarks to give away and schedule the Minstrel's Tale eBook for free for the duration of the event. Next year, I'm bringing a clear shower curtain! I noticed a few authors who used them when it began to rain, and I thought it was a brilliant idea!
Author's Book List
Basic Alchemy With Essential Oils
Welcome to The Alchemist's Guild!
*Whether you're starting with Young Living as a novice or apprentice, our dedicated alchemists can assist you along your journey of using essential oils in your daily life.
*Our proven tips, tricks, and recipes will have you performing at a master level of alchemy in no time.
*Discover how to safely and easily apply ancient solutions to modern problems.
*Learn the life-changing secrets of essential oils from experts. Master hundreds of tips & tricks to save money, time, and your health!
*This edition specifically references and teaches you how to get the most out of the essential oils included in the Premium Starter Kit from Young Living.
Order the Book From:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Strategic Rewriting
- Includes Critique Group GuideAward-winning author, Anna Questerly shares her tips and tricks in an easy to use, strategic guide that will make rewriting your work as much fun as creating it.
Take your writing to the next level and learn how to:
-create page-turning tension
-craft memorable character voices
-add dimension to your descriptions
-short cut the process
-enjoy your own writing journey
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Amazon
The Minstrel's Tale III
King Richard II, once a friend - now a powerful enemy, refuses to release Minstrel Amos Questerly from the impregnable Tower of London.
A daring plan to rescue Amos leads to more exciting adventures and incredible dangers in this thrilling conclusion to The Minstrel's Tale.
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The Minstrel's Tale II
A boy with the power of a king. A wandering minstrel bound by an oath. A secret that unites them.
When Minstrel Amos Questerly's ten-year-old apprentice, Richard, ascends the throne of England, Amos soon finds himself entangled in royal affairs. Determined to return to his wandering ways, the minstrel instead finds himself drawn further into the king's inner circle where powerful enemies conspire and scheme for control.
The country at war, the treasury low, and the young king's first decision triggers the roiling anger of England's peasantry to erupt, and plunges London into a revolt that shakes the foundation of a nation.
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The Minstrel's Tale
Fourteenth Century, France
Amos Questerly, a wandering minstrel takes on a mysterious young apprentice. But his new protégé, Richard, carries a deadly secret. A secret someone is willing to kill for.
To reach safety they must earn their way to England by telling exciting stories of magical swords, princesses, and dragons, while danger follows on their heels.
By the time Amos learns Richard’s secret, it’s clear even England may not be safe. The two, trapped in an adventure as thrilling as any of the minstrel’s tales, must follow a perilous path that leads straight to the royal palace.
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Audible
Author Recommended by: HBSystems Publications
Publisher of ebooks, writing industry blogger and the sponsor of the following blogs:
Indie Author’s Corner and HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle
I'm honored to be included in your Author Spotlight. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThat's our girl! You are a treasure.
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