Today our blog puts the Spotlight on Debra S. Sanders. She writes Mystery & Thriller novels. Debra is a member of the Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter.
Author: Debra S. Sanders
Author Genre:
Thrillers, Mysteries
Website:
Debra S. Sanders
Twitter:
@DebSanders01
Goodreads:
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Facebook:
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Amazon Author Profile
Author Description:
Embracing a penchant for road trips led Debra S. Sanders to chuck most of her material possessions in favor of an RV lifestyle. It wasn’t easy. Dragging a skeptical husband, drooling 100-pound retriever and thoroughly disgusted cat into a tiny vintage trailer took a bit of convincing. After packing basic necessities or at least the ones that would fit in a tiny house on wheels, the four set off for parts unknown. Almost four years later, Debra still loves wandering the backroads of America - albeit more comfortably in a 35' fifth wheel. The dog doesn't drool as much, the cat has become a well-seasoned traveler and the husband smiles from time to time when he thinks his wife is not looking.
As author of 10 novels, mostly thrillers and mysteries, and 3 non-fiction books, Debra continues to write from the road. Her current cozy mystery series follows psychic detective and Southern belle, Daisy O'Connor, as she attempts to find justice for the dead while running a small restaurant and caring for adopted Lakota grandfather, Charlie Tall Tree. When the south meets the rez, Lord have mercy!
DEAD MEN CAN’T DANCE – Book 2 in the Dead Men series. Release: March, 2019
Debra is currently working on a dark thriller set in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Drawing from her experience as a contract FEMA Disaster Inspector, she builds a grim world in which one claim inspector fights fraud with murder.
SPOTLIGHT Questions and Answers with the Author
Congratulations on your book: DEAD MEN CAN'T DANCE. Rumor has it that you have another book on the horizon called THE DEAD NEVER LIE. Can you tell us the timeline for its release and give us a little tease?
Thank you! It’s always a celebration when an author releases a new book. I have TWO novels on the horizon – DEAD MEN NEVER SLEEP, Book 3 in my humorous cozy series due out October, 2019 and THE DEAD NEVER LIE, a dark thriller about a disaster inspector who tackles fraud with murder. This is a working title and may change before release date. Look for it mid-summer 2019. I’m a FEMA contracted housing inspector which means I go to natural disaster areas when needed to perform inspections on damaged residential dwellings. My experience will lend a realistic view to this new novel which is purely fictional. I never killed anyone, James . . . I swear.
You have a good following on twitter and facebook. 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?
Wow! You did your research. Unbelievably, when I began my publishing journey, social media was just a drop in the bucket. My first book, Stone Cold Justice became an Amazon Best Seller based on word of mouth and being in the right place at the right time. Ebooks were coming into their own and considered a novelty. I garnered so much grief from my traditionally published peers for going Indie, especially since I turned down two offers from mid-sized publishers. I’ve never regretted that decision. Today, however, the market is bloated with Indie authors. Catching the attention of readers is a hundred times more difficult which means an active social media brand is imperative. To stay abreast of the ever-changing market, I am constantly taking webinars and researching analytics. I’m not sure I have a “niche” but I do have some wonderful readers who indulge my penchant for penning mixed genres. I’ve developed lovely friendships with many of them over the years and for that I’m blessed. Book launches are incredibly time consuming because of the many avenues needed to reach new readers. My street team a.k.a. loyal fans are instrumental in helping get the word out. Don’t know what I’d do without them!
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?
Reviews . . . ah, the conundrum. Authors can’t sell books without reviews but readers are so darned reluctant to leave them. Many promotional sites won’t even consider your novel for an advertising spot without a certain number of reviews. It’s unethical in my opinion to “buy” reviews although I know some writers who do. Offering a book for free in exchange for an honest review has been a successful venture in the past. However, Amazon is now policing reviews to the extreme, making the process of getting them difficult. I was contacted by two readers who made verified purchases, both enjoyed my recent release and left a review. Neither has shown up. I can only assume they did not fall into the category of “reviewers must spend a minimum of $50 annually”. I did receive a nice 5 star review on Goodreads but it doesn’t transfer to Amazon. In my opinion, there’s only one way to increase reviews and that is to ask for them. It’s a slow process but does seem to work over time.
You have great covers. They carry a theme and your brand with them. How does your book cover creation process work? Do you hand over the basic theme or do you have more of a hands-on approach? Do you get your readers involved in its development
I create all my own book covers. It was never from a need to control the process but rather from a lack of budget. At some point, I will turn over that task to a book cover designer. It’s interesting to play with the covers on some of my older novels. While the interior content doesn’t change, a different cover will often attract new readers. I’ve never asked for ideas on my book covers but I like the concept. Perhaps I’ll do that on my next book.
Besides the Sisters in Crime/ Desert Sleuths what other writer support groups do you belong too? Do they help with the writing, marketing and the publishing process?
Years ago, I was a long time member of RWA – Romance Writers of America. I felt their support of Indie authors was non-existent and archaic so I cancelled my membership. They have since embraced the movement but I no longer look at them as the only game in town. I LOVE SinC. I am a member of national, Desert Sleuths chapter in Scottsdale and The Old Pueblo chapter in Tucson. I recently received a scholarship to help defray cost of attending The Writer’s Police Academy in August at the esteemed Sirchie forensics and tactical training facility in Raleigh, NC. Sisters in Crime offers astounding resources for published and unpublished writers in the mystery/crime/thriller genre. However, there are many Facebook groups with relevant and valuable information such as Mark Dawson’s SPF (Self Publishing Formula) and genre specific forums/groups. I am co-founder of Authors on the Road, another Facebook group. Most members will provide answers and offer the benefit of their experience to anyone who poses a question. Or you can lurk like I often do. I also follow blogs from people like Jane Friedman who I consider one of the best authorities on the publishing market. Her website offers a plethora of advice and information. I love Instagram. Twitter has never been successful for me but I still make an appearance.
What is your primary genre? What has been your best marketing approach to this group?
My primary genre at this point is Cozy Mystery, although my novels embrace a growing trend of incorporating one or more sub-genres. I’ve targeted marketing toward this demographic both on Facebook, Kindle and a few upcoming ads on Freebooksy, etc. I find author appearances are a wonderful way to connect with the cozy audience. They seem to enjoy personal interaction, as do I. I’ve posted book information in several forums specifically for cozy readers, and I’m always building my newsletter so those readers know exactly when my next release is available. I often use my newsletter to recruit beta readers. I find their input invaluable.
Between your book writing, blogging, marketing, family and all the other things that can get in your way, how do you manage your time? Do you have a set schedule or do you sort of play it by ear?
I’ve been traveling as a full-time RVer for over four years so creating a hard core schedule was never in the cards. I also have a special needs grandson. His health issues were my priority when he was born. I did not write for two years while we maneuvered the learning process of keeping this incredibly bright, beautiful soul at his full potential. The only thing constant in life is change so while I love being a gypsy, my husband and I are in the process of buying a house in southern Arizona. I hope the stability feeds my inner writing Ninja and allows for late mornings in bed. I’m a night owl. I come alive after 10 p.m. The quiet of night is when my best writing occurs and I doubt that will ever change. It’s a biological thing.
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’m adamant that no author should “give” their books away. A short promotional giveaway or raffle is fine but the concept of keeping a book on permafree astounds me. It devalues our time and effort, sending a damaging message that no one should have to pay for a book. In my early days, I used free promos often. What I discovered was books were downloaded, never read, did not produce solid reviews and developed a readership of people who waited until I gave the next one away. I’m not in that one percent bubble of phenomenally successful authors who have no need to watch their daily/weekly sales numbers. Sales matter. I’ve tried virtual book tours with a giveaway of books and swag. They created minimal sales. I’d rather pay for good promotional advertising and sell my book at full price than take a hit on sales by offering it for less. The few exceptions are a short, 3 day Kindle price decrease or a promotional tour with Bookbub, Freebooksy, etc.
You have published one of your books in German. How is your audience abroad? Does marketing online help in this situation?
Amazon’s imprint publisher, Amazon Crossing contacted me about translating Stone Cold Justice and releasing it in the German market. They bought the German rights, I still own American rights. It was an enjoyable venture and produced a profitable but short spike in my royalties. I still see a sale occasionally but most of my overseas purchases generate from the English versions.
The Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter 2019 - Mesa Public Library - Red Mountain Branch was a special event. A library is a unique selling situation. How did you prepare for the event? Did it meet your goals? If you had to do something different, what would that be?
I prepared by understanding that people do not go to libraries to purchase books. LOL I had a hugely successful appearance at Tucson Festival of Books but libraries are a different animal. My purpose was to meet readers, introduce them to my novels and genre, and hopefully generate interest in my newsletter. While patrons were mildly interested in our booth and author panels, I don’t feel they were compelled to engage. Many libraries offer a program called “author in residence”. I think that scenario would produce more recognition. If I participate next year, I’d like to see more promotional effort - perhaps a library used book sale in conjunction with the event.
Author's Book List
DEAD MEN CAN'T DANCE
Restaurateur and psychic sleuth, Daisy O'Connor is not about to let little things like being banned from the rez or blackmailed by a corrupt sheriff prevent her from investigating the strange demise of several young men by an apparition called the Ghost Dancer. When one of the victims delivers an ominous warning that "another must die", Daisy breaks all rules to learn the true identity of this flesh and blood murderer, and why he is on a killing spree. In true Southern style, she issues her own warning - "you better give your heart to Jesus 'cause the rest of you is goin' to jail."
Order the Book From:
Amazon
Road Tales
- Myth, Lore, & Curiosities From America's Back Roads
A unique travelogue featuring tales of myth, lore and other curiosities found along America's back roads by a full-time RV nomad The Curse of the Blue Angel, a mysterious labyrinth, the ghost horses of Palo Duro Canyon, lost treasure, the legend of Old Naked Joe . . . and more!
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Amazon
Dead Men Don't Talk
When Southern belle and caterer, Daisy O'Connor tries to locate her missing step-brother, it's a sure recipe for trouble. Daisy puts her promising career on hold to return to the Lakota reservation where she spent several miserable years. It doesn't take long to remember why she vowed to never go back. The bully from her childhood is now a tribal cop, her long, red hair is still subject to ridicule, and secrets she'd forgotten begin to resurface.
It will take a lot of Southern charm, a few white lies and sidestepping Deputy John Greyhawk for Daisy to find her step-brother but what she uncovers along the way might send her home in a body bag.
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Amazon
Barnes and Noble
An Unholy Alliance
The war between Heaven and Hell has raged for centuries. Mankind pays little heed, unaware of a prophesy predicting the Antichrist’s birth by a descendant of the Nephilim. As technology has advanced, so have the masters of evil, manipulating ancient DNA through genetic engineering. Only one person stands in their way . . .
After a stint in the army, Reyna Blair is ready to drop off the grid and heal. A job as Peace Officer in the small community of Purgatory, Texas sounds like the perfect solution – until the town is rocked by a gruesome murder.
When sexy Texas Ranger, Ty Carter, steps in to help with the investigation, Reyna is both thrilled and annoyed. He’s nice to look at and a definite boost to her sagging ego, but his aggressive ambition might push her right out of a job. Adding to her unrest is a mysterious stranger observing the crime scene from a distance, a man who seems to read her mind, her heart . . . even her soul.
Reyna’s reality unravels as she is caught in an ancient war between good and evil. When dark secrets are revealed, she must choose sides or face the horror of an unspeakable outcome.
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Amazon
RED HOT and DANGEROUS
When Andie Lange works a one day temp job for her friend's employment agency, she brings back more than a paycheck.
It was supposed to be a "fun" assignment - assisting a famous actress during a publicity junket - as well as an opportunity for Andie to network her new photography business. But between the Promotions Manager accusing her of spying for the tabloids and the unwanted advances from a handsome stranger, the day proves more trouble than its worth.
Unfortunately, things go from bad to worse. The actress is poisoned, the handsome stranger is investigating detective, Drake Slater, who is assigned to protect Andie after an attempt is made on her life. It's obvious Drake is a womanizer. So why isn't she putting up more of a fight to keep him at arm's length?
Drake Slater learned a long time ago police work and relationships don't mix, but that hasn't stopped him from enjoying the company of beautiful women. He just doesn't stick around long enough for them to get any ideas - until he meets Andie Lange, a gorgeous redhead with legs that go all the way up to heaven. Forced to protect her from an unknown assailant, Drake discovers there's more to like about the sassy photographer than her body.
After Andie's photographs reveal the identity of the murderer, the police rush to make an arrest, only to discover he's been killed, too. Thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse, Drake must take extreme measures to keep Andie safe.
With her life in jeopardy, the only thing Andie fears more than her assailant is the growing desire she feels for her bodyguard. She'll need to keep her wits about her and take a lot of cold showers if she's to survive . . . because Drake Slater is RED HOT and DANGEROUS!
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Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Stone Cold Justice
When Maggie McGregor returns to New Mexico to settle her parent's estate, she braces for a cold reception from the locals but she is soon targeted by viscous vandals.. Even worse, neighbor Nick Stone thinks she killed his cousin ten years ago..
Nick and Maggie's animosity hides a growing attraction.Things heat up even as incriminating evidence surfaces against her. There's only one way to clear her name and win Nick's trust - Maggie must find out who really murdered Nick's cousin. That's a tall order when someone wants you dead.
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Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Gatekeeper
- The Clans of Tagus Book 1
There's nothing normal about tough girl, Kylie Baker's life - demonic dreams she can't explain, a telepathic dog who knows more about her past than she does, and a sexy cowboy who refuses to settle for a one night romp.
But when the owner of the Harley Davidson shop where she works is blackmailed into giving her a pink slip, and the attorney responsible for her constant relocation from one foster home to another is murdered, Kylie realizes things just went from bad to worse. Who is manipulating her life? And why?
Strange markings begin to emerge on her skin, her dreams blur the line between reality and vision, and Kylie is forced to re-examine her murky past. Only one person can explain what is happening . . . the mother she thought was dead. Armed with her instincts and a strange amulet, Kylie embarks on a quest to find the truth.
What she finds is even more disturbing. Kylie learns she's the Gatekeeper, guardian of a portal between two worlds . . . and the only one who can stop an imminent attack by a Tagusian warlord. Worse than that, she's a half-breed with ties to both sides. The bizarre proclamation leaves her angry, hurt, confused . . . and feeling more alone than ever. But when those she cares about are threatened, Kylie knows she must choose an allegiance. Either way carries serious consequences.
What's a girl to do?
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Amazon
The Warrior
- The Clans of Tagus Book 2
Artimon, a Tagusian Warrior first introduced in The Gatekeeper, is working for the Underground on Earth. When his investigation into a cell of Tagusian insurgents hits a snag, he pairs with a Dark Fae in search of her sister who is being held captive by the blood thirsty Warlords on Tagus. Battling an intense attraction that rivals their competitive prowess, the mismatched pair soon realize they are the only ones who can prevent a deadly plot threatening both worlds.
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Amazon
Blood Storm
When Kate Merrill receives a package from her recently deceased father, a biochemist working on a highly classified assignment, she is both stunned and curious. His scribbled note instructs her to take the locked metal box to Atlanta where she must personally deliver it to a colleague. On the way, Kate’s chartered plane is shot down over the remote Sierra Nevada Mountains in the midst of a winter blizzard.
Ex-cop Sam Holden, a secretive recluse working as a Wilderness First Responder, discovers Kate’s half frozen body and transports her to his cabin. While waiting for the storm to subside enough for an airlift, Sam discovers the mysterious circumstances behind Kate’s journey. He wants to know what’s in the locked box . . . and so do the assailants.
Sam forces Kate to open the box. They discover her father’s formula to combat a deadly airborne virus and realize they are caught in the middle of a bioterrorism plot. Racing against time, barely evading the assailants, Sam and Kate rush to deliver the formula to the CDC.
After arriving in Atlanta, Sam and Kate are captured by the terrorists and given a choice - one will live, one will die. The choice goes to the one who turns over the formula.
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Amazon
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
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