Regina Paul Interview

Tell us a little about yourself.
I just moved from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA a year and a half ago. I have been writing full-time since the move because I got tired of the working in a cubicle, which I'd done for the last 15 years prior to that. I'm happily married to my college sweetheart, and we've been together for 19 years. When I'm not writing I love to read, create 3D artwork, and Native American Beadwork.

When did you decide to become a writer?
I've always been a writer. I've been scribbling stories since I was in gradeschool, and have been winning awards for my writing since that time. I made the decision to actually seek publication in 2004, when I discovered how easy it had become to self-publish with Print on Demand technology. I self-published first, and then began submitting to e-presses. My romantic suspense novella Destiny's Choices was recently released from Amira Press.

What was your first published work?
My first published work is my science fiction romance Getting Out Alive. It was released from Lulu Press Inc. July 2005, and is still available.

What is your dream as a writer?
My biggest dream as a writer is to create stories and worlds that entertain my readers. If I am able to do that, then I've done my job as a writer.

What writing avenues are you currently pursuing?
I'm working towards completing a fantasy/time-travel romance called The Keepers of Eternity, and an science fiction themed erotic romance novella titled The Children of Khartar: Leilani's Flight. I am also a regular contributor to Associated Content.

Is there anything else you wish you'd been told earlier in your career?
That I would need to have my marketing plan in place before the book was released from the publisher. Fortunately, in time for this latest release I had that plan in place, but you will find yourself racing to catch up if you don't have a plan in place first.

What advice can you offer writers just breaking into a serious writing career?
Be prepared to work very hard. A lot of people just beginning have the idea that your publisher does the marketing for you, and that just is not the case. They may help by putting out the occasional press release or setting up a book signing for you, but ultimately it is up to you to market your book. You are the one who is responsible for its success, or it not being a success. Read everything you can about internet marketing and take advantage of all the free opprotunities out there, of which there are many, such as joining groups where you can interact with readers and other authors for example. Also, be willing to diversify in order to make ends meet such as becoming a web content writer which is one of the ways I supplement my fiction writing income.

Anything else you want our readers to know?
They can find out more about me, my books, articles etc. by visiting my official webpages http://www.reginapaul.com/