Interview with April Boyer

Tell us about your latest book. “In His Shadow” was developed through my support-group blog, started before I began chemo therapy. It was a way for me to connect to those I knew would support me in prayer and reassurance; and a way to express my roller coaster ride of emotions. From there, it grew and developed. I hope for it to be an encouragement and inspiration to other cancer survivors.

What marketing methods are you using to promote your book?  I am using as many methods as I can. I am learning as I go, speaking to cancer support groups, women’s clubs and by selling word of mouth. I also have had some success promoting and selling through my facebook book page. I’ve talked on radio and tv guest spots, and will do others.  I am finding that book signings for a limited audience such as my book topic do not work well. Doing events that include a number of authors is something I am trying alongside a group of friends and local businesses.

Who are your favourite authors? Terri Blackstock, Davis Bunn, Francine Rivers, Brandilyn Collins, Angela Hunt to name a few.

What advice do you have for other writers? Take advantage of every moment you are inspired to jot something down. Keep a notepad and pen with you always. Write whenever the mood strikes, and don’t lose the moment or the words.

What's the best thing about being a writer?  Words expand the world around you in so many, amazing ways. Love is brighter, creation is sharper, God is closer. The negatives and unfairness in the world can be righted, or they can be brought in closer for examination.

Where can people find out more about you and your writing?  www.facebook.com/ABbookshadow  and at my blog: www.hisxshadow.wordpress.com They can obtain my book directly through me at these locations. E mail me.

Why do you think readers are going to enjoy your book?  I am hearing that the book is quick to read but meaningful.  It connects with other survivors because hearing that others have gone through a similar trial or journey is helpful and enriching.  Other survivors are praising it for its references to scripture and my faith in God that have been a means to re-examine their own faith.

What is your work in progress? Tell us about it.   I am writing a sequel to this first book, called “Next Mornings”. It is a collection of stories based on God’s mercy and tools for continuing survival in any circumstances. It also includes selections written by members of my facebook support group called A Band of Strong Women. It is a private group, but any survivor may request membership.  I am also finishing up a yearly calendar of devotionals and exercises for writers and artists, and compiling an autobiography for my mother.

April Boyer
What are your thoughts on self-publishing versus traditional publishing? I believe POD is a trend that is not going to go away. It is much more affordable and obtainable.  It is completely respectable, when it was not 15 years ago. The difficulty with POD is the marketing if you do not choose to buy that service.  But there are so many tools and resources available now to make marketing easier to learn successfully.

Who or what inspired you to become a writer? Writing letters home about our rural life and the nature surrounding us played a big part in my launch into writing.  A deaf, nearly blind elderly lady I cared for several years inspired me to write. She was unable to communicate with me in any other way, so I described in writing what was happening in her neighborhood and in the back yard as she requested.  She was very dear to me.  Favorite fiction writers such as Terri Blackstock and Davis Bunn inspire me, as well as a favorite uncle who was a theologian, preacher and dynamic speaker. 

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