Monday, June 21, 2010

Meet Suspense Author Darcia Helle

Darcía Helle says she writes because, "My head gets cluttered with characters that demand their story be written."

A suspense author, she has written five novels: Enemies and Playmates, Hit List, No Justice, Beyond Salvation, and Miami Snow. Her sixth book, The Cutting Edge, will be out in late summer. She joins us today at Writers in Business to share her experiences as a writer. Welcome Darcia.

I’ve heard wonderful things about your novel, Miami Snow. Can you share the plot?


One day Nick Donovan has it all; a beautiful, pregnant wife, a nice house, a great job. The next day he is on his own, starting from scratch with Nick flees to the opposite coast of Florida, trying to leave his ex-wife and the memories behind. But that couldn't happen. Soon Nick finds that he is tied to Shelley in a way that he hadn't expected. And, in her bitterness, she does everything she can to ensure his misery.
Brandy is Shelley's opposite; wild, sensual, free-spirited. With Brandy, Nick is able to rebel against all that Shelley stands for. Brandy quickly leads Nick into a world of sex, drugs, and cash. And now Nick finds himself caught between the two worlds, desperate to stay afloat.

Sounds like a great book! Can you tell us about your other books?

Miami Snow is my fifth book. I’m currently in the editing phase of my sixth, entitled The Cutting Edge. My first two are Enemies and Playmates and Hit List. My third and fourth, No Justice and Beyond Salvation, are the first two in the ongoing Michael Sykora series.

My first five books are suspense, with some level of mystery. My sixth is more difficult to define. The Cutting Edge combines suspense and mystery with humor. It tends to be more comical than edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting suspense. However, the main character does cross paths with a serial killer, so the suspense is definitely there! It’s also written in the first-person, which is new for me.

I understand you are working with CreateSpace. Has it been a positive experience?

CreateSpace is great to work with! They have deals with a variety of online stores, as well as libraries. My books are automatically listed in those stores and libraries can order them.

Publishing is a difficult business. The traditional method (agents and large publishing houses) is closed off for most new and/or unknown authors. Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams with the small presses and self-publishing companies. CreateSpace is a fantastic option to this dilemma.

What marketing strategies have you tried? What has worked best for you?

I've tried countless methods, including Google Adwords, contests and giveaways, ads on specific book/reader groups, Twitter, and blog tours. I'm not able to do physical book tours or book signings due to health constraints from chronic, late-stage lyme disease. Therefore, my marketing is all Internet-based. I've found that what works best for me personally is interacting with readers. My Facebook page is open to everyone and I also belong to a site called Goodreads. I'm just me all the time and I welcome readers - as well as other writers - into my world. That interaction, combined with the occasional giveaways, has brought an increase in sales. I've also met some amazing people along the way.

How can our readers learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?

I’m quite accessible! My website has all of my book information, as well as contests, a monthly newsletter on a variety of crime & punishment topics, and a bunch of other distractions. I have a blog that I update frequently. I’m on Facebook, where I share my crazy world with anyone wishing to join me there. And I’m now learning my way around Twitter.

My Website
My Blog
Facebook
Twitter

I can also be reached through email at Darcia@quietfurybooks.com. I love to hear from readers as well as aspiring writers.

Thank you Darcia!

13 comments:

  1. Thank you, Brigitte, for helping us to know Darcia.

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  2. I agree, Dacia, Createspace is the wave of the future. It levels the playing field. Good luck on your latest!!

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  3. I'm limited do to physical disabilities.
    Blessings,
    J. Aday Kennedy
    The Differently-Abled Writer
    Children's picture Book Klutzy Kantor
    Coming Soon Marta Gargantuan Wings

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  4. What a title! What a book cover picture! And how they combine. A perfect example of how to combine words with images! Way to go, Darcia!
    Best,
    Carolyn

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  5. Darcia, your books look great.

    I used BookSurge in 2008, it is now melded into CreateSpace. It was a great experience.

    As far as marketing, you have to be in it for the long haul. It takes a multiple of strategies and perseverance to find any kind of results . . . kind of the same as submissions. :)

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  6. Darcia, I hope the characters in your book aren't based on people you actually know!

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  7. Darcia, I always enjoy reading your interviews and finding out more about you. I also really enjoyed Hit List. Miami Snow will be included in my next book order.

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  8. Brigitte, thanks for hosting me and for putting together an awesome post!

    Thanks to everyone for stopping by!

    Janet, this book is pure fiction. My upcoming book, however, spills some secrets!

    Jane, thank you for the compliment on Hit List. I loved The Ride and can't wait for your next book!

    Karen, I agree about marketing. Perseverance is key.

    J., I'm sorry to hear about your limitations. I'm truly astounded by how many authors suffer from chronic health problems and/or disablities. Writing is a great escape from those limitations.

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  9. A wonderful interview! "Miami Snow" sounds very intriguing! Just the title and cover alone pulled me in, and after hearing more about it, I definitely need to order a copy! Thanks for the dose of inspiration this morning.

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  10. Great interview, gang. And nice to meet the hosts of Darcia's interview, too. She dropped me a note, asking if I'd post this at Win a Book for her, so I did.

    Hope to hear from you guys again in the future. We're all about connecting books and readers.

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  11. It was great learning more about Darcia. I too do must of my marketing via the internet because I have young kids at home so traveling isn't easy for me.

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  12. Thanks, Dallas! It's always a boost to hear that the cover and blurb are good draws for readers.

    Susan, thanks for stopping by and for posting this link on your site!

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  13. Congrats on the new book, Darcia. Keep up the great work!

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