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!

Chelsea Baxter Editorial Services

Please welcome freelance editor and writer Chelsea Baxter to Writers in Business.

Thanks for having me Brigitte.

Give us a little background as to how and why you started your own editing and writing business.

I used to be an in-house Editor for Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. I started at the bottom and worked my way up after learning a plethora of valuable information about editing and the publishing process. After seeing several coworkers take the plunge into freelancing, I started brainstorming how I'd manage a career outside the confines of a corporate office. I soon realized that most, if not all of my work could be done from home. Plus, I learned that autonomy in my workplace is very important to me. There were priorities I had a home, and a home-based business was the perfect solution.

I didn’t get started immediately. I freelanced while working other jobs for two years before I started my business. After about a year of smaller editing projects, I left my full-time job and took a part-time position so I could focus more energy on building the business. After a year at the part-time job I found several other clients and had enough work to stay at home full time.

What type of services do you offer and how can writers and publishers take advantage of them?

I work with authors and publishers to create the best product possible. My services include copy editing, developmental editing, proofreading, ghost writing, rewriting and much more. I've also done several writing assignments. I edit manuscripts, Web sites, newsletters, magazines and educational products. When I work with publishing companies I'm often on board for the entire process, so I also offer services such as cast offs, book maps, photo research and copy fitting.

I'm still in the process of creating a Web site, so if you'd like to inquire about my services you can e-mail me.

Where can we find samples of your work?
If you’d like to see a sample of a recent editing project, take a look at Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers by none other than Brigitte Thompson. You can check out a sample of my writing in Suspense Magazine. I write a column titled Tales of a Fiction Junkie that discusses fiction from a fan's point of view. I'm always willing to share more samples upon request.

The life of an in-house editor can vary greatly from a freelance editor. What are some of the differences and what tools have helped you combat any disadvantages?

Creating a routine took some time. I discovered that when I didn't set days and times to work, I would procrastinate. So I'd say an important tool is a schedule.

Another “tool” that I highly recommend is colleagues. Since you don't have a staff of editors to collaborate with, I suggest joining editing, publishing and writing groups. I found a couple on Yahoo and I remain in contact with editors from my previous jobs as well. These professionals keep me in touch with the industry and are a great source for feedback.

The other item I have is an entire bookshelf filled with style and grammar guides, dictionaries, thesauruses and any other items I've found helpful over the years.

Lastly, have a list of trusted job sources. I've found that if I apply for jobs before my current project is over it usually works out so that when one project is ending, another one begins. This limits the amount of downtime between projects (and paychecks).

What advice can you suggest to other editors who are looking to start freelancing and possibly their own business?

If possible, get your experience working as an in-house editor first. Seeing the entire publishing process from start to finish was priceless. Plus, some of those colleagues may continue to offer support and professional guidance later in your career. I suggest starting on small freelance projects while you still have the stability of a full-time job. I know it’s not an option for everyone, but it’s a great way to build your clients and resume. It can be exhausting to work all day and then come home to do more of the same, but knowing that it’s for your own business is great motivation to persevere.

I have had the pleasure of working with Chelsea and highly recommend her services. As an editor, Chelsea has a wonderful way of encouraging writers to bring out their best. As a writer, her work is amazing! Chelsea is dedicated to each project she accepts. She is efficient and produces consistently exemplary work. Please contact Chelsea through e-mail with any questions or to find out how she can help with your current or future project.

Chelsea, thank you for sharing your editorial and writing services with us.