Revital:
When did you start writing? I understand that your writing came later in life (I am the same…). What first motivated you to write and publish?
Pam Howes:
I’m an indie author and avid reader. I’m passionate about good books, good stories and good writing. I read as much as I write and I also love good films. I live in the UK countryside with my partner and three dogs, who are my pride and joy.
Revital:
How many hours per week are you working? I am curious to know if most of your working time is writing or promoting your books.
Pam Howes:
I write as many hours a day as I can. Some days I get more free time than others and often stay up until the wee small hours to finish something that might be kicking around in my head. It's peaceful then. No TV on or phone ringing to distract me. I find a fair bit of time each day is given to promoting my work on line and helping to promote other authors too. I think being an Indie this is vital. Unless readers know your book is out there, you won't get any sales. So I use groups on Facebook and I also use Twitter, to promote. I've been so lucky to meet many other authors in the same boat and we all help support and promote each other.
Revital:
Why did you decide to self-publish your books? How did you start doing this? How did you know what to do and how to get started?
Pam Howes:
I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to send out my books to agents. The whole process takes far too long and I'm impatient. Plus my best friend was terminally ill and wanted to see my first book in print. As soon as I realised I could go down the self publishing route I jumped in with both feet. The on-line critique group I belonged to, "You Write On" offered a publishing and distribution package for peanuts around £50 so I went with them. They have published all three of my novels under different publishing names due to changes in their business, but I've been delighted with the quality and service. The first two books sold reasonably well but it took a lot of time and dedication to do this. The third book has only just been published to print so I haven't had the time to get that one off the ground yet. In November 2011 I discovered the miracle of e books and Kindle publishing and have simply never looked back since taking that simple route to publication.
Revital:
Please tell us about your books, what are they about? Who is your audience?
Pam Howes:
My three published books, so far, are a series about a rock band called The Raiders. They are sagas of their lives, loves and families. My main audience seems to be women although I've also had male readers telling me how much they've enjoyed the stories and can relate to the characters and their antics. The band is all based on guys I've known in the past - and present - so they're easy and fun characters to work with.
Revital:
What are your future writing plans? Any exciting things coming up?
Pam Howes:
I've almost completed my first stand-alone novel which I'm hoping to publish towards the end of January, certainly early February, time permitting. This one is called "Fast Movin' Train" and is about a couple who fall in love in their middle life, but who are each married to the others friend. It's based on a true story and is again about a musician, coping the best he can with everything life throws at him. As soon as it's finished and out there I'm starting on my fifth novel, the fourth in The Raiders series, and I can't wait to get the story up and running. That one will be called "Not Fade Away".
Revital:
What else would you like to tell us about yourself?
Pam Howes:
I'm sure every Indie Author will agree with me that trying to find the time to do everything is a bit like meeting yourself coming backwards. There never seems to be enough hours in a day and I simply have to ignore the housework or that fact I haven't eaten for hours. Good job I have a manservant handy to make the odd mug of coffee and sandwich. But writing to me is like a drug. I have to have my daily fix. I can't function without it. There are conversations going on in my head all the time; characters arguing and trampling around in my thoughts. I sometimes whish there was a switch off button or I could tell them all to go home for the night and leave me in peace. But I guess that's not going to happen for the foreseeable future. Certainly not when The Raiders are kicking their heels and waiting to be dragged screaming into daylight again. But quite honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.