INTERVIEW WITH... ME! (KITTY BULLARD CREATOR OF GREAT MINDS THINK ALOUD LITERARY COMMUNITY & INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING TELLS ALL TO LEE-ANN VINSON GRAFF)
Publisher and Author, Kitty Bullard shares the secrets of a Great Mind.
Today, I have decided to take the road less travelled here on Author Sunday. It is the path of the Indie Publisher. Why taint the hallowed sanctity of the author realm with the words of a publisher? Well, because I want to, that’s why.
When I see someone working so incredibly hard to reach a goal, I stop and say, “Now, here is someone for Author Sunday!” This woman goes above and beyond in everything she puts her mind to – and, trust me, she puts her mind to many, many arenas of the writing world. She is dedicated to helping Indie Authors reach their goal of producing and publishing quality works, and will not rest until she is satisfied with the final product.
If you would like a little more information on how to get your work out there, scan through this interview and find what you are looking for. If you would like to meet a woman who wants to make your dreams come true, grab a coffee and get comfortable. Author Sunday welcomes Indie Publisher and Author, Kitty Bullard.
You are currently working on your BA in Business Administration. What brought you to explore the literary realm?
First of all thank you so much Lee-Ann for allowing me to have a guest spot on your blog!
I have always been an avid book reader and lover of great literature. I can remember being quite young and writing down stories of my own, sadly none of which I have now. Books have always been a huge part of my life and I am in the midst of writing a novel with a dear friend of mine. I suppose you could say that my love of everything literary was the reason behind it all, but there is more to it than just a love of books.
When I began Great Minds, I started to realize a whole new realm of authors I'd never known existed. These authors are independent and struggling to make it on their own. Others are unable to get the attention of larger publishing houses. After reading several amazing books, ones which I could hardly put down, I began to realize I needed to do more than just form another book club. I wanted to help. I wanted to promote and get their names out there.
A year later, here I am trying my hand at Independent Publishing. I only hope I can do as much for these wonderful authors as they have all done for me over the past year. I have never known a group of more gracious, interesting, and delightful people than the Independent Authors I've had the good fortune of meeting.
You are the visionary and creator of Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community. Tell us about what you hope to accomplish with your company.
As a lot of people know, Great Minds was created with the vision of being another book club, though based majorly on the internet alone. I never expected it to grow into what it has. However, after meeting so many people that loved books and literature as much as I do, I began to expand my vision. Soon, I began doing interviews with Independent and Big House Published Authors, give aways - both themed and author based, and posting book cover reveals, book releases, and everything else I could to help get them noticed.
Since then, I have decided to try my hand at publishing and hope to expand even more. I guess you could say my vision is to give the Independent Authors as much support and encouragement as I can. We also offer services such as manuscript editing, book cover art and creation, advertisement, book trailers, and much more at very reasonable prices for authors and publishers outside of Great Minds Publishing. We intend to have our hand in as much as we can when dealing with Independent Authors, and will always have their best interests at heart.
What are you most passionate about?
I think what I'm most passionate about is great literature and helping people. I have always been something of a philanthropist and truly enjoy being able to help others. The greatest feeling in the world is to see someone else succeed from what you have either taught them, helped them accomplish, or had a part in, even in the smallest way.
I can honestly say, having worked with numerous authors over the past year, I get a little thrill every time I see something great come from something I have done for them. Whether it’s a rise in the sale of their books or another publishing company showing interest in publishing their books, it simply makes me happy.
How would you complete this statement, “If you can dream it . . .”?
It is possible! I have always been a believer in dreams. I tell everyone that if you visualize it, dream it, or if it even holds a spark in your mind, then your goal can be achieved if you set your mind to it. There is nothing a human being cannot do if they have the drive, the emotion, and the will. Yes, it takes hard work, perseverance, a sense of direction, and a lot of motivation, but it’s all well worth it in the end.
Do you have a five-year plan?
Wow, great question. I can't say I haven't thought about where I'd like to be in five years. I guess it all goes back to the question before this one. In five years, I'd love to see myself in a position where I don't have to worry about things, such as: if I can afford to pay my child's college tuition, if I can pay the next light bill, whether or not we'll have a roof over our head. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I just want to be comfortable. I want to be self-sufficient and able to take care of my family. I want to not have to worry and, most of all, I want to be doing exactly what I'm doing now! Of course, it would be nice to have a little more help and be able to pay for that help.
I can honestly say, I work hard, day in and day out, but in light of it all, I'd never change what I have done or what I plan to do and I intend to keep going for just as long as I can.
What advice can you give to authors who wish to market their works effectively?
First and foremost, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you feel passionate enough about getting your work out there, ask friends and family to read your manuscript. Take all constructive criticism to heart. Don't let it get you down if you get a few bad reviews or a few people that don't enjoy what you've written. What you have to remember is that not everyone has the same opinions. Your work will appeal to those that enjoy what you write. You will find your audience, but it's always a trial and error game.
Make sure, before you publish a book whether by yourself or even through a company, you are 100% satisfied with what you've written, the editing that's been done, the work your publisher has put into it, and the representation you are getting from them. Don't hang your hat in one spot too quickly, shop around and fine a place you know you and your work belong. If you decide to go it alone, it's still a great idea to find a good editor. You know your work. You know what you write, but a lot of times you won't see the errors, punctuation problems and other details. They will.
Marketing is hard, I've not only learned that through my endeavor with Great Minds, but also from the classes I take online. It's not an easy road and there are so many things an author needs to know before taking that big step. (By the way, thank you Doug Lucas for teaching me a heck of a lot along the way. I love you young man!)
What ideas are you currently working on for publication?
Right now I am working on (when I have the time, of course) the first book in what is hoped to be a series called "Seminole". This is a partnered work with a friend of mine, Amber Rendon. She and I met one another in the strangest of ways and realized that we had quite an unmatched talent in partnered writing. We are working at a snails pace to someday have a book out there you will all enjoy. I can say this, it is paranormal/supernatural, whatever it's called these days but before you groan and moan about, "oh no not another one" I can say that this will be a bit different than what you're use to. Some old favorites may make an appearance as far as supernatural beings are concerned, but there will be quite a lot of new and exciting ones making a debut... stay tuned!
Where can we find you?
You can find us pretty much all over the web. Usually if you just Google, "Great Minds Think Aloud" you will pull something of ours up from somewhere. But for the benefit of those who would like a bit more detail, I'll list our links below:
Great Minds Main Site:http://www.greatmindsliterarycommunity.com
Great Minds Publishing:http://www.greatmindspublishing.moonfruit.com
Great Minds Review Hub:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com
Great Minds Blogger:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.blogspot.com
Great Minds on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/greatmindsthinkaloudliterarycommunity
Great Minds on Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmtabookclub/
Great Minds Tumblr:http://greatmindsthinkaloud.tumblr.com/
Great Minds Wordpress:http://greatmindsthinkaloudbookclub.wordpress.com/
Great Minds Google +:https://plus.google.com/u/0/108188503262756167529/posts
Great Minds Weebly:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.weebly.com
Great Minds Posterous:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.posterous.com
Great Minds Xanga:http://greatmindsthinkaloud.xanga.com/
Great Minds LiveJournal:http://greatmindslit.livejournal.com/
Great Minds Spruz:http://greatmindsthinkaloudliterarycommunity.spruz.com/
Great Minds Library:http://www.librarything.com/profile/GreatMindsThinkAloud
Great Minds Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5208422-kitty-bullard-great-minds-think-aloud
Great Minds Shelfari:http://www.shelfari.com/profilesettings/profile
(Remember you asked for it! I know it's a long list. Keep in mind this isn't anywhere near all the places the interviews, reviews, cover releases, book releases and everything are sent and do get posted!)
How can authors contact you?
Luckily this isn't a long list. If you really want to contact me, you can find me at this email address. (Usually, I answer right away if I'm online... which most of the time I am.)
Contact me here:[email protected]
Thank you so much for taking time out of your incredibly, busy schedule to share your work with us today, Kitty. You are one amazing woman!
Thank you Lee-Ann! It was my pleasure. I am glad I was able to share all this information! I hope to hear from your readers very soon, even if it's just to say hi!
For all you authors out there who would like to share your work and how you got there with the rest of us, please feel free to email me at:[email protected] to set up a date.
Read more:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=interviews&thread=1226#ixzz1pTnK3jae
Publisher and Author, Kitty Bullard shares the secrets of a Great Mind.
Today, I have decided to take the road less travelled here on Author Sunday. It is the path of the Indie Publisher. Why taint the hallowed sanctity of the author realm with the words of a publisher? Well, because I want to, that’s why.
When I see someone working so incredibly hard to reach a goal, I stop and say, “Now, here is someone for Author Sunday!” This woman goes above and beyond in everything she puts her mind to – and, trust me, she puts her mind to many, many arenas of the writing world. She is dedicated to helping Indie Authors reach their goal of producing and publishing quality works, and will not rest until she is satisfied with the final product.
If you would like a little more information on how to get your work out there, scan through this interview and find what you are looking for. If you would like to meet a woman who wants to make your dreams come true, grab a coffee and get comfortable. Author Sunday welcomes Indie Publisher and Author, Kitty Bullard.
You are currently working on your BA in Business Administration. What brought you to explore the literary realm?
First of all thank you so much Lee-Ann for allowing me to have a guest spot on your blog!
I have always been an avid book reader and lover of great literature. I can remember being quite young and writing down stories of my own, sadly none of which I have now. Books have always been a huge part of my life and I am in the midst of writing a novel with a dear friend of mine. I suppose you could say that my love of everything literary was the reason behind it all, but there is more to it than just a love of books.
When I began Great Minds, I started to realize a whole new realm of authors I'd never known existed. These authors are independent and struggling to make it on their own. Others are unable to get the attention of larger publishing houses. After reading several amazing books, ones which I could hardly put down, I began to realize I needed to do more than just form another book club. I wanted to help. I wanted to promote and get their names out there.
A year later, here I am trying my hand at Independent Publishing. I only hope I can do as much for these wonderful authors as they have all done for me over the past year. I have never known a group of more gracious, interesting, and delightful people than the Independent Authors I've had the good fortune of meeting.
You are the visionary and creator of Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community. Tell us about what you hope to accomplish with your company.
As a lot of people know, Great Minds was created with the vision of being another book club, though based majorly on the internet alone. I never expected it to grow into what it has. However, after meeting so many people that loved books and literature as much as I do, I began to expand my vision. Soon, I began doing interviews with Independent and Big House Published Authors, give aways - both themed and author based, and posting book cover reveals, book releases, and everything else I could to help get them noticed.
Since then, I have decided to try my hand at publishing and hope to expand even more. I guess you could say my vision is to give the Independent Authors as much support and encouragement as I can. We also offer services such as manuscript editing, book cover art and creation, advertisement, book trailers, and much more at very reasonable prices for authors and publishers outside of Great Minds Publishing. We intend to have our hand in as much as we can when dealing with Independent Authors, and will always have their best interests at heart.
What are you most passionate about?
I think what I'm most passionate about is great literature and helping people. I have always been something of a philanthropist and truly enjoy being able to help others. The greatest feeling in the world is to see someone else succeed from what you have either taught them, helped them accomplish, or had a part in, even in the smallest way.
I can honestly say, having worked with numerous authors over the past year, I get a little thrill every time I see something great come from something I have done for them. Whether it’s a rise in the sale of their books or another publishing company showing interest in publishing their books, it simply makes me happy.
How would you complete this statement, “If you can dream it . . .”?
It is possible! I have always been a believer in dreams. I tell everyone that if you visualize it, dream it, or if it even holds a spark in your mind, then your goal can be achieved if you set your mind to it. There is nothing a human being cannot do if they have the drive, the emotion, and the will. Yes, it takes hard work, perseverance, a sense of direction, and a lot of motivation, but it’s all well worth it in the end.
Do you have a five-year plan?
Wow, great question. I can't say I haven't thought about where I'd like to be in five years. I guess it all goes back to the question before this one. In five years, I'd love to see myself in a position where I don't have to worry about things, such as: if I can afford to pay my child's college tuition, if I can pay the next light bill, whether or not we'll have a roof over our head. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I just want to be comfortable. I want to be self-sufficient and able to take care of my family. I want to not have to worry and, most of all, I want to be doing exactly what I'm doing now! Of course, it would be nice to have a little more help and be able to pay for that help.
I can honestly say, I work hard, day in and day out, but in light of it all, I'd never change what I have done or what I plan to do and I intend to keep going for just as long as I can.
What advice can you give to authors who wish to market their works effectively?
First and foremost, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you feel passionate enough about getting your work out there, ask friends and family to read your manuscript. Take all constructive criticism to heart. Don't let it get you down if you get a few bad reviews or a few people that don't enjoy what you've written. What you have to remember is that not everyone has the same opinions. Your work will appeal to those that enjoy what you write. You will find your audience, but it's always a trial and error game.
Make sure, before you publish a book whether by yourself or even through a company, you are 100% satisfied with what you've written, the editing that's been done, the work your publisher has put into it, and the representation you are getting from them. Don't hang your hat in one spot too quickly, shop around and fine a place you know you and your work belong. If you decide to go it alone, it's still a great idea to find a good editor. You know your work. You know what you write, but a lot of times you won't see the errors, punctuation problems and other details. They will.
Marketing is hard, I've not only learned that through my endeavor with Great Minds, but also from the classes I take online. It's not an easy road and there are so many things an author needs to know before taking that big step. (By the way, thank you Doug Lucas for teaching me a heck of a lot along the way. I love you young man!)
What ideas are you currently working on for publication?
Right now I am working on (when I have the time, of course) the first book in what is hoped to be a series called "Seminole". This is a partnered work with a friend of mine, Amber Rendon. She and I met one another in the strangest of ways and realized that we had quite an unmatched talent in partnered writing. We are working at a snails pace to someday have a book out there you will all enjoy. I can say this, it is paranormal/supernatural, whatever it's called these days but before you groan and moan about, "oh no not another one" I can say that this will be a bit different than what you're use to. Some old favorites may make an appearance as far as supernatural beings are concerned, but there will be quite a lot of new and exciting ones making a debut... stay tuned!
Where can we find you?
You can find us pretty much all over the web. Usually if you just Google, "Great Minds Think Aloud" you will pull something of ours up from somewhere. But for the benefit of those who would like a bit more detail, I'll list our links below:
Great Minds Main Site:http://www.greatmindsliterarycommunity.com
Great Minds Publishing:http://www.greatmindspublishing.moonfruit.com
Great Minds Review Hub:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com
Great Minds Blogger:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.blogspot.com
Great Minds on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/greatmindsthinkaloudliterarycommunity
Great Minds on Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmtabookclub/
Great Minds Tumblr:http://greatmindsthinkaloud.tumblr.com/
Great Minds Wordpress:http://greatmindsthinkaloudbookclub.wordpress.com/
Great Minds Google +:https://plus.google.com/u/0/108188503262756167529/posts
Great Minds Weebly:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.weebly.com
Great Minds Posterous:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.posterous.com
Great Minds Xanga:http://greatmindsthinkaloud.xanga.com/
Great Minds LiveJournal:http://greatmindslit.livejournal.com/
Great Minds Spruz:http://greatmindsthinkaloudliterarycommunity.spruz.com/
Great Minds Library:http://www.librarything.com/profile/GreatMindsThinkAloud
Great Minds Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5208422-kitty-bullard-great-minds-think-aloud
Great Minds Shelfari:http://www.shelfari.com/profilesettings/profile
(Remember you asked for it! I know it's a long list. Keep in mind this isn't anywhere near all the places the interviews, reviews, cover releases, book releases and everything are sent and do get posted!)
How can authors contact you?
Luckily this isn't a long list. If you really want to contact me, you can find me at this email address. (Usually, I answer right away if I'm online... which most of the time I am.)
Contact me here:[email protected]
Thank you so much for taking time out of your incredibly, busy schedule to share your work with us today, Kitty. You are one amazing woman!
Thank you Lee-Ann! It was my pleasure. I am glad I was able to share all this information! I hope to hear from your readers very soon, even if it's just to say hi!
For all you authors out there who would like to share your work and how you got there with the rest of us, please feel free to email me at:[email protected] to set up a date.
Read more:http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=interviews&thread=1226#ixzz1pTnK3jae
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