Why did you feel you had to tell this story?
I love to entertain, shock, and entice an audience. Rapture embodies all of my favorite things!
Where do you get your ideas?
To me, a good plot should do more than just pull the reader in—it should convey an emotional response, whether negative or positive. That, more than anything, is what makes a good idea turn into a great story. The idea of Rapture was lulling around in my brain for years—it didn’t hurt that I went to a private school and had a first-hand view of a few questionable antics. And the paranormal element is just too good to pass up!
Do you ever experience writer’s block and how do you overcome it?
I don’t think there’s one trick that shakes it off, but taking a long walk and clearing the mind often helps. Or emptying a bottle of wine.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers on the writing and publishing process?
When you get an idea, work with it. Create an outline for your characters and for the plot. Make time to write every day and very quickly you will generate your own creation. I have a day job, so I know how limited time can be—but getting into the habit of writing everyday really makes a difference. As far as publishing, it’s tough as hell. The game is very different today. And frankly, there’s a lot of bad stuff getting published, and a lot of great stuff getting rejected. Bottom line, if you believe in your story and your characters, don’t give up. Keep sending out inquiries, but don’t rule out self-publication. The biggest advantage is you retain control of your masterpiece, and (if it sells) make higher earnings than going through a publishing house.
How do you market your work? Have you found some avenues to be more successful than others?
Social networking is vital. Get a website up with info about your work and where it can be purchased. Try avenues like fiverr.com, or spend $5 or $10 and promote a Facebook post. Send post cards to every bookstore and library in your area. I made an early mistake of shelling out nearly $1000 to a marketing company, and the result was devastating. The hard lesson—yes, it’s difficult, but it doesn’t have to be as costly as you think.
If your book was made into a movie, who do you picture playing each part?
I love Keri Russell—she’d definitely be my #1 pick for the nun’s role. Rob James-Collier would be Derrick. Willem Dafoe would be an AMAZING Jaco!!!
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SYNOPSIS
In the winter of 1995, St. Martin of Merrick Hills Boarding School was shut down by the archdiocese. The school’s last months were plagued by the disappearance of one student, Ralphie Simmons.While exploring the remains of Merrick Hills in 2012, a group of students found the diary hidden within the school grounds. The diary chronicles the chilling events that tormented the remaining inhabitants of the school…right until the very last entry.
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About the Author
E.M. Bryant is a writer who hails from Southeast Missouri. She has a background in literature, and a passion for Medieval and American Folklore. An interest in the paranormal sparked Bryant to begin writing a trilogy involving all of these elements.
Her first book, Rapture, was published in March 2013 via Xlibris Corporation. It has received favorable reviews in its first few weeks of release. Bryant’s second book, Awake, is scheduled to be debuted late summer 2013.
Raised in the Bible Belt, her stories often reference religious topics, paying special attention to subjects like predestination and sexuality. Controversial, perverse, and witty, Bryant’s writing aims to target, frighten, and seduce the reader.
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FOR MORE INFO
Website: http://darkanddirtybooks.com/
e-Book: http://amzn.to/YOgr3b
Print: http://bit.ly/ZPIxqg
Social Media Sites:
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/EMBryant2
Blogger: http://www.darkanddirtyorigins.blogspot.com/