From Brimfield: A Booklover’s a-Fair
By Natasha Boord, 11/5/19
Brimfield Public Library hosted its first Local Author Fair last Friday, November 1st. After months of planning, almost a dozen local authors and writers met their community of readers and supporters. From 5:30-7:30 PM in BPL’s Activity Room, readers of all ages had the opportunity to discuss the author’s work with them in-person and even purchase a copy of their books who represented a variety of genres and a wide swathe of talent from Central Illinois.
J. Lawson (Photo courtesy of J.E. Mueller) 
Cody Ashbury (Photo courtesy of J.E. Mueller) 
Linda Lowery (Photo courtesy of J.E. Mueller) 
The booth of J. E. Mueller (Photo courtesy of J.E. Mueller) 
“Try to read things you’re not used to get some creative ideas.”-Sylvia Shults
Sylvia Shults (Photo courtesy of Brimfield Public Library)
Many of the authors featured are self-published and can be found on Amazon.
Amongst those in attendance, ICC communications professor and horror novelist Joe Chianakis sat down with this journalist to get some greater perspective on the writing process and advice for future prospective writers. Professor Chianakis is best known for his horror trilogy the Rabbit in Red series and his anthology of short stories and horror-inspired poetry Nightmares Under The Moonlight.
What is your writing process like?
So first I start with a basic outline by jotting down the conflict and the main characters. I set a goal for myself by writing every morning at least 1,000 words written.
I think an important takeaway is taking baby steps to reach your main goal.
After finishing the first draft I leave it alone for a month and then re-read it so I can fully critique and take it apart. After that then I gather some friends over have them read it and tear it apart again.
How do you get books published?
There are three ways to get your book published.
The most common route is getting an agent by pitching your story to them and if they like it they will take and help pitch the story to publishers. I would recommend researching possible agents. You can go to a more independent publisher, but it will be more difficult without an agent and getting your book seen.
The last option is to self-publish which is possible through print on demand or eBooks. It’s a bit challenging due to the fact you’re by yourself to edit and format. All of that is on your shoulders.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Editing is the major component that changed, knowing to be more critical and edit far more. It helped me to write better and develop my characters more. Also figuring out strategies to pull me in.
What are the common traps for aspiring writers?
I say a common trap would be publishers and picking the right one. It’s because a publisher’s main goal is [making] money.
Vanity publishers and predatory websites are out to scam writers thinking they are going to publish their book, only taking their money. Had a student publish on a Facebook GoFundMe page for $3,000 for a publisher.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? What is the best way to market your books?
The challenge of finding an audience and [how] rewarding when you do. Also after the book is published you still have work to do by getting the word out.
Social media is by far the best way, but you need to be smart about it. You need to create a balance between connecting with your audience and self-promoting…paid advertisements help and knowing the demographic you’re marketing to.
Do you read your book reviews?
I’d say try not to, but I know it’s hard to resist. I recommend, at first, going to people and asking them to leave reviews to generate a buzz around your book so that others will see it.
You need to develop a thick skin when reading these. Something I say that sticks with me is [that] “you won’t be successful without hate.”
If you had any advice for young writers?
It’s to be patient and persistent. It can take years before your book is published. Have honesty and keep working. Have your talent catch up with your passion.
You can contact Joe through email, his personal website, or follow him on all major social media platforms: Youtube channel, Facebook, and Twitter.
Additionally, the other authors offered tips and encouragement for young writers.
“…read about writing and that could help. Also, ask yourself what you would like to get out of your work.” -Cody Ashbury, author of the sci-fi novel The Bed Heads: Life’s a Trip
“Start by writing with what you know and don’t let fear stop you. No one writes well the first few times…I wrote about 80,000 words and realized it was not the direction I wanted it to head so I started over.” -J.E. Mueller, author of the Shaudrey Universe fantasy series
“Keep everything you write. That way if something did not work for one story you can go back and reuse it for another.”
Linda Lowery, author of Murder in the Library
“Make sure what you write you find joy in.” -J. Lawson, author of the Amulets and the Convergence
