Author Nanette Buchanan

Nanette Buchanan

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

I am married with three married children and five beautiful grandchildren. I am employed by the State of New Jersey as a Senior Corrections Officer. I currently hold the position of Instructor at the Corrections Training Academy. I worked with youth for over 25 years as a Track and Field coach. I enjoy working with children, writing, and vacationing with family.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I began writing poetry in grammar school but didn't delve into it seriously until my years in college.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

It was a great boost to my self esteem. There were times when I thought I wouldn't finish it. Other than poetry and children stories I hadn't tried writing more than ten to twenty pages. So the completion of a full novel was an achievement.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

My character is a reflection of my feelings and my husbands about family matters. We both had siblings we weren't aware of or met during our childhood. The question after my husband was introduced to his sister was why had the family kept the information about her a secret. Unknowing could it be possible that they could have met before. What if they did?

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

Family Secrets Lies & Alibi's answers the questions that arise when family doesn't tell the intimate details hoping no one will reveal the truth. After the death of D.Q. Mince his son, Darrell must face the secrets his father has left. As the executor of the estate he must deal with the knowledge that his mother was the mistress is his father's life; the wife who stayed in the marriage waiting to collect after his death; the brother he never knew; and the new love interest in his life possibly being his sister. As these secrets unravel Darrell must make decisions about his life, his newly acquired business and the truth as he uncovers it bit by bit.

I'm a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let's say I've never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

Have you ever wondered why funerals, weddings, and family reunions become the stage for Family Secrets to be revealed? Can chaos enter your life without you knowing the truth? If your answer is yes to either of these questions then you can relate to the suspense and drama in my debut novel. If you've ever asked yourself how or why a wife stays in a marriage knowing her husband loved someone else; or If you've ever been to a reunion spotted someone you never met and thought of the possibilities until a relative told you he or she is a relative to.......then you would love the suspense and drama my debut novel takes you through. With our society being filled with broken families...siblings that never meet......mother's that hold their own ground with no interest to unite the children they bore with the other woman's husband or lover; it leaves us to understand the possibilities of these children meeting and falling in love. Who will tell them it's wrong after they have loved each other for a year or more?

What would be the outcome if they chose their love over the love of their broken families? Curious to find out? Then read Secrets Lies and Alibi's.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

I would accept it as constructive criticism. It is my belief that a review is a professional opinion. If one has given me a fair but less than average rating than I expect them to have read the entire work and to be able to pinpoint my flaws. One can not get better without accepting critiques but they must be warranted, professional and thorough.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I'm really bad when it comes to picking one or two authors that have inspired me. As a reader of many genre's I find that I am inspired and motivated by many. Omar Tyree, Valerie Wesley, Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King, TD Jakes, E.Lynn Harris and others. Lately I have been encouraged by Tyler Perry's work and the work of J.K. Rowlings.

What books would you recommend on writing?

Dan Poytner's book on publishing . Actually all of his works bring insight to new writers.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

I wouldn't have tried to go print on demand. I would have self published earlier and saved the money I lost in the process.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Keep the pen to the pad even when all the doors and windows seem to be closed. Research your work and options to promote, market and distribute. There is no one way to become a successful writer. Those who have reached success each have a story. Look for your path and follow it. Get advice, assistance and support it helps to keep you mentally prepared for the bumps and bruises. Completing the project is the reward.....then the work begins.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

www.myspace.com/ipendesigns www.amazon.com www.ipendesigns.com ipendesigns.blogspot.com

I have blogs posted on all my sights, my book trailers, poetry and reviews.