Greetings readers!
Thank you to everyone who visited or commented on either my blog posts or social media content last week.
To kick this week off, I have an interview with indie author, graphic designer and Chris Evans fan-girl Clare Bentley.
Please give Clare a warm welcome, and check out her website linked below.
1. Can you tell us about your journey into becoming an independent author? What inspired you to write crime fiction and women’s fiction?
I’ve always loved writing. When I was younger, writing provided me with a place to escape from the horror of living in an abusive home. I wrote about a place far away with a New Kid On The Block to rescue me from the everyday sounds of my mum being beaten by the man who supposedly loved her.
In secondary school, my English teacher recognised I had a flare for telling stories… something he encouraged. But it wasn’t until I had my children that I decided to look at publishing something I’d written with characters I’d created. I wrote What She Deserves to help work out the trauma of growing up constantly afraid of my mother being killed. It’s a complete work of fiction, but it deals with the reality of domestic violence. It was important to me it was written that way. I’ve already had so many messages of support for the book. Some people have reached out to share their own stories of being in an abusive relationship. I’ve even heard from someone who didn’t even class what she was enduring as domestic violence. Honestly helping just one person walk away from a situation like that, it’s the reason I wrote the book. As for crime fiction… I love true crime; it was only natural that was going to feature heavily in my novels.
2. How do you balance the distinct elements of crime fiction and women’s fiction in your writing? Do you find it challenging to switch between the two genres?
I watch a lot of true crime. I think there are similar elements in both genres, which I think I lean into well. I don’t find switching between the two genres particularly challenging. I believe it’s ingrained in me.
3. Your characters are often praised for their depth and complexity. What is your process for developing such multifaceted characters?
I usually have a very defined outline for my characters. I think complexities are what make us all individual. Cast of a book shouldn’t be any different. I start with the basics for each character and then dive into why they are who they are. I create a profile for my main cast and write down everything in excruciating detail so I forget nothing and can remain consistent.
4. Can you share some insights into your writing routine? How do you stay productive and motivated?
Sometimes that’s hard. Like with all things, and probably most creative types, motivating yourself when you feel like doing nothing is really difficult. I find asking friends and readers for pictures and GIFs of Chris Evans helps though. In all seriousness, I have days when I don’t work if I know anything I write or create will end up being deleted or restarted. Sometimes I don’t know that until I sit down and try to do something, other times I can tell just by my mood. That’s when I take a day for myself. I used to feel guilty about those days… I don’t anymore. You can’t replenish from an empty cup, so if I spend a day playing games on my phone, watching TV or reading, that’s okay. I know whatever I write will be better if I’m not drained. I used to keep going and constantly reworked everything I wrote because I wasn’t happy with it. Then I’d get frustrated with myself. That’s when I learned to take a break. Step away. Do something else for a while. When you’re ready, the words will come.
5. You’ve recently launched a graphic design business focusing on book graphics and covers. What inspired you to take this step, and how has the experience been so far?
I have been making my own book covers since I started publishing. They may not be to everyone’s liking, but I’m proud of them regardless. Having the ability to make my own graphics saved me money.
I’ve even been lucky enough to have made a few for friends… Rewriting Christmas for Kyra Lennon and After The Rain, a charity anthology for the Write Here, Write Now Community being two of my favourites.
In all honestly, it was my good friend, Karen, who encouraged me to go into business creating covers and graphics. While it was something I would do for friends, if they asked, I’d never considered marketing myself.
I have to say, Happy Bee Designs has been really well received. I had a client the first day I launched, which is incredible. And I’ve since had someone approach me for branding.
I find when the client has an idea of what they want, the who process runs smoothly.
6. How do your skills as a graphic designer influence your approach to writing and vice versa? Do you find that these creative fields complement each other?
Oh, that’s a good question and something I’ve never considered before you asked. I suppose I do approach them in similar ways. I have to have a distinct idea for both writing and graphics before I start any work at all. Even a loose idea is enough to get me started.
7. What are some of the unique challenges you face as an independent author in the publishing industry, and how do you overcome them?
I’m not sure it’s unique, but visibility is by far the biggest challenge for me. Without money for ad’s, I’m reliant on family, friends and readers to share promotional posts to increase being seen.
Also, as an independent author, everything is your responsibility and it’s hard to know if you’re making the right decisions—especially when it comes to book covers.
8. Could you walk us through your process for designing a book cover? What elements do you consider essential for capturing the essence of a book?
I think it’s important to know the genre of the book when you look at the cover. Romance is pretty straight forward… couples right? But if you don’t want to use a couple, or topless man, it can be challenging. It helps if a client has an idea in mind, though it’s not essential. They say two heads are better than one, so even if someone has no clue what they want… we can discuss it and develop ideas together.
My most recent custom cover I made for a client is the perfect example. She didn’t want people, just something specific made sexy. The request stumped me for about a day… and then, it came to me.
I can’t say too much, there’s been no cover reveal yet, but the client is pleased with my design and that makes me happy. For my own book covers, I can draw elements from the story I know by heart. With the exception of After You’ve Gone and Twisted Fixation, I have enjoyed the process of making all of my own covers.
The cover I’m proudest of is for my latest release, Survive The Night… and the one for book two is even better—if I do say so myself. LOL.
9. With the rise of digital books and self-publishing, how do you see the future of independent publishing and the role of graphic design in it?
I think publishing my books myself is the best thing I ever did. The fear of rejection from a traditional company always kept me from sending off a manuscript. With self-publishing, you get to release the story you want and control all other aspects of being in business. And I mean ALL aspects, which can be extremely difficult, but I know I feel better knowing all the rights to my books are mine.
I truly believe more and more authors will become designers, because not all of them earn a living from book sales. If you can design your own cover, it saves you money. It’s one of the reasons I’m happy to have already been tech savvy. Being able to make my own cover saved me money when I was just starting out and is one of the reasons my prices are so competitive. I know it’s not easy having to shell out for everything yourself.
10. What advice would you give to aspiring authors and graphic designers who are looking to break into the industry?
When I first started publishing, there was an overwhelming sense of being alone on this journey. Then I found the Write Here, Write Now Community—a group of fellow authors who you can lean on and ask for advice on all aspects of writing. My journey as an author has changed so much being part of a tribe. I used to be so scared of sprints. I was encouraged—not pressured—into trying them. And, I flourished, getting better and better word counts each time. My confidence around how I write has increased dramatically too. Listening to other authors read snippets of their work, helped me to see where I could improve my own words. I’ve had feedback from fellow authors, support when I haven’t been able to write and just a whole sense of community that makes this job easier. I can’t recommend enough finding a troupe that can help you when you get imposter syndrome, that will lift you up when you feel like there’s no point writing anymore and who rally around to celebrate your successes too. Personally, I recommend the Write Here, Write Now Community. It’s not an annual subscription. You can join for a month to see what the fuss is about, and there’s no obligation to stay if it’s not right for you, but I bet you’ll stick around. We’re pretty great in there, all of us.
Thank you for dropping by my blog Clare, and answering my questions.
And if you want to learn more about Clare, and where to find both her books and graphic design services, read on.
About Clare Bentley
Clare Bentley is a married mother of a son and a daughter, who are now adults. She was raised by a single mother and didn’t care to know her abusive biological father, instead considering her stepfather to be her dad.
Playtime for her growing up was filled with creating scenarios to act out and making up dance routines to her favourite songs of the late 80s to early 90s.
She discovered a love of writing in secondary school English, which was the only lesson she cared to attend, and the only GCSE’s she actually got a decent grade in.
She never really had a passion for anything other than being a mother until she was one, and that’s when she decided to try her hand at writing.
And that led her into the world of self-publishing.
Find Clare Bentley Online at: Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram
And find Happy Bee Designs at: Website | Facebook | Instagram
