An Inverview with Glenda Ivey
Interviewed by J. B. Scott
JB
Hi Glenda Ivey! Thank you for joining us at the newly created "E-Literate"interview room. It is a privilege and pleasure to have you as our guest. You have achieved a high standing reputation, all of which is well deserved through your hard work and determination
Hi Glenda Ivey! Thank you for joining us at the newly created "E-Literate"interview room. It is a privilege and pleasure to have you as our guest. You have achieved a high standing reputation, all of which is well deserved through your hard work and determination in helping others. Your debut novel Silent Revenge is doing very well in bookstores everywhere, so much so that you had to delay the release of your second novel Ripped Apart! Share with us now the woman behind this lady, Glenda Ivey, a special person who has been quoted as being"extremely driven, ambitious and naturally intense, and proof of that is the many challenges Glenda has chosen to pursue."
GIHi JB, thanks so much for inviting me and please know that I feel very comfortable here with you and especially with those who are taking their time to read this. I appreciate your interest immensely.
Hi JB, thanks so much for inviting me and please know that I feel very comfortable here with you and especially with those who are taking their time to read this. I appreciate your interest immensely. JBYour newest venture, the Florida Writers' Association, to which you are the
Your newest venture, the Florida Writers' Association, to which you are thefounder, what inspired that?
GIJust plain ol' fashioned jealousy. ;-) I know that isn't a pretty word, but I really can't think of one more appropriate. Even though I have lived many years in Florida, I was born and raised in North Georgia, and a portion of my heart will always belong to that beautiful state. Georgia has a wonderful writer's association, Georgia Writers, Inc. Bobbie Christmas, a dear friend, and a definite mentor of mine, is the President of that fine organization. Geri Teran is the Executive Director and under the leadership of those two dedicated and talented women, Georgia Writers has evolved into, not only a strong support system for Georgia Writers, but a network of extreme importance to the entire state. They, along with their volunteers, have given their heart and soul to this mission and as a result, have succeeded in forming an organization that is well known in the Southeast for its charitable contributions as well as its constant support to writers. This is what I want for Florida writers. My husband and I lived in Georgia from 1990 until 1998 before returning to Florida. When we came back, I searched "high and low" for something similar in this state. There wasn't one. There are wonderful local and regional writer's groups, many of which are off-springs of national writer's organizations, but there was nothing strictly for the state of
Just plain ol' fashioned jealousy. ;-) I know that isn't a pretty word, but I really can't think of one more appropriate. Even though I have lived many years in Florida, I was born and raised in North Georgia, and a portion of my heart will always belong to that beautiful state. Georgia has a wonderful writer's association, Georgia Writers, Inc. Bobbie Christmas, a dear friend, and a definite mentor of mine, is the President of that fine organization. Geri Teran is the Executive Director and under the leadership of those two dedicated and talented women, Georgia Writers has evolved into, not only a strong support system for Georgia Writers, but a network of extreme importance to the entire state. They, along with their volunteers, have given their heart and soul to this mission and as a result, have succeeded in forming an organization that is well known in the Southeast for its charitable contributions as well as its constant support to writers. This is what I want for Florida writers. My husband and I lived in Georgia from 1990 until 1998 before returning to Florida. When we came back, I searched "high and low" for something similar in this state. There wasn't one. There are wonderful local and regional writer's groups, many of which are off-springs of national writer's organizations, but there was nothing strictly for the state ofFlorida. Now there is.
JBWhat are you goals and ambitions for the FWA? What steps have you taken to meet those goals?
What are you goals and ambitions for the FWA? What steps have you taken to meet those goals?GIOh, my goodness, JB. I doubt that we have time for that, but I'll try. I want Florida Writers to become the best of the best! We already have some extremely talented members who have given so much in such a short time. We've only really "been in business" since May 14, and sometimes I have to give myself a good shake to remind myself that it isn't a dream. I believe that my main goal is to establish enough Palm Groups, scattered all over the state, so writers can come and learn about the writing and publishing business, and always feel that they are among friends. I want us, as a support network, to be able to furnish writers with the information they need to advance in their writing careers. I want them to feel comfortable and worthwhile and most of all, I want them to know that we really care about them and their chosen field.
Oh, my goodness, JB. I doubt that we have time for that, but I'll try. I want Florida Writers to become the best of the best! We already have some extremely talented members who have given so much in such a short time. We've only really "been in business" since May 14, and sometimes I have to give myself a good shake to remind myself that it isn't a dream. I believe that my main goal is to establish enough Palm Groups, scattered all over the state, so writers can come and learn about the writing and publishing business, and always feel that they are among friends. I want us, as a support network, to be able to furnish writers with the information they need to advance in their writing careers. I want them to feel comfortable and worthwhile and most of all, I want them to know that we really care about them and their chosen field. JBHow can writers find out more about what you do at FWA? In addition, take the time to provide any details of up-coming events.
How can writers find out more about what you do at FWA? In addition, take the time to provide any details of up-coming events.GIVery easily. ;-) They can go to our website at www.FloridaWriters.net or write directly to me at GlendaIvey@aol.com. I am pleased to say that Vicki Taylor, the editor of our newsletter, The Florida Palm, has done a fantastic job with our first newsletter that will come out in July. We will have a surplus and anyone interested can write me for a copy. Florida Writers is also sponsoring the GA/FL Book & Art Festival, which is a new concept for authors and artists to showcase and sell their work. I am working with Everett Beal, the Chairman of the festivals, and he has done a marvelous job of accumulating authors and artists for the first of these events to be held in the beautiful, historic surroundings of St. Marys, Georgia on July 4. I am only the Co-Chairman of the Festival Committee ;-), and
Very easily. ;-) They can go to our website at www.FloridaWriters.net or write directly to me at GlendaIvey@aol.com. I am pleased to say that Vicki Taylor, the editor of our newsletter, The Florida Palm, has done a fantastic job with our first newsletter that will come out in July. We will have a surplus and anyone interested can write me for a copy. Florida Writers is also sponsoring the GA/FL Book & Art Festival, which is a new concept for authors and artists to showcase and sell their work. I am working with Everett Beal, the Chairman of the festivals, and he has done a marvelous job of accumulating authors and artists for the first of these events to be held in the beautiful, historic surroundings of St. Marys, Georgia on July 4. I am only the Co-Chairman of the Festival Committee ;-), andour plans are to have 4-6 festivals a year up and down the GA/FL coast. They will always be held in elegant surroundings, which is where authors and artistsdeserve to be. I'm really excited about this concept, and all appearances are that this first one will be a smashing success. In addidion, I am happy to announce that plans are already underway for the first Florida Writers Assn. Conference which will be held in Orlando, Florida in October, 2002.
JBI admire how you make your readers feel like your most honored guests in your
I admire how you make your readers feel like your most honored guests in yourliterary home. How do you incorporate all that you do each day, as well as being so attentive to your audience?
GIWhatever I am, I woudn't be without my honored guests. Every person who writes to me, and some days the number is staggering, is a compliment, and I am humbled at the confidence they have in me. I remember well when I first began staggering my way around the Internet five years ago. There was little help out there for writers. By this I mean, individual help. I wanted to do just a little to remedy that "facts only" line of information, and it kinda' snow-balled, but I love every moment of it and every writer I've met along the way. Writers are wonderful people. We cry together, we rejoice together, and yes, sometimes we
Whatever I am, I woudn't be without my honored guests. Every person who writes to me, and some days the number is staggering, is a compliment, and I am humbled at the confidence they have in me. I remember well when I first began staggering my way around the Internet five years ago. There was little help out there for writers. By this I mean, individual help. I wanted to do just a little to remedy that "facts only" line of information, and it kinda' snow-balled, but I love every moment of it and every writer I've met along the way. Writers are wonderful people. We cry together, we rejoice together, and yes, sometimes weeven "lock horns," but it never lasts. ;-) When one of us is treated unfairly, the whole herd gathers around and makes it right. As a dear writer friend of mine once said, "You'd better not mess with one of us because you'll end up dealing with hundreds of angry writers!" That
is very true.
JBWhat currently is in your "in-tray"? How do you prioritize all that you have to
What currently is in your "in-tray"? How do you prioritize all that you have toachieve each day?
GILOL ... Which one? I never get it all done and proof of that is this interview that I
LOL ... Which one? I never get it all done and proof of that is this interview that Ishould have had to you days ago. ;-) The first thing I do every morning when I turn my computer on is look for email from writers. Many times they are writing because they need information, or some sort of help, and that is always my top priority for the day. I probably shouldn't admit this, but doing that even takes preference over sending out information on Florida Writers or the GA/FL Book & Art Festival, both of which are very important. However, those things do come second. New writers are signing onto the Internet daily. They all have questions and they have doubts. If they can take the time to search for someone who
might be able to assist them, I can surely take the time to try to make their life in the writing world a little easier. I knew when I started the Florida Writers Assn.Inc. that I would have to put my own writing on hold, as well as some of the marketing of my own books. I miss both terribly, but with all the encouragement and help I'm getting from the beginning members of Florida Writers, I'm sure I'll get back to my own writing very soon.
JBAs an author, how do you progress from the thought in your head to the illustrious "the end" on your manuscript?
As an author, how do you progress from the thought in your head to the illustrious "the end" on your manuscript?GIBy the time I sit down to type the very first word, I already know what the ending
By the time I sit down to type the very first word, I already know what the endingwill be. Now, how to get to the ending is another question in itself, but easily answered. My characters take me there. I already know the main characters, and along the way I introduce secondary characters in order to give the main characters a vehicle to keep the story moving and then, I just hang on for the ride!
JBYour websites are not only informative but also encouraging to all who visit. What do you credit that "feeling" to? Do you believe websites are the new platform for the millennium?
Your websites are not only informative but also encouraging to all who visit. What do you credit that "feeling" to? Do you believe websites are the new platform for the millennium?GIThank you so much, and I really mean that because less than a year ago, I had no idea how to begin making a website. What I did know was that I didn't want to hire a webmaster to do it for me. I much prefer having control of anything that involves me directly, especially something as important and as personal as my own website. So, I found the easiest host I could without having to learn all the HTML mumbo-jumbo (which I still do not know) and just started playing. I probably should have spent time visiting lots of other sites to see what they were doing, but I didn't. My website is 100% "me" and that's what I wanted, whether it's within the limits of what one should, or shouldn't, be. I didn't want visitors to come to my site and only find information. I want them to enjoy the visit, and I want them to feel as if they've made a friend while they're there. I definitely believe that websites are the new platform for the millennium. It is an instant way to be introduced to someone from any part of the world. I wish I had more time to visit because there are some marvelous websites out there.
Thank you so much, and I really mean that because less than a year ago, I had no idea how to begin making a website. What I did know was that I didn't want to hire a webmaster to do it for me. I much prefer having control of anything that involves me directly, especially something as important and as personal as my own website. So, I found the easiest host I could without having to learn all the HTML mumbo-jumbo (which I still do not know) and just started playing. I probably should have spent time visiting lots of other sites to see what they were doing, but I didn't. My website is 100% "me" and that's what I wanted, whether it's within the limits of what one should, or shouldn't, be. I didn't want visitors to come to my site and only find information. I want them to enjoy the visit, and I want them to feel as if they've made a friend while they're there. I definitely believe that websites are the new platform for the millennium. It is an instant way to be introduced to someone from any part of the world. I wish I had more time to visit because there are some marvelous websites out there. JBYour website, "The Authors Circle of Success" has grown rapidly. What has been the most positive experience for you with the generation of this site?
Your website, "The Authors Circle of Success" has grown rapidly. What has been the most positive experience for you with the generation of this site?GIYou know, it's amazing how that happened. I first started it with just me and a friend whose website I had designed. I then sent invitations to writers that I knew would qualify, sat back and held my breath! They joined immediately and began referring talented writer
You know, it's amazing how that happened. I first started it with just me and a friend whose website I had designed. I then sent invitations to writers that I knew would qualify, sat back and held my breath! They joined immediately and began referring talented writerfriends of theirs. Now, I receive from 10-15 requests a day and unfortunately I am not able to accept every request. I do not take X-rated material and for this year, only books in print form have been added. I have been extremely selective in choosing the author's work and many times have requested a reading of their work before accepting them. Every author on that site, and now there are close to 100, is a positive experience for me. We have become good friends, and for that I am grateful. If only one author out of all of us can achieve something positive as a result of being on the Authors Circle of Success, then I will consider
my time and effort well spent. Many people have asked me why I do it and how
can I do it for free. The answer is very simple. I'm on there, too! ;-)
JBYou also offer marketing advice with your Book Marketing Shop. What has been
You also offer marketing advice with your Book Marketing Shop. What has beenthe best advice you have given in respect to the important topic of book marketing? On the other side of the coin, what has been the best advice you have received from another author?
GII believe the best advice I have given is to encourage writers to help each other. These are very difficult times for authors in book publishing and book promotion. The motto for Florida Writers Assn., Inc. is "Writers Helping Writers" and I am convinced this is the only thing that works nowadays. There is so much to learn, so much to do, that one person can't do it all alone. Writers need each other more now than they ever have. The best advice I've ever received from another author was "learn your trade." I knew that, Bobbie Christmas had given me the same advice years ago, but hearing it again was only another reminder of how important it is for us to learn all we can about the business we're in. If we don't, we'll fail.
I believe the best advice I have given is to encourage writers to help each other. These are very difficult times for authors in book publishing and book promotion. The motto for Florida Writers Assn., Inc. is "Writers Helping Writers" and I am convinced this is the only thing that works nowadays. There is so much to learn, so much to do, that one person can't do it all alone. Writers need each other more now than they ever have. The best advice I've ever received from another author was "learn your trade." I knew that, Bobbie Christmas had given me the same advice years ago, but hearing it again was only another reminder of how important it is for us to learn all we can about the business we're in. If we don't, we'll fail. JBWhat are your feelings toward the new medium to which authors are being published, namely e-books and POD? Do you feel that the bookstores are welcoming this move away from traditional paperback publications?
What are your feelings toward the new medium to which authors are being published, namely e-books and POD? Do you feel that the bookstores are welcoming this move away from traditional paperback publications?GII can't speak on e-books because that is a field that, so far, has not intriguied me. I do believe that POD is the new wave of the future, and I believe it's here to stay. Some of the noted publishing houses have admitted making the biggest mistake they've ever made, almost a hundred years ago, by allowing bookstores to return unsold books within a short period of time. Print-on-Demand is the perfect "out" for these large publishing houses. On the other hand, the no-return policy of most POD publishers makes it almost impossible for authors to get their books on the bookshelves. The bookstores don't want books on their
I can't speak on e-books because that is a field that, so far, has not intriguied me. I do believe that POD is the new wave of the future, and I believe it's here to stay. Some of the noted publishing houses have admitted making the biggest mistake they've ever made, almost a hundred years ago, by allowing bookstores to return unsold books within a short period of time. Print-on-Demand is the perfect "out" for these large publishing houses. On the other hand, the no-return policy of most POD publishers makes it almost impossible for authors to get their books on the bookshelves. The bookstores don't want books on theirshelves that they can't return, and from their side of the fence, I don't blame them. However, nothing stays the same and nothing can stop progress. Something will have to give, and I think it is just on the horizon. Either the POD publishers will have to institute a "return policy" for the bookstores, or the bookstores will have join the ranks of other retailers and be content to put the books that haven't sold "on sale."
JBWhat do you believe is the greatest pitfall today for authors published on the WWW?
What do you believe is the greatest pitfall today for authors published on the WWW?GIAgain, I have yet to be attracted to WWW publishing. As fast as the publishing
Again, I have yet to be attracted to WWW publishing. As fast as the publishingindustry is changing, I still think we're years away from most readers giving up the enjoyment and comfort of holding a book in their hands.
JBDo you believe writing competitions are beneficial to authors? Is there any
Do you believe writing competitions are beneficial to authors? Is there anyadvice you have for those considering such a move? Several years ago, I probably would have said that I didn't think they were of extreme importance; however, in today's world of tough marketing, I am in full favor of reputable writing competitions. Largely because any way we can get our name, and the title of our books, in front of the public is one step closer to
success.
JBWhat are you feelings towards book signings? Do you believe it is a positive
What are you feelings towards book signings? Do you believe it is a positivemethod of promoting ones book and meeting your readers? Is it your experience
that bookstores are open to local authors in this way?
GII won't call any names, but some of the chain bookstores cringe at the thought of
I won't call any names, but some of the chain bookstores cringe at the thought ofPOD authors asking for a booksigning in their store. In fact, one major chain store had forbidden booksignings by any POD author at one time. But not to worry because some of the other chain bookstores are opening the doors really wide. It's only a matter of time, I believe, before they all give in. There has been such an influx of POD authors in the past year and a half, and I honestly believe that the bookstores simply don't know what to do with us all. However, we're not going to go away and hide in the woodwork, so they will have to contend with us sooner or later. ;-) I have mixed feelings about bookstore signings anyway. I know how important it is for authors to meet their readers; however, I also know that spending hours getting there, setting up, etc. and having only sold 5-6 books is not productive. I believe we have to face the fact that people are not going to line up outside a bookstore to meet an author they've never heard of. That is one of the reasons Everett Beal and I gave birth to the GA/FL Book & Art Festivals. When people come there, they know they are coming to meet authors and artists. It's a brand new concept that I would like to see succeed and spread all over the world.
JBWhat is one professional goal that you have not achieved yet in respect to your literary field?
What is one professional goal that you have not achieved yet in respect to your literary field?GIPolishing up the third novel and getting it to my publisher, then finishing the fourth one that is tired of being left unattended in the manuscript box. ;-) You know, I'm really not sure what my next goal will be, but I'm certain there will be one. I had no idea this time last year that there would be a Florida Writers Assn., Inc. and now there is. I'm sure there is something equally as exciting waiting for me to grab hold of.
Polishing up the third novel and getting it to my publisher, then finishing the fourth one that is tired of being left unattended in the manuscript box. ;-) You know, I'm really not sure what my next goal will be, but I'm certain there will be one. I had no idea this time last year that there would be a Florida Writers Assn., Inc. and now there is. I'm sure there is something equally as exciting waiting for me to grab hold of. JBNow obtaining a review is often dubbed "risky business." How would you advise an author in seeking reviews? What advice can you offer to an author to keep those insecurities at bay once the reviews have been forwarded, and all that is left is to wait by the inbox? What suggestions can you offer an author who has received a less than favorable review?
Now obtaining a review is often dubbed "risky business." How would you advise an author in seeking reviews? What advice can you offer to an author to keep those insecurities at bay once the reviews have been forwarded, and all that is left is to wait by the inbox? What suggestions can you offer an author who has received a less than favorable review?GIThere are some reputable reviewers on the Internet now, many are small publishing houses looking for good work and hoping to get that author's next book. As writers, it is mandatory for us to realize that everyone will not like those thousands of words that we are so in love with. That isn't reality. Another thing that isn't reality is to expect a raving review from everyone who reads our work. It just isn't going to happen. If we believe in our work strongly enough, and if we've done our homework and produced the best product possible, then we can be less insecure. Fortunately, I have gotten only one review that I wasn't pleased
There are some reputable reviewers on the Internet now, many are small publishing houses looking for good work and hoping to get that author's next book. As writers, it is mandatory for us to realize that everyone will not like those thousands of words that we are so in love with. That isn't reality. Another thing that isn't reality is to expect a raving review from everyone who reads our work. It just isn't going to happen. If we believe in our work strongly enough, and if we've done our homework and produced the best product possible, then we can be less insecure. Fortunately, I have gotten only one review that I wasn't pleasedwith. When I questioned the reviewers motives, he told me that he was trying out a new concept of review in that it was always necessary to say one little negative thing in order to make the review more believable. I read all the other reviews that he had done, reminded him that he had not used that concept on any other books he had reviewed and that I didn't appreciate him trying out his "new theory" on me. He apologized, changed the wording, and now we're friends again. However, if I ever do, and I'm sure I will, get a review that makes me want to tear the reviewers eyes out, I'll simply run it through the shredder and pretend it's the reviewer who's being shredded instead of the paper. :-)
JBNow a little birdie told me that reading is one of your passions. So, donning the reader hat nowplease share with us what is the most important aspect of that book for you? Does it vary depending on the book genre, the author, the type of characters within that story, or is it the message behind the plot? Is the book cover important? Alternatively, is it merely the opportunity to escape for a while into someone else's world?
Now a little birdie told me that reading is one of your passions. So, donning the reader hat nowplease share with us what is the most important aspect of that book for you? Does it vary depending on the book genre, the author, the type of characters within that story, or is it the message behind the plot? Is the book cover important? Alternatively, is it merely the opportunity to escape for a while into someone else's world?GII am drawn to family/saga and southern historical fiction. I do have a few choice authors, LaVerle Spencer and the late Eugenia Price are among my favorites. I enjoy reading about real people in real circumstances. I am very outgoing and am naturally drawn to people, so that probably explains why I am more drawn to the characters in a book than the actual plot, or the message. I love reading about how people react to certain circumstances and what drives them to do the things they do. And yes, the escape factor is definitely there. My mother-in-law told me several years ago when I was complaining about the lack of service in a
I am drawn to family/saga and southern historical fiction. I do have a few choice authors, LaVerle Spencer and the late Eugenia Price are among my favorites. I enjoy reading about real people in real circumstances. I am very outgoing and am naturally drawn to people, so that probably explains why I am more drawn to the characters in a book than the actual plot, or the message. I love reading about how people react to certain circumstances and what drives them to do the things they do. And yes, the escape factor is definitely there. My mother-in-law told me several years ago when I was complaining about the lack of service in aretail store, "Glenda, you have to get with the nineties." Well, a reader doesn't have to "get" with any time in history. They can go where they want to go, be with the people they enjoy being with and do what they do. Yes, without a doubt, characters are the most important aspect of any book I read. I know that many will disagree with me on this, but the cover has absolutely no drawing power for me at all. I couldn't care less what's on the outside of a book, but I care very much what is on the inside. Then again, I care very much what my covers look
like, but it isn't for me, it's for those who might be attracted to it. I am aware that the cover of a book is extremely important when it is on a bookstore shelf and competing with thousands of other books.
JBNow, this is where you let your hair down, and offer anything furtheryes a free plug is more than okay Glenda, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for agreeing to do this interview and I wish you well for all your future endeavors.
Now, this is where you let your hair down, and offer anything furtheryes a free plug is more than okay Glenda, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for agreeing to do this interview and I wish you well for all your future endeavors. Regards JB Scott
GIMy goodness, JB, I've already let my hair down so much it's dragging the floor. ;-))
My goodness, JB, I've already let my hair down so much it's dragging the floor. ;-))Now you all know why I don't write short stories. I can't say anything worthwhile in less than 100,000 words. However, I will take advantage of the "free plug" as all writers must, and proudly announce that my first novel, Silent Revenge, and the new one, Ripped Apart, is due out soon. I am the one to thank you, JB, for giving me the opportunity to join your noted authors at Sharpwriters. It is truly my honor. I have enjoyed this immensely. I feel as if I'm in a room full of friends, only I've done all the talking. ;-) Thank you so much for your well wishes, JB, and I admire you tremendously for giving authors the opportunity to express their
views.
Note: Since the writing of this interview, Glenda has returned to live in her hometown of Rome, GA with her husband. In doing so, she was forced to resign as President of Florida Writers Assn., Inc. due to the requirements of the laws of the state of Florida requiring Presidents of nonprofit organizations to live in that state.
