Name: Gabriel Valjan
Book Title: Corporate Citizen: Roma Series BookFive
Genre: Mystery. Suspense. Thriller.
Publisher: Winter Goose Publishing
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about
getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you
decided to become an author and pen this book?
Gabriel:
Like most writers, I enjoy telling a story. I get to inhabit different ways of
thinking, feel emotions, and live a vicarious set of experiences. Once I’ve set
up the premise, the characters began living their own lives and I was along for
the ride with them.
Is this your first book?
Gabriel:
No. Corporate Citizen is the fifth
book in the Roma Series, but not the
last. I provide readers with the first chapter of Book Six.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional,
small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Gabriel:
Winter Goose Publishing is a traditional publisher, with a growing reputation
for talent in multiple genres, especially poetry. WGP turned five-year in 2016.
Visit the WGP web site, sign up for emails and you’ll receive a free book,
written by yours truly.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Gabriel:
I started writing short stories in 2010. A colleague had challenged me to write
a short story with a strong female protagonist. That story was the genesis of
the Roma Series. I had had such fun
with Alabaster that I expanded on the story and turned it into a novel, which I
submitted to Winter Goose in late 2011. One day I received an email that my
novel, Roma, Underground, had been accepted.
I would work with the talented editor, James Logan, have a say in the design of
the artwork for the Roma Series. If there were any ‘cons,’ I
would say that, like many authors, visibility is challenging. I remain
positive, however, as I’m slowly building a following for the Roma Series.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular
publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Gabriel:
The paramount lesson I learned is this: Write what you want to write. Don’t
subscribe to trends or think you can time the market. Develop your skills and
have fun. Yes, there are things that you can do to promote yourself, but use
your energy wisely. There are experts, and there are also unscrupulous types
out there. My take on all of this is to do the best you can, don’t worry
yourself sick, and keep writing.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Gabriel:
I can only speak to my experience with Winter Goose Publishing. I have heard
anecdotal stories where authors had little to no say in the editing process,
cover art, or that they had to be cautious about which battles they would take
on because they weren’t ‘established.’ My experience with Winter Goose
Publishing, a reputable publisher, has been very positive.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Gabriel:
Write, keep writing, and strive to improve your craft. Honor your reader, have
gratitude that they have spent their precious time reading your creation.
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