I was interviewed by Cindy Davis who has authored more than 22 books and has worked as a freelance editor for over 20 years. Cindy managed to get me to confess my guilty pleasures and biggest pet peeves. You can read the full blog post in which the interview appears on her blog at https://cdavisnh.com/blog/f/rick-cindys-hotline—the-postman-cometh.
1-First, please tell us what genre you write and why.
My specialty is non-fiction. I began my writing career as a journalist and then later became a lawyer, so non-fiction is in pretty much in my blood. I also write short works of fiction ranging from flash fiction to children’s picture books. I’m considering publishing a collection of short stories (mine along with other authors) in 2019 or early 2020. So, if anyone has an interest in having their work considered, reach out to me at www.TreHPublishing.com!
2-Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
While people often mistake me for an extrovert, I’m an introvert and really shy around people I don’t know. To learn how an introvert survives at a large writing conference and navigates social awkwardness you can read my article on surviving the DFWCON on my blog at Surviving DFWCON: Introverts Unite
3-What is your biggest writing obstacle?
Time! As a working professional and mother of two young boys, time is the thing I desire most, although it eludes me most days.
4(a) What does freelance writing involve—fiction or nonfiction?
Primarily non-fiction. I write articles for publications and content for websites, blogs, and corporate communications. I also do quite of bit of work as a Freelance Editor (for books & corporate content) and Publishing Consultant. As a Publishing Consultant, I aid writers in bringing their books to market whether they plan to pitch to literary agents or self-publish. It is an amazing feeling to help another person turn their dream into a reality!
4(b) How do you go about getting freelance writing clients?
I’m grateful that at this point that many clients seek me out, however, like any journalist I continue to pitch my story ideas directly to editors. I also have a website and a presence on social media (Mostly Twitter & Facebook) so that definitely helps!
5-Have you ever had writer’s block?
All the time!!! I’m a perfectionist so I find myself staring at the screen immobilized searching for that perfect line, but then I look to my trusty sidekick for guidance (my Yeti cup full of coffee) and remember that everything can (and will) be revised during the editing process and that gets me typing again.
6-How do you brand yourself—make your name recognizable to readers/clients?
I try to keep my profile & footprint consistent across every platform, incorporate my avatar whenever feasible, and utilize the MKorman signature. Branding is so important for both authors and freelancers. One could spend a whole article on branding am I right?
7-What promotion works best for you?
As a lawyer, I always did pro bono work to give back to the greater community. I’ve carried that philosophy over into my career as a Writer & Publishing Consultant. Oddly enough it is my pro bono work as an Editor/Publishing Consultant that seems to be my most effective form of promotion (I offer certain services for free on my website if individuals are willing to take a spot on my wait list). People often return to hire me for fee-based engagements. So, giving of yourself to others really does work.
8-Do you want to share information about your legal work?
Currently I’m not practicing law in any jurisdiction, instead, I use my legal skills exclusively to provide freelancers and small businesses with customized contracting templates that streamline the client engagement process and help scale their business.
9(a) Do you have hobbies outside of writing?
This sounds corny but my hobby is reading. I’m a bonafide book nerd with a voracious reading appetite! It is the reason I agreed to participate as a judge in the #WriteClubDFW contest this year. Writers from everywhere submit their best 500 words or less story, in hopes of winning a spot to battle against the top 30 selected writers. The entire contest plays out over a couple of weeks with daily writing battles where readers vote to pick the winners. So, from March 18 – April 28 I will literally be reading hundreds of stories! Who knows, maybe I’ll read yours!
9(b) What do you do to relax?
I grab a good book (yeah, I’m old school I still prefer paper), a Grande cold brew from Starbucks and curl up on my bed to read. Is there simply anything better in life???
10-I always have to ask this question—what is your secret pleasure?
Reading flash fiction. It’s my guilty pleasure. I always feel that as an editor people expect for me to be reading some epic novel or new ground-breaking piece of non-fiction, so flash fiction is definitely my secret guilty pleasure. It is my go-to nightly read!!!
11-What is your biggest pet peeve?
Mean writers. Writing is hard enough without others who feel the need to belittle other writers or make crass comments about another’s work. There is a big difference between constructive criticism and snarky comments. Unfortunately, I see way too much of this on social media.
Find Marie at: https://mariekorman.com/ or https://trehpublishing.com/
Content Creation & Book Publishing 