The last post in this mini-series about supportive authors discussed reviews for historical fiction but of course, not all fiction fits into that category. This week I'm delighted to welcome as my guest Pauline Barclay, the instigator and owner of Chill Awards and a prolific author in her own right.
AW: Welcome to the blog Pauline!
PB: Hello Annie, a HUGE thank you for inviting me to your wonderful Blog and asking me talk about my other baby, Chill Awards for independent authors. I hope I don’t get too carried away... 😊
AW: I'm sure you won't! Enthusiasm is always catching so please feel free to tell us all about what you do. Firstly can I ask, what inspired you to set up Chill with a Book Awards and how does it work?
PB: Chill Awards is for independent authors and is designed to shine a spotlight on amazing books from indie authors. I have always tried to find ways to help others and especially independent authors. After a great deal of thinking, checking various sites and noting that many awards for authors excluded independent authors, I set up Chill Awards in September 2016. Chill Awards is a Readers’ Award. Each book in the Award Programme is read by an equal number of readers. Each reader answers five questions and rates each question between 1 – 5 (5 being a resounding, yes). Depending on the final total, from the evaluations, a book, if awarded, will receive either a Readers’ Award or a Premier Readers’ Award. Comments from readers are encouraged. All comments as passed onto the author, but I must stress, that all readers are only known by me. Readers are anonymous to authors and to each other.
Anyone wishing to submit a book should go to Chill Awards’ site and fill in the form with the details of their book and name / pen name.
AW: Why do you think that independent reviews are so important for Indie Authors especially?
PB: Independent authors are responsible for everything about the publication of their book from editing, book cover design to marketing. They are on their own to bring their book to the widest audience possible, so recognition from readers is an endorsement of their hard work. Awards and reviews offer an author another tool to promote further their book that is competing with many thousands.
AW: It is so good to know that such avenues are open for authors. I happen to know that Chill with a Book isn't the only way you help authors though. Can you tell us a little about some of the other features/series on your blog?
PB: If I can, I like to help authors in anyway I can. I help people with proof reading, help with writing and many other aspects if I can. Inviting wonderful people to my Blog is also something I love doing. To make it interesting, I try to come up with different ideas for authors to participate. The latest feature on my Blog is, Coincidences. (AW: I'm thrilled that my own Coincidence story will be featured in this series!) I have asked guests to write a short story on a coincidence in their life. This feature has been amazingly received and there are all fantastic stories, one or two will have the hairs on the back of your neck rising!
AW: I can't wait to read those! Meanwhile, what about your own writing? Can you tell people a little about your own books; anything new in the pipeline for 2021?
PB: I have seven books published and whilst the stories are emotional, they will always leave the reader with a feel good feeling. Two of my books were inspired by true events; Magnolia House, my debut novel and The Wendy House. I met the people behind these stories and whilst my books are fiction, the idea for each book came from the people, who, by telling their tale, made me cry and brought out the writing in me to share their story.
As for something new, I have written over 35,000 words on a new book, but for now I’ve had to put it to one side. I have started a novella, but we will see. The nightmare of our lives does not always bring out the best creativity in me at times, but I plan to keep working on getting these two stories finished… one day!
Once again, Annie, thank you for allowing me to chatter about one or two of my passions!
AW: Thank you so much for talking to me today Pauline and for all the work you do to support other authors.
Website: www.paulinebarclay.co.uk
Blog: http://paulinembarclay.blogspot.com
Instagram: @paulinebarclay
Facebook: https://facebook.com/pages/pauline-barclay/121242304590624
Chill Awards: www.chillwithabook.com
And you can learn more about one of her characters on a post we did a while ago, about fictional characters and their occupations
Thank you so much for having me here again and giving me free reign to talk about my wonderful Chill Awards. P x
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for being my guest Pauline and for all you do for other authors!
DeleteGood to see this. Pauline does so much for indie writers and her encouragement to me personally has been highly valued.
ReplyDelete