Meet Cary Herwig
Cary discussed her journey into writing, starting professionally in her 40s. She emphasized the challenges of writing, including the need for multiple drafts and the importance of finding one's voice. Cary highlighted the evolution of publishing, noting the shift from traditional publishers to self-publishing, which now has a better reputation. She advised aspiring writers to attend writing conferences for networking and learning. Cary also mentioned the role of technology, like computers, in easing the writing process compared to typewriters.
Army Brat Haunting Book Series
Cary's 'Army Brat Haunting' series is a collection of four books, each about 30,000 words, forming a larger narrative. The series follows Vivian, a young girl who encounters ghosts while moving with her military family. The books explore themes of curiosity and mystery, with settings in Kentucky, Tennessee, France, and Texas. Cary drew from her own experiences as an army brat, incorporating historical and cultural elements. The series is intended for a broad audience, including younger readers and those interested in 1950s nostalgia and ghost stories.
Travel Experiences and Personal Stories
Terry and Cary shared personal travel experiences, highlighting the impact of travel on their lives. Cary recounted her childhood travels as an army brat, living in nine states and France. Terry shared her husband's experiences as a Merchant Marine, traveling globally. They discussed the importance of traveling while young and healthy, emphasizing the enriching experiences and cultural exposure it provides. Cary also mentioned her travels to Canada, England, and Egypt, expressing a love for historical sites and old countries, which influence her writing and personal growth.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
Cary offered advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing persistence and the importance of finding one's voice. She recommended joining writing groups and attending conferences for networking and learning. Cary warned about the potential pitfalls of writing groups, where members might rewrite others' work. She stressed the value of having alpha and beta readers for feedback and the importance of thorough research to ensure accuracy in writing. Cary also highlighted the role of technology, like using Word's read-aloud feature, to improve writing quality.
Self-Publishing and Marketing
Cary discussed the evolution of self-publishing, noting its improved reputation and the opportunities it presents for authors. She mentioned that self-publishing allows for greater control over the publishing process, though it requires authors to handle marketing and distribution. Cary highlighted the importance of learning to pitch books effectively and attending conferences to connect with agents and editors. She also noted that while self-publishing can be lucrative for some, it requires significant effort and is not a guaranteed path to financial success.
Connect with Cary Herwig
Blog: https://caryosbornewriter.blogspot.com/
Connect with Host Terry Lohrbeer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2658545911065461/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/
Instagram: kickassboomers
Website: kickassboomers.com
