I’ve been a big fan of today’s featured author for some time now. Without further ado … BETH TELIHO is a writer, artist and tree hugger who lives in Texas with her husband and two adventurous sons. Restless in the mundane, she writes about the abnormal, paranormal and otherwise fantastical because that’s what quickens her heartbeat. She laughs at inappropriate jokes, and prefers spicy food and margaritas to almost anything. One day, she hopes to live in a treehouse, where she can be an eccentric introvert with at least seven cats.
1. Please provide a brief synopsis of your book.
The paranormal fantasy, Order of Seven, is a gritty, fast-paced journey drenched in archaeological mystery and nail-biting suspense. You experience everything up close and personal, real time, with the main character, eighteen-year-old Devi Bennett, who’s surrounded by mysteries: her unknown heritage, a reoccurring dream about an African tribal ceremony, an inexplicable attachment to a certain tree and a psychic ability she’ll never understand – unless she finds her biological parents.
Things take a shocking turn when she meets Baron, an intense and alluring energy healer who receives prophetic dreams which all seem connected to her. Devi must rely on an empath, a seer, and Baron to help research her roots to discover who she is and what she is capable of. But when Baron’s visions lead to an ancient legend which may link to her birthright, Devi learns her gift is more imperative than she thought imaginable.
Equal parts suspenseful and sexy, adventurous and philosophical, Order of Seven delivers a story that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the hands that carry fate.
2. Tell us a little bit about what motivates or inspires your writing.
I’ve always been a voracious reader and chronic daydreamer, but it wasn’t until I was encouraged by professors to pursue writing that I realized my “lively” imagination had an artistic purpose. Prior to that encouragement, I assumed penning a book was reserved for the uber smart and savvy, but quickly learned writing has less to do with a formal writing education, and more to do with passion, tenacity, and mule-like stubbornness. That was a pivotal moment in my life.
If you think about it, our entire existence is based on stories being passed down from generation to generation, throughout all cultures. Without stories we have nothing on which to base our faith, history, or direction. Stories stretch our imagination and open our eyes. They educate and preserve. They inspire all mediums of art. I write because…stories.
3. Writing aside, what passions drive your life?
As momager of a house, a dog, two sons and a husband, I’m a busy gal, but I still have many loves outside of writing. In a nutshell, I’m a gardening, running, nature-loving, adventure-seeking, painting, movie-going, science-obsessed, recklessly dingy bibliophile. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I firmly believe a good, hard laugh is the most cathartic thing in the world.
4. It’s hard to pick just one, but what do you consider your favorite novel and why?
I don’t want to merely read a story. I want to experience it viscerally. To me, a good story is one that makes me forget where I am for a little while, inspires my imagination, and forces me to feel. Life of Pi by Yann Martel comes to mind, as does Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Oh…you asked me to pick one, didn’t you?
In my writing, I try to achieve that level of emotional response. I use powerful words that evoke imagery; I want to capture the reader and pin them in that moment. I want them to be helplessly swept away in my story and have a brutal book hangover when they’re done.
5. What is the name of your blog (include the URL) and what can readers expect to find there?
My blog, Writer B is Me, can be found at www.bethteliho.me. It’s pretty much an “anything goes” blog. I write about the journey of writing sometimes, but mostly you’ll find a place filled with humorous, sarcastic, sometimes thought provoking, and often random anecdotes that will always leave you with a smile.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the community of readers I’ve built. It was hard work, but also educational and enjoyable because you build a blog by reading blogs. Comments are your calling card. Sharing and revisiting builds trust and friendships, just like with anything else. Don’t write for trends. Be genuine and true to your voice. People naturally respond to that.
6. What does your drafting and/or editing process entail?
I am not a disciplined writer, but I’m learning to be. I consider myself a “burst” writer. I stew with an idea for a couple weeks (or sometimes months) until I sit down and write day and night until I have a first draft, which is why challenges like Nanowrimo work well for me. Once I work that first draft into a second draft, I send it to my beta readers. Based on their feedback, I work on a third and probably fourth draft, which then gets sent to professional editors. A fifth, six, and seventh draft follows…and so on until my pile of sand has been shaped into a castle.
7. Are you traditionally published or self-published?
I’ve known since day-one I had no interest in the traditional route. The ability to be in control in all aspects of self-publishing intensely appeals to me. I’m not saying I’ll never traditionally publish, but for right now self-publishing just feels right.
I use a professional cover designer and text formatter because they do a much better job than I ever could. I’ve yet to pay for any kind of promotion, but I’ll probably consider a book blog tour at some point. I’ve been fortunate to have many bloggers willing to give their time, energy, and blogs to help me market, which I’m infinitely grateful for!
8. Can you offer one or two helpful tips for fellow writers when it comes to marketing and publicity?
The best advice? Ask. Reach out to other bloggers and authors. It’s the most supportive community I’ve ever known. If they’re not willing to do a cover reveal or review on their blog, they will certainly be happy to share your work on social media channels. Your reach will multiply exponentially through theirs.
Use all forms of social media available: Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Also, Goodreads is a great place to run a giveaway and heighten interest, and I’m very pleased with my decision to have my novel available for pre-order on Amazon a month prior to publication. I think that’s worked well for me.
9. What future projects can we look forward to?
While I do plan on writing a sequel to Order of Seven at some point, it’s not what I’m currently working on. My second novel is in the same paranormal vein, but with an entirely new cast of characters. Also in the planning stages is a children’s book inspired not only my youngest son’s struggle with anxiety, but also my own.
10. Is there anything else you want your potential readers to know?
This quote sums up my life-long tussle with fear and lack of confidence:
You can connect with Beth Teliho and her social media websites via her blog.
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Is there anything else you’d like to know about Beth? Just ask. Her answers will be fun. I promise 🙂
You might also like to read a guest post I wrote for Beth’s blog titled Beyond Boring: Three Days with Professor Bland.
Permission must be granted by Beth Teliho to use the images in this post.
Thanks for having me over today, Jeri! It’s an honor to be featured on your blog and it was fun. 🙂
Beth, it’s great to have you here. I’ve followed and love your blog for quite some time now, plus it’s been great to see you taking all of the steps toward getting your first book into the hands of readers. You got this!
I have no interest in the paranormal of any kind but I did read your interview. You have a great writing ability.
How great to get to know you a little better Beth, and thanks to Jeri for the interview. I love the phrase Momager – new one on me. Your current books sounds great, and I liked how clear you were on what spirit you want it to evoke. There is nothing like being lost in a book and a whole different world for a while. Good interview:-)
Thank you, A.K.! I’m so happy to have met you through Jeri’s blog last week, and I’m thrilled you enjoyed this interview. 🙂
“There is nothing like being lost in a book and a whole different world for a while” << YES!!!
oh, and I can't take credit for momager; I heard it somewhere else, but I LERV IT. It's so fitting, right? 🙂
Great interview Jeri, and lovely to know you Beth! Your work sounds intriguing; your life such a great frenzy of mostly joy! I love that laughter is so important to you. I think it spins the world, too. And you nailed it with writing and tenacity. I think it the moist important component when reaching for a career as a writer. Best to you and all of your endeavors!
Thanks so much, Jacqueline! Yes, my world is loud but full of laughter! Did I mention LOUD. #twoboys
hahaha
I hope you grab a copy of the book. I feel like you would love it. 🙂
Always lovely to meet another writer/blogger! I agree with Beth that reaching out to other bloggers is the best way to get advise and support! I’ll make sure to check out her blog! Jan
Thank you, Jan! I’ll be sure to check out yours too! I love connecting with people through blogs.
What a great interview, Jeri & Beth! I always enjoy interviews with self-published writers. Each has a slightly different take on the experience. Beth, living in a treehouse with 7 cats sounds like a dream to me 🙂 Wishing you the best success with Order of Seven!
Yes! tree houses and cats….what else would you possibly need?? oh books. Yes we’d need books. and chocolate.
and wine
okay, we need more than cats. BUT CATS
OMG … how could I forget the chocolate and wine and books? The true necessities of life … plus cats 🙂
yes. Always + cats. 🙂
Why isn’t your book called “Order of Seven Cats?” That would be way cool, no? 😉
Best of luck with your book release, Beth!
I love that you are everywhere I turn, today. 🙂 What a fantastic interview filled with tips, inspiration and humor! I admire your mule-like stubbornness and drive to make your dreams come true. I have no doubt that your book will do well and that you will see the type of success you deserve. Loving that last quote you shared, too! Looking forward to getting to know you better and continuing our friendship! 🙂 🙂
BHC!!! Love seeing you over here; thanks for reading! You’re awesome. Glad you enjoyed the interview. 🙂
Someday, we’re going to have margaritas together. It WILL happen, my friend. xo
I really appreciate the value these kinds of interviews bring Jeri so please keep them coming; Beth, very nice to make your acquaintance. Glad a belly buster is so cathartic to you as I adopt the same perspective, way too much serious shit in this world. Congratulations and all the best to you.
“way too much serious shit in this world” << WERD.
Happy to meet a fellow appreciator of humor! Thanks for reading. 🙂
It is really a great interview Jeri and its great to know Beth.
At times I wonder how people write suspense, I feel it is hard,,, but the people who do, I think they enjoy it and may be they have some special force driving them.
I like the tips by Beth that we should ask and reach to other bloggers. It is always nice to learn from experienced people around you.
Thank you for great share and love the quote.
Seriously, I had SO MUCH HELP from other bloggers and authors. I’m continually amazed at how generous and supportive the blogging community is. I couldn’t have done this without them!
WHADDYA MEAN THE SEQUEL’S NOT YOUR NEXT BOOK?!?! *heartbroken*
Ohhhh I can’t believe you’re gonna make us WAIT!
Great interview, but DANGGGGGG!
I have every confidence that whatever you write will be awesome, but I was definitely gunning for the sequel.
Now, now, Lizzi, we talked about this. *pets your head* I started a different novel eons ago….gotta put that one to bed first. The characters demand it. 🙂
A sequel to Oo7 is imminent. I’ve already started it. But I love that you want more.
Bloomin’ demanding characters *pouts*
But okay. If you’ve started, I shall be sunshiney again 🙂
*MWAH*
—-Beth & Jeri,
I totally enjoyed this!
I love love love reading about other writers, comparing myself, learning, & realizing I’m not crazy after all!
Congratulations, Beth. What a magnificent achievement!!! WOW.
Kim! You’re so awesome. Bless your heart for reading so many of these and still hopping on to say “congrats” and such. You’re seriously the loveliest of lovelies. MWAxoxoxo
P.S. Kim, that’s why I speak honestly about my experiences throughout this publishing process. Because other writers (like YOU) need to hear what goes on behind the scenes. I know reading stuff like this was so helpful to me!
What a fantastic interview!! Discovered another great blog (really look forward to reading more of your blog Jeri!), and of course got to ‘hang’ with the one and only Beth Teliho!! (of who’s blog I have been a long time fanboy 😉 )
>>I want to capture the reader and pin them in that moment. I want them to be helplessly swept away in my story and have a brutal book hangover when they’re done.<<
This is what I'm talking about!! It's writing like this that makes Beth so addictive 😀
JOHNEY. You just made me smile so big. Thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm. I hope you know that I light up with a smile when I see your name anywhere. 🙂
So happy to have introduced you to Jeri, too! Her blog is a catacomb of writerly knowledge. AND if you ever need it, she’s an amazing editor!
Thanks for the shout out 🙂 As luck would have it Johney friended me on FB today and my immediate response was any friend of Beth’s is definitely a friend of mine.
Ha! And vice-versa Jeri! Any friend of Beths… 😉
And I really did enjoy the way you conducted the interview. Your blog looks amazing, so I imagine you’ll be seeing more of me 😀 haha
Aaaahhh <3 The feeling is mutual Beth 😀 And yeah, I definitely look forward to surfing the treasure trove of knowledge in this blog!
Such a clever and interesting interview… It was nice to meet Beth and thanks Jeri for bringing her into the spotlight!.
All my best wishes! Aquileana 😀
Thank you, Aquiliana!
oops, spelled your name wrong! sorry! Aquileana. 🙂
Nice to meet you Beth. I love about not just knowing you as a writer but as a person of value because of your passion.
Mahal, thank you for reading!
Wonderful interview Jeri and while I wasn’t familiar with Beth’s before I am definitely inspired to correct that after this interview. I like the description of Beth’s writing style, I often write this way and sometimes I find myself dreaming dialogue – which is very strange because I write nonfiction. Maybe my subconscious is trying to tell me something?!
Marquita! Yes, you need to write fiction! Try it You never know……
“Lively imagination’ sounds like an understatement. Blog sounds interesting too. While it clearly goes against conventional wisdom, I tend to like blogs that are all over the place.
Ken, my blog is the place for you then! haha Thanks for reading!
Hi Beth – It’s nice to meet you through Jeri’s blog – it would be even nicer to meet you in person. Wouldn’t I love to sit down with you and have one of those good laughs you like.
I totally agree with the reaching out to the blogging community – aren’t those folks just the best?
The day you move into your tree house, let Jeri know so she can inform the rest of us – better yet, I just realized I could look up your blog.
Hi Lenie! I would love to hang out with you and laugh! 🙂 that’s the absolutely best. And yeah, I’m kind of already living in a tree house…mentally. But that makes me fun. Or weird. Or both….but still fun. hahaha Thanks so much for reading.
Excellent! Congrats, Beth! I wish you much luck with your book, and I’m putting it on my TBR list. I’m also going to have to check out your blog and add it to my blog list.
Thanks, Jeri for introducing Beth to us.
Hi Denise! Ohhh goody, I’m happy my novel is on your TBR! On my blog (under the Order of Seven page) is my goodreads links, too (if you’re on Goodreads). 🙂 Thanks so much for reading!
Thank you for the introduction Jeri! I love this kind of story and I am always looking for good authors to read. Nice to see another self-published author.
Hi Cheryl! Great to meet you too! Thanks for reading!
“Without stories we have nothing on which to base our faith, history, or direction.” YES.
🙂 I love that you *get* that!
Stories….*heavysigh*
Beth, lovely interview. Also a great cover. Who’s your cover artist?
HI RJ! Thanks so much! My cover artist is Jenny from http://www.seedlingsonline.com She’s the BEST. 🙂
Thanks. I’m always interested in who did it when I see a cover that’s fabulous.
Thanks for sharing the link. I’m always looking for cover designers I can refer my editing clients to.
I am so glad to meet you Beth and loved reading about your laughter, cats, treehouse and all those tips, which are so subtle! I like the quote that has inspired you to vanquish your fears and give an impetus to your confidence. Your words are quite inspiring! Thanks for sharing that we all encounter similar situations.
Wishing you all the best for greater success.
Thanks, Balroop! Knowing other authors go through similar doubts and fears really gets me through the tough times!
Very interesting interview. It was great to know a bit about Beth.
thanks, Mina!!
What a terrific interview Jeri. A pleasure to meet you Beth! I’m not a big reader of fiction. Maybe 3 books a year. What I love is learning about different authors and I usually make sure I learn about their editing process. I loved learning how you can get up to 7 drafts.
Pleasure to meet you too, Patricia! oh yeah…sometimes even more than seven. A lot of cutting/redoing/trashing. The original manuscript was DOUBLE the size it is now!
How nice to know more about Beth now! I like that she says she learned how to take her lively imagination and put it to purpose by writing. Good for her too for being steadfast in not going the traditional route in publishing. I didn’t realize there are text formatters you can hire like cover designers… Does Beth have one to recommend? I’m curious, thank you 🙂
Hi Christy! Lovely to meet you! Yes, my typesetter for paperback is Christopher at www,atthisarts.com
He was incredibly patient and knowledgeable! Couldn’t recommend him enough. For ebook I used (although Chris does do both) Kella at http://www.ebooksdoneright.com She also is the BEST and I’ll be using her again for sure!
Thank you so much, Beth!! I appreciate the assistance.
ooops, I mean http://www.atthisarts.com
Through the group on LinkedIn, I’ve been introduced to a few writer’s blogs. Let me tell ya’, your gift isn’t writing, the true gift is the passion for writing. I can not believe the dedication and tenacity it takes to complete a story. I don’t know anyone how anyone who didn’t love writing more than Raymond, ( everyone loves him) could possible finish one chapter. And you have a little Zen Muse helping you create for an entirely different generation, that’s beautiful.
Hi Pamela! You’re SO right about tenacity. I remember emailing a writing professor to thank her for her brilliant class, and she responded that the hardest thing about righting is sticking to it, and if I wanted to succeed I had to never give up. I took that as holy advice! 🙂
What a great introduction! The book sounds fascinating and I love what Beth has to say about stories. I also love that last quote. Thanks, Jeri, for bringing us a new author, and Beth, it’s so nice to meet you!
Hi Meredith! Great to meet you as well. 🙂 I have that quote printed above my computer. I swear I have to look at it everyday to remind myself to listen to my heart.
What a great interview Jeri. Beth it’s nice getting to know more about you. The Order of Seven sounds like a fabulous read…all the things I’m into psychic ability, dreams, paranormal activity. I’m sure I’ll love it. 🙂
Susan, if those are the things that interest you, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and lovely to meet you!
Yay Beth. She’s cool and stuff. We be tight or something. I think we might have even been married in a past life but don’t tell her that. I like to keep the relationship at the creepy stalker level.
JON! Yes, we be tight. I always wondered what those past-life dreams meant, where I was married to this handsome prince….
🙂
My dear friend Happy Easter to you !
May this Easter blessed with love , joy and happiness.
With love Maxima
Happy Easter to you as well. 🙂