Interview with Florence M. Keaton

Author of “Bluebonnet Road”

 

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I’m originally from Waco, Texas, but I currently live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I was born in Waco, Texas, and when I was three years old, my parents went to Dallas/Ft. Worth to go to Six Flags Over Texas. They loved the area and moved to Arlington, Texas.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’m a retired English teacher and an avid fan of genealogy. I’ve extensively researched my family tree. Through my research, I’ve uncovered various stories and facts regarding my ancestors. A friend of mine commented on how vivid and exciting my relatives’ lives were and suggested I write a fictional book about their experiences.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My historical fiction books are character driven, but they contain plenty of excitement as the characters battle numerous obstacles they must overcome. First-time readers of my first book in the series, “Bluebonnet Road,” will experience the adventures of a young girl named Betty in 1901 whose family moves to Texas for a better life. Subsequent books in the “Bluebonnet” series follow Betty throughout the course of history including the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, World War I, the Spanish flu pandemic, and Prohibition to name a few. Although the series is based on the true experiences of my ancestors who lived near Waco, Texas, my books allow me to combine my ancestors’ factual lives with my characters’ enhanced adventures.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I think anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction and/or literary fiction will enjoy my books. Also, my books are family friendly and don’t contain profanity, sex, or excessive graphic violence. If readers enjoy an old-fashioned adventure story, I think they’ll enjoy my books.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

The main thing I learned while writing my books is the length of time it takes from writing the first word to the final publication. I naively thought writing the book would be the most challenging; however, that was the easy part. Revising, editing, and marketing are the difficult parts.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

My advice to my past self would be to allow plenty of time to finish all aspects of the writing process, and most importantly, don’t rush anything. The process will be done when it’s done.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I’d like to reach as many people as possible with my books.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

For me, the biggest challenge has been the publishing process. Querying agents, self promotion, book promotion, social media presence, and getting my book in the public eye has been difficult.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest writing strengths are my ability to write an interesting story. Also, I’m a stickler for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, paragraph development, and character growth. My biggest publishing strength is feeling comfortable enough to go the self-publishing route. I believe in my work. Regarding marketing, word-of-mouth is my biggest strength.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest writing weakness involves perfectionism. I check and recheck everything numerous times which causes me to be a slow writer and often puts me behind schedule. My biggest publishing weakness is also perfectionism which slows me down considerably. My marketing ability needs improvement. The main obstacle I have is financial. My funds are limited when it comes to the cost of any and all marketing campaigns.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Currently, I’m writing the sequel to “Bluebonnet Road.” It’s called, “Greenwillow,” and it continues to follow Betty and her family starting in 1911. Eventually, the “Bluebonnet” series will have several books which will span over forty years of Betty’s life and end after World War II.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

“Bluebonnet Road” is self published, but for its sequel, “Greenwillow,” I’d like to take the traditional publishing route.