Tell us about American Goddesses.

It’s a book I hope a reviewer will one day describe as a “sexy superheroine paranormal romantic sci-fi thriller.” A few reviews have come pretty close.

What genre is it?

It has elements of several – see the preceding answer. Since the protags are women, and I’m NOT, I read romance novels to help me learn the female POV. So along with the super-power/paranormal fireworks, there’s some crying, kissing and attention to what characters are wearing. I think overall it’s a love story – most every story is, in the end. I learned that from watching James Bond movies and reading the books.

What kind of readers will it appeal to?

Hopefully, anyone who likes a good story will appreciate American Goddesses. I originally thought comic book fans would be the primary audience. But its message of woman-as-goddess seems to resonate with women who don’t ordinarily follow super-hero lit.

Complete this sentence for us: If you like ___________, you’ll love American Goddesses.

An invincible middle-aged woman.

What has been the toughest part in producing American Goddesses  – writing, editing or marketing?

Marketing. Doing it right is a full-time job. Since I already have a full-time job, and a marriage, and dogs, and a house and yard, and a book-review site; and a running club, I have to steal marketing time wherever I can, moment-to-moment. Frankly, it’s not enough. I do find marketing a lot of fun, though.

Tell us about your website. 

At Honest Indie Book Reviews I review indie books, mostly. I like to think my review approach of constructive criticism makes Honest Indie a touch different from other review sites.

My reviews are feedback for fellow indie authors, as well as recommendations for readers. Honest Indie reviews are always supportive, though I don’t shy away from pointing out flaws as I see them ~ though I try do it gently. But I ALWAYS find positives, too, and point them out.

It’s important to note that I don’t hold indie writers to the same standards as pro writers backed up by publishing houses with editors and proofreaders. Most are like me, stealing time here and there to do something they love.

The best of us, though not many, come close to pro standards.

I think indie authors deserve recognition and support, whatever their level of ability.

Have you ever had a negative reaction from an author whose book may have received a poor review from you?

No. But then, I’ve never given a poor review – just pointed out what I thought could be done better. Usually these are things like grammar and wordiness that really can’t be argued with. Most of the time I cite examples of what I’m talking about, and suggest ways to fix.

I have had an author or two respond with explanations about the problems, or even refute my observations, but none have been mean or obstreperous. I always post those replies without comment, other than to say “thank you.” In my view, it’s an honor to have an author take time to comment on the review.

You have read more indie books than most. In your experience is there a difference between independent and non-independent novels?

Yes. Non-indies are nearly always higher quality, for reasons I’ve already mentioned. Since I know and accept that going in, it doesn’t affect how much I enjoy the book. Sort of like the difference between going to a major league baseball game and watching your friends play.

If you expect your friends to play at the level of the Giants or the Cards, you’ll be disappointed. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time at your friends’ games – on the contrary, you might have more fun.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Married to Karen; love dogs, have two; enjoy running all day and night on trails in woods and mountains; like beer, champagne and a gin martini with two olives; write because I love it and can’t help it; write the kind of stories I like to read. Am a proud member of independent Authors international (iAi) – a collective helping writers connect directly with their audiences, and helping readers find new high-quality books.

Where can people buy your books?

American Goddesses can be bought from Amazon. My book of short stories, What Happened to Jory can be bought from Smashwords. So can my collection of poetry, The Moon Poem & Other Strange Jingle Jangles.

What’s next?

Hoping for 2013 to complete A Barbarian in Rome, a historical fantasy adventure set in 101 AD ~ my tribute to Robert E. Howard.