Interview with Dona Parus, CEO of Tiger Publications

Hi, everyone, Today I'm excited about having Dona Parus, CEO of Tiger Publications, Inc. here to tell us more about this wonderful new publisher.

Vonda: Welcome, Dona! What was your main goal in opening the doors of Tiger Publications?

Dona Parus: The main goal we had when we opened our doors was that we knew there was a better way authors could be treated. If you look at the industry it works like this. Bookstores get respect from distributors. Distributors get respect from publishers. Publishers get respect from authors. Here's where the broken spoke of the wheel comes in. No one respects the authors. Without authors there is no industry. But the industry feeds off the dreams of authors and not once do they respect them for producing a product that everyone, except the author makes money on. Our goal is to show the industry that authors, out of all, deserve respect.

Vonda: What wonderful insight. Your company definitely sounds like the friend of the author. How many editors acquire at Tiger?

Dona: Three of our editors acquire. Margaret Esch, Romance and Women's Fiction. Carol Smith for YA, and Wayne Bruno for Action Adventure, and Rudy Rend for Science Fiction and Fantasy are all acquisition editors.

Vonda: What types of stories are your editors looking for?

Dona: We're looking for good stories. I know that sounds trite but it's all Tiger will ever look for. We don't have genre slots. If we have 20 books in Romantic suspense that are great they'll all be released. If we don't get a RS that year we don't have one to put out. In other words, if we find a good story we're going to publish it.

Vonda: Anything you're not looking for?

Dona: I know you're asking about genres but once again since we have no restrictions as far as genres go there isn't a story we won't consider.

Vonda: Sounds wonderful! Please tell us who designs your beautiful covers, some of which I'm displaying along the sides.

Dona: Dale Ankrum, Lin Rudolph, Sandra Kelley and Scott Parus have done our covers.

Vonda: They do wonderful work! Please tell us about Tiger's distribution.

Dona: We use Baker & Taylor for our distribution. We're in their sales book and also we've placed ads in their sales catalog. Now if you're talking about the promotions that Tiger does that's a different story. We have a PR director that works with our authors. She contacts bookstores for book signings and also sends out bookmarks, that we produce for the author, to both bookstores and book clubs. We are in the process of creating our own catalog that will be going out to bookstores with follow up visits from our sales staff.

Vonda: I find myself going Wow to a lot of your answers including this one. You guys do a lot for authors! What and how do you prefer writers submit their work?

Dona: As our website says, we would prefer synopsis, and the first three chapters. All submissions should be done via email attachment, because it's less expensive for the author. Now with that said, I must clarify that we've bought from paper submission.

Vonda: That's easy. Will Tiger editors be scheduling appointments at RWA national and smaller conferences this year? If so which ones?

Dona: Early in the year we were asked to participate in the New Jersey conference. We discussed it and decided that it's not fair for us to do that until Tiger has proven we're going to be around a while. Since we're accessible via the net we also feel that it's not necessary for us to acquire at conferences. Now that doesn't mean that we won't be at a few of them, just not in the capacity of an acquiring publisher.

Vonda: How many books will Tiger release this year? Can you give us a hint about some of them?

Dona: This year we were planning to release 12 books, however that number has recently jumped up. Our first released on March 17th was A Band of Roses by Pat McDermott. You were kind enough to do an interview with her an we thank you for that.

The next was Butterfly Wishes by LaDonna Paulette. This is a book that will rip you heart out. Every reader and editor that has read it has said the same thing. This one is a very emotional book so keep that box of Kleenex nearby.
I won't take up your readers' time with all the others, but please stop by Tiger's site and check out our fantastic list of titles.
http://www.tigerpublications.com/

Vonda: What sensual heat level does Tiger prefer for their romance novels?

Dona: We haven't stepped into the erotic level of stories and that's because we haven't been presented with one that we feel is written to the quality we're looking for. So once again it has nothing to do with genre or sensuality. It has to do totally with a good story.

Vonda: Would you like to tell us anything else?

Dona: I would like to tell your readers that Tiger Publications is an author based publishing company. What that means is that our authors come first. We will do all we can to gain and make sure we keep their respect. This means it comes from not holding their copyrights, to making sure we hold their hands through the quagmire of promotions.

Vonda: Thanks again for being here Dona! I've enjoyed it!! This has been an enlightening experience.

LaDonna Paulette gives us Butterfly Wishes

Hi everyone, Today, I'm excited that we have LaDonna Paulette visiting with us to tell us about her new book. Welcome, LaDonna!! Please tell us about yourself first.

LaDonna Paulette: I’ve always been a dreamer. Growing up, I was the gal with her head in a book, spinning stories long after the lights went out at night. Like many writers, my road to publication was long. Raising two daughters was a delight I didn’t want to miss out on. And I won’t discuss the dreaded day jobs here. Too boring. Thankfully, my stories kept whispering to me until I faced them. And I’m so glad I did.

I share my life with my husband, Randy, and our two daughters and their families. My five grandchildren bring me constant joy. We live in a small town in Tennessee, and the characters I write about share this setting. We live close to Barkley and KY lakes, and enjoy boating with our family. I was born in Arkansas, and come from a family rich in Southern traditions. It runs deep in my bones, and I’m grateful for those memories. My hope is to create stories that live long after the last page is turned.


Vonda Sinclair: Please tell us about you're new book, BUTTERFLY WISHES, out now from Tiger Publications.

LaDonna: I’d love to. Having experienced great personal loss, two children form a deep bond under an old willow tree; a place they believe is a magical doorway to Heaven. Colin O’Brien’s parents died, and he lives with his granny. Fey Wright lost a mama and, having relocated to this sleepy town of O’Dessa TN with her daddy, isn’t expecting much. What Fey and Colin discover together is a magical journey that brings miracles to light, and the power of belief in this world and the one beyond.

When Fey returns to her hometown, years later as a grown woman, she discovers the true magic of her childhood tree, and that love is a precious gift. Butterfly wishes are waiting for those that truly see.

Vonda: Sounds wonderful! From reading the excerpt, I can tell this is a beautiful, charming and special story. What inspired you to write it?

LaDonna: My story ideas come in scene flashes. My first glimpse of Fey and Collin was quite special, and touched me deeply. They were huddled beneath a willow tree together, looking at me. I wanted to know their story. The vision of them wouldn’t let me go. A few days later, I sat down to write their story, confident they would tell me… if I believed.

Vonda: How inspiring! Please tell us about your favorite character in the book, and why they are so close to your heart.

LaDonna: That’s a tough one, since I’m so character-driven. I love all my characters but, for Butterfly Wishes, I’d have to say Fey. She had this determination when I met her, and her voice was always very strong. Having lost a mama, and moving to a new place had to be scary. Her stubbornness and ability to meet life head-on really touched me. As a woman, she’s grown into the promise of herself and I love that. I loved her sense of discovery too, and loyalty to those she loves. Hmmm, Colin is magical too… Okay, I’ll stick with one.

Vonda: I wish you would tell us more about Colin too! (Perhaps in a comment?) What element of story creation is your favorite?

LaDonna: No doubt about it, characters. They are the soul of my stories. When they walk into my imagination, it’s like seeing an old friend but one I’ve never met before; only way I can describe it. The connection is usually instant and, while there’s much to learn about them, I can feel them in a special way. I give them all the freedom they want, and they know I’ll follow. Only once can I remember trying to tone down a character. Once I realized she wasn’t going to budge, I let her have free rein. Best thing I ever did too. She’s one my favorite characters to this day.

Vonda: I agree with you about characters. What’s next for you?

LaDonna: My second contracted novel, DREAMING OF NICK, will be a Tiger Publications fall release this year. I wanted to explore near-death experiences. In my story, two strangers are intrinsically linked after a car accident. Lisa Hope believes an angel saved her life that wintery night. A year later, her imagined angel walks into her little shop in Mills Pond, TN, and proves to be a flesh and blood man. Souls taken hostage become something else entirely. I really loved writing Liza and Nick’s story, and the magic they capture.

RUBY’S DAUGHTER, my third contracted novel, will be released by Tiger Publications in the spring of 2009. A mother desperately tries to make amends to the daughter she left behind. Being dead is the least of Ruby’s worries as she navigates the past, where it all went wrong, and discovers the truth. I’ll be writing a sequel later this year, and just love this character. Ruby wants more books, big surprise there since she’s the character I spoke about above; the one that didn’t want to be toned down!

Vonda: Both books sound wonderful and unique. I love the paranormal aspects. Congratulations on your additional sales! Would you like to ask blog readers a question?

LaDonna: First off, I’d love to thank you all for stopping by. Sharing my journey has brought me great joy, and I really appreciate the writing community. My question to you all is, “What grabs your attention when it comes to debut books; title, book cover, interviews, or blurbs?”

Vonda: Great question. Thanks again LaDonna for being here with us today!! Everyone, please visit LaDonna Paulette's website.

Or read the charming and entertaining excerpt.

You will also find the book at Amazon.

Pat McDermott brings us A Band of Roses

Born and educated in Boston, Massachusetts, Pat McDermott grew up in a family full of music and inspiring Irish tales. Before the kids came along, she had fun in between real jobs as a singer and guitarist in an Irish-American band. She has attended various writing classes over the years and studied science fiction writing with the late Harry Clement Smith (Hal Clement). Besides creating rousing adventure stories, Pat enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, hiking, and traveling—especially to Ireland. She lives and writes in New Hampshire, where she is currently working on her next novel.

Vonda Sinclair: Welcome, Pat! Congratulations on your new release from Tiger Publications! What a beautiful cover! Please tell us about your book, A Band of Roses.

Pat McDermott: A Band of Roses is an alternate history set in modern day Ireland. The story’s “what if” premise supposes what Ireland would be like today if King Brian Boru hadn’t perished at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 AD. I’ve created an Ireland that’s still a monarchy, one where the present King Brian is a descendant of the first Brian Boru, and his daughter Talty is a princess in trouble.

Talty Boru becomes a pawn not only in the high-stakes gamble for offshore oil, but in a scheme to seize the throne of England that escalates into murder and treason. From Japan to California to an eleventh century Ireland preparing for the Battle of Clontarf, she finds romance and adventure and brings back a discovery worth more than any oil well. Yet all she wants is to return to her family and her lifelong friend and protector, Neil Boru, the adoptive cousin she secretly loves but can’t have—or so she thinks. Talty’s warrior cousin has a secret of his own, one that emerges as the Boru clan scrambles to thwart an invasion of Ireland and bring Talty home..

VS: Sounds exciting, full of adventure and action! What is the story behind the story?

PM: I’m blessed to have two wonderful aunts who happen to be devotees of Irish history. When I was a little girl, they entertained me with all sorts of legends and assured me that we were descended from Irish royalty. (Isn’t everyone who’s Irish?) From one of their trips to Ireland, they brought me a gift of a copper statue of Brian Boru, and I wanted to know more about him than I already did. Everything I found said how sad it was that Brian didn’t survive Clontarf, as Ireland would be a very different place today. So, I started thinking . . . what if he had survived?

VS: How fascinating! Isn't it amazing how things like this from our childhood can influence our adult lives so much. What element of this story was hardest for you?

PM: Writing the chapter where Talty visited the aftermath of the Battle of Clontarf. Weaving the historical details around the characters without bogging down the story was a challenge.

VS: That does sound difficult. Please tell us about your favorite character in this book.

PM: “Roses” has quite a cast of characters, and I love them all, even the villains. To answer the question, I’ll choose Neil Boru. Being an adopted member of the royal Boru clan causes Neil to feel less than worthy of his noble station in life. He’s an Air Corps pilot and a warrior sworn to protect his cousin, Princess Talty. When she comes to harm, he feels a failure. He loathes himself for falling in love with her, as she is his adoptive cousin and such feelings are forbidden. Neil’s struggle to choose the honorable path shows a nobility that transcends bloodlines.

VS: Forbidden love is one of my favorite elements. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

PM: Getting stories on paper has always been a sporadic hobby for me. For years, those pesky ideas and characters made me drive by my exit on the highway. My kids were away at college when I finally enrolled in writing classes to deal with my imaginary friends, and I made some wonderful flesh-and-blood friends along the way.

VS: I'm glad you decided to pursue writing seriously. What's next for you?

PM: I’m currently finalizing a sequel to A Band of Roses, and the third book in the “Roses” trilogy is in the works. For me, the sound of a fiddle in a real Irish pub often helps the writing process along. A trip or two to Ireland may be in order . . .

VS: Wonderful idea! That would inspire me too. Would you like to ask blog readers a question?

PM: Yes! Does knowing too many personal details about an author interfere with your enjoyment of a story?

VS: Interesting question. Thanks again, Pat, for being here to talk to us today! Everyone, please visit Pat's website

To purchase A Band of Roses please visit:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble