Interview with Marilyn Randall, author of 'My Heart and Soul'

Marilyn Randall has an extensive background in the graphic design industry. Her art background is varied, including business logo design, printing design, silk screened shirt design and miscellaneous mediums for her paintings and illustrating. She published her first book of poetry and prose in 2009 titled My Heart And Soul, and following soon after she published six children's books, which she has both written and illustrated. Her newest book and first fiction novel is Quicksand. She is currently working on her seventh children's book, which she plans to release in the summer of 2010. Originally from Medford, Oregon, she continues to write from the serene surroundings of her home on Whidbey Island in Washington State. More information about Marilyn and her books can be found at her web site www.marilynrandall.com.

Thank you for this interview, Marilyn. Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, My Heart And Soul, is all about?

My Heart and Soul is an anthology of poetry, prose, letters and prayers written at different times during my life. This is a deeply personal, emotional accounting of the different events, which I have experienced over many years, from my childhood sexual abuse issues, alcoholism, and personal losses, racial prejudices and social issues we are faced with in today´s society to more joyful events and spiritual prayers, which helped me to survive these tumultuous times.

Can you tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your book?

Many life events and people were the inspiration for this book, which takes place over many years, but the most powerful influence was gaining my sobriety after years of alcoholic abuse and developing my deep spiritual faith which is the reason I have survived and continue to write so that others might gain strength and inspiration from my experiences.

Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?

This is my first published book and it is self-published. Many people have read my work over the years and expressed to me that they were inspired by the powerful emotional value of my writing and my strong spiritual faith and all have encouraged me to publish my work, which is what I have finally accomplished.

How has Xlibris been to work with?

My publisher Xlibris has been wonderful to work with. I have published four books with them now and they continue to amaze and impress me with their professional skills and the excellent marketing programs they provide. Publishing a book can be an intimidating process for a new author and Xlibris stays in touch, always available to offer assistance wherever needed and their finished product meets every possible expectation that I had.

Do you have an agent?

No I don´t have an agent yet, but I am hoping to find one in the near future.

Can you tell us how long it took you to write your book and also how long it took from the time Xlibris sent the contract and the time it was released?

Since My Heart And Soul is a collection of poetry, prose, letters and prayers written over a long period of time, the actual writing took many years, but once I decided to publish it I spent three months compiling the pieces, typesetting it and preparing it for the publisher. Once the manuscript was submitted to the publisher and after the editing was completed, the whole process was completely finished within six months.

Do you have any words of inspiration from other writers who would like to be wearing your shoes?

I have been most affected by those that have read the book and have contacted me directly to tell me how inspired they were while reading my book. Most everyone could relate strongly to the emotion of more than one piece and there have been those that could relate to many, having experienced similar experiences in their lives. It has been a positive experience for me to learn that so many have gained so much from reading these pieces and have such an appreciation for this style of writing. When I began the publishing process for this book, I often said that if one person was inspired or affected in a positive way from reading it, then it would have been worth all the effort and work to complete it. Many people who have contacted me personally to tell me how the book has affected them and that I have inspired them, and for that gift I am extremely grateful.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in April and May via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

I had heard wonderful things about pump Up Your Book and the great effort Dorothy puts into helping authors promote their work. It has now been my experience that everything I learned before I signed with her was true. She is great to work with, very helpful and works diligently to promote our work via the Internet. My books are available online and I wanted to reach more and more people who use the internet as their tool for learning about and buying new books.

What´s next for you?

I am currently working on my seventh children´s book, and my third adult book, which will include a considerable amount of new poetry and prose. I hope to have the next children´s book ready to be released in the summer of 2010 and then will follow that with the next book of poetry by the end of this same year. Right now it is a balancing act for me as I am very busy with doing the promotions and marketing for all of my books as I continue to write and do the illustrations for the newest children´s book.

Thank you for this interview, Marilyn. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your new book?

It has been my pleasure and thank you for your interest in My Heart And Soul. More information about all of the books and about myself can be found at www.marilynrandall.com where I also have audio excerpts from each book, which I have recorded so that readers can hear the pieces read the way that they were written. This concept has been well received by those who have experienced the web site and they have expressed enjoyment for being able to hear the poetry read by the author. Thank you again for allowing me to share this time with you.