Interview with Becky Due, author of ´Returning Injury´

Becky Due, like the main characters of her novels, spent many years running from her life, looking for love, crying a little and laughing a lot along the journey of finding herself. Through writing, Due found her passion. She is the author of several books and is currently working on her next novel. Happily married she and Scott live in Colorado, Florida and Alberta, Canada with their two "kids" Buddy the Cat and Shorty the Pug. You can visit her at www.beckydue.com and join her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BeckyDue.

Thank you for this interview, Becky. Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, Returning Injury, is all about?

Returning Injury is a suspense celebrating women´s strength. Rebecca´s life just keeps getting better. With Jack away on business, she´s looking forward to four days alone to work on her new client's PR campaign to help women take back their lives. But her past intrudes. Roy, the man who stalked and assaulted her years before, has been released from prison. Home alone in her big, beautiful house out in the country, Rebecca has to learn to take back her own life while facing her fears and regaining her strength. But will she be strong enough when she faces the ultimate test?

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

I wanted to take a look at the topic of stalking. I have a friend who was a victim of stalking, so I know the fear that stalking causes. According to statistics, stalking is getting worse, and nobody is safe including celebrities like Ivanka Trump, Kim Kardashian, David Letterman and ESPN sports reporter Erin Andrews.

Returning Injury is also a wonderful love story that closely resembles the reality, mystery and gravity of healthy loving relationships. I´ve had my share of crazy, unhealthy relationships, so I had a lot of fun writing about the love story between Rebecca and Jack, which is similar to the relationship I have with my husband. So often, women are taught to look for a rescuer in a husband, which I believe takes away our power as strong, independent women.

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

Returning Injury is my forth book, third novel. I have one children´s book out, Blue the Bird On Flying.

The quick version of my process is when I chose to write my first novel, The Gentlemen´s Club. I didn´t have the money to pay for a professional editor, and I didn´t realize I had more stories to write. I had several agents interested in a polished version, which I couldn´t afford. So I gave up for a few years. I was naive. When I was in a better position financially, I had several more books written, so I made the decision to start my own publishing company instead of searching for an agent and publisher.

How has Due Publications been to work with?

It has been challenging, but I love a good challenge. I´ve learned a lot about the industry that I would have never realized if I hadn´t taken this risk. I am very excited about my future as an author.

Do you have an agent?

I don´t have an agent, but I will start looking for an agent for my next novel.

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

I usually write a rough copy of a book in a couple of weeks. The rewriting and editing is what takes time; my editor is a busy woman, so sometimes the book doesn´t come back to me as quickly as I would like. There are several different people involved to get my book to press and the release date. I am blessed to have such a great team. Once the book is out of my hands, I have about a month or so to promote and market the upcoming release.

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

So many people want to be writers. It isn´t easy, but like anything, if you want it badly enough, make it happen.

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

I am so excited about this! I travel a lot and I have a busy life, so when I came across Pump Up Your Book virtual book tour, I knew it was a perfect fit for me. I believe the Virtual Book Tour will save me time and money and I will reach more people than I would with a traditional book tour. I´m already looking forward to my next novel and my next virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotions.

What´s next for you?

I have three new novels I´m working on. And I´m seriously considering the traditional route of agent and bigger publisher. I´m going to keep going forward and writing great novels for women.

Thank you for this interview, Becky. We wish you much success!