Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello. I am a 15 year veteran with the United States Postal Service, and I wrote my first book after I compiled the wacky, hilarious, and shocking things that happens to postal workers–things the public never sees. I meant for it to be nostalgia for my co-workers, but they laughed so hard, they asked me to publish it. Since then I have published six ebooks, my second paperback is coming out next week, and I have three audiobooks in production. One of the audiobooks is a collection of women’s erotic fantasies entitled 10 Shades of Blush: The Softer Side of Kink. The guys at work really loved hearing that one!
I truly care about community service and charity organizations, and would like to donate some of my profits to help others. During the month of May, I will be holding a campaign where $1 of every sale I make, regardless of website, price, or format, will be donated to National Military Family Association in honor of Memorial Day.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jane’s Journey: McClusky Series Book 1 will be out by May 1st
I had researched my family tree, and found that a young woman named Jane came to Philadelphia from Ireland, alone, and started a new life. She was the first in our family to do so, and I admired the courage she must have had. I just ran with it. That is the only thing in the book that is true… the sexual abuse, murder, and other tragedies are all in my head.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do! I have this uncanny way of writing in my head before it hits the paper. I often have to jump out of bed in the middle of the night just to get it out. I do no outlines, no preparation. I like it this way, because when I write, I am not sure what is going to happen, or which characters will do what. So there is no way for the reader to know! Plus, I don’t write myself into a corner, where I want one thing to happen, but need to rewrite to make it work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King but in a bad way— I hate all the description he uses. Taking 40 pages to describe a room drives me nuts. I think this makes me extra cautious to not be too verbose. Style wise, I would probably say Danielle Steel, and I love James Patterson as well.
What are you working on now?
I am working on “Still Postal: More Stories of a US Postal Worker” and “Newborn Nazi”. That is a book about a family with four siblings, the youngest of whom was forced into the Hitler Youth organization. The older siblings are split on their loyalties, while one of them starts helping Jewish families escape Germany. The youngest eventually become a Lieutenant in the SS, and finds out about his sister’s activities. Will he turn her in? Will he help her? You will have to wait until July to find out!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found that interaction makes the best promotion, whether online or in person. When people get to know you as a person, rather than just some words on a screen or page, they are more receptive. I hand out business cards everywhere I go, offering those who visit my site a free ebook. I have given books for free, and I have been using Facebook and Twitter. Goodreads has been a great source or networking as well. Visit me at www.rhodadettore.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research, and don’t take no for an answer. If twitter doesn’t work for you, then try facebook. Don’t listen to nay sayers, and try not to pay for anything. I published a paperback, printed business cards, have a website and have literally spent $10 of my own money doing it. Vistaprint is excellent for anything in print, they will give you 250 business cards and you only pay for the shipping ($4). Createspace is great to print your book and you only pay for the proof copy, the customers pay for their own printing– my proof $4. Vistaprint also has a great website package, they give you the first month for FREE, and then a monthly fee depending on the options you choose, and whether you pay for the entire year.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No one can stop you, but YOU.
What are you reading now?
Happy Birthday by Danielle Steel
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to continue to publish a new book in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook every two months. I plan on joining the book fair circuit, and doing some meet and greets at local libraries. Once I make it big, I’m going to buy an island off the coast of Aruba, and any former postal workers are welcome to stay for free 🙂
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Lies My Teacher Told Me – AWESOME book that compares what history textbooks say, and what they purposely leave out.
The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers — You never know when you might run into one, and you need to be able to identify them.
Flight of the Romanovs – A sad tale of the last czar’s family.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rhoda D”Ettore Website
Rhoda D”Ettore Amazon Profile
Rhoda D”Ettore Author Profile on Smashwords
Rhoda D”Ettore’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account