Today we’d like to introduce you to Drema Deoraich

Hi Drema, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I’ve been writing all my life but didn’t get serious about it until I was in my 50s. Attending writing classes and conferences for the first time and in the years since has really helped me focus my efforts and define what–and why–I was writing.

Whether I’m writing flash fiction, short fiction, novelettes, or novels, I’m deeply connected to each of my stories, and the characters within them. My third novel, Broken–which is book 2 in the Founder’s Seed Trilogy–is out now, and I’m glad to finally release it into the wild.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has been interesting.

Querying agents and publishers is not for the faint of heart; but then neither is indie publishing. Learning how to write a story others would want to read was only the beginning. But for me, that part was a joy. Writing is my passion, so even though I am constantly learning new tips and tricks, new plots and twists, every story is an adventure.

Working with editors goes along with that, of course, but even that is enjoyable for me. Honing the characters’ development, refining and sharpening their individual dilemmas, tightening the plot until it squeaks…these things are, in part, the reason why I find writing so enjoyable. It lets my imagination run wild, and it’s very freeing.

The hardest part for me has been the business end of things, specifically marketing. There are so many other writers putting out new books every day, it’s easy for a new release to get lost in the deluge. The trick, one I’m still learning, is how to make my own book stand out, and bring it to the attention of readers in my intended market. Finding ways to promote my stories through channels that I can afford? Through processes that don’t take so much of my time that there is no room left in my schedule for writing? That has been my biggest challenge so far and one that is, for me, quite stressful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Most of my stories have thought-provoking storylines, concepts that encourage readers to consider the big questions of Life, as well as captivate the reader’s imagination and help them see old topics in new ways. I want my stories to say something meaningful.

For example, my debut novel, Entheóphage, was a medical mystery that centered on climate change. It’s been the subject of numerous book club discussions, including one at a library in North Carolina. I’m pretty proud of that book!

One of my short stories, entitled “Upshot,” also carried touches of nature-based themes, and was published in Mithila Review, an international online zine. Another story, too–a novelette entitled “Deer in Headlights”–is about environmental issues; that one will be published on the State of Matter website in November.

Some of my other works prompt readers to consider issues such as resistance to societal change, even when it could save an entire culture, or the issue of slavery. One that is still in the works will be written from the perspective of an elderly woman, and the issues she (and other elders, especially women) face in society today.

I don’t make the stories preachy. I just want to open the door to deeper thought, especially about issues that we all face.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

I usually seek out beta readers for my projects—readers who are fans of my genre, and who are willing to read early drafts and provide timely feedback regarding storyline, plot, character development, and the like, which helps me make the story even better. Beta reader comments are invaluable, especially if they’re honest and on point.

On occasion, I’ve collaborated with other writers in this same way—I read their work and provide feedback, and they do the same for mine. In addition, many authors share information on marketing successes, in-person sales events, great cover designers or formatters, helpful editing services, and so on. Writing a book is a huge undertaking. Other authors know this, and we help and encourage each other as much as we can.

If readers want to support me, or other writers, the best way to do that is to buy our books, and then spread the word about our work—either through word of mouth, through leaving reviews (even short ones!), or perhaps even through donating copies to local libraries. Making money is part of the reward, true, especially for an indie author who is also paying all the expenses for production of the book out of their own pocket. But far more important is getting the book in front of more readers. That’s the hardest part, so I’m always grateful to anyone who participates in that process on my behalf (and that of my characters).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://niveymarts.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dremadeoraich/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NiveymArtsLLC
• Other: https://www.dremadeoraich.com

Image Credits

Entheóphage cover art by Corvid Designs.

Fallen and Broken cover art by 100Covers.