Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Frailey

Hi Ann, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Writing has always been a cathartic experience for me, a way of seeing events, personalities, and situations from a broad view, allowing me to reflect outwardly as honestly as I can.

In grade school, a particularly challenging class antagonized our sixth-grade teacher unmercifully. For one assignment, she asked us to write an essay on any topic we wanted. I wrote exactly what I saw in the classroom during that hour. The effect was revolutionary! The teacher read it out loud and, though I had affixed no blame or even commentary, it appeared to touch several people profoundly, as if they saw themselves as a part of a whole for the first time.

Though I had learned something important about the interaction of writers and readers, I didn’t write much for the next several years. In college, I took a creative writing class, attempted a few short stories, and realized I wasn’t nearly as talented as my classmates. Years later, while pregnant with my second child, I wrote the first version of my sci-fi novel, Last of Her Kind. I received harsh criticism from a reader and gave it up.

After my last child was born and I was home-schooling, I started a historical fiction series that would eventually become the OldEarth Encounter series. I still wasn’t a good writer, but my husband encouraged me. He suggested that I write my reflections on the Lord of the Rings, a story that had deeply influenced me. So I did, and the positive reactions I received, along with painful criticism, directed me to try harder. So I entered graduate school where I earned a Master’s degree in Creative Writing.

After my husband died of cancer, I wanted to earn my own income, so I kept at the writing trade, trying to prove myself worthy of the cost of my books. My creative efforts have been a work in progress. I have been rejected by numerous agents and various literary magazines and felt the sting of harsh reviews. But over the years, I have discovered that crafting an authentic, reflective story – fiction and non-fiction – offers me something beyond words.

Similar to my experience in sixth grade, I no longer write for a grade, payment, or praise. I write what I see and feel as honestly as possible. Some readers tell me they have read my books repeatedly because they relate to the characters so profoundly. I do not know if I will ever be an acceptable, successful writer in the larger world. But I do believe that my writing means something, at least to me. I am content with that.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It is hard to separate writing struggles from general life challenges. Since I have been raising my family as a single mother, time is always an issue. There is more to do in a day than is humanly manageable. So writing, by necessity, has taken a back seat to higher priorities. Still, I have chosen to make my writing enough of a priority to allow time and space to write my books, rewrite as needed, and do whatever publicity I can fit into my schedule.

Steep as the learning literary curve has been, writing excellence has not been the biggest challenge. Consistent efforts, the freedom to experiment, constructive feedback, and the willingness to rewrite have allowed me to progress.

The greatest challenge has been marketing. I have tried nearly every free option available, and it has been a hit-or-miss experience. Paid promotions offered outstanding rewards but rarely fulfilled their promises. I have invested serious money into book marketing, which I am still trying to pay off effectively. I have reverted to only free options and always try to be honest and authentic in the process. To publish any more books, I have to earn the money ahead of time.

Amazon with KDP resources is a fantastic home for my books but, unless an author knows what he or she is doing, the ranking system can knock even the most worthy endeavors to the lowest level, meaning that they never get seen by the public. It is a harsh environment where a few low ratings and a lack of attention can kill a novel and even a whole series. Marketing a book before it gets published is key, something I have failed to take as seriously as I should.

Stumbling blocks can be turned into stepping stones, but it takes faith and endurance.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I have self-published seventeen books: five in the OldEarth Encounter series, a transitional stand-alone novel, Last of Her Kind, and two novels introducing the Newearth world. I experimented with a contemporary family, sci-fi drama entitled Homestead. In addition to a reflection on The Lord of the Rings, I wrote two non-fiction books about my life as a widow and mother raising a family in a small town. I also have written three short story collections, a children’s book, and a poetry collection. Each genre widens my scope and enriches my worldview.

Readers look for relatable stories that deepen understanding and compassion in our wounded world. Authors today must be authentic and willing to engage in the fierce struggle to find their place in our global society.

I try hard to bring key qualities to each writing project:

*Relatable characters and situations

*Honest personalities managing profound struggles

*Worthy investment – Many readers have told me that they have read my books several times.

*A cathartic experience

As an author, I’ve been interviewed for newspapers, radio, podcasts, and two major television networks. As an editor, I have worked professionally to help other writers shape their work into publishable material. As a publicist, I have a growing, dedicated following and engage with my readers as sincerely as possible.

My goal has always been to craft a relatable story as a pleasant, worthwhile literary experience. Readers who tell me that they have read my work multiple times because it affected them so profoundly mean a great deal to me. A story is written many times. It may start with the author, but the reader completes the mission and makes it truly purposeful.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

Giving up is a part of the improvement process.

Life is often wounding, and no matter what endeavor I may attempt, hurt happens. There are people and situations I cannot fix or heal. But I can be honest about my various roles, strengths, and weaknesses. Admitting my limitations has been quite freeing.

Seriously considering other peoples’ perspectives allows me to accept constructive feedback without permitting toxicity to damage me on a deep level. At times, I need to give up, take time out, and heal from a particularly nasty encounter.

Admitting mistakes, being sorry, and trying to do better allows for growth and transformation, but there is no reward for being a mindless target. I allow myself to give up for a bit, and then, when I feel better, I go on.

Pricing:

• All Kindle books are $4.99
• All paperbacks and hardcovers are priced at the lowest level I can make them and still earn a slight profit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://akfrailey.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnKFrailey/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@akfrailey393/videos
• Other: https://akfrailey.com/translated-books/

Image Credits

Trese Gloriod
James Hrkach
A. K. Frailey