Creative Control Imperative to Successful Bi-coastal Writing Duo
Fifteen years ago, if a writer in New York wanted to correspond with another in California, both parties either waited for days on postal mail or paid steep phone bills. Today, creative-minded kindred spirits need only to turn to the Internet to find a more efficient, cost-effective and creative means of collaboration. Just ask Chester “Chet” Blum and Karen Luethke. Over a period of several months, these two strangers met, discovered a shared love of art and writing and ultimately created an entire novel—all via their computers, and all before they ever met in person.
Blum and Luethke, who combined their middle names to form the pen name Elizabeth Alan, came to know one another through an Internet message board based on a popular reality television show. During the course of many electronic conversations, Chet and Karen discovered they shared a passion for the arts. He is a prolific lyricist and songwriter, while drawing and painting are among her talents. In a uniquely creative volleying process, their book, Morning Coffee, was written entirely via e-mail correspondence between Chet’s New York home and Karen’s in Northern California.
“We’ve both always been drawn to writing, but apparently we needed to get together to accomplish writing a book,” Karen explains. “It’s been a very rewarding experience.”
Collaborating on a creative endeavor is nothing new, but Karen and Chet faced some unique challenges, most notable of which was the fact that while they began corresponding in the summer of 2004, they did not meet face to face until the following spring. Karen would write a section and then send it to Chet, who would edit and send it back. The process continued with each section until both authors were satisfied with the outcome. In the end, they had a richly woven story that they were ready to share with the world. Both authors believe in the importance of the little things in life and as the manuscript developed, Karen encouraged Chet to look through his vast collection of songs to find some that would complement the story. “Morning Coffee in Bed,” a favorite of Karen’s, immediately presented itself as a theme of sorts for the book. The song speaks to the desire for sharing life’s little moments, a thread that runs throughout the story. Thus, the song’s title lent itself perfectly to that of the book. Meanwhile, Karen created the cover art using pencils and pastels.
Their decision to publish with AuthorHouse was due in no small part to the fact that Chet and Karen wanted to retain creative control over the work they spent so many hours perfecting.
“AuthorHouse provided us with a way to get our book published without having to go the increasingly challenging route of a traditional publishing house,” says Karen.
“The challenge of getting the book to market was mainly that we didn’t have a literary agent or publisher, so we went the self-publishing route,” adds Chet. “AuthorHouse provided the avenue with which to get our book out there.”
Their efforts are already paying off. On the East Coast, Chet has received favorable responses from large chain book sellers, one of which has already agreed to order several copies. Their first book signings is scheduled for April, and Chet has contacted members of his local media as a supplement to the AuthorHouse promotions option. He has been invited to speak to a local book club and has been interviewed by the Staten Island Advance. Due to interest generated by the AuthorHouse press release, the book was also reviewed by The Daily Times in Farmington, N.M. Further west, Karen has been interviewed by her local newspaper, the Clovis (Calif.) Independent and she continues to creatively market the work from her side of the country. Together, she and Chet are also in contact with an ABC affiliate in Tampa, Fla., a setting that figures prominently in the book’s background.
“The highlight for me has been to see one of my creative endeavors [become] available for the public to see,” she says. “I’m looking forward to our first book signing.”
“My big highlight was seeing it on the shelf of Barnes & Noble,” Chet adds.
Karen’s advice to authors considering self-publishing their manuscripts with AuthorHouse harkens to the old adage that once the writing is done, the real work begins.
“My advice would be to think outside the box when looking to market your book. You never know what will work.” Chet agrees.
“AuthorHouse is the road you can use, but they don’t drive the car,” he explains. “You have to be ready and willing to put in the time to make the book a success. You have to follow up what AuthorHouse provides you with. It’s not easy and it takes a lot of work, but AuthorHouse gives you the tools to be successful.”
