Meet First Love Blog Hop Author Raebeth McGee-Buda

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Some Q&A with Author Raebeth McGee-Buda...

Where are you from?

I’m from Fairchance, Pennsylvania.

Tell us your latest news.

The latest news I am working on is a House Show Book Signing, which will be located in Smithfield, PA. This is a term I guess you could say I kind of made up. I’m going to be hosted at a relative's house this day for my first book signing. I’m still in the process of figuring out the details and they will be announced on my website as soon as they are complete.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve always considered myself to be a writer from as far back as I can remember. I’d only consider myself an author very recently with the publication of my first book, Silenced.

How did you come up with the title?

The title just came to me. I felt that when my main character Amber cuts, she’s silencing the feelings that go along with depression.

On Amazon

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes there is. Silenced hits home for me and I know it’ll be hard for some readers. Especially if they don’t know the reasoning behind why I wrote it. I want to bring more awareness to depression and cutting, but in a way where the readers are being entertained. I know some think the book needs work, Amber’s too immature, or Silenced is just hard to get. It all boils down to the fact that self harm is widely frowned upon and the lack of understand depression tends to sway people to believing it’s all a mind thing. In a way, those who think that are correct.

Depression isn’t something that one develops like the flu and then it goes away. It’s a dark shadow that looms over its hostage and takes control when it wants. Therefore, Silenced was written to help people to see and understand this.

How much of the book is realistic?

The main plotline with cutting and depression is. Amber is based off of different events from people I know and talked to. Each situation she faces was also faced by someone I know in real life. Like going from outcast to prom queen. From hating oneself to eventually coming to terms with who you are. I did throw in some different aspects that were from my imagination but this wouldn’t make the story any less appealing.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Yes, both which I explained in the last question.

What are your current projects?

At this time I am working on the ending of the second and last book in the Silenced Series. I’ve titled this one Silenced: The Overtaking. I’m also working on a paranormal book series which I’m unsure of the series title but book one is Sophie.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Well outside of my family members there are more than one.. perhaps a small group that I must recognize here. My Silenced Street Team. They are my motivation. They are one of my reasons to continue writing. They work so hard to help me get the word out about my books and help get my name recognized...it’d be wrong of me just to name one person.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Well, I would have taken out a bit of information that wasn’t needed to progress the story, the edit mistakes that wasn’t caught with the editor, and I’d have the acknowledgement section name a few less people of one thing and more from another.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I can’t share the actual story yet. But I can say that Amber’s struggle continues until an unexpected source and event helps her to see what she needs to do.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Writing the ending of a book. I’m having so much trouble deciding on the perfect ending to Amber’s struggles and journey.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Up until now.. no. But I do see traveling in the area and around the state in the future some time. There’s so many authors in PA I’d love to meet. I’d love to set up book signings throughout PA and West Virginia.

on Kindle

Who designed the covers?

The Kindle version of Silenced I created. The paperback version was created by Mad-Hatter Designs and they are currently working on the cover for part two of Silenced.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Having to hear the sad stories of the struggles people had with depression and self harm. That was definitely a hard time... interviewing people. Then taking all those experiences from the events that were approved to be written about and placing them into the life of my main character.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I wouldn’t say I’ve learned it.. but I do have more compassion when it comes to those suffering with the addiction of self harm. I dabbled in it for a while when I was younger but not nearly as far or as long as some of those I interviewed.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I want to thank all of those who gave Silenced a try and gave me wonderful feedback on it. I think it’s great that you understand where I’m coming from with the message and the big picture behind Silenced. Thank you for not questioning my motives. I can’t believe the support I have now and the number of fans keeps rising everyday. I do hope to one day be able to hear that my book has helped someone who was suffering end their journey and to hear them say their chains were broke. I want to hear them say they are free and depression doesn’t own me!

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