MEET GRAY RHYMER

TPJ: Hi Gray! Thank you for taking the time to share some of your indie author story with our readers. Let's start by talking about who you are and your background before publishing your books.

SECTION 1 — Author Information

TPJ: How would you describe yourself in a nutshell for readers who are just meeting you?

GR: I was born on a U.S. Naval base in Charleston, South Carolina but I currently reside in Northwest Georgia. My parents were divorced when I was a young child and I was raised by my mother and stepfather. I have three siblings.

I'm an author and independent publisher of an epic medieval knight adventure series, frequently referred to as The Mannering Saga.

This series began with the first book, Into The Cave, the story of a modern woman thrust back in time by walking through the mouth of a cave while searching for shelter from a storm.

The Book is set in a medieval world filled with castles, kings, queens, and knights, and dissension between friends.

Once that book was published, readers kept asking me, "What happened next?"

This question spawned the second book, A Promise Kept, and subsequently a third book entitled SATCHEL.

I also published a ghostly mystery that I co-wrote with my sister titled, A Murder In Jefferson. This book was written under the pseudonym Stephanie Gray.

TPJ: Where can readers connect with you online? (Website, social media links)

GR:

My Website -

https://grayrhymer.wordpress.com

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

TikTok -

https://www.tiktok.com/@gray.rhymerauthor

Facebook -

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574569437840

YouTube -

https://www.youtube.com/@grayrhymer5732

SECTION 2 — Books & Writing Background

TPJ: Before you became an author, what was life like for you? Any experiences that shaped your storytelling?

GR: I was a designer of telecommunications equipment for twenty years, designing business telephone systems to the commercial market. After leaving that industry, I found myself back in the public domain as a relocation consultant for a major van line, moving people from coast to coast. I remained in this industry for another ten years and then retired from the public interface.

TPJ: What sparked the idea for your very first book?

GR: The first published work, A Murder In Jefferson, which I co-wrote with my sister is an interesting tale. We have been close all our lives, so close that in this book you cannot tell where one sister stops writing and the other begins. We were living 800 miles apart, and we would watch special shows together via telephone or instant messaging; which is what occurred when this story was born. We were watching an episode of Ghost Hunters when the idea struck, "What if?". So, we began writing chapters, exchanging and adding to them via email. After many years of rewriting, resting, editing and rewriting again, it was finally in released in 2017.

TPJ: What genres feel like “home” for you—and why do they speak to you?

GR: I try not to stick with one genre, although I think the Romantasy genre has found me. I did not plan to write the sequel to Into The Cave. It was supposed to be a stand-alone novel, but my readers loved it and asked, "what happened next?" So, I wrote a sequel. Then, they asked for more, and SATCHEL was born.

TPJ: How many books have you written so far?

GR: I have four publications:

A Murder In Jefferson, under the pseudonym Stephanie Gray

Into The Cave, by Gray Rhymer

A Promise Kept, by Gray Rhymer

Satchel, by Gray Rhymer

TPJ: When you first started writing, what surprised you most about the publishing world?

GR: I knew nothing about the publishing process when I attempted to publish our first novel. Traditional publishers didn't want to talk to you unless you had an agent and agents were too difficult to aquire. Then I discovered KDP, which was new to the writing community. I tried it, and am so thankful I did. Because that is my publishing platform, now others have access to my stories that may have never had access before. The most surprising aspect has been that your work isn't finished when the writing is done. We are writers, and editors, book cover designers, cold-callers and marketers. We are social media experts and we are a support community for each other. We are Indie-writers.

SECTION 3 — Writing Process & Experience

TPJ: Are you more of a planner or a “write as it comes” kind of author?

GR: Once I have an idea for a story, I make a lot of notes. I will draft a rough outline of where the story needs to go and once that is done, I begin with my manuscript platform using a program called Writeway. Most writers will agree that even though you plan how you want that story to be told, your characters sometimes have minds of their own, and things may go in a totally different direction. I've learned to trust my characters as they will lead you down the right pathway.

TPJ: Do you have a favorite time of day to write—or any quirky rituals that help you get in the zone?

GR: It's funny, but my stories tell me when they want to be written. An impatient urge to get to the keyboard to add something to the tale. I enjoy writing in the evenings, but have found myself totally engrossed for a full weekend, losing multiple days behind the laptop. As far as rituals , as long as there is chocolate, coffee and tea in the house, any day is a good day for writing.

TPJ: What’s been your biggest challenge as a writer, and how did you push through it?

GR: The biggest challenge sometimes is writer's block. You know where you want the story to go, but you are not sure how to get it there. Your brain seems to just shut down and go blank and your fingers refuse to type another letter. I've found that simply walking away for a while helps. I've left a story hanging for weeks, submerged my thoughts into another hobby until all of a sudden, a character knocks. Then, we sit back down and continue our journey.

TPJ: Why did you choose the self-publishing route? What does that freedom mean to you?

GR: I enjoy the fact that by self publishing, I can write the story the way I want it to be read. There is no outside editor saying, 'you should condense this,' or, 'we need to change this, and we need to delete this whole scene,' etc. I have a story to tell, a full story and I want my readers to hear my voice as they turn the pages. Self publishing is a freedom of writing style that we Indie authors embrace.

SECTION 4 — Themes, Characters & Readers

TPJ: Who do you imagine reading your books? Who are you writing for?

GR: My ideal reader is someone who appreciates the content and the meaning behind the stories I write. A reader that will tell me, hey, I really enjoyed your story; what else are you planning in the future. A reader who asks for more.

TPJ: What messages or themes do you hope readers take away from your stories?

GR: The message that I see repeating itself is hope. That even in the most horrific circumstances, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and that light is hope, love and family bonds.

TPJ: Do you have a character that feels especially close to your heart? Tell us why.

GR: My son and grandson are two peas in a pod. Their personalities are so similar, that I have teased my daughter that she is actually raising her brother. When I wrote Satchel's character, I pulled from some of those characteristics to develop Satchel into a believable seven year old, and then twelve year old. The man he becomes is based on what I have observed as these two 'peas' have grown up. Smart, intelligent and good men.

TPJ: Can you share a favorite scene or line from your work that still makes you smile?

GR: I have many favorite scenes, but the one that stands out the most is when Calin goes to the Knight's Ball before the tournament. Here, he sees the transformation in Maggie and knows that he never wants to be without her.

SECTION 5 — Life Beyond Writing

TPJ: When you’re not writing, what brings you joy? Any hobbies or creative outlets?

GR: I have many interests outside of writing. I am a huge gamer! I was able to write several battle scenes using my sword skills from The Witcher and Assassin's Creed. I'm the "Gaming Grandma" that my son's friends thought was so cool. I also enjoy crafting, painting, gardening and anything that keeps my hands busy.

TPJ: Tell us about your family or pets—our readers love these personal touches!

GR: I have a daughter and a son, both grown and on their own. My daughter graced me with a beautiful grandson who is now fourteen years old and is the apple of my eye. I also have four grand-dogs. I am blessed to still have my mother with me and I enjoy having mother-daughter days with her. I have two dogs, Bonnie and Loona who are my writing partners and we have just welcomed a new kitten named Pumpkin to our family.

TPJ: What’s one fun or surprising fact about you that readers might not expect?

GR: I think the gaming thing will be the biggest surprise - lol.

SECTION 6 — Looking Ahead

TPJ: What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or books on the horizon?

GR: I am finally tackling that 'to be read' library. I have acquired many titles from other indie writers and am anxious to see what they have to share. I am going to take a little break to catch my breath before starting another project. I have an idea for the next book, but I've put it on simmer for a bit to see where we want to go with it.

TPJ: Where do you see your author journey five years from now?

GR: I would like to see my books in the hands of more readers. I want them to enjoy what has been weaved between the pages. If they will keep reading and asking 'what's next?', I'll keep drafting and generating the worlds.

TPJ: Where’s the best place for readers to follow your work and join your community?

GR: Amazon.com and Goodreads