Q&A with Bea Donaldson: Author of Pabulum and The Cerridwen Series

We had the pleasure of chatting with Bea Donaldson, author of Pabulum and the upcoming sequels in The Cerridwen Series. Bea shares insights into her creative process, what readers can expect from the series, and her inspiration behind the journey of Pabulum.

Q: What inspired you to turn Pabulum into a series?

Bea: I was inspired to write more about the world of Pabulum when I began to finish the book and realized that I still had more to tell about it. There were so many details I wanted to add to Pabulum, but it felt like it would take away from the storytelling aspect if I did. I'm autistic, and am partial to simple, direct details vs lengthy descriptions. I felt that if I added more to the book, then it would convolute the words. And I was particular about those. I felt, within myself, this story pulling out that just needed to be shared.

Q: What characters will show up in the next books?

Bea: Most of the characters from Pabulum will show up in Pariah (Book two), a few new characters, and definitely some gripping situations.

Q: How did you decide on the series name?

Ceridwen

Bea: It was really tough to decide a name! I thought I had one once, and apparently I didn't write it down? Which is a terrible habit of mine. I get my best ideas when I'm gardening or showering haha unable to write it down! So I laid all of my notes out in front of me on the floor and sifted through them. I flipped through the second proof. Then it just popped out and it was like, duh! So obvious! I called a key in the Pabulum "the Cerridwen key" and Cerridwen, or sometimes spelled Ceridwen, was a Celtic Goddess and Keeper of the cauldron of knowledge, inspiration and rebirth. She rules the realms of death, fertility, regeneration, inspiration, magic, enchantment, and knowledge. Cerridwen is a shape-shifting Goddess, able to take on various forms. She is also associated with herbology and astrology. The name Cerridwen is pronounced with a hard C in Welsh (Key-ruh-dwen). I have heard both pronunciations used. When I first heard it in my mind, it was a soft C and for that purpose I will continue to use the soft C in pronunciation. Cerridwen represents the need for change. It's a beautiful story and I thought it fit perfectly with this series.

Q: How do you plan to maintain continuity and cohesion across the series?

Bea: A lot of the same characters will remain throughout the series. They will change and become different versions of themselves, but like the day has different stages, it remains the same day. So will these characters transform from what we started with to what they become.

Q: Can you share any details about new themes or subplots introduced in the series?

Bea: Most of the themes will remain the same: transformation. But there are many subplots, and they grow deeper as everyone ages and experiences more. I want to bring more themes of energy work and magic into the story and share further insight to the invisible realms and how they interact and the effect it has on each character; how it shapes their desired outcomes. I have found that diving into the dark parts of our psyche really help us find the answers we're looking for. So the themes will be more along the lines of having sympathy for the darkness.

Q: Did your writing process change when working on the series compared to the first book?

Bea: Oh gosh yes. I first thought that Pabulum would be a singular book. As I began to finish it, I realized that there was so much more to the story than I had first imagined. My thought process became more serious and I realized that it wasn't just a fun story I wanted to share, but something deeper that might be relatable to real life. I realized that the story wasn't just about characters developing, but also I was as a writer and a human who is still processing traumatic events in my life.

Q: How do you keep track of the intricate details across multiple books?

Bea: I have to go back and read over everything many times and write myself notes so that I remember all of the details. It may seem chaotic from an outside position, but there is order to it for me.

Q: How have your readers responded to the news of the series?

Bea: There has been excitement! Which makes me nervous, "will I deliver?" but also VERY excited to share this story!

Q: What do you hope readers will take away from the series as a whole?

Bea: I hope that readers will take more time to notice the small, intricate details in life and not dismiss them. They will notice when they are seeing a certain type of flower or butterfly and not just think "Oh that's lovely" but wonder if it has deeper meaning. I want readers to understand that they may not feel very powerful, but they can still do powerful things. The point is to do something, anything, to create momentum.

Q: How many books do you plan for the series, and is there a definite ending in mind?

Bea: I have three books in mind for now, and I am hoping that is it. There is ALWAYS more I want to add, but I am not an overly detailed person and so I really do enjoy others interpretations. I like leaving room for questions and pondering. There is an ending in mind, but the details are still a bit blurry. I know they will sort themselves out as I write it down. I definitely didn't go into the first book with a solid ending in mind, but then it all just unfolded as if something larger than me was pushing through.

Q: What are you most excited about in the upcoming books?

Bea: I am most excited for Zylphia's transformation. It's going to be big and when I thought of it, I excited myself. It popped into my head so suddenly, I was in the middle of a conversation with one of my best friends Erin, and I ran inside her house and grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled it all down. When I finished, I cried a little. I was so happy with the outcome. And I hope it makes my readers cry a little too, happy tears! But I also hope that it inspires them and ignites that flame deep inside.

Bea Donaldson has crafted a world rich with transformation, magic, and deep emotional layers in Pabulum and The Cerridwen Series. Through her candid reflections, it’s clear that this series is not only a journey for her characters but a reflection of her own personal growth as a writer. With exciting subplots, evolving characters, and themes that resonate on a profound level, readers can expect to be drawn into a story that touches both the heart and the mind.

Be sure to preorder Bea Donaldson's Pabulum, available September 30th! Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the beginning of The Cerridwen Series. And stay tuned for updates on the second book, Pariah, which promises even more gripping situations and transformations!

Preorder Your Copy Now

Established Educational Author in Bay Area CA Now Focusing on Noir Mystery and Detective Fiction Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: info@bootstrappublications.com

Oakland, CA - The People’s Detective, the highly anticipated first installment in the Sonny Trueheart Mystery series by Dr. Nicholas Louis Baham III, will launch at Red Bay Coffee Headquarters & Cafe on Saturday, September 21, 2024, 3136 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601 at 2:00 PM PT.

Dr. Baham, a Professor of Ethnic Studies at California State University, East Bay, is bringing his extensive knowledge and passion for social justice to the forefront with this compelling narrative. The People’s Detective sheds light on the often overlooked issue of sex trafficking in the Bay Area, blending a distinctly Oakland aesthetic with the thrill of the noir detective genre.

Advanced praise for The People’s Detective:

“This novel moves like a freight train through a tunnel.” Kwei Quartey, LA Times bestseller list and award winning author

“Superb…a masterful tale of a gritty urban reality that has all too often gone ignored.” Damien Hunter, award winning Author of The Madrinega Missiles

“This book is not just a thrilling read, but a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the fight for justice in the face of overwhelming odds.” – Nolan Higdon, University of California, Santa Cruz

Special guests from the broader San Francisco Bay Area community are expected to attend to celebrate this milestone. The event is free to the public. It will be an afternoon of coffee, music, and a deep dive into the underbelly of Oakland’s criminal world through the eyes of former homicide detective Sonny Trueheart. The event will feature a reading from the book, an engaging Q&A session with Dr. Baham, and a book signing. 

The People’s Detective introduces readers to Sonny Trueheart, a former Oakland Police Department detective turned whistleblower, as he navigates a dangerous conspiracy involving organized crime, corrupt police, and powerful elites. With a story that’s both a gripping thriller and a poignant social commentary, this novel is set to become a cornerstone of contemporary Black detective fiction.

Dr. Baham’s work is an ode to Oakland, blending elements of martial arts, social activism, and a deep love for the city’s history and people. This launch event promises to be a must-attend for fans of detective fiction, social justice, and Oakland culture.

RSVP for the event at https://posh.vip/e/the-peoples-detective-book-launch-event.

Stay connected with Dr. Baham:

Website: https://nicholasbaham.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordredlocks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicholas.bahamiii/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@doctordredlocks

Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplesdetective

Amazon Author Profile https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicholas-Louis-Baham-III/author/B01GPFWYZM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-baham-iii-ph-d-a15b6820b

Purchase The People’s Detective

For Media Inquiries, Contact:info@bootstrappublications.com

Which is Better - Self-Publishing or Traditional Publishing?

In the labyrinth of publishing possibilities, authors often find themselves at a crossroads: Should they take the daring path of self-publishing or seek the embrace of a traditional publisher? It's a conundrum that echoes through the halls of literary history, and today, we embark on a journey to untangle the threads of this compelling debate.

Distinguishing the Two: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing

	Self-Publishing	Traditional Publishing
Short Definition	Author owns the rights and royalties; complete creative control.	Publishing company owns the rights and royalties; limited creative control.
2. Creative Control	Complete control over cover design, formatting, and release schedule.	Limited control; decisions often shared with the publisher.
3. Time to Market	Swift release, potentially reaching readers in a matter of weeks.	Longer timelines with various stages of editing and production.
4. Marketing and Promotion	Authors often handle their marketing, relying on digital platforms and personal networks.	Benefits from the publisher's marketing machine, including book tours and media coverage.
5. Earnings	Direct earnings from book sales, minus platform fees.	Advances against future royalties, with a percentage of book sales.

Self-Publishing Unveiled

Freedom on Your Terms: Self-publishing, the rebel's choice! Imagine the allure of complete control. From cover design to release dates, every decision is yours to make. It's a dance in the moonlight where the author holds the reins and the story unfolds on their terms.

Speedy Strokes: In the fast-paced world of self-publishing, your book can hit the digital shelves at the speed of your fingers typing. No waiting for approval – just instant gratification for both author and reader.

The Allure of Traditional Publishing

The Prestige of Tradition: Traditional publishing, the suitor adorned in literary elegance! There's an undeniable allure in seeing your work on the shelves of renowned bookstores, with the backing of established publishing houses lending their prestige to your creation.

Guiding Hands of the Experts: Picture this: seasoned editors, expert marketers, and cover designers collaborating to refine your masterpiece. The traditional publishing journey involves a team of professionals ensuring your work gleams with literary brilliance.

Factors to Consider

1. Financial Fables: Self-publishing brings direct earnings, while traditional publishing often involves advances against future royalties. The financial tale can sway based on your goals and preferences.

2. Control vs. Tradition: Consider how much creative control you crave versus the allure of traditional publishing's stamp of approval. It's a delicate balance between autonomy and tradition.

3. Creative Autonomy: Delve into your desire for creative control. Self-publishing allows you to steer every aspect of your book, from cover design to narrative choices. Traditional publishing may require compromise, balancing your vision with the publisher's input.

4. Timeframe: Evaluate your timeline expectations. Self-publishing typically offers quicker routes to market, enabling you to connect with readers sooner. Traditional publishing, with its thorough processes, might extend the release timeline.

5. Marketing Responsibility: Assess your comfort with marketing responsibilities. In self-publishing, you are the sole driver of marketing efforts. Traditional publishing involves a collaborative marketing approach with the publisher. Consider your willingness to take an active role in promoting your work.

6. Distribution Channels: Explore distribution options. Self-publishing provides flexibility in choosing distribution channels, while traditional publishing may limit your control over distribution decisions. Consider where and how you want your book to reach readers.

7. Upfront Costs: Examine your financial readiness. Self-publishing often requires upfront costs for editing, cover design, and marketing. Traditional publishing may cover these expenses, but potential advances might be smaller. Clarify your budget and weigh the upfront investment against potential returns.

8. Editorial Support: Consider your approach to editorial support. Self-publishing allows you to choose your editors, but the quality may vary. Traditional publishing offers access to professional editorial teams, ensuring a high standard but with less personal selection.

9. Genre and Audience: Analyze your book's genre and target audience. Some genres thrive in the self-publishing sphere, while others find a more traditional readership. Understanding your genre's landscape can influence your choice.

10. Long-Term Goals: Reflect on your long-term aspirations. Self-publishing provides immediate control and returns, but traditional publishing can open doors to wider audiences and industry recognition. Align your choice with your overarching writing and career goals.

11. Hybrid Publishing Options: Explore hybrid publishing models. Some publishers offer hybrid options, combining elements of traditional and self-publishing. Assess if a hybrid approach aligns with your preferences, providing a middle ground between autonomy and industry support.

Where Your Story Finds Its Home

In the grand debate of self-publishing versus wooing a traditional publisher, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's a decision that should align with your literary goals, personality, and the tale you wish to tell.

So, dear author, as you stand at the literary crossroads, know that whichever path you choose, it's a journey uniquely yours. Embrace the adventure, write your story, and let the world read the chapters of your literary destiny.

At Bootstrap Publications, we believe in a hybrid approach that merges the strengths of both traditional and self-publishing. Whether you choose the traditional, self, or hybrid route, each path has its merits.

Bootstrap Publications offers a nuanced approach, recognizing that authors have unique needs. As you embark on your publishing journey, consider the factors that matter most to you—be it creative control, professional support, or a blend of both. The world of publishing is diverse, and the right choice is the one that aligns with your goals and aspirations as an author.