Pages to Chapters to Covers: Author Interview

How do you think people perceive writers?

I think they imagine we are all independently wealthy or something. They also seem to think writing a book takes all of two hours! There is so much piracy and then people demanding books for free that I wonder if they realize how much writers truly bring in for their work.

When you calculate how much you make for how many hours you work, it’s depressing. I try not to think about it. The other part is the timing. I will release a book and it’s out for three days at most before someone has read it and asks about a sequel. I always hear readers complaining they don’t want to wait two years for the next book. The publishing industry definitely needs to move quicker – especially with series – but a writer can only write so fast. Add in editing and revising and we need time. Especially since, like I said in the first part of this question, we are probably working a day job to fund this insane hobby we have.

How do you feel about self-publishing?

I think it’s no different than traditional publishing, except it’s harder to get exposure. Are there terrible books out there that were self-published? Yes. Of course. Are there terrible books on the New York Times bestseller list? You bet. How the book got into readers’ hands isn’t important. What is important is getting it into those hands.

How many friends does a person need?

I’m a socially anxious person. I don’t like large crowds (although I love the city, but no one is paying attention to you in a city) of people. I much prefer to sit down quietly with a couple of people and talk. So I say a few that can really be trusted. Acquaintances are different, but real friends? I’d rather focus on the handful of them that exist than try to increase quantity.

What does love mean to you?

It’s the reason we keep going, the reason we get out of bed, and the reason we don’t let the world and all of its problems break us. It’s the reason we are alive.

When you get free time on the internet or you go to the library – what do you want to read about?

Anything. I love stories that transport me into someone else’s life and I love to learn. There is little I won’t read.