Colleen Green
Author’s Interview Questions
“Are you famous?” Is the general question I get when family and friends introduce me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filter through my mind but I end up saying something like ….”Oh gee thanks” and give a shy smile, silly I know but the idea unsettles me. (a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?
No one has asked me if I was famous. Friends and family who hear that I wrote a book seem to want me to become famous. For example, my boyfriend’s stepmother recently said that it would be nice to have a Nicolas Sparks in the family. Although I just said I agreed and nodded, I wished I would have said, “Well then tell everyone you know who reads to buy my book and have them tell everyone they know who reads to buy the book then I might just have a chance at becoming famous.” As an author who is new to readers it is important to get word- of- mouth sales going. Ask people to review your book and post it on as many sites as possible.
Here is a review of Last Words. My debut romance suspense novel Amber Milestone is a complicated character who really just wants what we all want...happiness. So what is so wrong with that? On the road to happiness, people (family members, even a true love) can be both helpful and disappointing. Reading what ultimately matters to Amber is an emotional, enjoyable journey from beginning to end.Jay Worthen
In general, do you like to talk about you writing and published books or are you very close-lip about it? If no, why?
I like to talk about my writing experience however, I feel as a newbie I have a lot to learn. In this age of self promotion there is lots of room to learn and grow as a writer. Try and try again until you succeed needs to become a slogan of all newbie’s. If something doesn’t bring you sales, then try another method, sooner or later you’ll figure out the path that is right for you.
Right now I just finished my debut novel Last Words, a romance suspense novel that isn’t your typical love story. What makes mine different is the ending. My main character is swept away in a love affair that tests her boundaries and how she defines her self worth. I am currently working on the prequel and sequel to Last Words book one in the Amber Milestone series.
Blurb about book
Jack Hale’s commanding presence and sultry eyes catch Amber’s attention the first time she sees him. She dreams of a future as an executive chef, but from the kitchen of stepfather’s restaurant, she is mesmerized by the dashing man in a stylish business suit. The day he orders dessert and asks her to share it with him, dreams of their life together take hold of her heart. She imagines those few bites of dessert to be the beginning of a storybook romance… little does she know what twisted secrets Jack Hale holds.
Why this particular genre?
Romance has always intrigued me. Why some relationships work and other don’t is interesting. Fiction tends to be larger than life. We can have that perfect guy after all. Like I said, though my book is different, I believe that is what makes it stand out. I won’t give away the ending but you’ll be satisfied at the end in a surprising way.
What inspires or motivates you to write?
Creating my own world through writing has been a pleasure. I wanted to do it because it is something I can truly call my own. You write for yourself first. Of course, you have to tweak it to please the masses if you want the fame too, but to go through the process of making a story has to come from a place of pure passion.
What is the writing process like for you?
I tend to think in terms of plot first. As long as what motivates people to do something comes from a strong emotion then the reader will want to know what comes next.
How did/do you teach yourself to write?
You study the genre you’re interested in by reading and noticing how the writers you like use words to make you care about someone as if they were real. Surround yourself with friends and editors who will be brutally honest and let you know when you’re onto something and when you need to go back and do revisions. Writing is easier than revising to me. But it is in the revising that your story will take its most true shape.
What aspect of the craft do you think is most difficult to learn?
I think writing about sex is difficult. It’s more about the emotions than the physical aspects but it is easy to get caught up in positions instead of emotions. I still plan on reading more romance so I can study how this is done.
What has been the most encouraging comment someone has made about your writing?
A friend said I was brave for writing and publishing. I never had thought of it that way before but she’s definitely right, you have to be brave to craft a story, and then put it out there for people to criticize or fall in love with. Even the most popular writers have their critics, so you have to recognize that not all people like every style of writing.
What is the best and/ or worst part of being a writer?
The best part is creating a world that you can call your own. The worst part is trying to figure out how to get the book in the hands of thousand of readers. I’m still trying to figure that part out. Eventually I will and then that part won’t be the worst.
Do you have any advice for struggling writers?
Surround yourself with people who encourage you to write. You need to learn how to juggle reading, writing, and promoting along with working and spending time with your family. Hopefully the working part will give way to writing full time for a living.
What is your favorite genre to read or write?
Romance/suspense or family drama
Favorite author? V.C. Andrews
What did you do before you became a writer?
I currently work in the printing industry. I haven’t been able to become a full time writer yet. I just published my debut novel so it could take a few books before I can become a full time writer.
Was it a life long dream or triggered recently?
It’s always been a life long dream of mine.
Do you have a bucket/ to-do list and would you share at least two things on it?
Finish my sequel to my first book. Sell at least five hundred of my first book.
Go to Italy.
This or that questions:
Coffee or Tea - coffee
Sweet or savory –sweet
Homemade meal or takeouts – takeouts
Winter or summer – winter
Night-owl or Early-Bird – night owl
Telephone or visits – visits
Which social network do you prefer? I don’t have a preference.
Blogger or website? Both
What does your family say about your career? Supportive or Clueless
When some of my family bought my book they acted like it was no big deal, that I just poured my heart and soul into this story. No congratulations, no ” I’m proud of you”. My father would have said it but he’s no longer with us. I was understandably hurt. On the other hand, some family and friends have been more willing to say how impressed they are. I think people react different to my accomplishment depending on how well they know me. The better the know me the more excited they are to read my story.
And Finally Motto/wisdom in life you live by.
If at first you don’t succeed then try, try, try again!
Contact details and buy links of the newest books you would like the readers to know.
Buy Last Words Author House / Amazon
My blog http://activeamateurchef.wordpress.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPGreen
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/authorcolleengreen
My rafflecopter contest
About the Author
Colleen Green graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Technology. She lives in Ohio. She started the Dayton Book-n-Cook Club, where she shares her love of cooking and reading.
For more information, visit www.colleengreen.info.
Her recipes are on her blog at http://activeamateurchef.wordpress.com.
Her Cranberry Orange Stuffing & Cranberry Granola Stuffing recipe looks delicious. I will have to try it out. J
Thanks once again for your willingness to share with me and the readers.
Until next time.
Thank you for interviewing me, it was a great experience. I look forward to checking out books to read on your blog.
ReplyDeleteColleen
www.colleengreen.info
Thanks Colleen, great interview. Happy reading, and I wish you all the best with the sales.
Delete