Author Ruth Ann Nordin

I met Ruth Ann Nordin through her books, I have read so many not once but two times. 

The characters believable, the plot and story lines intriguing and the romance always sweet. 

( I did say I am a sucker for romances**smile**)

You can find her books on Amazon and Goodreads. 

When I started with this journey in 2010 and I wanted to know more this lady helped me tremendously. At first I thought I had to go through a Publishing house to get my books noticed but after the initial quote of R 60 000 I said there is no way that I can afford it. If you know my journey you would understand why. One publishing house accused me that I am not willing to put my money where my books are...ridiculous. From a business stand point it would not have made sense to go that route since I am new to the world of books, and living in a small town in the heart of South Africa. 

Logic said that I would waste my money, even if I had it.

 On her blog she answered all the questions about self publishing I had, and I had many to begin with. I never considered to publish until I saw that she was the living proof that it can work. 

So when I started with this blog I wanted to place the spotlight on her as well, in away to thank her for all the advice and patience with me.

And her books are great reads!

Author’s Interview Questions

      1.       Are you famous is the general question I get when family and friends introduces me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filters through my mind but ending up saying something like ….”Oh gee thanks” and give a shy smile. (a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?

Nope.  LOL  It’s as it always was before I published a book.  I guess if they introduce me to their friends as an author, I would be embarrassed because I don’t think of myself as an author.  I know that’s weird.  I write and publish books, but I don’t feel like people are out there reading them.

      2.       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’m only open about it if someone has questions or wants to discuss writing and publishing.  I wait for them to come to me first.  I think It’s because I’m introverted and have trouble approaching people.  In many ways, I feel like I’m still a nerd in high school.

      3.       What book/s are you currently writing and what is it about?

I’m currently editing Runaway Bride, a contemporary romance about a hero is trying to convince the heroine to marry him instead of the man she’s engaged to.

4.       Why this particular genre?

I most write historical western romances, though I’ve done contemporaries romances and Regencies.  I started writing romances because I wanted to read romances where sex only happened after marriage, and after I had a hard time finding an author who only wrote that specific thing, I decided to write the books I wanted to read.

  

      5.       What inspire or motivate you to write?

Music is a big source of inspiration.  I like to create playlists that fit the story.  My second biggest source of inspiration is blogging about books I am working on and want to work on.  I start getting excited about the stories when I do that.  Most of the time, though, I have to sit down without interruptions and make myself write.  When I haven’t written in a couple days, it’s hard to get back into the routine.  I find if I can go slow and steady every day, it keeps me motivated a lot easier.

  6.       What is the writing process like for you?

I can’t outline.  I’ve tried it and it’s never worked.  I start with a one or two sentence plot idea, a general idea of who my main characters are, the setting, and the beginning scene.  From there, I start writing and see what happens.  Characters end up telling me who they are as I go along and they do and say things that lead to future scenes.  Sometimes I do a brief outline as I finish a book to make sure I close up all plot points, but that’s the only time outlining works for me.

  

      7.       What is the best and/ or worst part of being a writer?

The best part is being able to live out any adventure I wish.  The worst is knowing I have more ideas then I have time to write.  I currently have ten stories I want to write, but I can’t manage more than four at a time.  Picking the ones to go with is hard.

  

      8.       Any advice for struggling writers?

If someone is struggling with ideas, then I suggest watching movies or reading books and asking, “What if this happened instead?”  If they’re having trouble sticking with the story, I suggest a set word count or time of day to sit and write (even if it’s a scene that comes later in the book).  If the it’s marketing the book, I have no easy answer for that except keep writing and engage in places that interest you.  It can be a slow process.

  

      9.       What is your favorite genre to read or write?

I love to write romances.  I love to read horror novels (whether for children, YA, or adults but mostly R.L. Stine books like Goosebumps or Fear Street).  I also love to read religious nonfiction.  I do read romances, but since I write them, I don’t read them often since I like getting a break from them.

  

      10.   Favorite author?

Carolyn Davidson.  She inspired me to write what I do today.

 11.   Do you have a favorite spot to read and write? 

My living room chair.

      12.   What do you like to do when not writing? 

I love going to the zoo and other activities with my family.  I also enjoy hanging out with a good author friend who lives in the same town I do.

  

      13.   Do you have a bucket list and would you share at least two things on it?

My bucket list was created when I was 13.  To get married and have children and become a bestselling author. 

      14.   What have you done so far on this list?

All of them.  I’m not a huge mega-star author, but I got on the top 100 B&N list for a couple days and that counts as bestselling (to me).  Not as impressive as USA or NYT, but it was better than I ever expected so I’m happy. 

     15.   Most daring thing or experience you have done you would like to share?

I gave a speech with another author at a writer’s conference.  I was so nervous my glasses kept fogging up.  I finally had to take them off because I couldn’t see anyone.  LOL

      16.   This or that questions:

        ·         Coffee or Tea -  Coffee

        ·         Sweet or sour –  Sweet

        ·         Home make meal or takeouts –   Takeouts

        ·         Winter or summer –  Summer

        ·         Night-owl or Early-Bird –  Night Owl

        ·         Telephone or visits – Visits

        ·         Which social network do you prefer?  Blogging on WordPress

        ·         Blogger or website?  I have a blog and website but love my blog more.  So blogger.

        ·         What does your family say about your career? Supportive or Clueless - Clueless

       

And Finally

Moto/wisdom in life you live by. 

My motto is this: Go ahead and try that thing you’ve always wanted to do.  If it turns out you fail, you’ll be no worse off than you are now. But if you succeed, you will be pleasantly surprised.  Above all else, have no regrets about the stuff you never did because fear held you back.

Contact details and buy links of the newest books you would like the readers to know.

My website: http://www.ruthannnordin.com and my blog: http://ruthannnordinauthorblog.wordpress.com

Thanks once again for your willingness to share with me and the readers. I wish you all the best with all the books in progess and that we will see even more in the future.

Thanks for interviewing me, Lynelle!

Lea Cherry

June 26, 2013