I typically post on Wednesday’s and Friday’s but today is a special occasion. As a part of the 400 Hundred Hours to ‘Four Hundred Hours,’ the release of the latest YA book by author L. Carroll I am happy to host the author today in a special interview. Enjoy the interview below.
1. When did you know that you wanted to be an author?
I never, in a million years, thought I would be an author when I grew up! But about eight years ago I had this super cool, vivid-as-real-life dream that I thought would make a cool scene in a book. As I was thinking about my dream, the question popped into my head, "I wonder if I could actually write a whole book."
I've always enjoyed writing and telling stories, so I decided to give it a whirl. After about the…um…first chapter, I was hooked!
2. How long have you been writing?
Like I said, it's been about eight years now.
3. How long did it take you to write 'Four Hundred Days?'
"Four Hundred Days" took about fourteen months to write. That is a definite improvement over the first book in the Lor Mandela Series. That book, "Destruction from Twins" took almost six years!
4. Explain your writing process?
Warning: The following may be disturbing to some readers, and I completely understand!
One of my favorite things about being a fantasy author is that, when I write, I can do things that may not be socially acceptable. If you were to come into my office, ("The Author's Lair" as my children call it), there's a good chance that you'd find me acting like a crazy person! I always read the last chapter I wrote, and then, jump up from my desk and proceed to act out the next scene, (and I am NOT a good actress). I've found that this helps my writing flow more smoothly and be more believable, despite my lack of thespian abilities.
Another strange quirk is that I can't write when I'm in a bad mood. So, when I'm grouchy, I have these horrible plastic, white, pointy-rimmed glasses that I force myself to put on. All I have to do is look at myself in a mirror, (or wait for someone in my family to walk by). Luckily, I can't help but laugh at how stupid I look! It works every time!
5. Was book two any more difficult to write then book one?
Looking back, I think that "Four Hundred Days" was EASIER to write than "Destruction from Twins". There was a lot more research on 400, but I was far more conscientious about how the writing process worked, and how I worked. Of course, there were parts of both books that seemed to just fall into place, as well as parts that were challenging.
6. Obviously this tour shows how much you value social media. How do you see social media affecting the writing community in the future?
Social media is an extremely powerful tool, especially for indie authors who don't have a marketing team devoted to promoting their work. I've been able to meet hundreds, if not thousands, of people who would have never come into my social circle had it not been for sites like Twitter and Facebook. The potential for exponential growth that exists on these sites is amazing! If I find ten people who absolutely love my book and they each tweet about it to their followers, some of whom also love it and tweet it on… You see how this can grow a lot faster than traditional word of mouth advertising.
Another desirable aspect of social media is the ability to contact people who enjoy reading and even specific genres of books easily. It's just a simple search.
There's always the possibility that something new and wonderful will come along and render social media obsolete, but as it stands, I fully anticipate that social media is only going to become an even more integral part of book promotion going forward.
7. Will there be a book three?
Why yes…yes there will. In fact, it's in the works as we speak.
8. Do you have plans for any more YA series or books in a different genre?
I have started working on a paranormal romance/thriller called "The Sleeper's Secret" which may end up being a two book series. I also have an outline drawn up for another YA Fantasy about an ancient water fairy who wakes from what should have been a single season of hibernation, into the chaotic world of modern day Los Angeles.
9. What do you wish you knew before becoming an author?
I guess I wish I would have known how much work goes into book promotion. Had I been aware of the hours involved, I would have saved my pennies and hired a publicist!
10. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
There are a TON of obstacles when you write and publish a book, but if becoming a published author is your dream, don't let those obstacles take you down! In the words of one of the most successful dreamers of all time, “All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
Social Media Contest:
I’m participating, as an author in The 400 Hundred Hours to Four Hundred Days blog tour. The purpose of this is to celebrate the upcoming release of L Carroll’s second book, ‘Four Hundred Days.’ A component of this tour is a social media contest. If you are interested in winning a free book read the rules below.
The goal behind this contest is to spread the word about Four Hundred Days as far as possible to as many people as possible.
Four Hundred Days is the second book in the Lor Mandela series by L Carroll. It’s a captivating trilogy.
Win Nice Girls Does Noir by Julia Crane
To Enter:
· Tweet “Join us on the 400 Hour to @FourHundredDays blog tour (participants add your link to this contest here)
· Leave a comment with the links.
Extra entries
· Facebook about the contest. (+1 entry)
· Change your Facebook Image to the 400 Hours to Four Hundred Days blog tour button for the duration of this tour. (+3 entries)
· Change your Twitter avatar to the 400 Hours to Four Hundred Days blog tour button for the duration of this tour. (+3 entries)
· Blog about this tour. (+5 entries)
· Grab the 400 hours to Four Hundred Days button and place it your blogs sidebar. (+3 entries)
· Youtube about the 400 hours to Four Hundred Days tour. (+10 entries)
As You can find more info and the 400 Hours to Four Hundred Days blog tour button at Woven Strands
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