Friday, 12 July 2013

#HerBooks - Author Interview - Steena Holmes


What else do you do to make money, other than write? It is rare today for writers to be full time…I’m a full time writer who dabbles in cover art. I helped to create The Author’s Red Room where we provide cover art, editing etc. It’s something that helps me to relax and refocus when I’m stuck on a scene that is hard for me to write.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? For me – being successful means having readers who fall in love with my stories and want more.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? I bake and read. But I especially bake. Whether it be a new chocolate recipe or an old favorite – like chocolate chip cookies or moist chocolate cake.

How often do you write? And when do you write? I write daily. I have a minimum word count that I like to reach. I’ll write sporadically throughout the day but I find my best writing times are at night – when my brain has slowed down and there’s not a rush for me to do anything else.

How do you feel about self-publishing? I LOVE self publishing. I love what it has to offer authors today. It’s how I found success and reached readers. I think as an author though, we need to be careful that we’re not publishing everything we write just because we can. Our books need to be vetted – beta read, edited and we need a good cover design. I also love being a hybrid author – one who self publishes and works with a publisher. It’s the best of both worlds.

How important are friends in your life? My friends are my lifeline. My girlfriends help to keep me grounded and secure. They talk me off the ledge when I’m about to do something fanatical and encourage me when I want to try something new. They know me at my core and love me anyways.

Do you find the time to read? Normally it’s at night or in the bath.

What is your favorite food? Chocolate. That was easy

What’s your favorite place in the entire world? I recently travelled to Europe to speak at a conference and do some sightseeing. I fell in love with Brugge, Belgium and can’t wait to go back one day. And no, it’s not just because of all the chocolate shops either !

What are your goals as a writer? To never stop. To write books that hit the hearts of my readers.

Where do you see yourself in five years? In the exact same place – writing – but with 20+ books out between now and then.

What are your current writing projects now? I have a few on the go. I’m finishing up a project dealing with post partum psychosis and then I have a secret 5-novella series that will come out starting in the fall. I’m very excited about that project!

What are some of the best tools available today for writers, especially those just starting out? Scrivener. I can’t say enough about this program. It’s transformed how I write and I love it.

What do you do to unwind and relax? I shop and buy ice cream with my kids, go to the movies and bake.

What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing? We recently took a trip to Disneyland – our first real family vacation! I’m a kid at heart and have always wanted to go!

If you could leave your readers with one bit of wisdom, what would you want it to be? Read from your heart and love the life you live.
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Women's fiction
Rating – PG
More details about the author & the book
Connect with Steenah Holmes on Facebook & Twitter

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