When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
When my travelling days were over and I decided I wanted to write a book about my experiences. It was only as I began to write that I realized how much I actually enjoyed the process, and made the decision to write other books.
Is this the only job you’ve had?
I wish it was! I’ve done quite a few things from working in a psychiatric ward to working in pubs. My favourite job other than this has been working in a library.
Have other work experiences made you more determined to follow a writing career?
Definitely. There’s nothing quite so satisfying as working for yourself. You’re the one in control; you don’t have to answer to anyone else. That’s the best bit.
What genre do you write?
At the moment I am currently writing a memoir about my days travelling Canada. My first book is also a memoir about travelling Australia and New Zealand.
Have you written under more than one genre?
No, not yet but I plan to do so. After my current book I want to take a break from writing so I can spend more time reading different kinds of books to decide what genre I want to write in next.
Where do you get your inspiration for writing?
Everywhere! I have a very active imagination which is the best thing to have while writing, but it can be frustrating when I want to switch off my brain to go to sleep. As for getting inspiration for my first books, I kept a detailed diary of both travelling accounts.
Do you ever dream of your next book?
I don’t think I ever sleep enough to dream!
Describe the highlight of your writing career.
Definitely selling books on Amazon. That has been fantastic.
Have there ever been moments where you’ve wanted to give up?
Absolutely not. This has been one of best things to ever happen to me. I am not giving up on it at all.
What’s been the worst thing to happen to you regarding your writing?
I think the stress of having to constantly market, it’s never ending. I didn’t realise at the time when I was writing how much work I would have to do after releasing the book.
Have you always believed in yourself, or have you let negative comments get you down?
I take no notice of nasty comments if they are just meant to be spiteful. Constructive criticism is another matter entirely, I can listen to that no problem because I can learn from past mistakes.
Who is the author you’d most like to be and why?
I like being me, even if I don’t sell millions of books. I’m very proud of my achievement. I didn’t know at first whether I would come this far.
Can you name the drawbacks to being a writer?
Definitely! The lack of time for doing anything else with your life. That’s why if you want to become a writer you must enjoy it because you don’t have a lot of time for anything else. That’s a major downside if you have a family.
What’s your typical writing day?
Well, I usually work a 6-7 day week. I’m always doing something. Most of the time I write in the mornings and then spend the rest of the afternoon marketing. I sometime work at night too, depending on what I am doing. Sometimes I’ll market for the whole of the day, other days I’ll spend mostly writing. It’s pretty full on.
What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done?
You’ll have to read my first book to find that one out!
What do you do when you finish writing a book?
Have a glass of wine to celebrate.
Do you hire an editor or do you do that job yourself?
I hire a professional editor, I wouldn’t want to publish anything if it wasn’t edited to a high standard.
What do you do when you receive criticism of your work?
Take it on board if it’s constructive. Otherwise, if it’s nasty I just ignore it.
What’s your best tip for other writers?
Listen to constructive criticism. You’re never going to learn otherwise.
What’s been the most helpful advice you’ve ever received?
To do plenty of research on the topics you want to know. If you plan and research, you’ll do well.
What do you think of the ebook industry?
I think it’s amazing! It’s given so many people an opportunity.
Please list your books and give your online details.
My book: Secret Confessions of a Backpacker: My Adventure Down
Under - can be found at:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54060
http://amzn.to/mnaL1Q - Amazon.com
http://amzn.to/lL0Cjj - Amazon.co.uk
Visit my blog where I blog about useful marketing tips:
http://lkwattsconfessions.blogspot.com
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