Author interview: Larissa Hinton, Author of Everblossom, a short poetry anthology

This is my first blog interview and I’m honored to be able to interview Larissa Hinton, a long time friend of mine and a brilliant author. She’s an author of YA novels but also writes poetry. She has recently published Everblossom, a short poetry anthology. 

Blurb

An anthology that will quench your thirst for more than the ordinary.

Everblossom is a journey through poems and short stories that may seem ordinary on the surface but dig a little deeper and the world not only shifts. It changes.

So prepare yourself to delve into the three stages of the flower from bud to blossom then back to seed, you'll go through them all with a whole new perspective on what it all truly means. 

Now back to the author.

Larissa thanks you so much for taking the time to be a guest on Novel Moments. I truly appreciate it. Let’s get started, then. 

1.     Larissa, I know you've probably been asked this question a lot of times, but forgive me for asking again. Why do you write?

Tough question! But I write because I have to. It's not really a choice. It's like being a medium sometimes. You don't get to choose to be a medium. You do it because you were chosen to do it. You have to write down these character's stories and share them with others. You have to write down every little thought or budding story in your head because it's what you were made to do. That's how it is for me anyway. I love to write and share. At first I wrote for myself, but now it's a mixture for my readers and for me.

2.       How does your daily writing schedule look like?

I wake up every morning at 10am, edit for an hour on Angel Diaries, then for the next hour I work on Angel Diaries 2. Then during the day, I carry my little notebook for short stories and write in every spare second I have to write stories in it.

3.      How does your marketing schedule look like?

Ah, good question. I never thought about this but basically, after I'm done editing for the two hours, I check my email for any book review requests. If I get any yeses then I answer them then answer them accordingly. Then I start signing into various networking sites, here are a few: Book Blog Ning, Twitter, Facebook and Kindleboards. Then start networking my butt off for the next three to four hours. Usually, I try to find opportunities to talk about my blog, my books or awesome books I've read recently.  

4.       Which marketing channels do you consider to be most effective? Why?

I don't think one marketing channel is more effective than the other. I really think it's up to the author to use it the best ways possible. Every marketing channel is useful, it's just how you use it is what counts.

5.     How do you deal with writer’s block?

This may sound weird, but I usually go to sleep. That usually cures it. Sometimes, I just keep writing or I switch to marketing stuff. It just depends on what exact type of writing block it is.

6.     How did it feel to become a published author?

Ah, the age-old question. I didn't feel any different once pressing the publish button, but now a few months later, I feel like an author. I feel like somebody who has a business that constantly needs tending to but every time I tend to it, I love it. I love having an audience for the first time for my works and hearing all of these interesting detailed reviews of my books. I really love having great motivation to wake up and write every day.

7.    How did you celebrate?

No celebration as of yet. I do plan on buying Wicked tickets and attending that play live! They've FINALLY come to Virginia, so I'm def going to try to get the tickets. So excited!

8.     What other question are you dying to be asked?

Oh, if I have any advice for budding writers?

9.   And the answer is?

I have plenty of advice for budding writers! They can check out these links on my blog here:

·         http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/2011/11/considering-self-publishing.html

·         http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/2011/10/tips-and-tricks-how-not-to-request-book.html

·         http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/2011/10/truth-about-traditional-publishing.html

·         http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/2011/09/why-is-editing-soooo-expensive.html

·         http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/2011/09/quick-tip-of-day-blurbs.html

·         http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/2011/07/hot-topic-tuesday-best-of-best-or.html

·         http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/2011/07/tips-and-tricks-friday-editing.html

·         http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/2011/05/tips-and-tricks-time.html

·         http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/11/guest-post-larissa-hinton-author-of.html

But overall, I'd say keep writing and keep reading. Do your research. Do not limit yourself with traditional publishing or self publishing. It is possible to do both. 

10.  Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, I would love to thank my readers for trusting me to take them on an epic journey through the realm of fantasy and mystery. 

And if any of those lovely readers need to contact me, they can shoot me an email here: pocahantas89@yahoo.com

Also, they can drop a comment on my blog here: http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/

Oh, and one last thing: I would also like to thank Liz for being with me every step of the way! She's a great writer and I can't wait until she publishes her works. Thanks so much Liz for allowing me the grand opportunity to speak on your blog! 

Larissa, thanks again for being here and for the great links packed with information. I wish you all the best of luck in your writing projects.

In case you’re interested in finding out more about Larissa Hinton or her published book, Everblossom, here are some links for you:

http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Everblossom-Short-Poetry-Anthology-ebook/dp/B005H5GKIY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313954227&sr=1-1

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80600

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everblossom-larissa-hinton/1104907595

https://www.createspace.com/3671006