WELCOME Lee Piper!
So glad you could pop in and share a little about yourself and your writing.
1. What is the theme of the book you are working on?
Rock My Body, Book #2 in the Mondez series, is due for release through Evernight Publishing on June 3. I’m really passionate about eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness, so decided to write a novel from the viewpoint of a heroine who has been m
edically diagnosed with Anxiety. It’s a great way to not only highlight the (many) challenges of this illness but to also celebrate the strength of someone who lives with it through a combination of humour, music and love. (What a wonderful thing to do. Anxiety can be crippling to a person.)
2. What was/is one of the hardest things about writing one of your books/current manuscript? (Did you or do you want to throw it into the fire like frodo?)
The hardest thing about writing Rock My Body was the fact I was pregnant with severe morning sickness (19 weeks, people. 19 looooong weeks) while also trying to work full time and raise a three year old. It was so unbelievably hard. Strangely, I was really happy with the manuscript itself, it was just the extenuating circumstances surrounding its creation which really knocked me around! (Oh Lee, that is quite a load to be juggling and morning sickness...yuk.)
3. Because everyone always wants to know. Are you a panster or plotter?
I’m a combination of the two. At the start of every book, I plot out a basic storyline, the characters, their motivations, and their relationships with one another. Then, (pregnancy aside) I go for a jog along the beach while listening to heavy rock music. This is when I think up each chapter of my WIP. Most often, I will let the ideas sit with me for a while—overnight works best—and then get up at 5am the next day to put pen to paper until 7am which is when I get ready for work. In the evening, I then go over what was written that morning; I type it up and spend the next day or so tidying it up until I am happy with it.
4. How important are reviews to you? Do you get upset when they aren’t favourable? (Like stalk the reviewer and wish they get infested with a thousand fleas.)
I do read the reviews on my books and, like many authors, sometimes wish I hadn’t. I figure if they’ve taken the time to write about my work, regardless of it it’s positive or negative feedback, the least I can do is read it. I’m curious by nature, so it’s really hard for me not to! If nothing else, the negative reviews teach me resilience and the positive ones make me feel awesome. However, I have decided that unless the reviewer is brave enough to become an author themselves, I’m not going to pay too much heed to their opinions either way. Reading is so subjective and trying to please everyone is beyond impossible. (We all need thick skin.)
5. How do you market your books? (Stand at the top of a building and shout buy my book?)
I’m very active on social media. Facebook is my go to marketing tool and to be honest, I find most new reads by my favourite authors on Facebook too. I love reviewing and blogging on Goodreads, updating my website/blog, creating YouTube book trailers, taking part in Facebook parties, running giveaways, writing a monthly newsletter, contacting fellow authors for blogging/interview opportunities etc etc. It’s non-stop but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
6. Social Media – Love it or hate it? Where do you hang out the most? Any tips to share?
Love, love, love. I’m trying to find the happy medium between marketing my books and building rapport with my friends/followers. I hate the thought of continuously flogging my latest novel to the point of turning people off, however know it is a very powerful tool if done correctly. So, I carefully take note of what the big names are doing and, if I agree with their methods, follow their lead as much as possible.
7. What is your favourite motivational phrase or positive saying?
‘If you want to be a writer, you must do two things about all others: read a lot and write a lot.’ – Stephen King.
This sounds like the perfect life to me. (It sure does.)
Lee loves connecting with readers and fellow authors, here are her links:
Website: http://www.leepiperauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leepiperauthor/
Blog: http://www.leepiperauthor.com/blog
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Piper/e/B01NAS0IBO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16304661.Lee_Piper
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhPr2s7QOf5B-1NiaHq5Dw
My latest Newsletter: http://mailchi.mp/20ded2dd0312/lee-pipers-april-newsletter
