WELCOME Louisa Loder!
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?
I'm working on my first contemporary romance novel. It's a story about a girl from Perth who gets the chance to go to Los Angeles to work with her celebrity crush, and deals with themes of self-acceptance, personal growth, and love - of course!
2. What is one of the hardest things about writing one of your books/current manuscript? (Did you or do you want to throw it in the fire like Frodo?)
Finding the time to write, honestly. Between work, parenting, studying, and trying to have some semblance of an actual life, I have to squeeze writing time into the gaps. It's not unusual for me to scribble in a notebook on my lunch break, or be up between the hours of midnight and 4am tapping madly away trying to make progress. (Writers have the craziest schedules!)
3. Because everyone always wants to know. Are you a panster or plotter?
I'm an obsessive plotter. I have flow charts, brainstorm pages, tables, and spreadsheets. I like to try and have every little detail nutted out before I start - but that said, I definitely embellish along the way during the writing process. Maybe there's a little bit of pantser in me, after all! (Sounds like you're an obsessive plotter, but it's a good thing.)
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.)
Reviews are good, because without that feedback a writer really has no way of gauging their work. I appreciate all reviews of my work, because these days it's a huge thing for people to take time out of their schedule to actually write one. That said, I try not to take 'bad' reviews to heart, and always attempt to look at the bottom line of what the reviewer has said. That way, I might get something I can work on in order to improve.
5. How do you market your books? Any events you want the reader to know about e.g. Coming appearances or signing?
I generally do my marketing through my website - having all the information people might need in one place is invaluable, as again they're trying to get what they want in the shortest possible time frame. But I love getting out and talking to people in person, too! I have recently appeared at the Katharine Susannah Pritchard Writing Centre in Perth on 24 April as part of their 'Sunday Sessions' program (http://www.kspwriterscentre.com/) and have chatted to 107.3 Heritage FM in Perth on 15 May (http://www.heritagefm.net/live-stream).
6. Social Media – Love it or hate it? Where do you hang out the most? Any tips to share?
Social media makes my world go 'round! The thing to remember is to keep it social - no one wants to have adverts for books constantly appear in their feed. Choose one or two platforms, connect with like-minded people, offer support to other writers, and be yourself. Use your social media networks to distribute your marketing materials from your website or blog. You can find me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/louisaloderauthor) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/louisaloder).
7. What is your favourite motivational phrase or positive saying?
"Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery." While it's not strictly a 'motivational' saying, these wonderful words from Jane Austen remind me that as long as I am entertained by what I'm working on and feel happy with where I'm at with my writing, the rest is purely incidental. (No, this is a great quote and from only the best!)
If you want to know more about Louisa you can find her here at http://www.louisaloder.com
Blurb for latest release
Rocky Romance (Serenity Press)
This collection includes heartfelt stories of healing and simply not wanting to be lonely, as well as temptation, the butterflies of early love, and, of course, the inevitable romantic conflict. The stories explore romance as a possibility and as a 'happy ever after', giving readers a variety of warm, touching and funny moments to ponder. Monique Hall, Monique Mulligan, Teena Raffa, Louisa Loder, Karen Weaver and Mike Murphy are all authors in this collection.
Book links - http://www.louisaloder.com/books-2/
