I'm happy to welcome RosaLinda Diaz to the blog for an interview. I've reviewed a few of her books recently.
Onto the interview!
Do you have a set routine for writing?
I actually don't have a routine. I figured out early that if I just sat down and said that's it, I'm writing, then I could. So, I never adopted a routine. I don't wait for inspiration. I just sit down and start. Sometimes, I write well, and other times, I write poorly, but at least I'm writing.
What's your favorite tip for newbie writers?
The best tip I received was to write what you know. My early work wasn't great, but it allowed me to build confidence. Don't wait for a bestseller idea. Write what you want. Let the experiences you have had inform your writing.
What was your experience writing your first book?
My first book or my first published novel? They are two very different books. Bee Stings was my first published novel. It took only three months to write but many years to get published. Gray Mist Soldiers was my first novel. I had the idea but knew very little about soldiers' day-to-day life in the American Civil War. I forced myself to spend a month researching before I started writing.
Do you have a favourite place to write outside of your usual space?
Nope. Actually, that's not entirely true. I write best when I am stuck somewhere. In a doctor's office, at a conference, on a plane, or on a train. My mind can wander, and ideas flow freely. However, I am rarely in those places, so I do most of my writing in front of my computer or in a notebook.
Do you hoard notebooks or anything else writing related?
I wrote my first novel, longhand, in notebooks.
Which genre is your favourite to write in?
I mostly write in the romance genre, but I really love writing Young Adult novels.
Would you ever use a pen name? And if so, why?
I have, so my children's novel wasn't confused with my adult works. My middle-grade historical adventure novel Gray Mist Soldiers is published under RL Diaz.
Do you have any pets?
Sadly, only the pets are in my novels. I usually have a dog companion for my main character. Wishful thinking for me.
Do you keep good reviews and reader comments?
Absolutely! I have a file called good things, where I keep screenshots of nice reviews. Readers, don't underestimate the kind words you write. Us authors really do cherish them!
Paperback or ebook? And why?
Both!
I love the feel of a book and the smell, but ebooks offer ease of carry. On vacation, I can load up with several books at once.
Where do you see yourself, and your writing, in ten years? Ten years?
Goodness, I just figured out the next ten months! In ten years, I'd love to be living by the beach, with a good man by my side, with my kiddos running around, and enough money in the bank that I can focus on writing compelling novels for my fans full time. : )
What's your favourite writing snack?
I don't really have one, but when I get stuck or frustrated, I head to the kitchen for a piece of chocolate.
You can follow RosaLina here on Instagram, TikTok, BookBub or her website.
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