AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Wanda Austin Nelson

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing?

          

I’ve been writing since I was a child.  It was always a way of expressing my heart.  

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

       

I usually write in the evening. It’s not on a rigid schedule simply because of things that do require my immediate attention at times.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

      

I’ve used a lap top for years because it goes where I go.  I can write on a bed, a sofa, even riding down the road if I have to.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?       

   

I love telling a story. I even like the research. I  don’t always enjoy formatting the end result.

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

   

I’ve written several books.  I get ideas from different things. Even dreams sometimes. My first book took five years to write.  Usually about two years on the others.

Get the Book at Amazon

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

   

I use various social media and word of mouth.  Sometimes I arrange for free books on Amazon Kindle.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

   

I am currently working on two books, hopefully  at least one will be finished this year.

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.  

     

I am considering  doing an historical fiction on an ancestor of mine, but I haven’t decided which one, or the time period I’d like to do.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

  

I would say go for it. You never know until you try and you may surprise  yourself with a wonderful story!  Writing is like anything else, the more you do it, the more you improve.

***

Question for Kathryn:

What are the easiest and cheapest ways for a new writer to market their book?

Great question! Do you have my marketing book yet?

Top five easiest and cheapest ways to market in a nutshell:

1. Blog interviews like this one.

2. Free advertising on sites. You might want to try an author spotlight.

3. Social Media. Facebook is the best place to share your work but there are other social media avenues to try such as twitter and LinkedIn.

4. Postcards instead of business cards. An author can fit more information on a postcard such as the book cover, synopsis, links and contact information. Postcards will cost you a little but will go a long way. Use them at book signings, as invitations, as bookmarks, and as your business card.

5. Speaking up about your book. Keep your postcards with you. Hand them out when people ask what you do for a living, when you've had an especially good meal at a restaurant, whenver you have an opportunity.

***

Learn more about Wanda:

www.wandaustinnelson.com  

amazon.com/author/wandanelson