Author Bio:
I write. I read. I edit. I re-write. I edit some more. I…am Florentine Lily. I am not [yet] an award winning writer. Although I have won some awards (Honor Roll and such), my genius as a writer has yet to be recognized. I am a dedicated individual in love with writing and hope to share my experience with the world.
I currently have two e-Books: Wasteland of Anger and Hatred, available on Amazon; and You: A Collection of Poems, available on Amazon, Kobo and Barnes & Noble. I hope you like them.
I just want to take the time now to say thank you to BookGoodies for giving me a chance to introduce myself and, for the readers, taking the time to read all this. I hope you find my work to your liking.
I’m working on three different books right now. One is a full length 50,000+ novel titled “BLIGHT”. Another one is a novella tentatively titled “The Problem” and is scheduled for a release in 2014. The other is a collection of re-envisioned fairy tales and goes by the acronym F&F. It is scheduled for release late this year or early next year, depending on several factors. I am also busy writing short stories and poems. I hope you can check in on me at my blog sometimes and leave a comment.
What inspires you to write?
I write because it’s what I love. I want to make a reader cry after finishing my book, not because it’s horrible, but because there was an emotional connection. I want them to be able to open up and say, “WOW! I want more.” I am really happy whenever I get a comment or review because it meant somebody actually took the time and spent it to read what I wrote. That is the greatest honor I can think of.
Tell us about your writing process.
I am a fly-by-the-pant type of writer. I don not outline anything out. I keep it in my head until about half-way through the book I’m working on. Then I become an outliner because I have to get the ideas out and see how “Event A” relates to “Event R” and the cause and effect. There is just too much information floating in my brain that I have to organize it.
When outlining, I use Microsoft OneNote (it has a great organizing feature) but I usually jot down my ideas in a journal and use OneNote to keep it all in one place.
I don’t even think about the character until I’m done. They just flow unto the pages. During the editing process is when I elaborate on certain things (background, extra details, e.t.c) or remove unnecessary details.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
My characters talk nonstop. They tell their stories and I have to labor to write it all down. Each one has a unique voice that I try to show through diction and dialogue. I listen to them way more than they do to me and they have no pity. Even if I’m busy doing something else, they are relentless until I pick up a notebook/computer and start writing.
What advice would you give other writers?
Enjoy the moment. Be cordial to your readers, your fans and especially to those who do not like your work. Criticisms provide an insight into what you can improve upon but realize that no matter what you do, some people are just not going to like it. You can’t satisfy everyone and you shouldn’t try to. Stay true to yourself; stay informed. As I said before, have fun.
I’m starting a new segment on my blog starting on Friday 13th, 2013 called “Friday Friend” where I hope to help up-and-coming writers (especially young writers) navigate the business. I hope I can enlighten them and provide friendly advice to improve their works.
Another segment, Wednesday Whispers, will showcase up-and-coming writers. If you want to feature, send your info to florentinelily(at)gmail(dot)com. On Tuesdays, I will post treats in the form of contests/competitions and highlight publishing opportunities. Check it out if you are interested.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
When I first decided to publish my works, I read this amazing book, APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur by Guy Kawasaki and Shawn Welch, that inspired me to try self-publishing. APE came about because Kawasaki’s publisher could not fulfill an order for 500 ebook copies of his book so he tried self-publishing himself. The book was full of nuggets of wisdom for the new writer. I do plan to become traditionally published in the future but for now, I’m working on building my brand.
I would advice new writers to do what they feel is best for them. The way that worked for “Author X” might not work for “Author Y.” The only sure thing is to be informed.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
One word: bigger. Book publishing can only get bigger. The industry now utilizes a variety of format to reach readers: print, digital, audio and other formats I probably do not know about. It is a gigantic machine that just will not stop or slow down: it keeps churning out new authors and books every minute. So if you are a writer, feel free to join the movement. We are very nice.
What do you use?
Beta Readers
What genres do you write?
Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Suspense, Drama, Poetry, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, Romance, Short Story, Historical
What formats are your books in?
eBook
Website(s)
Author Home Page Link
Link To Author Page On Amazon
Link to Author Page on other site
Your Social Media Links
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7142627.Florentine_Lily
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Florentine-Lily/268077549893066
http://twitter.com/florentinelily
Leave a Reply