About Rio Koviak:
Rio Koviak was born in Los Angeles, California and eventually went to school at UCLA, where she earned a degree in Theater/Film. After graduation, Rio worked in the talent and casting departments for such companies as ABC, Warner Bros., and Paramount Pictures. Rio always
had a fascination with animals, however, and chose to change her focus and career by obtaining a degree in Exotic Animal Training, Behavior, and Management at Moorpark College in California. Her goal was to work at Monterey Bay Aquarium releasing orphaned sea otters into the wild, and training exhibit otters who were not able to be released. This decision prompted her to move to Northern California, where she
would eventually meet her book-designing husband, and raise their two spunky children. The family later moved to Portland, Oregon which they continue to call their home.
Aside from managing her families needs, Rio dabbles in voiceover projects and manuscript reading for her husband’s book design business
theBookDesigners.
Hoagie & Katie is Rio’s first children’s book which she hopes to serialize and develop as an audio book with rich vocal characterizations.
What inspires you to write?
When I was around 6 yrs old, I started writing, performing, and recording my own stories on my mother’s 8-track stereo. By the time I was seven, I became obsessed with observing people (basically, spying), and every chance I got, I would log my findings in a locked diary which I kept hidden beneath my bookshelf. Soon, I graduated to journal entries about my observations of others, as well as chronicling my own experiences (both pleasant and woeful). Lately, I have inspired by my children and their little friends. I love to see their faces light up when I have a new story to tell and new voices to experiment with. It's so satisfying to hear that they can't wait for my next book to come out!
Tell us about your writing process.
I typically create a character and chapter outline, then usually travel to the coast to limit my distractions. While alone, I have a routine of work combined with self-care (hot soaking, yoga, massage, reading, wine and pie). In a week, I've got a decent rough draft, and will tape each chapter, listen to it, and begin edits. Afterward each chapter is completed, I send the audio files to my children and get their input. Meanwhile, I am corresponding with my husband Ian Koviak (theBookDesigners), collaborating about image selection, placement, and layout options. When I return home to my hectic life, I read the unedited version to my daughter's class to get their input on story and pictures (as they are my main audience age range). Lastly, I hand the manuscript over to a professional editor, and let the chips fall where
they may.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I feel especially connected to my main Hoagie & Katie characters. Since it is a series and audio book, I have become familiar with their personalities, and ways of speaking. Whenever I write an additional book, it feels like I'm coming home to old friends.
What advice would you give other writers?
Find what type of genre you are good at and love doing, then get to know your audience. Start reading small pieces to your selected readership to get constructive feedback (or simply noticing what works).
How did you decide how to publish your books?
Originally, my first book was supposed to be an experiment and side hobby for my husband and I to do together. ultimately, I decided to self-publish because once I had a finished product, most publishers didn't want to touch it, wanting me to start off from scratch. While the natural photographs of my characters were supposed to be temporary, I found that most of my audience (parents included) preferred that method of imagery, and I was not willing to give that up.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
At one point, I was concerned about the future of book publishing. I was fearful that ebooks were going to take over, and the printed page would become extinct. I no longer feel that way, as it is evident that there will always be those who prefer reading a genuine book held in their hands. Professional publishing has become more competitive, therefore, self-publishing has become more prevalent. There is more helpful information out there for newbies, which has made less daunting.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: children's fiction, adult short stories, adult humor
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
Rio Koviak Home Page Link
Link To Rio Koviak Page On Amazon
Link to Author Page on other site
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
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