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Interview with a writer

By Liana Metal | Open Tips

How and when did you get started as a writer?

I always wrote as a child - letters to friends and poems, but never thought of myself as a writer until receiving an A on an essay in college. I'm a late bloomer and didn't become a newspaper reporter until almost age 40.

How do you usually find your ideas?

Truthfully, I always had trouble coming up with the "fresh ideas" sought by magazine editors. My first book, Catskills Alive, was conceived during a trip to the Catskills with my husband. We stayed at an inn near the Delaware River and I could not get over its beauty and lack of tourism. I thought "What is wrong with this picture?" and decided to write a guidebook to the whole region. That was my first "fresh idea."

Did you ever get any rejections?
If yes, how did you react to them?

Funny question. What author has not gotten rejections - enough to paper the walls? In the early days, it really hurt because I always took it personally. Since doing the newsletter and reading how some authors cope with rejection by shrugging it off, I've gotten better about it. If I really believe in my project, I'll never give up.

Tell us about your books. What was your first one?

Catskills Alive was published in 2000 and the second edition in 2003. Long Island Alive came out in 2003. Both were published by Hunter Publishing. Book Marketing from A-Z was published in March 2005.

What inspired you to write this book?

I started Book Promotion Newsletter in March 2003 because I was hungry for information on ways to promote my guidebooks. There was little available for authors. Two years later with nearly 1500 subscribers, I had enough material for a book and Book Marketing from A-Z was published in March 2005 by Infinity Publishing. Each new subscriber receives a questionnaire to complete, which has provided the fodder for both the newsletter and the book.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took a few months to compile the material and place each anecdote in its proper category.

What are the major challenges that you have faced in your career?

As I said, coming up with "fresh ideas" posed the greatest hurdle as a freelancer. Finding publishers was relatively easy in comparison.

Has the Internet helped you in your writing career?
How?

The Internet has turned my life around. I often joke that my next book will be entitled, "My Life on Line." Without the Internet, I would not have the newsletter and thousands of supportive subscribers.

What do you advise new writers to do?

New writers should learn the market. Read Writer's Digest Magazine, take classes, network with other authors, and create a niche. Then buy a copy of Book Marketing from A-Z for a jump start on promotion.

About the Author:

Liana metal is a writer living in Greece.
http://lianametal.tripod.com
Have your interview online for free at
http://liamet.tripod.com
page: interviews

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