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Our next feature involves another author friend! Please meet the lovely Alaina Stanford! Alaina writes in multiple genres so chances are, she has a book you'd like to read!
Alaina's author & book links are at the bottom of the interview! Enjoy!
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1) Why did you decide to start writing?
I've written since I was a child. It’s been a passion of mine since I was six years old. I enjoy the creative outlet.
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2) Do you think authors can succeed in multiple genres or should they stick with a single genre?
I am a multiple genre author. I think multiple genres are the up-and-coming thing. Some fans will float from genre to genre, others won’t, so you have to keep each genre active. I’m working on a multi-genre series called Royal Duty, each book will be a different genre but the books will all have a theme based on the difficulties of an heir to the thrones, royal obligations and how they will, or will not, adhere to the call of their Royal Duty.
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3) What do you feel is the biggest reward to you with writing?
Sharing my stories with others hopefully allows my readers to escape from their lives for a short time and enjoy an adventure or a romance.
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4) Who are some of your favorite authors & why?
Terry Brooks is a favorite author of mine. His Magic Kingdom For Sale series got me interested in the fantasy genre. George RR Martin is another favorite although his style is vastly different from mine. His imagination is staggering. Lastly, of course, JK Rowling.
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5) What are the biggest hurdles to overcome as an author?
Most authors, especially when they first start out can’t afford an editor or even a professional proof reader. Even once established they still struggle to afford editing services. A street team is such a valuable asset but again, it’s difficult to find people to join a team. Marketing is also expensive and terrifying. Just take it one step at time. Get a good editing program to start out and engage an editor as soon as you can afford one, Marketing is the same, start small, $10 ads on each social media sight. Log your ads and your results. Watch what other authors are doing. Establish an author page on Amazon, and an author website.
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6) Is there any advice that you can offer for new writers?
Take it one step at time. Get a good editing program to start out and engage an editor as soon as you can afford one. It doesn’t have to be a $2500 editor. Get one you can afford. Marketing is the same, start small, $10 ads on each social media sight. Log your ads and your results. Watch what other authors are doing. Establish an author page on Amazon, and an author website. Write your books in a series. Make sure you have a good cover and description. You’ll make mistakes, keep in mind you’re only human.
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7) Random things about me: Tell us a few random personal things about yourself personal & professional!
I love country music.
I am a cat person, but I’m allergic to cats so I have a wonderful golden retriever named Jack.
When I was young I wanted to grow up to be like Carol Brady: 6 kids, big house, lots of love.
I binge watch Netflix or Amazon Prime when I have writers block or get stuck on a plot-issue.
I am shy. I’ll be the one at a party sitting quietly on the sofa watching everyone else have fun.
I cry at movies, weddings and funerals.
I love flowers. If I could I would fill my house with bouquets in every room.
I am a girly girl. I love feminine outfits, hairstyles, and nails as well as flowery perfumes.
I don’t like gossip or bullies. I believe in kindness and tolerance, my books reflect that.
I love to sing, I play the piano- badly. LOL
I have knight in shining armor in my living room named Lancelot, he’s been with me for over 10 years.
Not long ago a nurse accidentally doubled my morphine after surgery and I hallucinated that my hospital room was covered in icicles complete with a frosty mist floating about the room. Brrr!
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