Interview with Naomi Bellina

Today I'm joined by author Naomi Bellina. 

What's your favourite quote about writing/for writers?
I came across this quote the other day from Gustave Flaubert:  "Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work."  Don't you love it? It appeals to the kind of obsessively organized girl in me and also to the wild one.

What's the best thing about being a writer?
I love doing research. When possible, I like to experience locations and situations myself but that isn't always an option. Thanks to the miracle of the Internet, I can find out just about anything from the convenience of my home. Recent example, I have my hero shooting a Tazer and I wanted to know how it sounds and how the victim would react. OMG, would you believe there are all kinds of YouTube videos showing people getting Tazed? Incredible! That helps me so much when I'm writing, to get the description accurate, because I'm sure the heck not going to go out and get Tazed myself.

Author Naomi Bellina interviewed by Jo Linsdell at www.WritersAndAuthors.info. Don't Say NoWhere can people find out more about you and your writing?
I'm all over the place, at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the new kid in town, Tsu. But really, the best place is my website. I do a blog post about once a week and I keep my front page updated with what's going on.

Why do you think readers are going to enjoy your book?
If you like a great "opposites attract" story, this is the book for you. I had a fabulous time building the romance between fun-loving Amber and straight-laced Jaeger. It was a real challenge for me to make their relationship believable and I think I did a pretty good job. *pats self on back*  I hate to read stories where the hero and heroine fall in love, for no apparent reason, because they have absolutely nothing in common and can't stand each other.

Who designed the cover?
My awesome publisher, Heart's Desire Press did. I was so excited when the boss lady let help pick what photo I wanted to use. Since I had an idea of what I wanted it to look like, having that opportunity was perfect. She came up with a design and I gave her input and voila! The great cover you see was born.

Did you learn anything from writing your book that was unexpected?
How much fun it was to step back in time a little. (I won't say how far back in time!) I thought it might be hard to remember how I felt in my early twenties, but it all came back to me. And oddly enough, some of the crapola from that time is still around. I realize a lot of conflicts go on throughout our lives. We always yearn for love and some of us are still pursuing our dreams.

Who inspires you? 
Don't laugh. Xena, Warrior Princess. One year I binge watched all the seasons, which gave me the balls to open my own business. Strong women who go after what they want without trampling others along the way, that's who inspires me.

What are your thoughts on self-publishing verses traditional publishing?
I say, both are good. Whatever works for each author. I'm not at a place in life to take on the extra duties of self-publishing at this point in time and since I've found publishers I like, I'm going to stick with that route for now. I've talked to other writers who are immensely happy they went down the self-pub path. Sadly, there is a lot of crap out there giving self-publishing a bad name, and our poor readers have to wade through it. It's going to be interesting to see what the upcoming years bring for the industry, that's for sure.

Author Naomi Bellina interview by Jo Linsdellat www.WritersAndAuthors.info
Naomi Bellina

What are you currently reading? 
The pile of books beside my bed is about to topple over and scare the cat. Actually, most fiction books I now read on my tablet. I'm still working my way through a Christmas box set and finding new authors to love.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time? 
I'd like to say lounging on the couch, petting my cat and drinking wine, but sadly, that's not true. I have a day job but it's not evil and gives me flexibility with my schedule. I try to cook at least four healthy meals a week to keep us in good shape, which takes a lot of time. I'd also like to say I clean a lot, but don't want to get struck with lightning for telling lies.

Thank you so much for having me here today. I hope you enjoy Don't Say No.


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