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| http://amzn.to/2dthe55 |
Tell us about your
latest book.
Dance Diaries: Ballroom Budgeting is the second in my eBook series, Dance Diaries. After providing the inside
scoop on what to expect as a ballroom dance student in Dance Diaries: Learning Ballroom Dance, it seemed natural to next
provide how to afford to be a ballroom dance student! Ballroom is amazingly
therapeutic, healing and eye-opening, but also can be very expensive. My goal
with Ballroom Budgeting is to help
others avoid having to quit ballroom because of that expense.
What marketing methods
are you using to promote your book?
I have tried a number of different methods. My first stop was naturally
my blog. I also spread the word on the related social media accounts, including
using paid Facebook ads. I also contacted other websites for which I had
written articles in the past to see if they would be interested in reviewing
either of the books. Once I felt I had maxed out the exposure I could get
through my own connections, I decided to try a book tour, which is what has
brought me here to you!
What advice do you
have for other writers?
Don’t force it. We all get writer’s block. I have found that my writing
turns terrible very quickly when I try to force myself to write instead of taking
steps to put myself in a place and mindset where the words can flow. I know it
can be hard to just step away and take a break, especially when a deadline is
looming, but sometimes a break is just what you need to clear your head and
find the right words.
What's the best thing
about being a writer?
Writing gives me a creative outlet while also acting as cheap therapy. I
love finding just the right words put together in just the right order to
convey a message. I love how changing a word or switching part of a sentence
around can change the feeling of it.
Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
I keep my readers updated on my blog, The Girl with the Tree Tattoo (www.thegirlwiththetreetattoo.com)
and associated Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. I share updates on my
dancing, inspirational quotes and videos, and the latest battles with my inner
demons. Whenever I venture into the darker corners of my mind to shine a light
on my fears and doubts, I find courage in the thought that someone somewhere
will read my words, be able to relate and feel a little less alone.
Why do you think
readers are going to enjoy your book?
It’s
honest. I strive to be straight forward and upfront about all sides of learning
ballroom dance, including the more uncomfortable subjects like the business
behind ballroom and the awkward aspects of the relationship between a student
and teacher. I’m told my writing style is easy to read and entertaining, so
even the potentially boring subject of money management discussed in Ballroom Budgeting keeps the reader
engaged.
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| http://amzn.to/2dlKSsG |
Who designed the cover?
For better or
worse, I designed the covers of both Dance
Diaries books myself! I received a lot of comments from friends and family
about how they didn’t like the cover of the first one. It’s a picture of me
with my teacher, and they didn’t like that the picture was a little blurry and
my face was blocked by my teacher’s arm. Confession: I did that on purpose! I
wanted the two people on the cover of Learning
Ballroom Dance to be less distinctive, so they could be anyone! Hopefully,
readers who don’t know me personally will see the cover and be able to see
themselves as the woman or man about to dance.
How do you research your books?
I live them! Dance Diaries: Learning Ballroom Dance
was born out of my realization that there were all of these little things that
no one told me when I was first starting out as a ballroom student, and that
resulted in a lot of confusion for me. I thought if I shared what I wish I had
known, others would have a smoother introduction to ballroom and even more
wonderful experiences. The second book, Dance
Diaries: Ballroom Budgeting, is a compilation of all of my personal tips
and tricks I used to save and pay for my dance lessons and competitions, while
maintaining the rest of my life.
What are your thoughts on
self-publishing verses traditional publishing?
When I’m
excited about something, I have very little patience. I went the
self-publishing route because I didn’t want to wait! Once they were ready, I
wanted to get my books out to the world as quickly as possible! I also
suspected finding a traditional publisher for “mini” eBooks like mine would be
difficult, if not impossible. However, I do think the general world still sees
traditionally published authors as more legitimate, so I am still considering
that route when I produce a longer book for both print and digital formats. I
have to admit, I also wouldn’t mind leaving all of the promotion and marketing
work to someone else, since I would rather be writing or dancing!
When you’re not writing, how
do you spend your time?
My day job is as an editor for an environmental
consulting firm, so most of my hours are spent in the office reading and
editing technical reports. I have ballroom dance lessons or practice a few
nights per week, and I try to get out social dancing once in awhile. When I’m
at home and not writing, I’m playing with my two dogs or watching a movie
marathon with my roommate.
author interview
Ballroom Budgeting
books
Dance Diaries
i read book tours
Interview
interview feature
iReadBookTours
Jo Linsdell
Learning Ballroom Dance
The Girl With the Tree Tattoo
4 Comments
Thank you for being a part of my book tour and allowing me to share with your readers!!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome. All the best with your books
Delete
ReplyDeleteWe were glad to review both the books of Katie's and what an awesome person she is. Loved interviewing her as well.
Great interview!
TheDanceBible
Thanks for dropping by :)
DeleteI love to hear from you. So feel free to comment, but keep in mind the basics of blog etiquette — no spam, no profanity, no slander, etc.
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