18Q Naya Lionsong

Naya Lionsong

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

It chose me. I was taking an English comp course in college and my instructor suggested that I get some of my work published. I didn’t take to the idea at first, but as time went on I started realizing that people actually enjoyed reading the things I wrote, so I decided to make it a profession.

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

I’ve taken two writing courses. One was a children’s writing course and the other was a script writing course. I currently have two published books. One is called “The Force Within” and it is about how the Star Wars movies affected me spiritually when I was growing up. The other is called “You Don’t Have To Take It! A Kid’s Guide to Understanding & Preventing Child Abuse”. This one goes into detail about what child abuse is, the different types of child abuse, what someone can do if they or a friend is being abused and how to recognize abuse.

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

The day I decided to write “The Force Within”. The idea came to me in the middle of the night and I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and wrote about 10 pages by morning. I knew then that writing is what I was meant to do.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

Different. I probably would not be able to get published with a mainstream publishing company because I don’t conform to what most editors and publishers feel people want to read. When writing nonfiction I like to keep a very conversational tone as if I am talking to directly to the reader. I use the slang I use in my every day language for the most part. I just feel it makes it easier for people to read, and I also feel it involves the reader and makes them feel a part of what I’m writing instead of just reading words on a page. I do much the same thing when I’m writing fiction. There’s nothing worse than reading a novel that drones on and on about the setting or characters when all you want to know is what’s happening next in the story. I try to incorporate the setting and character info into the story through dialogue and character interaction (with other characters and their environment) as much as possible. This makes the story flow so much better... and your readers can’t put the book down.

5. What is your writing process?

When writing nonfiction I always start with an outline for what I want to write. This way when I’m doing the research I know exactly what information I’m looking for. Once the research is done I write an extended outline, then from that a rough draft. Then I generally let family and friends read it to give me feedback. Next I do a rewrite (and more rewrites if needed), get it edited (I’m lucky enough to have a mother-in-law who has worked as an editor), and write the final draft. When writing fiction I have several different processes that I use to get started, but they all generally lead to a chapter by chapter outline, an extended outline from that including any dialogue that will take place. From that I flesh out the story by adding in the setting and other tid bits to make the story come aline. Then I follow the same format as I do with the nonfiction, the rough draft, rewriting, editing and final draft.

6. What was your path to publication?

I knew from the time that I decided to write professionally that I wanted to be self-published. I’ve always wanted to maintain complete control over what I write. So when it came time to start looking at where I would publish I started researching online print-on-demand companies. I finally chose to go with lulu.com. 1) Because they offer free publishing and 2) They have some great marketing material.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

I would have to say book signings. I haven’t done one yet, but I think it would be so much fun to actually meet people who read my books. I’m not generally a very social person, but would be absolutely awesome for me.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

I think the biggest surprise I’ve had since I started really taking writing seriously is how many published writers there are out there that actually have horrible writing skills. This probably sounds horrible and I know I’m not the best writer there is, but sometimes I wonder how some people have managed to get published.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

I use the world around me as my creative inspiration. That’s why I tend to write both fiction and nonfiction... and it’s also why I write for so many different age groups. I write about whatever is in my head at the time or whatever is going on in my life at the time. My inspiration comes from my family and friends, my personal experiences, my environment and eve my pets. I’m currently working on a series of children’s books based on the antics of my cat, Angel, who acted more human than he did like a cat.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

I would definitely have to say it was the day I published my first book, “The Force Within”.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

I was told by one of my writing instructors that as long as I always write about what I know, I’d never fail as a writer.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

I’ve never had an embarrassing moment as a writer, but I’m sure I have one coming up!

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

Marketing has been a big challenge for me. It’s a lot more work than I expected and as the main career of my one year old daughter, I’m finding that I don’t have a lot of time to contribute towards it.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

Always do what’s in your heart and don’t ever let anyone try to talk you out of it.

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

I love going to the movies and swimming, outdoorsy type stuff, but lately I’ve just been enjoying spending time with my family and playing with my daughter.

16. Who do you like to read?

I like Terry Goodkind, Terry Brooks, and Jude Watson

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

No matter what happens just keep writing, and when you publish that first book, don’t stop! You have to keep writing. Marketing is important, but don’t get so hung up on one book that you stop writing. I’ve found that marketing myself in addition to marketing my books goes a long way because you reach a lot more people that way. For instance, get your own website, offer a free newsletter and other free stuff (people like free stuff), run contests and polls. Build it and they will come... and eventually they will buy your books too!

18. What are you currently working on?

I have a few things I’m working on at the moment. One I had mentioned earlier... a series of children’s books called “Angel the Cat”, based on my cat, Angel. Another fictional story called “Arian’s Secret”, and a nonfiction book called “101 Things that Annoy Me the Most!” You can read more about my works in progress at http://lionsongsden.netfirms.com/wip.htm

Naya’s 18Q