Local author Diane Green gave us some insight as to what it’s like being a self-published author, and where her inspiration for storytelling comes from.
Why did you become a writer? I have always found that I could express myself better in writing than in speech. I’m a naturally shy person—[writing] seems more comfortable.
If this is your full-time gig, what did you do for work before? If you’re a part-time writer, what do you do for work in addition to being an author? My last position was as a recruitment researcher for a major accounting firm. Prior to that, I was a retained executive researcher for several top firms in New York. I am retired now and most of my spare time is spent writing and trying to market my books.
What genre(s) do you write and why? I have written a WWII family memoir, a fictional social history, several nostalgic books about my childhood with the assistance of a local artist, and most recently a young adult, romantic suspense novella with a bit of the paranormal in it. I write because it’s like breathing to me.
How do you find inspiration for your work? I am not sure where it comes from, perhaps my faith.
What’s your favorite part of being an author? Creating my characters and watching them grow.
What’s something you wish more people knew about being an author? The sale of just one book should be considered a success.
What’s the hardest part of being an author? Marketing is very difficult for me because I am not a technically-gifted author. The competition is huge. Online databases are printing 1,000+ books per week I am told.
Who is your publisher and how did you find them? Or if you are self-published, tell us briefly about that experience and why you chose that route. I’m self-published. I started with a very expensive vanity press—I didn’t know better. Then I tried to attract a literary agent, and/or traditional publisher but my work is very old-school and is in a category that is not widely sought after (nostalgia and clean/wholesome). Next, I used freelancers for all of the separate steps, which was also very expensive. Marketing has been so challenging; I am contemplating sifting through vanity presses again for the best deal, and paying close attention to those who include strong marketing programs.
What’s another skill you have aside from writing? At present, I have housewife skills.
What are you currently working on? I wrote a short book and a short sequel; I’m working on combining the two and expanding the new book where warranted.
Tell us anything else you think readers would like to know about you and your work. I’m a Tarpon Springs transplant, although I’ve lived here for over 30 years. I had a colorful life after college, when I lived in New York City. My childhood years were simply ideal. I’ve tried painting by number and puzzles, they were interesting for a while. It’s been 4 years now that I have been captured by the writing bug.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring authors? My advice, don’t rush a manuscript, do your research about the author business before you spend money, and learn to be thick-skinned.
