Authoress Nai
Q and A: Interview with Nai
Who has influenced you the most?
My mother, of course. She has always been my rock and I dedicate everything that I am to her. Even when I felt defeated, she encouraged me and pushed me to go on. I wouldn't be here without her and I'm deeply indebted to her.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The greatest joy in writing for me is being able to share my fantasy world with my readers. With writing, I am able to tap into a whole different universe and become a different person. Being able to open up my world is a blessing because there are so many people who are misunderstood, me being one of them. I'm better at expressing myself on paper rather than words and writing my books makes it so much easier to introduce people to the real me.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean a lot. Honestly, where would I be or rather, how could I go on without the love and support that I get from people who not only know me personally, but those who have never met me. To gain that unbiased support means the world to me, that's why I work extremely hard to not disappoint.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My readers definitely. Every morning I wake up, I think how I can touch someone new. Some times I don't even get sleep because I want things to be perfect. My readers deserve the best and that is what I am determined to give them.
What are you working on next?
The next project I'm working on I truly hold dear to my heart. Not only do I want my readers to be entertained, I want them to be enlightened as well. That's why my next book touches on things that I have been through as an adolescent as well as a young adult. If I can finish this book and help people, even just one person, then I know that I have used my gift for the greater good.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
When I'm not writing, I spend my time promoting and connecting. I want my fans to know that I am an actual, real person and that they can come to me. I try to be accessible as much as I possibly can.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Social media. You can reach so many people all over the world with technology today. Social media pages spread like wildfires, especially if it's something everyone iis interested in.
What is your writing process?
I just flow. Some authors sit down and write an outline of their book, but I've learned that what works for one may not work for another. I can sit in front of my computer for hours and just write. I don't know, free flowing just works for me.
How do you approach cover design?
When it comes to my cover designs, I want to be unique. You see so many covers that are in comparison to other books. I've always been my own person and I love to stand out.
What do you read for pleasure?
That's funny because lately I haven't had the time to read. Before I decided to turn this into a profession though, I read books of all genres. I love to stay open to new things, I think that a persons openness to the unknown is what keeps them worldly and grounded.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle Fire. Definitely.
Describe your desk.
My desk is every where. I hate being confined to one spot, even though lately my living room looks like the most lived in area of my house. I take my tablet with me wherever I go because inspiration can come from anywhere at any time.
Published 2016-11-08.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN AUTHOR?
I have always enjoyed reading and writing (everything about Language Arts), but my mother is the inspiration for me picking up the pen again.
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR PUBLISHING COMPANY?
IN WHAT GENRE DO YOU WRITE?
I am currently signed with GrandPenz Publications and I write Urban Fiction.
HAVE YOU EVER PENNED UNDER ANOTHER NAME?
No. Nai is my pen name as of now, but I will be using another one when I start writing children's books.
YOU WROTE A BOOK TITLED "LUST, LIES AND THE DEVIL". WHAT WAS THIS BOOK ABOUT?
This book is exactly what the title describes. It's full of love, pain, happiness, betrayal and everything in between.
IS THIS BOOK A SERIES OR A STAND ALONE?
LLD is a series with part 2 dropping Friday, May 26, 2017.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE INTERVIEWS?
I think that interviews are very important. They help to give readers a little more insight about the author in which makes them more relatable.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE REVIEWS?
Reviews are extremely important. Not just having a reader leave one, but also when the author responds (good or bad). I know that some authors are busy, but I found that when I communicate with my readers, I get a greater response out of them.
WHAT DOES THE TERM "BUILDING A BRAND" MEAN?
Building your brand just means that you are putting yourself out there for the world to see. Making a name for yourself and being accessible to others.
WHAT STEPS ARE YOU TAKING TO BUILD YOUR BRAND?
I am doing a lot to build my brand...I promote on social media, pass out flyers everywhere I go. I even have my mother promoting me at work, my sister promoting me to all of her friends and my husband puts my name out there whenever he goes somewhere.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE COOKING IN THE LAB FOR AUTHOR NAI?
Yes. I want to venture into other genres and I am also working on a screenplay for a movie or tv series (can't figure out which one I want to do first yet). I am also looking into starting my own publishing company.
WHAT DOES THE PHRASE "LEARN THE CRAFT" MEAN?
I believe that it means to practice and understand what it is that you are wanting to do. Find out your target market...figure out what's in demand...learn your boundaries and know what you are good at. It's good to step outside of the box, but if you are not comfortable with it then don't push it.
DO WHAT AUTHORS PAST AND/OR PRESENT HAD AN INFLUENCE ON YOU?
First and foremost, I love Shakespeare. Next, I would have to say, Charles Dickens, Moby Dick, Zane, Carl Weber, Jacquavious, J.K. Rowling...my list goes on and on.
WHAT AUTHORS WOULD YOU LOVE TO WORK WITH?
I would most def want to do a collab with La'Quita T. Miller, Chiquita Pride, Tia Barnes, Susie Newton and so many more wonderful authors.
DO YOU WRITE FOR THE PASSION OR THE PROFIT?
I write for passion. Writing is my getaway from life, an outlet so I don't just do it to entertain or make a profit.
WHAT GOALS DO YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE AS AN AUTHOR?
I hope to be able to teach my readers as well as entertain them. i want for them to be able to take something away from my books. I also hope to achieve entering into the media world and taking my books further than the bookshelf.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER TO THOSE ASPIRING TO BECOME AN AUTHOR?
Never give up. Even if you feel like you can't do it or not "built" for it, Keep pushing. If you are looking to sign with a publisher, make sure that the publisher is right for you and your vision. Don't just jump into a contract because you want to get signed. Take your time, know what you want and don't let anyone deter from that.
WHERE CAN OUR VIEWERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOK?
My books can be purchased on Amazo, you can also purchase a signed copy from me.
HOW CAN OUR VIEWERS CONTACT YOU?
I am on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/naitheauthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/written_passion
Instagram: www.instagram.com/written_aspirations
Subscribe to my website:https://writtenaspirations.wixsite.com/authoressnai
Email: writtenaspirations@gmail.com
Google+:https://plus.google.com/+AuthoressNaiWrittenAspirations
WordPress: authoressnai.wordpress.com
...or you can just simply google Authoress Nai and all of my contacts will pull up.