Rola

Author Bio: I’m a heart-led writer. I’ve completed several children’s book manuscripts and I am continually developing new projects that challenge my storytelling. My focus is on creating work that resonates with readers.

Author/Writer Interview:

1. What inspires you most to write?

My lived experience as a wife, mother, and lover of words for many years. There’s nothing more beautiful than language that so effortlessly conveys an emotion in a fresh and sincere way.

2. What is your favorite genre?

My favorite genre is literary fiction with a strong emotional core. I’m drawn to writing that explores intimate human experiences, family dynamics, and emotional nuance. I enjoy the poetic word when it’s done right. I root for stories that are character-driven, grounding, and have layers of authenticity. In children’s literature, I especially appreciate a story that speak to children and not at them and I hope my manuscripts are exemplary of that.

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

I admire the works of Khalil Gibran, Paulo Coehlo, and Khaled Hosseini their prose is intimate and quietly powerful and encourages the reader to revisit their words on a page more than once.

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

I read and read some more and immerse myself in different artistic mediums.

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

Do your research and be wary of vanity publishing companies.

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I’ve written seven children’s picture book manuscripts and I’m currently querying literary agents and looking for representation. In addition, I’ve started writing my first contemporary, character-driven, literary novel. I’m enjoying the challenge that comes with committing to writing a novel.

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

I’d rewrite the script for the movie “People We Meet on Vacation.” It’s predictable and the we are just friends trope and become more than that by the end of the movie is predictable and overdone. I’d take the script and make changes to make precise more original, layered, and endearing.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

I’m a wife and a mother of two young children. Both roles are my priority and I take deep pride in being available and attuned to my children in these formative years. With that, comes very little time for my creative writing pursuits, so instead of waiting for the perfect moment to write, I make the moment to write perfect.

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

Some of the best experiences in my writing career have been completing my first children’s picture book manuscripts and discovering my authentic voice as a writer. Submitting my manuscripts to literary agents and taking steps toward publication has been a journey I’m thankful to experience. Hitting my 3,000 weekend word target for my novel-in-progress has shown me my strength in discipline and momentum.

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background? Ideally, I’d prefer to write in silence, but I’m honored to write with the sounds of my family’s voices in my home.

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

Writing can be a lonely endeavor, so don’t get discouraged if at first you’re the only one celebrating the small but significant moments like getting over writing spells, rewriting a chapter, or nailing a title for your work in progress.

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I am pursuing traditional publishing, but view promotion as a collaborative role. I’d seek to share my works locally in my community and believe in authentic, organic reach.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

My children’s books are written for children with their adult readers in mind. Many of them were inspired by my children and their observations and witty musings.

14. Did you have a book coach?

I did not, but I did work with a professional editor who polished my very first manuscript and provided developmental edits and line suggestions. From that collaboration, I was able to take what I learned and apply my knowledge to my subsequent manuscripts.

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

English, creative writing, and poetry!

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

I am pursuing traditional publishing and hope to make that a reality.