Ask the Author: Fiona Harper
Answered Questions (8)
Fiona Harper
Hi Cintia! You're right - it's a competitive industry to be in, but just because it's tough, it doesn't mean you can't break though. I thought I might be seriously nuts thinking I could write a book that someone else would want to publish, but I went ahead and wrote one anyway, and I'm usually not a bit risk taker.
I always say that being a writer is a bit like being on a rollercoaster: there are ups and downs - and I've had plenty of both in my 12 years of being published: times when I was sure my career had just been flushed down the toilet and times when I felt I was on top of the world. I just have to believe that, even when I'm in one of the 'down' patches, that if I just keep going, eventually I will start to go 'up' again, and things oftenhave a funny way of working out. The only way I'm not going to get there is if I give up and get off the train. The only answer I can really give you is that you need to believe in yourself, ignore the statistics and dream big.
I always say that being a writer is a bit like being on a rollercoaster: there are ups and downs - and I've had plenty of both in my 12 years of being published: times when I was sure my career had just been flushed down the toilet and times when I felt I was on top of the world. I just have to believe that, even when I'm in one of the 'down' patches, that if I just keep going, eventually I will start to go 'up' again, and things oftenhave a funny way of working out. The only way I'm not going to get there is if I give up and get off the train. The only answer I can really give you is that you need to believe in yourself, ignore the statistics and dream big.
Fiona Harper
Hah! I'm actually cooking up a plot inspired by a real-life event at the moment, but I don't want to give too much away! Watch this space, and maybe I'll be able to reveal more as time goes on.
Fiona Harper
Which one are you after, Brittni? I'm afraid my most recent books haven't had North American Kindle release. :-( But the more people that ask, the better, because I can pass the requests along to my editor. Fiona x
Fiona Harper
Hi Cat, thanks so much for posting a question and sorry for the delay in replying, but I talked to my editor about the situation. At the moment there are no US editions scheduled, but every time I get a request from a reader I can pass it along. Hopefully, if there are enough at some point, they may make it available. In the meantime, print copies are available through Book Depository, who do free worldwide shipping. :-) I really appreciate you getting in touch! Happy reading, Fiona x
Fiona Harper
I've tried all sorts, blogging, social media etc. I'm not sure any of them make a significant difference. They do to some authors, but others try really hard and still don't see much impact. The things that have been the best promo are things my publisher has done, like price promotions on iBooks etc. Things I couldn't have negotiated myself. I've just decided that my part is to write the best books I can. The best kind of fan is the one who reads one of your books and loves it so much she goes out to buy your backlist and then tells everyone else about you. There's not much point in having a great marketing plan if the product is middling because you spent all your time marketing.
Fiona Harper
Ooh, that's a tough one... I've always loved Calamity Jane (who doesn't?), but I like Pillow Talk and Move Over Darling too, even though they have their silly bits. Please Don't Eat The Daisies is also a favourite, because the husband and wife relationship really works for me in that one.
Fiona Harper
I watched a documentary on the life of Doris Day and realised there was much more the screen icon than I'd known. She'd been through a lot and had come out smiling and there was a lot to admire about her. I decided plenty of women today would find her inspirational.
Originally, I had an idea for a Doris Day look-a-like as my main character, but ended up with changing her to the president of a Doris Day film club.
Originally, I had an idea for a Doris Day look-a-like as my main character, but ended up with changing her to the president of a Doris Day film club.
Fiona Harper
Having a five step commute from my bed to my desk!
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