Ask the Author: Trista M. Borgwardt
Answered Questions (6)
Trista M. Borgwardt
The best thing about being a writer is that I can live in a world that I make up and talk about imaginary people and maybe even have conversations with them and I am not deemed crazy and thrown in an institution. It gives me the control to make the world and people who and what I want them to be. Also, there is no one telling me what to do. I am in charge of my story and my characters. People may offer their insights, suggestions and advice, but in the end, the decision is mine. The other best thing about being a writer, is seeing your book in print for the very first time! It is an amazing feeling.
Trista M. Borgwardt
Don't get discouraged. I know sometimes its hard with negative reviews and rejection letters. No matter what route you take, the important thing is that you keep trying. If you go the self-publishing route, do extensive research on the company you are getting involved with. There are many companies out there that will charge you a ton of money and give you very little in return. If you are going to spend $3000 make sure you spend it getting some phenomenal art work done for your cover (I do pick out books by the cover--if i don't like the cover I won't even pick up the book to see what its about), use the money for advertising, marketing and purchasing copies of your book. Createspace, you can upload your files for free and publish your book on their platform for free and then order books through them. You can then use the copies of your book that you purchase to approach local bookstores to do a book signing. The first couple of books that you release, just know that unless you have some amazing luck, you will most likely not make any money. You have to get your name out there. Offer your book to as many people as you can for free in exchange for a honest review on amazon, goodreads, etc. But the most important piece of advice I can give you is that you should always write for you. Write the book for you. In the end of course we want others to love it, but if you don't love it, it doesn't really matter.
Trista M. Borgwardt
I deal with writer's block by switching works. So, if I get writer's block while working on one of my Tempie books, I will start working on one of my short horror stories. If that doesn't work, or if I am in the mood for something else, I will read. If all else fails, I take a break for the night and watch a show that I enjoy and then get back at it the next night! Sometimes, I force myself to write regardless, but I usually just end up going back to that section and re-doing it all anyway. Sometimes, you just have to take a mental break. One other thing I like to do is actually take a pen to paper, no more computer. There I will write out scenes, or jot down ideas for other books or characters.
Trista M. Borgwardt
Everything! I am currently working on the third book in The Tempie Rosenthal Series, a crime thriller, a short horror story anthology and a short story series called 'The Eighth Day'.
Trista M. Borgwardt
Honestly sometimes I can get into a writing funk and can sit in front of my computer for hours and write one sentence. Once I get into a groove of writing though...watch out. Sometimes it is just that I have this idea begging to be put onto paper so I am able to fly through a scene or chapter. Other times, I am inspired to get through some of the 'not so fun stuff' because I know the awesome stuff is waiting to be put down on the next page. Other times, it is the characters in my head urging me on. Or my fans. When my fans start asking, 'When will you be done with the next one?' it gives me great motivation to work harder!
Trista M. Borgwardt
My most recent book is the second in the Tempie Rosenthal Series, Polarity. The Tempie series first transpired as I was talking to a near and dear friend of mine (now my significant other) and I said..."I have this idea about where witches really came from." We talked about my idea for hours and I decided to write Rabbit's Feet. Tempie and her world has developed and evolved over the last few years and is always evolving as I think of new ideas for another book. My original idea is told in Rabbit's Feet and Polarity.
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