Interview With An Author - Isabella Louise Anderson

 Today I'm welcoming the lovely Isabella to my blog....

Tell us a bit about your writing – How long have you been writing? How many books have you written and in what genres?

I began writing poetry when I was 10, maybe even younger, then not too soon after began writing books, but didn’t finish them.  It’s quite funny to go back and see how adultlike my writing was for as young as I was.  In 2010 I began writing my first book, “Redefined Dreams” and finished a year later.  In November of 2011, I participated and won my first NaNoWriMo, in which my second book, “The Right Design” was written in a month.  Both of my unpublished books are under the Romance and Chick Lit genre.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

In some ways, I’ve always known, but was too afraid to take a chance.  I’m so glad I did! J

Where is your favourite spot in which to write? Garden? Study? Kitchen table? In bed?

Either at my office, which I love, or at my family’s ranch overlooking the pond.

How long does it take you to write the first rough draft of one of your books?

Each book varies.  I’ve had the stress of writing a book in a year, along with the stresses of writing one in a month.  I’m slowly writing my third one now, but it’s taken awhile longer than I had planned.

Do you prefer to write with pen and paper or straight to the computer?

Computer definitely!  I’ve tried to use other programs than Word, but I didn’t want to learn how to use the program, (**cough, cough, Scrivener**).  I just wanted to write, so Word is what I decided to stick with.

Do you plan a plot out in great detail before writing or start with the basics and let the book evolve that way?

Great question!  I’m a huge planner, and can be even a little bit obsessive about it, but for writing I’m a panster.  This might sound weird, but my characters often have a mind of their own, so I’m not going to stand in the way of their story.

Do you ever get part way through writing a book and find the characters are leading the story off in a different direction to how you had envisaged?

Yes, all the time, but I enjoy when this happens because usually it means that the story is going somewhere and the writing is flowing.

Who is your favourite character from all the books you have written and why?

I love this question!  While it’s a difficult choice because I love all my characters, Carrie Newman from “The Right Design” sticks out the most because she’s an easy-going and hardworking woman, who doesn’t put up with people who do her wrong.  She’s also the kind of girl who can get along with anyone, and in a lot of ways, she’s like me.

Is there such a thing as an average writing day for you and if so what is it?

No.  My days and nights vary with edits, deadlines for featured guests, and how I’m feeling.  Some days I’m inspired and can write like crazy, but on a bad day when nothing comes to me, I know it’s best to just not write that day because I’ll stress myself out and overanalyse everything I’ve done already.

How do you create the characters in your books?

I create my heroines to be like women I want to be like.  I tend to write my characters as if they were my words and/or actions.  My heroes are a combination of sexy soap opera studs, fantasies, with the loving and charming personality of my husband…J

What is your favourite book of all time?

There are so many, but if I had to pick one, I’d say “Wideacre” by Philippa Gregory.  My mom recommended the book, but it wasn’t my kind of read.  After reading the first chapter, I was hooked!  I went on to read several more historical romances by the beloved author.  I’ve never been interested in anything historical, but believe me, “Wideacre” is a book I’ll never forget.

What is your favourite film of all time?

“When Harry Met Sally!”  I’ve seen it more times than I can count.  It’s my go-to movie when I’m happy, sad, blah, or sick.  Something about it just makes me feel good.

What was your journey to being a published author?

I’m not a published author yet, but I’ve learned so much since I began my writing journey.  I’m into edits right now and am weighing my options whether or not to go traditional or self-publish.

Biggest myth about being a novelist?

I’ve heard the line “write what you know” so many times, but in my case, I write what I don’t know much about, learn about it, then write.  For example, “The Right Design” my character is an interior designer.  Without thinking what I was typing, my characters job description came about, but I know very little about design.  Thank goodness for Google!

While for some, writing what you know might not be scary, so for new writers I encourage them to what the feel comfortable with, but it’s okay to go out of your comfort zone.  I’m glad I did!

Advice to aspiring novelists?

1.    Don’t be insecure about your story.  It’s yours, and that’s what makes is great!

2.    Memorize an inspiring quote from your favorite author to help you on days when you feel like giving up.

3.    Read.  Some might question how this helps you as a writer, but believe me, it does.  (Try it for yourself to see what I mean.) J

4.    If you want to be an author, you have to make the time to write.

Isabella Louise Anderson Bio

In 2010 Isabella Louise Anderson signed up for a creative writing course, deciding it was time to turn her passion into a career.  After enjoying that class so much, she continued to take more and completed the Certificate Program at Gotham Writers’ Workshop.

A year after taking her first class with GWW, she finished writing her first book “Redefined Dreams” and began the editing process.  Later that year, Isabella participated in National Novel Writing Month where she completed writing her second book in 2011, “The Right Design”.

On her website, Chick Lit Goddess, she writes about her journey of becoming a chick lit author, and often features authors.  She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and has been featured on several blogs.

Isabella lives in Dallas with her husband and thirteen-year-old cat.  Currently, she is in the editing process of both her books and is plotting for her next book where she plans to write her third book in NaNoWriMo of 2013.  She hopes to have her first book published later this year.

Contact Information:

Email: ila@chicklitgoddess.com

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