Interview with Amazon Bestseller Kaira Rouda: 'Write what you believe, and what you know, and what you’re passionate about'
Kaira Rouda is an award-winning and
bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction. Her books include: Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs;
Here, Home, Hope; All the Difference; In the Mirror; and the
short story, A Mother's Day. She lives in Southern California with her husband and four children and is
at work on her next novel.
Her latest novel is the women’s fiction, In the Mirror.
For More Information
- Visit Kaira Rouda’s website.
- Connect with Kaira on Facebook and Twitter.
- Follow her on Pinterest and connect on Goodreads.
- Visit Kaira’s blog.
- More books by Kaira Rouda.
- Contact Kaira.
Q: Welcome to The
Writer's Life! Now that your book has
been published, we’d love to find out more about the process. Can we begin by having you take us at the
beginning? Where did you come up with
the idea
Thank you so much for
having me here! My new novel, In the Mirror, is my third novel and the
one closest to my heart. It has been a 10-year journey to being published –
including three agents, numerous publishing houses’ editorial boards and more.
The premise of the novel is if you knew you may die soon, what choices would
you make. The story was inspired by a dear friend who was diagnosed with cancer
as a young mother. Watching her grace under pressure and her amazing leadership
in fundraising and simply how she lived her life, was and remains an
inspiration to me.
Q: How hard was it to
write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass on which
would make the journey easier for other writers?
I wouldn’t recommend writing a novel with a cancer theme
if you are hoping to be traditionally published. While there are exceptions – The
Fault in Our Stars by John Green comes to mind – on the whole, at least in
the women’s fiction arena, publishers view it as something readers aren’t
interested in although we all know cancer affects us all. It’s frustrating in a
way. So I guess my advice would be to write what you believe, and what you
know, and what you’re passionate about but understand the fickleness of the
market. That said, I wouldn’t change a word and I’m proud of the reviews In
the Mirror has garnered so far. It seems to be finding a big market and IN THE MIRROR is the story of
Jennifer Benson a woman who has it all: a successful career, a perfect husband,
two kids, and abundant friendships. The only problem is she may be dying. The
story asks the question:
If you knew you may die soon,
what choices would you make? How would you live each day? And how would you say
no to the one who got away? Readers are
responding positively to the book, even with the tough subject.
Q: Who is your
publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?
My publisher is Real
You Publishing Group, my publishing company. I have been traditionally
published, small press published and self-published. There are pros and cons to
every choice – but the best news is that there is a choice these days. It’s a
wonderful time to be an author.
Q: Is there anything
that surprised you about getting your first book published?
Yes! My first book
was published by Wiley and was a nonfiction title for women entrepreneurs! I
never dreamed my first book would be a business book – but I’m so proud of Real
You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs! I hear from women
across the country writing to say the book inspires them and has helped them
with both their business and personal brands. It’s very gratifying. I always
dreamed I’d write a novel first – but that came next with Here, Home, Hope.
I truly believe everything happens for a reason and happens when you are ready
for it. My first novel wasn’t published until I was in my 40s – but when it
finally happened, I was ready!
Q: What other books
(if any) are you working on and when will they be published?
My next novel, Lines
in the Sand, will be published by Tule Publishing in August! Much like my
other romantic suspense novel, All the Difference, this novel has a bit
of mystery, a little bit of romance and a murderer, too. I’m so excited for it
to be out in the world.
Q: What’s your
favorite place to hang out online?
I have to admit I’m a
bit of a Facebook junky of late. With the book launch May 1st, I feel
like Facebook is the most direct connection I have with my readers online and
it’s a blast connecting. I also have a couple author groups I value on Facebook
and their support is crucial to my success. The writing life can be lonely
sometimes. To find out what my four kids are up to, though, it’s Instagram.
Q: Finally, what
message (if any) are you trying to get across with your book?
In the Mirror is the story of Jennifer Benson a woman
who has it all: a successful career, a perfect husband, two kids, and abundant
friendships. The only problem is she may be dying. The story asks the question:
If you knew you may die soon, what choices
would you make? How would you live each day? And how would you say no to the
one who got away? The message is simple: too often we don’t live each day as if
it could be our last. It’s not until something like a deadly disease stops us
in our tracks that we find ourselves on pause, with time to reflect. I hope
through Jennifer’s story readers will allow themselves the gift of being in the
moment.
Q: Thank you again
for this interview! Do you have any
final words?
Thank you so much for having me! Please find me on
Facebook: Kaira Rouda Books and on Twitter @KairaRouda. Thank you for loving
books and the writing life!
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