10 Questions: With Laura Howard

Today I'm interviewing blogger and writer, Laura Howard. And oh, yes, she told me not to forget to add Twitter Ninja.

Laura Howard, Blogger, Writer, Twitter Ninja

Bio: 

I'm a stay home mom who loves all things creative. I am working on a novel based on Irish mythology, set in the modern day. 

I blog about writing and marketing as a way to learn about topics that fascinate me. I've recently started doing video interviews which have been a blast! 

#1:  You do video interviews on your blog. How did you come up with that concept and how difficult is it to pull off?

I wanted to interview Indie authors because I wanted to learn all their secrets and tips as I readied myself for publishing. I started doing video interviews after reading on all the marketing websites that video is getting to be the big thing in Social Media. YouTube is owned by Google, so videos are prioritized in searches. I wanted a piece of that! It is also supposed to make viewers feel comfortable with you because they've seen you, therefore they get a sense that they know you.

#2:  Your upcoming novel is based on Irish mythology set in the modern day. Can you explain what that means to someone (like me) who is unfamiliar with that genre?

According to Irish Legends, before Christianity was introduced in Ireland, the Irish believed in Gods and Goddesses much like the Romans or Greeks. They believed these were a race of people much like themselves except possessing magical abilities and superior strength and speed. These people were the Tuatha De Danaan, or Children of the Goddess Danu. When the Romans arrived in Ireland in around the 4th century AD, the old ways were slowly forgotten. The beings who were once held as gods were reduced to fairies and pixies. In my fiction, the Danaans exist among us still, hidden and secretive.

#3: Being an unpublished writer can be a roller coaster ride of self-doubt and high hopes. How many people know you write and how supportive have they been?

You're absolutely right about that! My family has been great about my writing, they don't "get it" but they have enough faith in me that they don't ridicule me or belittle my goals. 

 #4:  Do you plan to self-publish or will you try the traditional route?

I recently (about 3 months ago) decided that self-publishing is the way I want to go. I love the flexibility and especially the community. I've met heaps of authors who, like you, are willing to support each other and offer friendship.

#5:  Whether you self-publish or go the traditional route it's crucial to have a platform in place to promote your book. Other than Twitter, what social media do you use on a regular basis?

I don't think there is a Social Media platform that I don't have an account with haha. I am finding that the cream of the crop is Twitter. Facebook is ok, but I like the conversation on Twitter. Google Plus is supposed to be the next big thing, so I post there, as well, but there isn't the same engagement there as on the big T.

#6: If you could have only one, which of these would you choose? a) Become insanely wealthy from your writing, or b) Modest success during your lifetime but your works become classics after your death.

I can honestly say B. I just want to have enough money to feed and clothe my kids. I wouldn't mind getting an iPad either. Seriously, I don't need to be rich, just happy.

#7: Most writers I know listen to music while they write. Who is your favorite singer or group?

I don't listen to music when I write. I need silence when I'm actually typing. But, I love to listen to music to invoke the right mood. My favorite group is hands-down the Cranberries. 

#8: The first step to becoming a writer is to read. How much do you read and what are your three favorite books?

Pick three favorite books? How about three favorite authors? Even that's tough. Juliette Marillier, Diana Gabaldon, and Isobel Carmody.

#9: What is your earliest memory of wanting to become a writer?

I wrote my first story in the seventh grade. It was a retelling of Tom Sawyer- a romance between Tom and Becky. I was a very strict journal writer too.

 #10:  Let's do something different. There has to be a question you were hoping I would or wouldn't ask. Ask yourself that question (and please let us see the question), then answer it.

This is a very Carl thing to pull. You probably should have asked me what is unique about me in the ocean of authors. And to that I would answer: I like to cut to the chase. I have a short attention span, maybe a little ADD. I want my blog to be a place where you can come and learn or be entertained and move along quickly and painlessly. I want to be known for my ability to get to the heart of writing and marketing without any fluff

 

Thanks, Laura.

If you don't follow Laura on Twitter, you're missing out on her wit and lively conversation. She is also on Facebook and would love for you to stop by and "Like" her page.