Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
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Exclusive Interview with
Zoe Dawson
When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was a teenager. I wrote mostly poetry, then branched out into romance novels.
What makes writing your passion?
Since I was young, I've always spun stories in my head. I had a tough childhood and I think it was a way to cope with the ugliness, a way to survive. Now, I give people a way to escape their own problems, even for a short period of time. It's deeply satisfying.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing for 46 years, the last 61/2 full time.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
A deep, wonderful satisfaction to have something I created read by people for enjoyment.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I always start from a strong point with my characters. Doesn't mean they don't have flaws and fears...I give them plenty, but deep down they are survivors.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The business side of things. I'm happy to spin my stories, but enjoy leaving the management of it to others.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I don't often have writer's block. Usually, it's just a barrier to either a scene I'm writing or the concepts the characters are trying to overcome, but after some soul searching and deep thinking, I usually write myself out of any kind of roadblock
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
It's all about the happily ever afters. I love writing about romance, relationships and the path to that someone special, and in the meantime, my characters find themselves in the process.
My advice to new authors is write from the heart and take risks.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Take more risks. Know that everything always works out for you.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I read them. Bad ones used to bother me, then I just let them go, decided they weren't my reader. I focus on the positive ones because that's what bolsters me.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Over the moon phenomenal.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
No.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
All my characters have some of me in them, but I haven't based any of them on me personally. Each story is unique and each story needs special people to inhabit them. Sure a lot of them have my values and my beliefs, but that's about where it stops. All different backgrounds, different experiences and life choices make them all individual.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes, in the sense that a book cover can capture your imagination and draw you into the story. A phenomenal book cover isn't going to make up for a poorly executed story, but is the icing on the cake to an exceptional one.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
Yes, I talk to my readers, but it's mostly initiated by them. I spend the majority of my time spinning stories for them. They want me to write faster. :)
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It's great to have people appreciate what I do, since I spend so much time and energy working hard to make each story special. There's nothing like it.
Ha! I'm not recognized in public. I'm okay with that.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
My favorite authors actually are in the fantasy and sci-fi genres. It's not the stuff I normally write, but I love the fantasy of it all. It takes me away and gives me a breather from my combat heavy SEALs, comedy, and angst-ridden stories.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I'm grateful to have the career that I have. That's pretty much it. Sure I want to grow my fan base, but I don't aspire to be anyone but me.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Probably the Blaze books written under a pen name. All in all, I'm pretty happy with all my novels.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
J. K. Rowling because she has such a universal fan base.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I refrain from talking to people like that. Nothing changes their minds or their negativity.
What would you say to your readers?
I love you guys! Thank you for taking this journey with me and for supporting me in doing something that is a dream come true. You're all the best!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in North Carolina. I'm divorced with two grown daughters.
What is your day job if you have one?
I write full time now.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I paint with acrylics, watercolors, markers and pastels. I also play a MMORPG called World of Warcraft.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Not entirely, but I was completely loved by my dad who recently passed away and an amazing and wonderful mother-of-my-heart. my stepmom.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Yes, my grandmother gave me a book to read called, The Sheik. I fell in love with it as I've always had a penchant for romantic stories. It got me interested in writing them.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Some, All of them are romance related.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Let children use their imaginations and less technology.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
World peace
Freedom from hunger
A beach house (gotta be a little selfish)
What is your favorite music?
Mostly pop and ballads. I also love country.
Share a secret with us 🙂
In another life, I was a mermaid.