Saturday, September 14, 2013

Guest Author: Aneta Cruz

Happy Release Day! I'm thrilled to have on my blog today a gifted, and fellow author Aneta Cruz! Her anticipated novel, Heartbreak Hotel has arrived.




Let's get to know Aneta:
What is the best thing, for you, about being a writer?
There are so many, starting with characters popping into my head out of nowhere, demanding to be in the story; writing the last sentence; holding the book fresh off the press in my hands; hearing from the readers…no, no, wait, the best one is creating a world out of nothingness. Kinda makes me feel like a Goddess. [chuckles] I just wish I had the body for it. And a beautiful flowing white dress.

What is the hardest thing, for you, about being a writer?
It would definitely have to be writing itself. I’m the world’s biggest procrastinator. Don’t get me wrong—there’s not a time I don’t have a story in my head. The hardest part is to get rid of all the distractions (like social media), opening Word, and starting on that glittering white, blank page.

What genre/s do you write and what genre is your latest release?
I can write pretty much everything, except post-apocalyptic novels because I don’t like them. I also don’t do vampires and zombies. But, I do love monsters. My latest release is a women’s fiction/chick lit, Heartbreak Hotel, published by Black Opal Books with whom I’ve also signed a contract for my historical mystery w/ supernatural elements novel, The Guardian. I wrote a children’s chapter book, The Mysterious Mandolin, this summer, which is being illustrated by a very talented artist and will be available soon. And my WIP is a MG/YA project about a girl named Story. So when it comes to writing I’m quite versatile, I would say.

What essential things have you learned about writing in the last year?
I’ve learned to tie the loose ends. Bring the story full circle. And allow my husband into my brainstorming sessions, but only if he promises to make dinner. He’s a great cook. J

Who is your favorite heroine from your books and why?
Nurse Agnes—hands down—from The Guardian, even though she’s not the main character. She’s someone I’d like to be when I get to be her age. She is smart, strong, knows her place in the world, and stands up for her beliefs. She is a guardian, to some extent, because she protects those who aren’t able to protect themselves.

What advice can you offer to aspiring authors? 
Read. Read a lot. Read every day. And read closely. What better way to learn the craft of creative writing than to study its elements from books you love, books that inspire you?
Write. Write all the time. Write for as long as the words flow spontaneously, but never empty the well. Stop while you know what you will write tomorrow. This is a perfect way to prevent writer’s block, though I’m not sure there’s such a thing.
Believe. Believe in yourself. Believe in your characters. Believe in your story.


 BLURB:
Always falling head over heels for men who have nothing to offer her, and running from those who do, Kara realizes that her quest to find Mr. Right is harder than expected. As if her “mostly ludicrous” dating escapades weren’t enough to deal with, her unusual combination of friends—one gay, one a virgin, one dating a married man, and one always telling her to “give it up on the first date in order to start a flourishing relationship”—isn’t of much help in matters of the heart either. Perhaps a kiss in the middle of the Charles Bridge could finally bring her happiness. But wait! That’s just an old myth, isn’t it?
                       

Buy Links:
Black Opal Books:
Amazon:

You can find Aneta on:
Twitter: @AnetaCruz

GIVEAWAY!
Those readers who “like” my Facebook Author Page will be entered into a random drawing to win a-Muse-me[a]nt. Aneta is giving away 3 signed paperback copies.



14 comments:

  1. Thank you for having my on your blog, Cathy. I really enjoyed answering your questions. Oh, and the drawing is on 9/30 5pm, PT. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have been one busy lady, Aneta. I'm looking forward to reading your book, it's been a long time since I've read chick lit. Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Nana. I'd like to hear what you think :)

      Delete
  3. Nice interview. These do help us readers get to know more writers in the genres of our choice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment, Ramakant. I'm happy Cathrina has shared my work here on her blog.

      Delete
  4. Lovely to meet you, Aneta. Great advice to aspiring writers. I met one once who didn't read and I wondered how she was going to write something she expected others to read. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment, Kiru. Reading, I think, is very important not only because it teaches us how to write but because it expands the limits of our imagination.

      Delete
  5. Fantastic interview! It's amazing how varied Aneta can be from story-to-story. And I can definitely relate to being a procrastinator sometimes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment, Heather. I think all writers have it in them to write in whichever genre they feel. Really, it's only up to the story the characters are playing out inside one's head. :)

      Delete
  6. Nice meeting you, Aneta :)
    Great interview!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right back at ya! :) I'm happy you enjoyed the interview.

      Delete
  7. Nice meeting you, Aneta! I really enjoyed reading this interview.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to meet you, Gina. Thank you for the comment, and I'm glad you like my little chat with Cathrina :)

      Delete