Pandora Poikilos
- http://pandorapoikilos.com/
“Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out”
Fiction, Women & Lifestyle
Date Published: 17 April 2011
Publisher: Heart Press
What is your day job?
I’ve been doing ghost writing for more than 7 years now, this includes online articles, ebooks and of course, working on my own novel and ebook series, Dora’s Essentials.
What is your book about (in a few sentences)?
It is centered around Anya Michaels who is everybody’s dream girl until she is diagnosed with a rare medical disorder. In a nutshell, the book is about coming to terms about the various challenges life throws at you, the realisation that you must stand up for yourself and the important lesson of never giving up on hope.
Most challenging part of the writing process?
I keep doubting the story. And when I keep doubting, I want to keep changing which also means I get further away from finishing it.
What motivates you to write?
With this book, I was compelled to share a little bit of myself in Anya. Being diagnosed with a rare disorder myself, I wanted to share the misunderstanding one feels when going through such a journey.
Did you experience writer’s block? If so, how did you overcome it?
Yes, more than once. I step away from the book. I don’t go anywhere near it, talk about it or glance at my notes. I give myself about 2 days. Then, I go back. Something always comes up by then.
How long did it take you to write this book?
About a month. I had been putting pieces of it together since April 2010 but wasn’t sure about the direction. I have a habit of handwriting my chapters on pieces of paper and typing it in later. In February 2011, I put all the pieces together, rewrote large sections of it and packed it off for editing before I changed it again.
What is the biggest misconception about writing a book?
That it is easy. It is easy to write, no doubt about it. But to write something that other people will read, now that takes some skill.
What was your favorite aspect of the writing process for this book?
It was the thrill of writing for a publisher. All this time it was “write to get noticed by a publisher” and now I had the chance to be groomed and make it better.
What tools/methods have you employed to promote your book? Gift of the gab?
There just doesn’t seem enough people and places to share my good news. Social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Ning play a big role in keeping the ball rolling. Everyday I give myself ‘writing’ time and ‘blabbing’ time. Blabbing time includes at least three Social Media sites, sending out press releases and meeting other Netizens.
What advice would you give to writers regarding promotion?
Get involved and keep learning. We live in a changing world and we must liken it to an adventure that requires constant exploration. Relying on someone else to promote your book so people can buy your book is like depending on someone else to put food on the table when you are capable of doing it yourself.
I’m a writer – if I stop writing, I am nothing. -Wilbur Smith Is this true?
Absolutely. I was always told that writing would not put food on the table. It was not a ‘proper’ job. Well, I tried my hand at a few ‘proper’ jobs, nothing worked and I’m back to writing. That speaks for itself doesn’t it?
Inspiration is the act of drawing up a chair to the writing desk. -Anon How do you feel about this statement?
I would like to be someone who inspires others to follow their dreams and to not give up on hope. If my writing is able to reach out to someone in some small way and help them, it is a gift that enriches the giver and the recipient.