Good day folks. I know it's been a while since I've posted. I've just been so busy finishing up a new novel for you that I haven't had much time for anything else but I'll be back on track and posting more regularly soon. (I know, it seems like I'm ALWAYS saying that, right?) I'm going to do better. I promise.
Today, I'd like to introduce you one of my good author friends. I hope that after you read the interview, you'll go out and show her some love.
An
Interview with Rekaya Gibson
1.
How many hours a day do you write?
I write about six to eight
hours a day, Monday thru Friday.
2.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I have difficulty
creating sentences with imagery. I prefer the straightforward approach.
However, this doesn’t always translate into great writing.
3.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It takes me about one
year to write a book. I try not to force creativity. During this timeframe, I also
write articles for magazines and blogs as well as contribute content to other
books.
4.
How long were you a part-time writer before you became a full-time one?
It took me 11 years. I
started writing part-time in 2005. I became a full-time writer in October 2016.
5.
As a full-time author, what is the most difficult challenge that you face
daily?
I struggle daily to
minimize my life minutes on social media and researching random topics online. Of
course, a large portion is spent on marketing/promoting my work; building
relationships with readers; and looking for other writing opportunities. Still,
I can use less time doing these things.
6.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I learned the power of
language as a young reader. It allowed my imagination to run wild. It gave me
the means to travel without leaving home. It entertained me when I was bored.
It comforted me when I was sad. It made me celebrate strangers that I had never
met. I knew I wanted to do that for others.
7.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Really!?! At least 10.
That might be a conservative number.
8.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Yes, it’s real. When this
happens, I do something different. For example, I’ll take a walk, browse social
media or get a snack. I might even start a new book or revisit an old short
story.
9.
If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Good question. I would
pursue work as a researcher.
10.
What does literary success look like to you?
It looks like my
characters are household names and my books are required reading for
schoolchildren across the country.
11.
What is something that you want readers to know about you?
Recently, I became a
registered private investigator. I will apply this knowledge to writing a mystery
novel. I look forward to sharing this work with readers.
12.
What advice would you give an aspiring, part-time author who would love to
start writing full-time?
1.
Write articles and short stories for
magazines, blogs, books and news outlets to supplement your income.
2.
Hone your skills by taking writing classes
and attending writing conferences.
3. Reduce
as much debt as possible before starting a full-time writing career.
4. Practice
self-discipline.
5.
Write daily. Be patient. Have fun!
Click HERE to visit Rekaya's Amazon page and to check
out her books.
Rekaya Gibson, MPA
Author | Writer | Consultant
Product Curator, Cuisine Noir Magazine
Owner, The Food Temptress Brand
Facebook: Author Rekaya Gibson & The Food Temptress
Twitter: @RekayaGibson
Instagram: The Food Temptress
