Hey everyone!
I hope you're enjoying December, I know I'm not. The weather here in Chicago is killing me. Anyway, today I've got a real treat! I'm interviewing USA TODAY Bestselling Author Olivia Wildenstein.
Before I get any further I have to say, she was one of the sweetest authors I've ever interviewed.
Also, quick reminder, check out this jumbo giveaway (featuring giftcards, eBooks, paperbacks etc.) click here.
Let's get started:
USA TODAY bestselling author Olivia Wildenstein grew up in New York City, the daughter of a French father with a great sense of humor, and a Swedish mother whom she speaks to at least three times a day. She chose Brown University to complete her undergraduate studies and earned a bachelor’s in comparative literature. After designing jewelry for a few years, Wildenstein traded in her tools for a laptop computer and a very comfortable chair. This line of work made more sense, considering her college degree.
When she’s not writing, she’s psychoanalyzing everyone she meets (Yes. Everyone), eavesdropping on conversations to gather material for her next book, baking up a storm (that she actually eats), going to the gym (because she eats), and attempting not to be late at her children’s school (like she is 4 out of 5 mornings, on good weeks).
Wildenstein lives with her husband and three children in Geneva, Switzerland, where she’s an active member of the writing community.
For news and access to secret deals, sign up to her Special List: http://bit.ly/2yMrUbk
You can also find out more about her on her website: http://oliviawildenstein.com
1) What inspired you to start writing?
Believe it or not, I used to make high-end jewelry. How did I get from jewelry to writing? 2008 happened. The luxury world crashed. I was pregnant at the time with my first child, and I thought, I’m done working in a business that’s contingent on the market. Plus, I wanted to create a product that everyone could afford. Thus, I returned to my first passion (my major at Brown was literature) and began writing.
2) Why the indie route?
Like many, the indie route was not planned. I wrote several manuscripts, submitted them, got asked for fulls, received an array of form rejections, some were personalized, but few. The process was harsh and demeaning. However, I am thankful for the rejections, because they thickened my skin and fueled my determination, and they led me down another path. I entered a community of like-minded, driven, and generous people who taught me how to use the wings I was born with.
3) You've written YA and New Adult, how did you transition into the different 'age groups'?
All of my novels straddle the thin divide between YA and New Adult because I write mature characters (their ages vary between 17 and 19) with adult problems. Although my fantasy series is slightly racier (thus the NA label), it’s still geared toward teenagers of all ages.
4) You've been a part of author boxed-sets, can you tell us your experience?
Participating in boxed sets was an invaluable experience. I learned launch strategies, marketing techniques, and reached thousands of new readers. I strongly encourage all indie authors to participate in at least one set during their writing career. It will add breadth to their wingspan.
5) What's your writing process
I have an hour, I turn off my phone and work for an hour. I have two, four, six hours; I focus and write. Every day is different because I’m a mother first, but I always try to make time to write.
6) What are your goals for 2018?
Writing four awesome books! I will publish the final book of my ROSE PETAL GRAVES trilogy in April. I have a YA contemporary in the final stages of editing. And then, I have a werewolf duology plotted and ready to go. I heart my job so much.
7) eBook or Paperback?
All of my books are available in eBook, paperback and audio format.
I hope you're enjoying December, I know I'm not. The weather here in Chicago is killing me. Anyway, today I've got a real treat! I'm interviewing USA TODAY Bestselling Author Olivia Wildenstein.
Before I get any further I have to say, she was one of the sweetest authors I've ever interviewed.
Also, quick reminder, check out this jumbo giveaway (featuring giftcards, eBooks, paperbacks etc.) click here.
Let's get started:
USA TODAY bestselling author Olivia Wildenstein grew up in New York City, the daughter of a French father with a great sense of humor, and a Swedish mother whom she speaks to at least three times a day. She chose Brown University to complete her undergraduate studies and earned a bachelor’s in comparative literature. After designing jewelry for a few years, Wildenstein traded in her tools for a laptop computer and a very comfortable chair. This line of work made more sense, considering her college degree.
When she’s not writing, she’s psychoanalyzing everyone she meets (Yes. Everyone), eavesdropping on conversations to gather material for her next book, baking up a storm (that she actually eats), going to the gym (because she eats), and attempting not to be late at her children’s school (like she is 4 out of 5 mornings, on good weeks).
Wildenstein lives with her husband and three children in Geneva, Switzerland, where she’s an active member of the writing community.
For news and access to secret deals, sign up to her Special List: http://bit.ly/2yMrUbk
You can also find out more about her on her website: http://oliviawildenstein.com
INTERVIEW
1) What inspired you to start writing?
Believe it or not, I used to make high-end jewelry. How did I get from jewelry to writing? 2008 happened. The luxury world crashed. I was pregnant at the time with my first child, and I thought, I’m done working in a business that’s contingent on the market. Plus, I wanted to create a product that everyone could afford. Thus, I returned to my first passion (my major at Brown was literature) and began writing.
2) Why the indie route?
Like many, the indie route was not planned. I wrote several manuscripts, submitted them, got asked for fulls, received an array of form rejections, some were personalized, but few. The process was harsh and demeaning. However, I am thankful for the rejections, because they thickened my skin and fueled my determination, and they led me down another path. I entered a community of like-minded, driven, and generous people who taught me how to use the wings I was born with.
3) You've written YA and New Adult, how did you transition into the different 'age groups'?
All of my novels straddle the thin divide between YA and New Adult because I write mature characters (their ages vary between 17 and 19) with adult problems. Although my fantasy series is slightly racier (thus the NA label), it’s still geared toward teenagers of all ages.
4) You've been a part of author boxed-sets, can you tell us your experience?
Participating in boxed sets was an invaluable experience. I learned launch strategies, marketing techniques, and reached thousands of new readers. I strongly encourage all indie authors to participate in at least one set during their writing career. It will add breadth to their wingspan.
5) What's your writing process
I have an hour, I turn off my phone and work for an hour. I have two, four, six hours; I focus and write. Every day is different because I’m a mother first, but I always try to make time to write.
6) What are your goals for 2018?
Writing four awesome books! I will publish the final book of my ROSE PETAL GRAVES trilogy in April. I have a YA contemporary in the final stages of editing. And then, I have a werewolf duology plotted and ready to go. I heart my job so much.
7) eBook or Paperback?
All of my books are available in eBook, paperback and audio format.
REVIEW
Today I'm going to be reviewing 'Rose Petal Graves', the first novel in the 'Lost Clan' series.
I still don't know how there's so many action in this novel with romance and mythical elements.
Catori is a college student and her life is changing after the death of her mother. Fae fae hunter?
Who do you trust? Where does she fit in? A faerie? A Hunter?
I don't think I can describe this book because it was for me a tad too complicated. Every character in this book is basically an important one, and it makes you pay attention to everything. I haven't really read a book like that, and I'm glad I found this one.
BTW, The ending killed me :)
Everything is fast paced, and the characters are well developed. Catori is stubborn (finally a character who I can relate too).
Kajika is just this tough person but who has a heart of gold.
I fell in love with these characters and I'm defiantly gonna buy book 2.
The world she's created is fabulous. The magic sucked me in and I could feel some Vampire Diary elements in there.
I loved her writing as she sucks you in to the moment where you feel everything. From the emotions to the actual actions. I simply loved it.
For more details click here.
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