As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
My dream was to become a doctor, for many reasons I didn’t follow my plan and I am proud of myself that I trusted my instincts. When I recall memories of that age, I am glad that I changed my mind because I feel wonderful when I get messages from readers that they felt really nice reading my stories and that I should never stop writing.
At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?
I guess we should call someone a writer after publishing something that really made the difference and touched even a single person’s heart and thoughts. I think it has nothing to do with sales and exposure.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Listen to your heart, trust your instincts and never stop writing. It’s very important to find your voice and trigger the readers to check out your style and then your stories. And of course to realize that you will not become rich, if you focus on making money from your books sooner or later you will fail because you will not stop repeating yourself and your thoughts. You are supposed to become a writer and not a story machine.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I get messages from readers all over the world saying good words and that is all that actually matters. Most of them say that we might know each other because it’s like describing their lives and their feelings.
On the other hand, because we have to mention everything, I get messages from disappointed readers too, who say things that are not flattering, but I respect their opinions and I can now accept that it’s impossible everyone out there to like your stories.
Do you like to create books for adults?
Yes, I do. As much as I like writing books for teens, I can’t think of myself as a writer focused on writing stories only for young/ new adult readers. I write books for adults, but I avoid sex scenes or intense erotic descriptions because it’s not me and definitely not my style. There are countless other authors who are very good at this part.
Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
Not always but certainly when there is music when I write it helps a lot. Music has that strange power to give birth to new paths of your fantasy and that can be only good. I like Adele but, in general, I like all kinds of music.
Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?
I usually enjoy myself sitting on the sofa and reading printed books. I love the smell and that incredible sound when turning the pages. On the other hand, ebooks are just awesome because you can read your favorite story wherever you are through your phone. I guess only a few can actually be at home all the time doing nothing other than reading books. The rhythms of our modern life are really crazy and we have to fit everything –including reading- we want in a way that actually satisfies our routine.
Does writing energize or exhaust you? Or both?
It makes me feel wonderful. When I get the energy from the words and the characters I can’t stop writing. When I get an idea that it’s going to be exhausting, I leave it for a few days because I know that the result won’t be what I expected and imagined from the first time that crossed my mind. So writing energizes me!
How do you use social media as an author?
The publishing industry is a serious business and I do my best to be professional. I use social media to promote my books, get messages from readers and to stay connected with other authors and people who share the same love for books and words. For those who are interested please don’t hesitate to find me. Let’s connect!
Website http://www.aaschenna.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/A.ASchenna/
Twitter https://twitter.com/aschenna
Follow Thoughts in the Air Blog https://www.aaschenna.com/blog
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
Coffee, this is all I need and I am happy to enjoy it now that I just finished my new story. In a few days Tears of a Proud Magnolia will be out there! Check out the story with Kindle Vella and let me know what you think about the cover art.