Interview with the author of the Foolish Hearts Series
Can you share the inspiration behind the Foolish Hearts series and specifically how you came up with names and the storylines? With your latest novel, WRONGED, what sparked the idea and motivated you to start writing it?
- I began the Foolish Hearts series for a Kindle World all with simple one word titles: Arranged, Deceived, Hacked, Wronged and the last one in the works, Disobeyed. The latest one in the series WRONGED was fun to write based on reality TV; Ashton and Gianna are contestants vying for their own Design Show. While I am not a big fan of reality shows, I adore interior design (working in that field for a few years) and used to watch many home improvement shows—so it was very fun to come up with different competitions and then designing rooms. Fun fun fun!
You mention they can stand alone, which is greatly appreciated, but is there a connection?
- I like the idea of writing standalones with linked people: sisters, brothers, friends, etc. NO spoilers in each book. My stories are all different settings, different storylines, different couples and mainly their ups and downs to reach a happily ever after in the end. Connecting people may enter a story at different times as a support but nothing is revealed about them in any way that would spoil their own book. So they can be read completely alone or out of order… hopefully readers will want to read them all.
Authors often draw from personal experiences or interests in their work. Is there a particular aspect of your life or passion that influenced the themes or characters in your novel?
- Of course writing about things you know or experiences in life are a big plus. Throughout my life I have tried a few different professions as a career and as a volunteer. Besides being a self-published author, I am an artist who loves to paint with a bit of a Parisian flair…I adore painting Paris and still lifes. My characters often work in the creative field whether it be an artist, writer, interior designer, chef, musician, construction, architect, beautician, fashion designer, landscape designer, museum curator, art gallery owner, etc etc
How do you maintain creativity and avoid mixing them up as well as the potential burnout, or writer’s block or fatigue?
- I keep records of all of my characters and their connection between books. I have also created my own products and celebrity personas so I have those listed as well. Maintaining the creativity against burnout, writer’s block and fatigue is something I think every author battles. There are great days when words and ideas flow. There are bad days when nothing comes to mind and characters stop talking—often characters write their own books and that’s when it’s fabulous! I’m not sure what happened to me, but I have just recently returned to writing since I walked away from my many works in progress in 2019. Back to writing, I’m not pressuring myself… I hope to finish many stories I started years ago and wrap up different series. So far, I am very happy to be writing again.
Many authors have unique writing rituals or habits. Could you describe your writing process? How do you get into the right mindset to bring your stories to life?
- I have a designated art/writing studio that I LOVE and music has to be on throughout my day—some days jazz other days new country, alternative, old hippie rock and roll, Buddha bar lounge…whatever I’m in the mood for. I always type my novels on my iPad but I often write pen to paper to be typed. I like to draw out rooms, scribble about food, draw clothing, etc so I can put down better descriptions.
Writing styles can evolve over time. How do you think your writing has changed or developed since your first novel, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
- Movement. Dialogue. Connecting the two. Describing rather than telling. Using different words. I still struggle with that one. I would call my writing style kind of quirky…doing my own thing. I have been writing stories since I was a little girl to being a young adult and then started again after my kids were in their teens. I published my first novel in 2013 and I believe improvements have been made book by book as I keep learning.
Writing a novel requires consistency and dedication. What keeps you motivated to stay on track with your writing goals, especially during challenging moments?
- I used to set goals: write at least six books a year. I was good about reaching those goals which could’ve been why I walked away from writing. My new goals are to enjoy the writing process and love what I’m writing. As I self-publish my books, I don’t have a real timeline with deadlines but I hope to put out at least four to five books this year.
The publishing industry is dynamic and constantly changing. Can you share your experience navigating the process of getting your novel published and any advice for aspiring authors in today’s market?
- Still learning! Everything I knew back in 2019 when I last self-published a new book seems to not apply to what’s going on now. Some old bloggers and book marketing companies are gone. Book World is always changing and I’m always searching for answers. I would say one thing has never changed and should never change in the attitude of an aspiring author—be humble and kind.
What advice can you give upcoming writers when they start to doubt themselves and their abilities. What strategies do you use to keep the momentum and creative flow moving?
- Don’t be hard on yourself. Every author struggles and feels like a failure from time to time. Write what you know. Write what you want. Learn about something or someone new. Bottom line is: Be Happy. Life is short.
I want to thank Fifi for taking the time to answer my questions and being the first author on the new site! She is definitely a creator and has some beautiful art as well. You can check out her other book series at www.ChampagneGirlStudio.com
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