Donna, author of The Merry-Go-Round,
is well known for her sweet romances that have been print published, ebook published, and are now available as audio books. Here's Donna Fasano to tackle The Dirty Dozen!
1. Do you read ebooks? If so, what device do you use?
Kindle, iPad, and my iPhone....I most often use my Kindle Fire.
2. Do you listen to audio books? If so, what device do you use?
I've just recently become a member of Audible. I hope to start listening to audio books on my iPhone, but I don't know if I can. At the moment, I've downloaded books to my laptop. I obviously need to do more research.
(Note from Joan: To read on your iPhone, simply download the free app from Audible. Your entire library will be available to you.)
3. When did you enter the indie publishing arena, and how has it affected your career?
Wow! I never expected to become an Indie Author. About four years ago, I took a sabbatical from my 20-year traditional-publishing career in order to take care of my terminally ill father. A couple of colleagues told me about their adventures in indie publishing, and I decided to give it a shot. I haven't looked back. I'm learning something new every single day. This career-change has ignited a flame of excitement and ambition I've never experienced before.
4. What's the best thing about being an indie author?
More control, and more money. Did I say more control? I love being able to write whatever it is I want to write.
5. What's the worst thing about being an indie author?
No boss looking over my shoulder which makes it too easy to side-step my self-made deadlines. However, I will say that I work much harder now than I ever did as a traditionally published author. I recently read a funny quote: "An entrepreneur is someone who works 80 hours a week in order to avoid working 40 hours a week." That describes me perfectly.
6. What would you like to tell readers if you could appear in front of all of them?
I'd like to ask readers to let go of their preconceived notions regarding independent publishing. Not so long ago, self-publishing was a dirty word in the publishing industry. That is swiftly changing. There are lots of good books out there that have been written by excellent authors who are finding new and innovative ways to get their work into the hands of readers.
I'm an independent author not because I can't find a traditional publishing house -- I've been there, done that. I am an Indie Author because that's the career path I choose for myself, because I want to have control over the stories I write, because I feel I deserve the lion's share of the royalties from the books I write rather than the smattering I used to earn.
Don't get me wrong. I was happy writing for that New York City publisher. I can call myself a bestselling, award-winning author whose books have sold over 3 1/2 million copies worldwide because of that New York City publisher. But technology has changed the world, and I intend to move with the times and take advantage of those changes. I hope readers will try to understand and maybe even embrace my adventurous spirit.
7. Of all the books you've written and published, what is your favorite book? Why?
Although I love all my books and I'm proud of each and every one, I think I'd have to say that my favorite is The Merry-Go-Round.
I'm so happy that an audio book edition of The Merry-Go-Round is now available too. The book's protagonist, Lauren, is a professional woman who -- in doing what she thinks is best for herself and her future -- makes a terrible mistake. We see her working through the awful result and, ultimately, coming out on the other side, stronger, smarter, happier, and a much more compassionate person. The characters in all my books develop and grow over the course of their stories, but I think Lauren is the character who changes the most.
8. If you were a casting director and that book was being produced as a movie, who would you cast in the major roles?
I could easily see Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck in the lead roles. Hey! This could be their first movie together. For the secondary characters, I'd choose Robert De Niro for the grumpy Lew, and Diane Keaton (or Goldie Hawn) for the vivacious Norma Jean. Seeing that book made into a movie would be the ultimate FUN (for me, at least).
9. Now that you are having audio books produced from all your titles, what do you think is the most difficult aspect of the audio book experience?
Choosing the perfect narrator. The voice over actor has to be talented AND he/she has to be able to interpret the story the way I heard it play out in my head when I wrote it. No easy feat.
10. How did you go about choosing your narrator?
I asked for advice from seasoned authors (such as yourself, Joan). And I listened to many (read: MANY) audio book samples.
11. What are you currently working on?
I'm finishing up a romance novel with the working title Hindsight. It's about a couple who were torn apart as teens due to the racist views of others. The story opens with the child of that teen tryst, now a teenager himself, finding himself in trouble with the law. The young man's parents are forced to come together again to see what can be done about their son's delinquent behavior. Attraction instantly stirs their desire for each other, but the labyrinth of bitterness and blame over the past presents a huge challenge that threatens to overwhelm these once passionate lovers.
12. Where online can readers find you?
Oh, I'm all over!
Blog: http://www.DonnaFasano.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/DonnaFasanoAuthor
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DonnaFaz
Takeaway Truth
For heartwarming romance full of home truths, try a book by Donna Fasano.
I love reading Donna Fasano & Merry Go Round is my fav too!
ReplyDeleteElaine Raco Chase ... Totally agree!
ReplyDelete