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Interview with Selena Haskins, Author of Yesterday Was a Long Time Ago

Author’s Bio: Selena Haskins is the author of three best-sellers on Amazon: A River Moves Forward, Riding the Waves, and Just Between Us-Inspiring Stories by Women. As a native Washingtonian, Selena explores the dynamics of urban family life and romance in her books. Selena’s love for reading and writing started at the tender age of nine. Selena’s two greatest loves are God and family, and she uses both as a vehicle to convey the human spirit, and the beauty of the world around her. Her latest project is, Yesterday Was a Long Time Ago.

What inspired you to write your book?
SH: My inspiration to write this book is loosely-based on my college experiences.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
SH: Growing up I loved reading Judy Blume’s books. As an adult, I love contemporary fiction authors who set the perfect example of good storytelling. They include: Connie Briscoe, Terry McMillan, Margaret Johnson-Hodge, Omar Tyree, Carl Weber, and Leonard Pitts, Jr.

Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book?
SH: This is my third novel, but fourth book project overall.

Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?
SH: I tried writing with an outline, and it interrupts my creative flow, so I prefer to just write it freestyle.

Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?
SH: I prefer peace and quiet when I write, although I can hear a song playing in my head, it’s distracting for me to actually play music and write because I like to hear what the characters are saying. The theme song for this book would be, P.M. Dawn’s “Die Without You.”

What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public?
SH: Publishing a book these days is fairly easy, but publishing a “good” book takes time. The success is in the story, not the pretty book covers.

What advice would you give to new authors?
SH: Patience is really the key to success. Seize being anxious because you may miss something. I had to learn that the hard way. Once you put something out there in public, it’s there forever, and it has your name on it. If you want to build a good reputation as a respectable writer, you have to hone your craft. You have to love writing more than money. I’m always learning new things, and I love it because it makes me a better writer. Always stay humble. Read twice as much as you write. If you want to write well, read books by people who can actually write, and who are experienced. It will help your growth process.

What’s next for you?
SH: I have a short story comedy that I’ve been working on, and hope to release this winter - 2017. I also plan to write the final part to the Morris family from A River Moves Forward and Riding the Waves so it will be a trilogy.

Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)?
·         Website: http://www.booksbyselena.com/
·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorselena.haskins
·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/BooksbySelena
·         Blog: http://www.booksbyselena.com/

It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.





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