What is your name, where were you born and where do you
live now?
I was born in a small Midwestern town just outside of
Chicago. My husband and I live outside of Atlanta, in Suwanee, Georgia.
Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
It was about two years from when I started writing to the
release date of my novel.
What
is the name of your latest book and if you had to summarise it in less than 20
words what would you say?
Confessions
of a Teenage Hermaphrodite is an unusual young adult coming-of-age novel about
an intersex teen.To become the man his parents expect, Jamie must leave behind
the hopes and dreams of a little girl.
Who
is your publisher? or do you self publish?
I
am privileged to have contracted with MuseItUp Publishing, a progressive
traditional publisher from Canada.
What
can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of
a different genre?
My
heart is set on writing young adult fantasy that deals with social issues.
Do
you have a favourite character form your books? and why are they your favourite?
When
I wrote Confessions, I had to become Jamie the hermaphrodite, to experience her
heartache. She really touched my life.
Where
do you get your plot ideas from? What/Who is your inspiration?
I
have several intersex friends.We shared stories of issues we face growing up
between the sexes in a world that expects male and female.
Do
you have anybody read your book and give you reviews before you officially
release them? ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewers you know?
I
have several wonderful critique partners who cut me no slack. I also sent my
manuscript out to several editors for manuscript evaluations. One was
instrumental in getting me to rewrite my entire manuscript in first person,
making the story my own, and sharing from the heart.
Do
you gift books to readers to do reviews?
Certainly.
It would be rude to expect a reviewer to pay for my book.
Would
you ever ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive about
your book/books?
`No.
I would be tempted to try to explain something if they misunderstood. But any
misunderstanding reflects a shortcoming in my writing. Although reviewers come
to different conclusions, I don't expect everyone to feel the same way about my
book. What good would that be? It wouldn't give me any real feedback.
How
do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books? Who
designed the cover of your books?
I
started with the title Faie, which means enchanted. Nobody seemed
to understand that, so I added a subtitle Growing Up Intersex.I got
no responses to my query, so I changed to the more provocative title Confessions
of a Teenage Hermaphrodite. That resulted in three contract offers. I came
up with the cover concepts and my publisher accepted the one they felt best
represented the genre.
Do
you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the
whole book or as you go along?
The
characters were based on people I know, but modified a bit for the story. They
determine the plot and the plot changes the characters somewhat.
What
do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller?
Strong
characters what the reader can latch on to. A plot that fits the character and
keeps the readers' attention. And depth of emotion that changes the readers'
lives.
Have
you ever base characters on people you know or based events on things that have
happened to you?
All
the time, although I try to change enough that nobody recognizes them.
Which
format of book do you prefer, ebook, hardback, or paperback?
Paperback.
Do
you think books transfer to movies well? Which is your favourite/worst book to
movie transfer?
I
think imagination is lost in the process. I liked A Little Princess. I
think Blade Runner lost something in the translation.
Do
you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books?
I
think some people will always collect old books. I have a book that was
published in 1650 in Edinburgh. There is something special about just holding
it. On the other hand, when 'smart paper' becomes available and one book can be
any one you want, ebooks will rule.
Do
you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to read? and/or
do Imaginative writing?
I'm
afraid the goal of school isn't to encourage imagination, but the conformity
necessary for the work force.
Did
you read a lot at school and write lots of stories or is being a writer
something newer in your life?
My
mother taught me to love reading before sending me off to school, but writing
is something I picked up as an adult.
Do
you have a treasured book from your childhood? If yes, what is it?
I
have a set of books call My Book House. It starts with simple nursery rhymes
and builds up to complex stories. The illustrations are beautiful. I often
browse through the stories I learned to love.
What
piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Let
yourself be vulnerable. Bleed onto the paper. Share your innermost being in your
characters.
Where
can readers follow you?
My
Blog/Website is at www.liannesimon.com
Your
Facebook page?
http://www.facebook.com/lianne_simon_1
Your
Goodreads Author page?
Your
Twitter Details?
www.twitter.com/liannesimon @liannesimon
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