MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ZIZI COLE🦋

How and when did you get started as a writer?

I have always written. When I was younger I wrote poetry and had a few poems published. As I got older, I attempted a novel as a teenager, but I never finished it. November 2016, I sat down and wrote Sweet Nightmares.

My cousins and I have always made up stories. We would tell the same story for days. Storytelling and a vivid imagination has always been a part of my life.

Why did you decide to be a writer?

I don’t think it is something that I consciously decided to do. Storytelling has always been a part of my being. I finally decided to try to get the stories out.

 

 

How do you usually find your ideas?

They tend to just come to me. I will get an idea while sitting at my muggle job or in the shower. My mind tends to wander and that is usually when an idea strikes me.

What are your goals as an author?

My goal is to get my stories out there. I would like to be able to write full time eventually. I want my readers to truly enjoy my stories and get something from them.
When did you first consider yourself an author?
I first considered myself an author after I finished writing Sweet Nightmares.

 

Did you have a hard time sharing your work with the public?

When I sent my book out to beta readers for the first time, I was really nervous and when I submitted to the publisher, I worried that I wouldn’t be good enough to get published, but it wasn’t hard to share it. I wanted the world to read it. I do get nervous when people I actually know read it because I worry about being judged.

What genres do you write?

I write mostly horror. I also write paranormal, fantasy, and am currently working on retelling of fairytales.
Is there a genre that you’ve been wanting to experiment with?
I actually am with the fairytale retellings. I am really excited about it.

What inspires you to write?

My children. I want them to know that you can be whatever you want to be if you work hard at it and have the drive and dedication to succeed.

 

How long does it take you to write a novel?

It depends on the novel. Sweet Nightmares took me under 30 days. It takes me between a month and three to write a novel. It depends on how much time I have to dedicate to it.

If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be and why?

I don’t think I would want to be any of my character. Lol. They go through too much torment for my liking.

What are you working on at the moment?

I have a couple of projects going at the moment. One is a co-writing project with A. Maslo, which is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Afflicted. I am also working on a project called The Kill Floor.

Can you give a little morsel of what you are working on?

Here is a snippet of the Kill Floor.

“I have a present for you, my pet,” Master said as he walked up to me. He ran his hands down my arms and I could feel his breath on my neck. He was pressed against my back.
“What is that, Master?” I asked breathlessly.
“I’ll show you.”
He led me to my table where there was a young man strapped down to it. He was skinny with light brown hair. He started to come around and I stood back watching. When he opened his eyes, they widened in fear.
Excitement ran through my body. I looked back at Master. “It’ s perfect.”
“I knew you would like it,” He kissed me on my neck and walked away.

What can we expect in the near future?

I will be continuing the DAMNED series, A. Maslo and I will be writing a full series of fairytale retellings. We decided that we are going to rewrite most of the fairytales telling them from the Prince’s perspectives. It is the Prince Collection.

If you could choose an author to be your mentor, who would it be?

In the indie world, probably Laken Cane. She is a wonderful writer and a good friend. If I had to pick an author from Traditional publication, I would say probably Laurell K. Hamilton.

Do you have any suggestions to help become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Be open to constructive criticism. Also, take suggestions from your editor, but keep your voice. Keep writing, do research, do your homework. Learn from mistakes.

Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

I’m shy. I may not act like it, but in person, I have a hard time talking to people I don’t know.

What is your greatest weakness?

My children. If anything happened to them, I’d be devastated.

What is your greatest strength?

Again my children. They inspire me to do what I need to do. They are what keeps me running. I do what I have to do for them.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a vet. Then I wanted to be a singer, teacher, lawyer. Being an author wasn’t something that I ever thought that I would be able to do.

Quick Q&A

Favorite movie.
Beauty and the Beast
Favorite website.
I would have to say Facebook. I also love picmonkey.
Favorite color.
Pink
Favorite book.
Written is a toss up between Sweet Visions and Afflicted. Read is like asking which child is my favorite. I love so many books, I can’t choose just one. One of my favorite series is the Rune Alexander Series by Laken Cane.
Favorite country.
I’ve never been there, but England.

Where can people find you?
Author page- http://www.facebook.com/authorzizicole
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/zizicole85
Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/zizicole
Instagram- http://www.instagram.com/authorzizicole
Street Team- https://www.facebook.com/groups/ziziszealots/
Website- https://authorzizicole.wixsite.com/mysite
Newsletter- http://eepurl.com/cKrzWz
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/zizicole

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview Zizi❤️