MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ASTRID ARDITI!!

 

 

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?

My name is Astrid Arditi and I write YA Urban Fantasy as well as Romantic Suspense.

 

Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

 Olympian Challenger came from my passion for mythology and one question—What if the Greek gods were real? 

 

 

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?

I write what I love. I fell in love with the YA genre with Twilight and never stopped reading since.

 

What kind of research did you do for this book?

There was plenty of research for Olympian Challenger but because I’m a huge mythology nerd, it was probably the best part about writing this book!

 

Can you tell me about your Series?

Hope is a seventeen-year-old human girl with a sick mom and a lot of pressure on her shoulders. When she receives a mysterious invitation, her world changes forever.

 

 

Was it always meant to become a series?

For some reason I can’t seem to stay away from the series format. Once I come up with an idea, the world and the characters become so big, their stories can’t fit in only one book.

 

What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

I try to write four to five hours a day, five days a week. But I have two young kids so my schedule often gets jumbled up and sometimes whole weeks pass by when I don’t write a line. When the weather’s nice, I write outside on my deck that overlooks my neighbors’ lovely garden. Otherwise, I write at the kitchen table, cafes, the random bench occasionally.

 

 

Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?

I’m currently writing the second book of the Olympian Challenger series and working on a secret new project I’m very excited about!

 

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

Some characters just come to me with their own names. For the rest, I browse etymology websites until I find the perfect fit.

 

 

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

 Finding the time!

 

What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

I love them! Here’s a link to the Olympian Challenger’s trailer:

 

 

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

My kids

 

What’s the best thing about being an author?

Everything! Writing can be insanely frustrating at times but I wouldn’t trade my job for the world. I love my characters and I feel grateful for the chance to see them breathe and live and grow day after day. 

 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Still writing, of course. Where I couldn’t tell you… I lived in three different countries in the past eight years so I stopped projecting myself further than one year ahead J

 

 

Have you always liked to write?

 I wrote my first story when I was eight. It just took me a while to admit to myself that I wanted to be an author.

 

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Let go of your fears and have fun writing!

 

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

Every single one of them! I wish I didn’t sometimes, but the good reviews amply make up for the bad ones. I never comment on bad reviews—people are entitled to their own opinion and I must respect them. But I make a point of answering all readers who reach out to me to say how much they loved my books. Every email makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

 

Where did your love of books come from?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t read. Both my parents are avid readers and they both contributed to fuel my devouring passion for books.

 

 

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

 In the YA genre, I love Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Berdugo, Tahereh Mafi and Jessica Park. Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series made me want to write romantic suspense.

 

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

 I love Gabriel in Olympian Challenger. He is kind, optimistic and loyal. Out of all my characters, he shows the most growth as he sheds his insecurities to become a hero in his own right.

 

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Stress is my kryptonite. Writing has always been fun to me but when I’m stressed out, I can’t force one line out.

 

 

 

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

 I don’t write to market. I’d rather write what I love than what will sell.

 

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I’m lucky to have an incredible author as my cousin, Olivia Wildenstein. She never ceases to inspire me, and she lets me use her as a soundboard when I get stuck in a story. Our relationship is priceless to me. I also made a ton of talented friends in the author community over the years. We motivate each other and revel in each other’s success—they make the best cheerleading squad!

 

 

 

If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

MESSY

 

Where can your fans find you and follow??

You can sign up to my newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/newsletter-astridarditi

or reach me via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Astridarditiauthor/

I also have a Facebook Street Team where I host weekly book clubs and giveaways  https://www.facebook.com/groups/722797424588848/

 

 

 

Thank you for taking your time to do this interview ❤️