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Interview with Jennifer Ciotta

Published 2014-03-24.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans are the best. They support and encourage me, and oftentimes, make my day with a great review or email. They also "tell it like it is," which I so appreciate. In other words, they're not afraid to provide constructive criticism and tell me what they really think, esp. in regard to politics. My fans mean the world to me, and it's because of them I've had many successes so far. I'm grateful to all my readers!
What are you working on next?
Good question. I started a historical fiction novel...but I have an idea that spins off of I, Putin in my head. If I manage to take I, Putin to the level I believe it has the potential to go, I'll start to research and move on that idea.
Who are your favorite authors?
J.D. Salinger is my god in regard to The Catcher in the Rye. It may be a cliche answer, but coming from a fiction editor perspective (that's my day job), the voice, syntax, word choice, diction, plotline, characters, and structure is the best I've ever seen. I can't edit a word in that book. I also love: Willa Cather (O! Pioneers), Luke Davies (Candy), Kurt Vonnegut, and Gogol (The Overcoat).
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I'm a bit obsessed with my puppy. She's a one-eyed shih-chon rescue, and I love her to pieces. I never thought I'd be one of those people who's obsessed with their dog, but I am. I'm big into yoga and hiking as well.
How do you approach cover design?
Hire a professional! I'm not a cover designer at all. I understand fully that cover design is critical and that's why I searched for the best cover designer. And found him. Contact me if you'd like his info.
What do you read for pleasure?
Anything and everything with a great concept that compels me to read it.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Word of mouth. Also, I did a book club promotion and that was pretty good. Patience is good too. You have to take time to figure out how to sell your book.
Describe your desk
Organized with a bit of clutter. List of goals with 2 crystals from Sedona and a jade stone surrounding them. 2 mugs of pens, pencils, eraser, paperclips, etc. Computer, printer, a spiral notebook, and a clipboard. Notebooks, yoga schedule, and some I, Putin paperbacks. It's a l-o-n-g desk.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
Suburban NJ. It taught me that I'll never fit in to one group. I have groups of friends, and they have their core groups, and I go in between them. I don't fit anywhere. I'm an original.
When did you first start writing?
When I was a child, maybe around 8-9 years of age.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
To have creative control and be my own businesswomen.
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Books by This Author

No Bulls**t Guide to Self-Publishing by
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 9,060. Language: American English. Published: March 26, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Publishing » Self-publishing, Nonfiction » Reference » Publishing & books
Have no clue how to self-publish your book? Want to learn in under 1 hour? This guide is super quick, super cheap, and has an entertaining, witty tone. You'll find out where to spend your money, which services are great and which to avoid, and we even give a sample budget for self-pubbing your book. The only question is: if you're a fiction or nonfiction author, what are you waiting for?!
I, Putin by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 58,230. Language: American English. Published: March 25, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » General, Fiction » Biographical
I, Putin is a multi-award-winning, Amazon Kindle Top 100 best-selling, original, historical fiction novel about Vladimir Putin. What decision is so harrowing that it changes Russian President Vladimir Putin forever? Discover what motivates the man behind Russia. Is he the cold, ruthless leader you know, or is he...human?