Interview with Lydia Anne Klima
Published 2015-09-11.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I've had 2 agents. After I self-published, two publishers wanted to publish me, but I said forget it. I did all the work, and they would get 90% of the royalties. No way.
What do your fans mean to you?
I get about 1,000 hits between my 2 websites from people all over the world. It's nice that people want to read my books and blog.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love to make people laugh and cry. Writing is acting on paper.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Video. In posting my first video, my traffic on Google+ went up by 3,000 views in one day.
How do you approach cover design?
I'm certified in graphic design, so I design my own book covers. Having a beautiful model also helps.
Who are your favorite authors?
The Southern American writers: William Faulkner, Truman Capote, Katherine Anne Porter, Lillian Hellman, Tennessee Williams, They're the greatest writers of all time.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born and raised in Chicago. We moved to Orland Park, Illinois when I was nine years old. It was country with rolling hills and many sloughs. We drove past a one-room schoolhouse from 1910 on our way into town. I used this schoolhouse in my novel FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. I always wondered about the teacher; what she was like, and if her children loved her. Of course, the town in my book is named Many Sloughs, but it's really Orland Park.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
No, but I remember my first play. It was called THE QUEEN GOES NUTS. We put this on in grade school and it was so funny, the kids were falling off their chairs with laughter.
What is a future dream of yours?
To see my play THE STONE HOUSE published and produced.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I read CITADELS OF MYSTERY in the fourth or fifth grade. It was about the discovery of ancient cities. After that, I knew I wanted to visit Pompeii. I've been there twice. My novel PAINTED CHILDREN is based on the ancient cities I've visited in Italy.
What do you read for pleasure?
Historical fiction, history books, and books on spirituality.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I love art, theater, digital photography, traveling, and spending time with God.
How do you handle writer's block?
I don't get writer's block.
When did you first start writing?
Grade school.
Describe your desk
Organized.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
It's given me more distribution channels.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I always have a lot of work to do.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I browse like anyone else.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Apple iPad. I love digital books!
What is your writing process?
Work. Work. Work. Writing is hard work.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
