Interview with Shayla Hart
Published 2014-08-17.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes. I remember reading Romeo & Juliet by Shakespeare when I was in school. I was truly moved and cried for days. I think thats what got me into writing about romance. I'm big on love if you couldn't tell,
How do you approach cover design?
Well, the cover of your book is the most important part. It takes me a while to design a book cover and be satisfied with the end result. I tend to go through many designs but when you find one that captures the essence of your book, its all worth the stress and effort you put into it.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Romeo & Juliet - Shakespeare
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Carrie by Stephen King
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green -- All because they're just awesome books to read.
What do you read for pleasure?
Romance books and maybe some erotic books too ;-)
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle or Ipad
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads,
Describe your desk
I don't have one. I work on my laptop in my living room.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in London, UK. I don't think growing up here actually influenced my writing in anyway.
When did you first start writing?
In 2006. I was going through a very hard time. I was very depressed, going through so many emotions and not having anyway to get those emotions out - I started to write. I figured if I couldn't be myself I could lose myself in another world. And it worked.
What's the story behind your latest book?
When Love & Hate Collide is about the struggles we all go through when we find love. Some are lucky enough to find their soul mates and some are not. This book is about having your soul mate under your nose and mistaking the feelings you have for one another for hate. As the saying goes -- there's a thin line between love and hate. Some might call it a cliche others might say its cheesy. But those two things are what make love so special.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I poured my heart out into these books. Not for the fact that I wanted to be rich but because I wanted to put my work out there to help people. Maybe someone is having a bad day and if reading my book helps them or gives them hope then so-be-it.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
I only just signed on but I'm confident Smashwords will help me get to where I need to be.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Losing myself for a while in another world. Just switching off from my problems and getting lost in my story.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean the world to me. If it weren't for them I wouldn't have had the courage to publish. It was their support and my family that helped me through the process. I am truly grateful to every single one of them and I hope I can give back to them what they have given me.
What are you working on next?
Next I have to finish the sequel to Seduction and then write the sequel to When Love And Hate Collide.
Who are your favorite authors?
Oh boy, we'll be here all day. I'll name a few. Nicholas Sparks, Charlotte Bronte, Stephen King, Colleen Hoovers.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My kids. If I don't they make sure i'm out of it. No, I love my boys but I strive to be the best mother I can for them and give them everything I possibly can.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Cooking or baking. I'm a professional Chef so I'm mostly cooking. Its where I come up with some of my storylines.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Same as everyone else. I come across them by chance or if I see a cover I like or if the blurb interests me then I'll read it.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes. I used to write on a fan fiction site. It was a story on the show Charmed and it was called All Is Fair In Love.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
