Interview with Amazon Bestseller Kaira Rouda: 'Write what you believe, and what you know, and what you’re passionate about'



Kaira Rouda is an award-winning and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction. Her books include: Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs; Here, Home, Hope; All the Difference; In the Mirror; and the short story, A Mother's Day.  She lives in Southern California with her husband and four children and is at work on her next novel.
Her latest novel is the women’s fiction, In the Mirror.

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Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life!  Now that your book has been published, we’d love to find out more about the process.  Can we begin by having you take us at the beginning?  Where did you come up with the idea
to write your book?

Thank you so much for having me here! My new novel, In the Mirror, is my third novel and the one closest to my heart. It has been a 10-year journey to being published – including three agents, numerous publishing houses’ editorial boards and more. The premise of the novel is if you knew you may die soon, what choices would you make. The story was inspired by a dear friend who was diagnosed with cancer as a young mother. Watching her grace under pressure and her amazing leadership in fundraising and simply how she lived her life, was and remains an inspiration to me.

Q: How hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?

I wouldn’t recommend writing a novel with a cancer theme if you are hoping to be traditionally published. While there are exceptions – The Fault in Our Stars by John Green comes to mind – on the whole, at least in the women’s fiction arena, publishers view it as something readers aren’t interested in although we all know cancer affects us all. It’s frustrating in a way. So I guess my advice would be to write what you believe, and what you know, and what you’re passionate about but understand the fickleness of the market. That said, I wouldn’t change a word and I’m proud of the reviews In the Mirror has garnered so far. It seems to be finding a big market and IN THE MIRROR is the story of Jennifer Benson a woman who has it all: a successful career, a perfect husband, two kids, and abundant friendships. The only problem is she may be dying. The story asks the question:

If you knew you may die soon, what choices would you make? How would you live each day? And how would you say no to the one who got away? Readers are responding positively to the book, even with the tough subject.

Q: Who is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?

My publisher is Real You Publishing Group, my publishing company. I have been traditionally published, small press published and self-published. There are pros and cons to every choice – but the best news is that there is a choice these days. It’s a wonderful time to be an author.

Q: Is there anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?

Yes! My first book was published by Wiley and was a nonfiction title for women entrepreneurs! I never dreamed my first book would be a business book – but I’m so proud of Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs! I hear from women across the country writing to say the book inspires them and has helped them with both their business and personal brands. It’s very gratifying. I always dreamed I’d write a novel first – but that came next with Here, Home, Hope. I truly believe everything happens for a reason and happens when you are ready for it. My first novel wasn’t published until I was in my 40s – but when it finally happened, I was ready!

Q: What other books (if any) are you working on and when will they be published?

My next novel, Lines in the Sand, will be published by Tule Publishing in August! Much like my other romantic suspense novel, All the Difference, this novel has a bit of mystery, a little bit of romance and a murderer, too. I’m so excited for it to be out in the world.

Q: What’s your favorite place to hang out online?

I have to admit I’m a bit of a Facebook junky of late. With the book launch May 1st, I feel like Facebook is the most direct connection I have with my readers online and it’s a blast connecting. I also have a couple author groups I value on Facebook and their support is crucial to my success. The writing life can be lonely sometimes. To find out what my four kids are up to, though, it’s Instagram.


Q: Finally, what message (if any) are you trying to get across with your book?

In the Mirror is the story of Jennifer Benson a woman who has it all: a successful career, a perfect husband, two kids, and abundant friendships. The only problem is she may be dying. The story asks the question:
If you knew you may die soon, what choices would you make? How would you live each day? And how would you say no to the one who got away? The message is simple: too often we don’t live each day as if it could be our last. It’s not until something like a deadly disease stops us in our tracks that we find ourselves on pause, with time to reflect. I hope through Jennifer’s story readers will allow themselves the gift of being in the moment.
  
Q: Thank you again for this interview!  Do you have any final words?

Thank you so much for having me! Please find me on Facebook: Kaira Rouda Books and on Twitter @KairaRouda. Thank you for loving books and the writing life!

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