Post date: Apr 17, 2018 10:33:24 PM
Lizz Lund interview with David Alan Binder
Her website: https://www.lizzlund.com/
Her Bio from her website: Kitchen Addiction! is her first novel of the Mina Kitchen series. Lizz grew up in Glen Rock, New Jersey and still hasn't recovered. She holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University, but has never learned to waitress.
1. How do you pronounce your name?
Lizz Lund (like “fund”)
2. Where are you currently living?
USA, Pennsylvania
3. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
Keep plugging away… and marketing, marketing, marketing…
4. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
My stories all involve huge elements of comedy/humor. I’ve been (kindly) told my dialogue is very enjoyable. This makes some sense as my background from “way back” started out in theatre. Also, as far as I can tell, I was one of the “firsts” to include recipes at the back of the books (loosely connected with the storyline.) Fortunately for my readers, my recipes are either vetted by my chef husband, or, are contributed by him.
5. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
The devil IS in the details. Even after my editor gives me back her final round, I will have a “beta reader” to catch any possible gaffs that might have fallen between the cracks.
a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they located?
At this time; c’est moi.
6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
For me, ebooks are MUCH easier re: formatting, technically speaking. I have to administer a huge portion of patience up my sleeve when formatting for paperback. All the single books in the Mina Kitchen series are produced in both formats. The “bundles” for the Mina Kitchen series are not. Currently, the first book in my YA series, Star Surfer, is in electronic/ebook format only. Although, I am considering producing a paperback version of this.
7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
I strongly suggest taking the self-published route first. While there are some unkind reviews out there, for the most part, serious readers will give you some good input.
8. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
At this point, I am a complete novice to this area… although I guiltily admit I should be investigating this.
9. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be so specific that this most likely will not have been seen elsewhere)?
Be patient. Persevere. And not everyone writes 2 hours a day; you can be a “weekend warrior” at times. Be kind to yourself.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned with your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
It still is very hard for me to engage my marketing/business brain during the same day I need to work my “writing brain.” I try to separate these days.
11. How many books have you written?
I’m working on the final draft for the 6th book in the Mina Kitchen series (cozy comedy.) The first book in the YA series, “The Chronicles of Thaddeus McPhee – Star Surfer” is published. The second book in this series is in final edits and I hope to release this summer.
12. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be so specific that this most likely will not have been seen elsewhere)?
Don’t over think. Just write. You can always change things/fix things/add things later. This of your writing like soup: you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it out.
13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
I rely on the unexpected…
14. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
Humor, imho. And, surprises.
15. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
Free promotions on Kindle/Amazon.com. And lots of posts on Twitter, and Facebook.
16. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
I wish I could keep writing “automatically” no matter what. The previous year plus my husband and I worked through the loss of multiple beloved cats; and severe health issues on my part. I tend to retreat during times of extreme stress; I wish I were “hard wired” differently. That said, my health is extremely improved these days (turns out, my asthma seems to be in direct correlation to gluten allergies, who knew?) and we are enjoying our four remaining felines.
17. What saying or mantra do you live by?
Tomorrow is another day.
18. Anything else you would like to say?
Thank you so much. For the writers reading this, keep writing. Your work is important. You are unique. To say the world doesn’t “need” another writer is like saying it doesn’t need another chef. Everyone gets hungry. Everyone needs food; it’s just that everyone doesn’t like everything. Keep writing. Keep moving forward. You will grow, and eventually produce a body of work you will be proud of.