Author 2020 Series: Andrée Roby

This Author 2020 blog series is for fiction and nonfiction indie authors who have either already published, or are due to publish, a book in 2020!

As well as showcasing their amazing writing achievement, every featured author answered ten questions to give aspiring fiction and nonfiction indie authors a behind-the-scenes insight into the book writing process.

This post features Andrée Roby and her newest book: A to Z of Original Poems, Flash Fiction and Short Stories.

1. Tell me about your book in 25 words or less!

My book is a unique collection of funny, touching, surprising and philosophical writings. This mixed genre book has something for everyone, and shows the versatility of myself as an author.

2. How long did your book take to write?

About 18 months, but it was written in stages as I concentrated more on my third book from April 2019 to October 2019.

3. How long did the whole process take – from initial idea to publication?

It took 18 months, all in all.

4. What have you learnt about the process of writing a book, that could help other fiction and nonfiction indie authors?

That I can write, that writing gives me an escape, and that I am creative with a good imagination. I love the freedom writing gives me in deciding on my characters’ lives, and the ability I have to change the course of the book if I feel it is not going right – I would love to just be able to write and earn a living from it. Listening to valuable feedback from other authors has helped me grow as a writer too.

I have also learnt that people are enjoying reading my work and are asking for more. That is a tremendous feeling and a humbling lesson to learn, especially when my first book was voted book of the month by the publisher Tredition, in April 2019.

5. Is there anything you wish you had done differently, or would do differently with your next book?

I realise I rushed my first book, but I am aware of the reasons why I did.  Although it pains me the third book is taking longer than planned, I am making sure it is the very best that I can make it.

6. How much did it cost to get your book to market?

Cover = £40.

Formatting = £60.

Plus Amazon costs per printed copy.

7. Do you have any plans to write another/any more books in the future? If so, would you like to share any details about it/them?

Yes, I am on chapter 19 of the prequel for my first book, which is roughly three quarters of the way through. Readers have been asking for another book and that is why I published the A to Z between my two crime dramas. I intend to write more books, probably more compilations of short stories as I enjoyed creating stories for the A to Z so much.

8. Do you want to give a public shout out to anyone who helped you produce your book?

Yes. A big thank you to my daughter Micaela, who has been a great help reading my stories and brainstorming with me. She is the one who pushed me to write and I am so grateful she did. She believed in me as a writer before I did. To my friend Sue, who gives me valuable feedback. I can always bounce a story off her. To all the people who gave me a word or sentence to write a story on. To Claire Jennison, for the pain free formatting experience.

9. Please share an excerpt of your book below.

This is an excerpt from the story for the letter H. It was an interesting and challenging way to write and something I had never tried before. I won’t say more as readers will discover what makes this story original for themselves.

The Hallucinating Head Teacher at Harrow-on-the Hill:

This is a humorous story, I will hasten to tell.

This story hails from the day the Head Teacher of a primary school in Harrow-on-the-Hill, Henry Harriott, decided to harness any budding musical talent in his school. Our local hero, as he saw himself, went on a hunt for musical instruments that would hurtle the children towards their illustrious musical careers. He hunted down harmonicas, cellos, guitars, flutes, recorders. He even heralded a new era in the school by acquiring a harp. No-one had ever heard of any of the schools in Harrow-on-the-Hill owning a harp. This would be a feather in the Head Teacher’s cap and he would position the harp in the assembly hall, on the side of the stage, in full view of every one.

Who knew what talent would hatch from his handiwork?

10. Where can readers buy your book (and any other books you have written)?

My first book “Double Vision” can be bought in three formats through Amazon, Tredition, Barnes and Noble, WH Smith, and Waterstones. Or you can buy a signed copy from me if you send me a private message on LinkedIn.

A to Z of Original Poems, Flash Fiction and Short Stories was published on 29th April 2020 and can be bought via Amazon in eBook and paperback formats.

Thank you for participating in this Author 2020 blog series Andrée!