Author Interview with Rhonda Hopkins

 

How long have you been writing?

I’ve pretty much written ever since third grade. We were given a fiction assignment and I wrote about how the raccoons got their masks. Ever since I’ve made up stories just for myself. I really never thought about publishing though until a friend encouraged me after reading one of my stories. She even went to the trouble of getting a list of writing courses for me at a local college. Thank you, Kay Rifkin! The professor was a fantastic mentor for me and she encouraged me to attend one of the local writer workshops where I learned even more. Thank you, Carmen Goldthwaite! So, I’ve been writing with an eye to publication for a few years now.  Most of it was just learning as I go until recently.

Are you traditionally published, or self-published?

I’m an indie author.

If self-published when/why did you take that route.

I researched all my options and decided that I wanted to try the indie path. I’m so glad I did. I think I have learned more about the publishing industry than I would have had I had someone handling everything for me. I wouldn’t rule out a traditional deal in the future though if the terms are good.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Writing definitely energizes me. I love getting all my ideas written down and out of my head. I have all these stories vying for attention, so it’s very rewarding getting them out there.

How many hours a day do you write?

Anywhere from one to six. It just depends on what else I have to do and if the words are flowing. I haven’t ever suffered from writing block, but there are some days when words just don’t flow as well. I don’t force like forcing them because I usually have to go back and rewrite those sections. But, I absolutely adore those days, when the muse is pouring out words so quickly I can barely keep up.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I do read the reviews. I’m honored and elated by the good ones. I read the not so great ones to see if they offer any criticism that I need to take into account for the future. Otherwise, I don’t let them get me down. I don’t like everything I read, so I can’t expect everyone to like everything I write.

What was your hardest scene to write?

Actually, the hardest thing for me to write was my grandmother’s dedication for Survival. She passed away in 2002 from cancer and I still miss her every day.

What is your favorite childhood book?

My favorite is actually a series. I started reading Nancy Drew when I was about seven and I think I went through all our library had. I just devoured them. I’ve been a devoted reader ever since, reading all kinds of different genres. I read very fast and usually get through three to four books a week. I don’t think I could even fall asleep now without reading.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Deciding what to work on is the most difficult part of writing. As I said above, I have so many stories/ideas and I want to write them all now. I have to actually give myself deadlines on different projects, so I’ll concentrate on one until it’s complete. Otherwise, I’d be skipping back and forth and never accomplishing anything. But, the most difficult part of publishing is the marketing/promotion. I’m a true introvert and don’t like bringing attention to myself. But, my work won’t ever be seen if I don’t.

Who is your favorite author and have you ever tried to emulate them?

My favorite author is Dean Koontz. His words flow like magic. I would love to be able to write like him, but I can only write like me.

Is there anything you want us to know about you or your books?

I write several different genres and for different ages. I have a zombie apocalypse series, Survival, in

progress. Survival: Prequel is available now and Dead of Winter will be out this fall. I’ve won a couple of awards for my paranormal novella, The Consuming. I even have a heart-warming family holiday short story published. Toward the end of the year, I should (hopefully) release the first in a middle-grade paranormal series. And, I’ll be working on a young adult urban fantasy the beginning of next year as well. I also have plans for a paranormal romance series and a romantic suspense series.

 

 

 

 

I also write non-fiction. Navigating Family Court:

In the Best Interest of Your Child will help those involved in family court prepare for what to expect and for what will be expected of them. It’s scary and confusing when your children are involved in custody litigation, so I wanted to share my twenty years experience of working within the family courts to help ease things for the parents and therefore the children.

 

 

 

 

Personal Links:

Website: http://rhondahopkins.com

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Rhonda-Hopkins/e/B009KWDCCW

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/RhondaHopkins

Facebook: https://familycourt.com/RhondaHopkins.Author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhonda_Hopkins

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+RhondaHopkins

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/RhondaRHopkins

 

Navigating Family Court Links:

Website: https://navigatingfamilycourt.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/NavigatingFamilyCourt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NavigatingCourt

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/NavigatingFamilyCourt

 

Thank you so much for the great interview questions, Theresa. I really appreciate the opportunity to discuss my work with you and your readers.