Author Interview With Bonnie Louwerens
What exactly do you write? (Fiction? Genre? Novel? Short story? Series? Technical or nonfiction? Articles? Reviews?)
Right now I am currently working on a YA Paranormal series. I mainly seem to write YA fiction as I also have a YA dystopian on the back burner and a few other YA novels that are completed, but not published. I’ve dabbled with a bit of adult romance and might eventually write a few novels or novellas under a different pseudonym one day. I have also written a few short stories, but they are very hard for me. They always turn into novels.
How would you describe yourself in a short third person bio?
Bonnie grew up in small town USA and her imagination was her best friend. She learned early on that Santa didn’t really exist, but she was okay with that as long as unicorns did. Bonnie started writing at a very young age and penned her first novel at the age of sixteen. Careers came and went, but the love of writing never left her. Finally, in her thirties, she was able to write full time. She’s never looked back.
What made you initially want to write? Has your motivation changed since then?
Honestly, I loved reading. We moved around a lot when I was a kid and I made friends pretty slowly. Books and my cat were my best friends (no lie). With books it didn’t matter where we lived. They always transported me to another place and time, and in some instances made me a stronger person. I loved that feeling and I knew very early on that I wanted to create sagas and adventures for the world to read.
My motivation has stayed the same. If I can get through to one person in the world and make them feel like I do when I read, I’ve succeeded.
What do you think is the most important part of writing?
Write what you love. I hear too many of my writer friends bending at will and writing what the publishers want. They complain that they are bored and struggle to stay motivated. I can’t do that. If I am not writing what I love, if I don’t love the story myself, I just can’t write at all.
Tell us an interesting fact about you.
I am a huge gamer. My husband and I can always be found playing some sort of video game on the weekends. Seriously all out gaming nerd.
Do you have a day-job, (other than writing)?
Not anymore. All my Monday – Friday daytime (and sometimes late evenings) is strictly dedicated to my craft now.
Do you prefer a physical book or an ebook? Why?
Wow, that is a hard one. I admire them both so much, but in the end if I love a book enough I will buy the physical copy.
Are you a self-published author/indie author or did you go down the ‘traditional’ publication route? Why?
I am proudly self-published. I took that path to learn more about the industry and get my name out there. Do I still dream of being picked up by a publishing house? Of course, what author doesn’t? But for right now I’m very happy with where I am at.
Tell us a little about your Nether Bound trilogy.
Nether Bound is about a young girl named, Ava who wishes with all her heart for one thing in the world. When that wish comes true some of the outcomes are catastrophic and can’t be undone. Underneath it all, the story is about embracing strength and the bond of love within a family.
P.S. Be careful what you wish for…
So, how long does it take you, on average, to complete a first draft?
Around thirty days, sometimes a little less. I just force myself to keep going forward and not look back. I can fix the mistakes later.
Which projects are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on book two in the Nether Trilogy, “Nether Soul”.
How do you come up with the titles for your books? And do you have the final title before completing your book or after?
When it comes to titles I usually start out with something and by the time I finish the first draft it’s something completely different. Nether Bound was originally called Angelus Mortis, but once I started writing and the story took on a life of its own, the real title was born. However, with this second book I knew right away the title would be Nether Soul, and it hasn’t changed. It just fits. The third book is still up in the air.
How has writing changed your life?
Writing has always been my release. Some parts of my childhood weren’t that great and I didn’t have many friends. But I always had books and writing. I’ll admit the craft has literally kept me sane. Without writing I wouldn’t be a whole person.
Where do you get inspiration for writing from? Do you listen to music whilst writing or have a ‘writing cave’?
Both! I love my cave!! Music is a huge inspiration for me. I will often hear a song and it will trigger a scene in my head. Because of this my music library is ridiculously large. Honestly, though, inspiration can come from almost anything. I was watching a TV show the other day and was completely inspired for a new book. I took notes and can’t wait to eventually start that one.
Is there a particular form, style or genre that you’d like to have a go at writing? Why?
Adult romance, they’re quick fun reads. The men are romantic, hot, and always seem to say the right things. One day I would really like to write one for fun.
Favourite book and/or author(s)?
The Belgariad by David Eddings.
Do you think it’s necessary to have a high-level qualification in English to be a writer?
Absolutely not. I think it can definitely help, but it’s not required. As long as you have the dream and the drive to make it happen, you can do it. However, I do suggest hiring an editor if self-publishing.
What would you say to those who want to become a writer? Any advice?
Follow your heart and never give up. The road won’t always be easy, but it is very rewarding. My dream was to become a published author. Now I am. I might not ever make millions and I’m okay with that. I was able to fulfill my dream and that is something I can’t wait to tell my kids about (when I have them). I never gave up, no matter how many times people told me it would never happen.
Also, read. And not always what you like to write. Stretch your imagination, trust me, it helps.
Links:
My Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
The book can be purchased here.
