Andrea Smith Interview Published on: 17, Jun 2016

Tell us about your life, your struggles, your passion.

I was a staff manager for more than 20 years in Corporate America. As luck would have it, in 2012 I lost my job and set out to do what I really wanted to do: write fiction! That has always been my passion.

How long have you been writing and what inspired you to become a writer?

I started writing back in 1982, but never seriously thought about publishing until 2012, and luckily the whole concept of self-publishing and having a career that I could be passionate about is what inspired me.

While choosing a name for your character, what aspects do you consider that determines what you finally call them?

I think about their gender (of course) their age, personality, social status and the time period for which the story takes place.

Do authors in general and you in particular plan series beforehand or do they just happen?

I can't speak for other authors, but for me, it's a little of both. My first series, the "Baby Series" just sort of happened. And when I wrote Book 1 in my G-Man Series, Diamond Girl, it was only supposed to be a stand-alone. It was so well-received by readers, and many wanted another book about the secondary character, Taz. So, I continued with 4 more books!

How do you choose which stories to tell?

I think about storylines that haven't been done a million times, and then let my imagination do its thing.

Do you have a “reader” in mind while writing?

I write in several genres so I always have various readers in mind.

How do you get reviews? Which was the best review you ever got?

Reviews have become very difficult to get in recent times. There are so many books out now, the self-publishing market has become saturated, which means readers are reading more books, and less time to review. So, often times it is a no-win situation getting reviews. I would say the best review I ever received was from another very well-known author on my book "Night Moves!"

What does the word “story” signifies for you?

Something that grabs my attention and won't let go.

Are you currently working on anything?

I am always working on something! I have a M/M romance releasing on September 4, 2016 entitled "Hard Edit," which is the sequel to "Black Balled." This series is co-written with the very talented Eva LeNoir. My next releases will be YA/NA serial collection of novellas. I am calling it the "Evermore Series." The first installment should be released in August, entitled "Crushed." I plan for four books in the series.

Do you have a special time or place for writing?

Anytime and anyplace

How do you promote your work? How will QuotesRain help you in your book promotion and sales, would you like to refer this platform to your author friends?

I think QuotesRain does an awesome job! The webpage tools are so user-friendly, and I would certainly recommend it to fellow authors, and have done so as a matter of fact.

Would you like to share something with your readers and fans?

I would simply like to say that I treasure each and every reader that picks up one of my books and enjoys it. I love getting reviews, and I love interacting with them in person at author signing events. I would also like them to know that I intend to branch out in new genres, and I hope they will continue to read them and provide valuable feedback. I would also like them to know I have a webpage and on that page, there is a place to sign up for my monthly newsletter which will give them first notice of what's coming down the road. Here is the link to my author website: http://www.andreasmithauthor.com/

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