LaPanda Mason Interview Published on: 14, Jun 2024

My first memory of my love for writing is when I was about ten years old. I loved reading books, but I couldn’t tell you what my favorite book or author was at that age. I didn’t like history or science, but I found English to be one of my favorite subjects. The very first play I completed was about a high school love affair and it was one hundred and seventy-five pages. It was handwritten pages with knotted yarn through the page holes to keep it together. While the other children were outside, I was sitting in front of a folding table bringing my characters to life. I found that I loved being able to control my characters in every aspect of their lives. As a teenager I started to read a lot of romance novels and other fiction novels. My favorite book in high school was “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

At the age of fifteen, I started to think “What if?” I thought to myself, I can write books. When we moved to Kansas City, I lost my focus for years. But my thoughts of “What if?” stayed in the back of my mind constantly. I talked about writing all the time and it became the only thing I could think about. My first novel, The Other side, changed as I grew older, until one day I decided to sit down and write. I didn’t have a computer, so I used good old paper and a pencil. My goal was to just get it published so I could have my words printed in an actual book with my name on the cover. I didn’t care about the editing, grammar or any of the other things a real author would be concerned about. Once I held it in my hands it was the best feeling in the world. You couldn’t imagine how proud of myself I was.

I had a dream one night and Kenosha was born. She’s the main character in my second novel “Snow Awakens!” The characters just continue to grow in my mind, which is why just publishing is not good enough. These first two novels are my, “What if?” versions of two of the oldest fairytales in the world. The fact that I can google my name and my books come up is priceless. I may not have the education of an author, but I sure do have the creativity.

I was living in Kansas City when I decided to write my first novel. I think it was more of a release at that time. I got lost in writing and could easily forget whatever was going on in my life. I didn’t think about the exposure aspect of it until I moved back to Chicago in 2018. Chicago is a city full of opportunities to network and build a brand. So, now it’s about perfection and getting it right.

I don’t have a favorite currently. I love all my characters and the roles they play in my novels.

It is very hard! But my full-time job pays the bills so clocking in is a must. My relationship with procrastination is overwhelming. After working eight hours a day, it’s very hard to come home and sit in front of a computer for any amount of time. I tried to plan out my week using my calendar and alarms on my cell phone but the ignore button is so easy to press. I recently purchased a planner with the intention to plan out each month to include writing and marketing time. We will see how that works!! I am aware that with hard work and sacrifice comes great reward.

While most of us tend to complain about our lives, it is more than likely that there is someone who has it worse than we do.

I can honestly say no. I don’t have a favorite author at all.

I don’t have any routines to speak of. I might light a candle but that’s about it.

I knew that for this novel to work, my main character Kenosha had to be unknowingly seductive, and the brothers had to each have their own personalities. It’s hard to manage so many characters and remember the dynamic role they each would have to play to make the story work.

Reading, editing, reading, and editing again.

Just like anything pertaining to art, it’s hard to catch a break. I’ve heard repeatly that it only takes one yes in a sea of nos.

I can’t really give them advice, since I myself am just starting out. I guess the usual, don’t give up! Oh, and I guess research to see what’s out there.

I have found inspiration from social media as well as just good old brainstorming.

My daughters are the only two people I aspire to make proud. When I am no longer living, they will have my books as a memento to remember that they can do whatever they want to do.

My first goal is to make it to the New York Times best-selling list. I will write the next great American novel; it just hasn’t happened yet. One of my books will also make it to the big screen.

From what I can see, it’s been great. I can’t tell how much traffic it may have brought to my website or if it’s resulted in any purchases. I am however pleased that there is such a platform for authors to meet and support authors.