Today my guest is Ya Ya. She is the author of a fabulous poetry book titled Reflections:Thoughts,Passions, and Truths. Please give her a warm welcome.
Thank you so much for being with us today Ya Ya.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I first realized that I wanted to be a writer when I was in 7th grade. I had a very supportive mother and my language arts teacher was wonderful. They both pushed me to try my hand at all areas of writing, including journalism. Poetry was the one that I fell in love with.
How long does it take you to write a book?
This is my first book, and it took me about 6 months of serious writing. My earliest poem was written in 2005, but I’d taken a long break before writing again.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
My weekends are devoted to writing. Even if I write something that I don’t like very much, I still do it. It’s like exercise.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I have to have jazz music playing.
How did you publish your books?
I got my book published through Passionate Writer Publishing. They were so helpful and friendly. I submitted a few of my poems and the rest is history.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I’m inspired by anything that’s going on around me. I read magazines, newspapers, watch the news. I love to write about strangers and their stories—that’s my new thing. Sometimes, I just sit and jot down a few ideas about the things that going on around me.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
Reflections: Thoughts, Passions, and Truths is my first book. I was 19 when I wrote my first poem, and I’m now 23.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I’m a big ‘Mama’s girl’ so, as long as I’m with my mother, I’m happy. We’ll go out to eat together, or we’ll go shopping.
What does your family think of your writing?
They all have mixed opinions about my poems—particularly my sex poems. The only opinion that really mattered was my mama’s, and she was just so happy that I got published, she pretty much overlooked everything else.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I learned a lot about myself. I learned that if I really push myself, I can produce more than just some cute little poems about butterflies and water. I learned to live through my poems.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
This is my first book, so I guess that this is my favorite.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
People always tell you to keep a journal so that you write down inspiration, but I suggest that you also write down your feelings at the moment and anything that will help you to recapture the moment and the mood.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I don’t hear too much from my readers. So far, the majority of them have been family and class mates, and they have different feelings about different poems.
Do you like to create books for adults?
I do. I like to know that people my age and older are reading my books.
What do you think makes a good story?
I think that the ability to keep the attention of a reader is vital. It’s hard to do, and if anyone has learned how to do this technique, I appreciate a tip.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher.
Thank you so much for taking time to chat with us today Ya Ya. Your book looks fantastic, I just love the cover.
Ya Ya is on virtual book tour with Authors Supporting Authors. You can see her schedule to follow her tour at the Virtual Book Tour Cafe. Her book can be purchased through her publisher at Passionate Writer Publishing.
Leave a comment for Ya Ya here today for a chance to win a copy of her book, as well as a book light for your nightly reading pleasures.
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