Hey, how about a warm welcome for Laura Yirak, thanks for visiting us Laura
Tell me a little about your background as a writer. When did you start writing?
I started writing in college. I took two years of creative writing with a focus on poetry.
What genres do you write in?
So far--poetry, occult, & children’s. I like variety J
What about your process? Are you a pen and paper writer? Do you need a special
location in which to write?
I write my poetry on paper and children’s books on paper, but I write my novels on the computer, usually around my house. I have a magenta room that I like to work in.
Your writing seems to involve much sadness and pain. Why is that?
My poems are romantically sad, maybe a couple are a little spooky, simply because that’s what I like to read. From what I have witnessed and experienced in life---we all suffer from time to time, some in their early years, and some---not until their last hours.
How do you want your readers to feel when they read your work?
I want them to think about the deeper meaning behind the words, or the multiple meanings in each poem--just to ponder.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what kind?
Yes---I wrote every poem in the melancholic to the soundtrack of Tron. It helped me focus. If you want the full experience, listen to it while you read them. Hahahaha.
And dim the lights a little.
As an independent author, what would you say is your favorite benefit of publishing your work digitally?
I’m going to quote Braveheart, “FREEEEEEEDOM!”
What–if any–would you say is the biggest challenge you face as an independent author?
Visibility. I’m getting there though. My new children’s book is in the top 100 Free books right now on Amazon. It’s exciting.
Can you talk about your writing? What books have you published (or are working on)?
Published:
Delivered to Eternity, An Alesta the Vampire Book
The Adventures of Be Boo & Dolly
Three Wee Peas
Ladybug Blue
the melancholic
Are you an animal lover? Cats, dogs, bats, or dragons?
I really love animals. I am sadly allergic. I look, but don’t touch.
In what state were you raised? Does living there influence your work? Do you set your stories there?
I was raised in Scotland. It greatly influences my work, as my first novel is set in the misty moors and the aching crags. I love it, I miss it. Sigh. Maybe some of the sadness for my poems come from there. I did write one--Ode to Scotland. I didn’t put it in my book. I wasn’t sure if it fit. Maybe I should?
Favorite rich person, favorite poor person?
Bill Gates. He does so much, but lives such an ordinary life. I’ve seen him a few times at the movie theater in downtown Seattle. WEIRD.
Mother Theresa---she’s cute.
Have you ever thrown a book across the room? Which one? Why?
Yes--all the ones I read. I just like to chuck books--get to know them a little.
Who is your favorite author (you can name one male and one female author)? Why?
Colleen McCullough. My favorite book is The Thorn Birds.
Is there a book that made you want to be a writer?
No. It was my English 101 college professor, Mr. Wicks.
Where can we find your work online? Are there paper copies available anywhere? How about audiobooks?
http://www.amazon.com/the-melancholic-ebook/dp/B0073MY0M2/
http://dreamsofdiamondsauthor.blogspot.com/
What’s next? When is it coming out?
In the works:
My psycho-thriller set on the Washington coast
Another poetry book, more nature based.
Another Three Wee Peas book.
Wow, thank you again, it's great to talk to other writers, especially when they are as interesting and talented as you are. I once lived in Seattle and remember it to be an environment rich with talent and enough inspiration to keep that talent well satisfied. I now understand the richness of your work knowing, you have an international background. We all wish you all the rewards your future contains. Good work Laura and stop by any time.
