The UK based author Kia Garriques has stopped by my blog today to do an interview and tell us more about herself and her book "Innovera Yakov: A Journey of a Thousand Eyes"
J:Have you always wanted to be a writer?
KG: I wanted to be lots of different things: a psychologist, and actress... until I tried them and realised I didn’t like them. In actuality I have always written. Writing has always been what I return to after my attempts at different things - so I guess I have always been a writer, whether I chose to become one or not.
J: If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
KG: Well I am currently in fashion, so I would probably be doing what I am doing right now.
J: Was there anything specific that inspired you to write Innovera Yakov, or did the idea just come to you?
KG: The concept of Innovera Yakov originated from my dreams. I used to dream about these Beings in some other world. At first, it was scary but then I learned to overcome that fear and started looking forward to them. At one point, I became so enthusiastic about science, evolution and the possibility of realities and forms of life that might exist outside of what we know, that I wanted to absorb anything in relation to that. Innovera Yakov addresses many of the questions I have about our earth and the universe in general. It’s my attempt to understand life.
J: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
KG: When I am faced with characters that have to die or disappear. Losing them is very hard.
J: Are any of your characters based on people you know? Which character is most or least like you, and in what ways?
KG: I haven’t based my characters off anyone in particular. I think Ayana, in Innovera Yakov is similar to me. She is the underdog and it takes her a long time to discover her strengths. It took me a long time to start to believe in myself. The day I started doing that, I realised that I had the power to transform my life and be the person I wanted to be. I can relate to her because she has scars - both inner and outer scars - that she has to learn to live with and it’s only when she embraces them that she begins to find herself.
J: Do you need anything specific when you write? Music on, quiet, snacks?
KG: I always write after midnight - around 2 or 3 am - when it is very quiet outside and I imagine that everyone else is asleep. My impulse to write and dream up worlds comes alive around that time. I like listening to music from swing-beat to blues to jazz. But I write best while listening to classical music turned down low, especially Bach.
J: How long does it take you to write a book?
KG: It depends really. The first draft takes a couple of months, and then there is the whole refining process – cutting out things here, fleshing out other bits - it’s a long process.
J: Can you tell us a little bit about what you are working on right now?
KG:I am working on my second book in the series while networking and meeting other authors.
J: What do you like to do when you are not creating such great stories?
KG: I love watching movies. I enjoy going to the gym, spending time with my family and friends I guess.
Alright, let's do some 'Get to Know You' questions:
J: Are you a morning person or night owl?
KG: Night owl!
Last song that was stuck in your head?
KG: I was here by Beyonce
J: Do you have a guilty pleasure TV show?
KG: The Simpsons. I can watch the same scenes over and over again and laugh myself silly. I really can.
J: What was your favorite book as a kid?
KG: Beauty and the Beast!
J: If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?
KG: Working! I can’t sit still. I feel guilty when I do.
J: If you had to eat one thing and one thing only for an entire week, what would it be?
KG: Special fried rice. I love it!
J: If you could recommend one book that everyone should read, what would you choose?
KG: Animal Farm! I think everyone should read that.
J: Picture this scenario. You just received a phone call from someone who wants to turn your book into a movie. They also tell you that you have full control over who gets cast in the movie. Who do you pick to play the parts?
KG: I am all for giving people a chance. Whether you are new and established, for me it’s all about the talent and that person’s ability to embrace the part and make the most of it. There are new and emerging talents out there and so it would come down to how well you can play the characters and whether you are a perfect fit.
J: Finish this sentence. My perfect day off would be...
KG: having readers around the world, read, love and recommend Innovera Yakov to others; tweeting me and talking about the book. When that day happens it will be my perfect day off.
J: Everyone can always use another piece of good advice. Is there a piece of advice that someone has told you that you or something you have learned on your own that you would like to share with us?
KG: Follow your dreams. Work for what you want and even in the depths of despair or fading confidence never give up. It is important to believe in yourself because not everyone is going to believe in you.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Kia! It was great to have you!
You can find out more about Kia by visiting her website HERE, her Facebook page HERE, or following here on Twitter HERE.
Now for the giveaway.
Giveaway goes from March 27th til April 10th.
Open internationally.
And keep an eye out for my review of "Innovera Yakov: The Journey of a Thousand Eyes"!
