Welcome to Indie Publishing Group, Donna Costa, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from and some of your interests and hobbies.
I grew up on a farm in Perth County, Ontario, and moved to Thunder Bay in the late 70s. After ten years, I moved back to southern Ontario and now live in London, Ontario, which has been home for 35+ years. When I’m not writing or reading, I enjoy hiking in the woods and gardening, especially perennials.
What inspired you to start writing?
I spent 20 years as a corporate secretary, ghostwriting countless business letters in which “Dear Sir” and “Yours truly” featured prominently. Gradually, I gave up the steno chair and trained in various modalities in holistic health, where I set up my own practice and regularly wrote a health blog. So, I guess, I’ve been a “writer” in various ways for most of my life. But it wasn’t until my Third Act that I started writing novels. It came as a surprise because I thought I was starting a new blog, only to realize it was too long and that it was a book. Now I incorporate the world of holistic health into my stories, sometimes as a major part of the plot or character, sometimes just a small detail.
What is your preferred genre to write in?
I write in a variety of genres. Usually, the latest genre is my favourite! Right now, that would be historical fiction. I had a lot of fun writing and researching that book.
What is your writing process?
My process varies with the genre I am writing. My first book, Breathing With Trees, was very much Pantser-style. The information just kept coming to me, so I typed 8 hrs/day (minimum), letting it unfold, until I had the first draft of a novel. Then the hard work began—editing, rearranging, re-writing, and editing some more.
With my memoir, If I Could Remember: Bears & Brains & Caring For My Mother, the book unfolded one story, one chapter, at a time over five years while I was caregiving for my mom, who had Alzheimer’s.
With my historical fiction, I spent a year doing research before I wrote a single word. I used a Plotser approach to plan the timeline, characters, plo,t and events for each step of the novel. Only then did I begin to write the story.
What was the hardest part of self-publishing?
The hardest part is really the marketing, not just finding ways to reach readers, but finding time to do everything to promote the book and yourself. Let’s say you are preparing your second book for publication—finalizing the cover and interior design, planning a book launch and speaking dates. While doing all that, you are still managing the marketing of your first book, for instance, keeping an eye on your Amazon ads, tweaking where necessary, creating blogs and vlogs, reaching out to podcasters and reviewers, etc. And you’re also trying to schedule time to write on your third book. There’s a lot of head-hopping that happens, jumping from first book to second to third, and back again, that happens every day.
Which book is your favorite and why?
My historical fiction (yet to be released) is my favourite. I loved being able to step back in time to 1918 in London, Ontario. There’s just something about the past that draws me. I spent a lot of happy hours reading the local newspapers from 1918 on microfiche, studying the ads for clothing, musical events, the price of food, and local happenings. Canada was very divided at the time over the issue of conscription, and, at some point, I realized my grandfather had been conscripted. So, using dates from his military records, I wove him and my grandmother into the story. I think that is why the book is my favourite—because there’s a personal connection (my grandparents) in the story. Also, when you spend so much time researching an era, you begin to feel like you have lived it. (And maybe I did in another life!)
Who are some of your favorite authors?
My favourites change, but this year I’ve enjoyed Ariel Lawhon (historical fiction), Liane Moriarty and Lucy Foley (psychological thrillers), Emily Henry and Katherine Center (contemporary romance), Deanna Raybourn (Victorian romance-mystery), Philipp Schott (vet mysteries), and Martha Waters and Alison Goodman (regency romance-mystery).
What are you working on right now?
I’m working on a rom-com novella, When Harry Met Charlie. I call it NEFF—Nora Ephron Fan Fiction. I’ve finished the first draft and am working on edits and revisions.
How do you handle a bad review?
I read the review and ask myself, “Is it true?” I keep in mind that, for some reviewers, it is easier to be critical than to state what is working well in a story. But I have had reviews where I’ve said to myself, “Okay, there’s some truth in what was said.” I use that information to make my writing better next time. But I don’t dwell on it. Honestly, I’m often too busy to monitor the reviews regularly.
What’s next for you as an author?
I have a travelogue from a year in Australia, as well as a children’s picture book, to get out. Plus the rom-com novella and the historical fiction. I have ideas for two sequels to Breathing With Trees and an idea for a modern version of a childhood classic.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Still writing!
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to do a year’s work in a 24-hour period. Then I might accomplish all items on my To Do list. (And on my To Read list.) My other superpower would be to travel instantly to another location. Long international flights are so tiring!
Where is your ultimate holiday destination?
A cabin in the Canadian woods within a short distance of a beach and hiking trails. But ask me tomorrow and I might just as easily pick Scotland, Haida Gwaii, or Antarctica.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview with us, Donna Costa!
Check out where you can buy Donna Costa books below and how to follow Donna Costa on social media. If you would like to do an author interview or have questions about our author features, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Author Name: Donna Costa
Genre/s: Memoir, YA, historical fiction, CNF, poetry
Author Website: https://donnacosta.ca/
Social Media Links: Substack, Facebook, Amazon Author Central, and Goodreads
Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book: Amazon.ca and Books2Read
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