How long have you been writing for?
On and off for 6 years.
What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?
Getting started.
What genre do you generally write?
Non fiction
Do you have a favourite author and why?
I tend to read more non fiction and mostly on the web. Reading fiction is pure pleasure but sadly don’t have too much time to indulge – I have to finish the book once I get started, that’s the trouble. I love Phillipa Gregory’s historical novels – she transports me totally with her descriptions and vivid storytelling.
What is your book called and how did you choose this title?
Synopsis:
This book comes in three parts. Part 1. Olive Oil, the Cornerstone of Mediterranean History. Part 2. An In-depth study of Health Benefits of Olive Oil the main part of the book where it describes research into the nutritional, medicinal and cosmetic values of olive oil. Part 3. More of a reference and guide as to the properties of Olive Oil, how to choose the right oil, understanding the label and olive oil in the kitchen.
Has your book been published and how did you go about this?
I chose Familius, an American Publishing Company
Approximately how long did it take you to finish your book?
This is a joint effort. I worked with an olive oil expert. It took us about one year.
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Start and be consistent. Once you get into it, if you feel strongly it will happen. Of course I’m speaking about non fiction here. I’d be useless when it comes to fiction. I’d much rather research, interview and write.
Do you use social media to promote your book? If yes, then which social networks do you like the most?
I’m useless when it comes to marketing. When I wrote my first book – An Olive Oil Tour of France, I did nothing so sales were rubbish. I should be doing more promoting with this second book but again —
What other ways do you market your book/s?
The publishers do most of it. I wish I had more of a marketing plan.
Have you enrolled your book onto Amazon’s KDP Select and how have you found it?
No.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Yes, I have a few regrets.
What books do you like to read in your spare time?
Non fiction mostly.
What do you feel is the most important stage of writing a book?
Having a plan and getting the right sources.
How did you go about designing the cover for your book?
For my first book I got a set of photos together. For the second, I left it to the publishers.
Are you writing or considering writing a follow-up to your book?
Actually yes.
Do you have a day job (if so, what do you do?) or do you write full-time?
No day job at present but I don’t write full time either. Perhaps I should be changing this, it makes me sound idle. I write features from time to time but I absolutely hate pitching to editors. Ideally I’d like to find three editors who want stories from France.
Check out Alice’s book, The 7 Wonders of Olive Oil
