Interview with Laurel Ostiguy

Author of Last Goodbye

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Originally from New York, I now reside in Massachusetts.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

After I graduated from my undergrad school in New Hampshire, I moved back home to New York for about a year and a half. I wanted to go back to school to get my Master’s Degree and at the time my sister lived in Boston and she had an extra room for me in her apartment. So, I took a leap of faith and I moved to Massachusetts in 1999 and have been here ever since. I love New England and can’t imagine living some place that you don’t get to enjoy the change of seasons!

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I always wanted to write a book. I attempted to complete one on a few occasions but the process seemed so overwhelming and the fear of failure held me back. But as I commuted back and forth to Boston, the story of Last Goodbye would not leave me, so I began writing it. Then I met other authors, inquired about the process and felt this excitement within me that would not subside. I knew I had to pursue my dream, I could no longer let fear control me.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

The series explores the lives of college students in the mid-1990s and how their worlds twist and turn. Some get hurt, some fall in love, some find themselves faced with their worst fears!

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I write about young love and what it is like to be away at college. If you have been away at school and want to relive it, or never went and maybe are curious what it would have been like or if you’ve ever lost someone you’ve cared about, these novels are for you. I write about social issues, new love, friendships, sports, death and everything in between. Each novel focuses more on one of the main characters and how their experiences shape who they are today.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I think the most surprising thing is how much I’ve grown as a writer and how confident I’ve become about the process. I was once so fearful of doing it and now it is a major part of my life and who I am today. If you had asked me eight years ago if I’d have three books published and the fourth one in the works, I would have told you that you were crazy!

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Don’t be afraid. Go for it! Don’t rush the process either, the day your book comes out, is the day that was meant to be.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Is as many as possible a suitable answer? 🙂 Sometimes I daydream that my series is the next big one to hit the masses. That people all over gobble them up and can’t wait to find out what happens to these characters. I love their personalities and want to share them with everyone!

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

I would say timing. Sometimes I have an event and my book comes out the following month or I am trying to get something done and fall short of my deadline. I’ve been very lucky in the sense of who my editor, designer, photographer, and beta readers are…. we all work well together so I consider myself very fortunate to date!

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

The series is writing itself, as they say. I know exactly where I am taking each character until they graduate from college, so I’d have to say that writing the books is easy for me. I can’t wait to sit down and put the words on paper!

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Marketing… It a craft in itself and I applaud anyone who is great at it. I wish I had more time to learn it all. I try my best at it but when you see someone who really has that part nailed down, it’s impressive.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Right now I’m working on the fourth novel in the series, Lessons in Love. I hope to have it published in 2020!

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self published and so far I’ve loved every aspect about it. I’ve meet some incredible people in this industry.