Interview with S. Dalambakis

Author of Stolen Warriors

 

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

I’m originally from Youngstown, Ohio. I currently reside in Port Orange, Florida.

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

Moving out of our hometown was always the goal. I lived in an area that was dying. My hometown was known for its steel mills back in the day. Now, we’re known for drugs and murder. The school system is failing and there aren’t too many jobs available with stores constantly closing. It’s an area that I knew I didn’t want to raise my kids in. A few years ago, my husband and I, took a vacation down to Florida. We visited with his family that lives here and fell in love. Once we returned home, we knew getting out of Youngstown was for the best. Luckily, the job my husband had at the time had multiple locations and it was a wait and see if he could get approved for a transfer. Once that went through, everything moved at a fast pace, and a few months later we were driving 1000 miles to our new home and lives. It’s honestly the best decision we made.

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

I participated in NaNoWriMo for a few years and never completed the goal of writing 50k words in the month of November. The idea that what I was writing wasn’t good enough and that no one would read my work, plagued my thoughts. I gave up quite a bit. Then I transferred locations with the job I had at the time and found a girl who loved books as much as I do. It’s all we would talk about at work. When I mentioned trying NaNoWriMo again, she pushed and encouraged me every. Halfway through writing the book, I didn’t like the direction it was going. I felt like it was missing something. I found a cover that I loved and I wanted to change my story to fit the cover. After talking with my friend she encouraged me to finish the book with the new vision I had for it and then go back and edit the first half later. That’s what I did. I won NaNoWriMo that year by hitting 50k words. Because the book was so close to being done, I finished it, edited it, and self-published. It’s the response to that first book that kept me going. Plus, the love and support from my husband.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

They are a little bit of romance, sprinkled with some mystery/prophecy, tossed with some sexy, protective men, and heroines that grow into being a strong, fierce, independent women.

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

Anyone who loves broody hot guys to guys that make you laugh. Anyone who likes heroines who are strong and resilient. Anyone who loves protective men. Anyone who loves to read about happily ever afters. Anyone who likes a little sci-fi, paranormal, romance.

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

Oh, that’s hard. I’ve learned quite a bit. But I have to say the most surprising thing I’ve learned is the amount of time and effort that goes into a novel from start to finish. There are a lot of pieces that go together in order to get that novel out into the world, and you don’t realize how important, even the smallest things, can impact the writing and publishing process.

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

The advice that I would give my past self would be to get that first book professionally edited before publishing. That was a hard, yet easy, lesson to learn. And that it’ll take a while, but you eventually find a process that works for you. Not everyone will love your writing style, but you’ll end up with amazing and loyal readers.

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

As many as I can. My first book hits a little close to home, and if I can just change or help one person through a hardship in their life, then I did my job.

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

By far, editing and the knowledge that no matter how many times the book goes through the editing process, it’ll never be a hundred percent perfect. I struggle with that because I want my readers to get the best books I can give them.

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

My biggest strength when it comes to writing, I feel, is I put a little bit of my real self in my characters. Whether it’s past bad experiences, a growth opportunity, or just words that I wish someone told me. When it comes to publishing, I think my biggest strength is having the books ready to go when I post a release date, and that there is usually only a few months wait between new books in the series. As for marketing, I think my biggest strength is the teasers I post leading up to the release of a new book.

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

My biggest weakness when it comes to writing is definitely self-doubt, followed closely by not having a good sturdy outline. I do a basic outline and write where the characters take me. My biggest weakness publishing wise is trying to rush the process. I want to get my books out to my readers, but I need to slow down and make sure all my ducks are in a row. My biggest weakness with marketing is finding ways to put myself out there and really push my books, to expand my audience. I feel like I can have a bigger presence online as well.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m currently writing the second novel in my Gypsy Notes Series. I’m hoping to have it published before the end of the year.

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

I’m a self-published, independent author.