Tell us about yourself.:
I'm a millennial, self-published author currently living in Italy. I'm married, but no kids so far. I have three published novels under my belt, and about a dozen potential novels in my head, yet to be realized.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I was born in Rome, Italy, though I also spent time in the United States and Israel (no, I'm not Jewish). I also traveled quite a bit with my mother, seeing France, England, Ireland, Spain, Jamaica, the Czech Republic, and others. I like to think that makes me more willing to create stories inspired by different countries instead of always setting them in places familiar to me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I mean, they're not unusual to me, so I don't really know. I come up with an idea, jot it down on whatever's available, and then develop it on my laptop later. I write down the entire plot, theme, and character details on a sort of Wiki page only I know about, which I then use as a cheat-sheet when I'm actually writing the novel. Sure, things change from that initial document (events turn out differently, characters transform, even the ending can surprise me), but I feel better about having something to consult when I'm uncertain.

What authors have influenced you?
I was born in Rome, Italy, though I also spent time in the United States and Israel (no, I'm not Jewish). I also traveled quite a bit with my mother, seeing France, England, Ireland, Spain, Jamaica, the Czech Republic, and others. I like to think that makes me more willing to create stories inspired by different countries instead of always setting them in places familiar to me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Besides the ol' gem to show, not tell? Okay. Work hard to make the setting and characters as real to the readers as they already are to you.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
It wasn't given to me personally, but it's become my mantra when it comes to writing:

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: Read a lot and write a lot." Stephen King.

What are you reading now?
'A Man Called Ove' by Fredrik Backman. It's okay. Not my favorite so far this year, but it's okay.

What’s your biggest weakness?
My stories can be a bit too long sometimes. I know that, and I'm trying to curb the habit.

What is your favorite book of all time?
One of my favorite books of all time (I really can't give that Number One spot to any book) is 'Chocolat' by Joanne Harris. Not only does it make me hunger for something rich and sweet, but the story is as heartfelt as it is compelling, with characters that I love, a setting I can practically reach out and touch, and a villain's defeat that had me in stitches.

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I like to read (duh), listen to music, watch movies with my husband, and play on the PlayStation 5.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
'Where The Wild Things Are' is the first story to stand out in my mind, and I still love the wild (ha-ha) fantasy of it. I especially love the monster designs, which as frightening as well as loveable. The little boy is a brat, but in the best way possible.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
Inspiration hits me from all sides. Anything from a real-life incident to a treasured fairy tale to a concept that I think could've been explored better can become the seed of one of my novels. Wherever I get my ideas from, it always starts with, "What if?" I like to think my style's my own, not really mimicking anyone's. I think it used to happen when I was younger: Whoever I was reading, I'd unintentionally take on their style in my writing. But I like to think that's behind me now.

What are you working on now?
I have a completed first draft for a contemporary sci-fi novel that explores the themes of trauma, addiction, and how love can be lost – and found – between family members.

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
I don't know. I use what's available to me. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just gonna keep chugging, as they say. I'm going to start working on the second draft soon, all the while jotting down ideas for whatever new stories might pop into my head.

How well do you work under pressure?
I think I manage okay.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I guess it depends on the situation I'm writing about. If characters are in danger, I want to describe the unease they feel. If characters are safe, and enjoying each other's company, my tone is relaxed and even playful. It all depends on the context.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
My fans? Aw, I hope I've got a few. Being self-published, I've had to fight for every single sold copy. But if I do have at least a couple of fans, I'd say this: Thanks for being there, and I hope my writing continues to please you!

Minerva Hart’s Author Websites and Profiles
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