Hey friends! Welcome to another Indie Author Spotlight Bonus Episode! Hopefully you read the feature on Dana over on The Writer's Workout website, where I'm a volunteer. If not, you better clickity-click and open a new tab to learn more about this featured author, Dana Hawkins.
Okay, so really, be honest, what does your writing ritual look like?
Chaotic. I squeeze in writing whenever I can. Five minutes while scarfing down food. In my car waiting to pick up my kids from sports practice. Right before bed. Really, whenever I can have at least five minutes of quiet, I try to get a little bit of writing in there.
What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received as an Indie Author?
That having an agent is the only path to publication. There are so many others! Like subbing your book to an indie publishing house with an open call for unagented submissions!
What’s your go to book, movie or musical artist when you need some inspiration (or just a break from the keyboard)? Why?
Right now, I am absolutely obsessed with Abby Jimenez’s writing. I am trying to figure out what exactly is capturing me so much with her words. If I really need to get into a character’s angst, I will play either Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” or “Infinity” by Jaymes Young. And if I just need a break from all things, I will rewatch any episode of Schitt’s Creek.
If you could snap your fingers and be “known” for one piece of your writing, what would it be? Is it something already published? Or is it something in your heart you’ve not yet written?
It’s something I haven’t written yet. My dad passed away unexpectedly last year, and before he died, he gave me a twenty-page outline for a murder mystery book that he’d had in his head since he was younger. I had no idea this even existed. We had talked about doing this together but never did. My dream is for this to be the greatest work I put out there.
Any other tidbits you wanna share?
Write whatever you want, even if someone tells you it won’t sell. Fun fact. I’ve sold almost all my books that people said would never sell. I am so glad I didn’t listen to the naysayers. There is an audience for everything.
Do you have a newsletter you want people to sign-up for?
I don’t (but I should!) Please follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky or my website.
Instagram: d.hawkinsauthor
Bluesky: dhawkinsauthor
Website: www.danahawkins.com
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