AUTHOR GUEST POST
Q&A
When did you know you wanted to become a writer?
I’ve been working as a writer in the advertising industry for about 15 years, and I’ve always wanted to write more than headlines and direct mail pieces. I initially began Kat Fight as a screenplay, but decided to convert it to a novel somewhere along the way.
What inspired you to write Kat Fight?
Kat Fight is loosely based on how I met my husband, and contains many stories and experiences that are personally to me. At the end of the book I included ten fun facts about the story that I think will be neat for readers to read.
How long did it take you to write your novel?
About three months to write, and three years to edit and publish.
Did you ever consider getting a Literary Agent or did you always know you wanted to self-publish? How did you decide?
I actually had an agent, and was under contract with her for a year. She was shopping around, Kat Fight, and was unable to find a publisher for it. During that year, I discovered self-publishing, and did a ton of research on it that lead me to believe it was the perfect path for me. So I chose not to renew my contract with my agent, and have been absolutely thrilled with my choice. I will say that I am a complete control freak, and you almost have to be to self-publish successfully, because you do everything yourself. However, I did publish through Createspace (who I HIGHLY recommend) and they handled all of the upfront work and formatting for me. But once it’s out there, it’s up to me to work hard to get my books noticed…and it’s so unbelievably rewarding when people begin to really enjoy them.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being self-published?
The biggest advantage, as far as I’m concerned, is that you maintain the rights to your work. The other big advantage is that you can make more money per book, and you can have your book published in record time. Most traditional houses take 18 months to get your book out there.
Would you recommend self-publishing?
I would highly recommend it! However, make sure you have a perfectly edited manuscript, great cover art, and the ability to market yourself. Oh…and a good book!
What makes you unique as a writer?
I hope what makes me unique is my wit. I really try to write a great story with a thread of humor throughout.
Define a good book.
One that I can’t put down. One that keeps me thinking about the characters as I’m trying to fall asleep. The best I’ve read lately is, Gone Girl.
Define a good writer.
There are so many different types of writers, but I guess we all share a similar passion for storytelling. That’s what really comes through in the great ones.
How has being a published author changed your life?
It’s been a gift. I truly believe this is what I was always meant to do, and I thank Amazon everyday for the unbelievable opportunity they have me. I can’t imagine having any of the success I’ve had without them.
What tips can you give writers who are considering self-publishing?
Here are a few:
· Edit, edit, edit!
· If people you trust give you great criticism, take it.
· Hire someone to design an eye-catching, professional cover for your book.
· Get involved in social media (yes, it’s a must).
· Get involved with the website Goodreads.
· Reach out to book bloggers.
· Once your book is out there being read, ask people to leave reviews for it on Amazon!! I am shameless about asking for reviews once someone has told me they loved my book.
About The Author:
AUTHOR WEBSITE
GOODREADS
Dina Silver's Kat Fight Virtual Book Tour Page On Chick Lit Plus
Virtual Book Tour Contest Giveaway
* Virtual Book Tour Contest Giveaway*
Win $10 Amazon Gift Card
Post a comment on Dina Silver's Kat Fight Virtual Book Tour Page on Chick Lit Plus to enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Kat Fight before Aug 6th, and sends their receipt to Samantha@ChickLitPlus.com, will get five bonus entries!
Book Review
Published By: CreateSpace
Release Date: June 14, 2012
Format: Paperback - 254 pages / Kindle - 427 KB
ISBN: 1470173271
ASIN: B008FPYEN6
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Chick Lit / Women's Fiction
BUY THE BOOK: Kat Fight
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus.
Book Description:
Readers everywhere will revel in this sharp-witted, well-meaning whirlwind in author Dina Silver’s hilarious new novel, Kat Fight. In her quest for love, Kat makes every wrong turn, juggling two men, one best friend, and her own deeply confused heart’s desires. Kat Porter is a consummate romantic, eager for her chance to find love and commitment. But after her boyfriend of four years, Marc, begins to grow apathetic and sends her calls straight to voicemail one too many times, Kat finally musters the courage to confront her so-called sweetheart, who seems more interested in dodging her than courting her. Though she’s no fan of ultimatums, Kat is at the end of her considerable wits, and lobs a massive one his way, completely confident that he'll make the right decision when faced with losing her. He doesn't. With radio silence from Marc, Kat’s lifelong dream of finding a husband and forging a family is decidedly on the skids. That’s when her childhood friend Julie steps in, forcing Kat on a blind date to help her move beyond the break-up. Not only does Kat botch the setup, she instead finds herself in hot pursuit of Julie’s love interest, Ryan Sullivan. A man who, in addition to literally taking her breath away, is the living, breathing personification of everything Kat wants in a husband. Can Kat connect with the man of her dreams without hurting two of the people she cares most about? At the same time, she must also contend with the quips of her beloved catty coworker Adam, her bi-polar boss Brooke, and a string of comic, unpredictable plot twists. All the while, Kat’s cheeky perspective and generous heart will leave readers adoring every moment of her journey while chuckling and cheering for the ever cute, razor-sharp Kat as she fights to land the love of a lifetime.
Book Excerpt:
I paused at one point to observe the people standing on either side of me on that gloriously sunny day and marveled at them smiling in my direction.
It was finally my day. My chance.
Feeling much more secure, I closed my eyes for a second before continuing.
When I opened them, I was lying on the lobby floor of my apartment building trying to remember what made me lose consciousness.
It was finally my day. My chance.
Feeling much more secure, I closed my eyes for a second before continuing.
When I opened them, I was lying on the lobby floor of my apartment building trying to remember what made me lose consciousness.
My Book Review:
A hopeless romantic searching for Mr. Right ... a neglectful boyfriend ... an ultimatum ... a longtime BFF ... a double date ... and a crush on the BFF's love interest ... when you put all these variables together, what do get: one hot mess!
Kat Porter is the consummate romantic, she believes in marriage and is looking for Mr. Right/Prince Charming who will sweep her off her feet and give her the happily ever after ending she's dreamed of. She has been in a relationship with Marc Nolan, her college sweetheart for four years. Unfortunately, Marc has become neglectful and has been blowing Kat off one too many times that she finally gives him an ultimatum: lose her number, and he does just that! Kat has to once again start her search for Mr. Right.
Kat's BFF Julie sets her up on a blind double date, but there's a problem: Kat is attracted to Julie's love interest, Ryan Sullivan. Ryan is everything Kat wants in a husband, so they pursue their interest in each other, only to have complications arise when Marc comes back in the picture and wants another chance, and Julie finds out about their relationship. Can Kat hurt her lifelong BFF? Will Kat give Marc a second chance? Will Ryan become Kat's Mr. Right, and will there be a happily ever after ending for them?
Kat Fight is one heck of an entertaining and humorous story about friendships, relationships and the tricky pursuit of finding love. Author Dina Silver once again weaves a witty tale that is simply a laugh-out-loud fun read! Based loosely on the author's own meeting and relationship with her husband, this engaging tale quickly draws the reader into Kat's crazy life, while providing an insightful look into the quirky dynamics of friendships, love triangles, relationships, and meddling office co-workers.
The author has created a cast of characters who are just plain fun to get to know. They are realistic, down-to-earth, normal but quirky people with flaws and issues, who are easily relatable to the reader. Kat is a hot mess, but I couldn't help but cheer her on in her pursuit of finding love. Ryan is every woman's dream man, and I'd take him any day over a neglectful man like Marc. I'd be remiss if I didn't comment on my favorite character, Adam, Kat's co-worker, his cattiness and the banter between them was hilarious, I want to find a friend like Adam!
Kat Fight is a fast paced entertaining book that will tickle your funny bone. Author Dina Silver has a knack for weaving tales with a quirky sense of humor that leaves the reader wanting more! This is one book that you must put on your TBR list, you won't be disappointed!
RATING: 5 STARS *****
Yes! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to read, review and host Dina's virtual book tour event. This was such a fun book to read. :)
DeleteThanks Kath! I'm so glad you loved all of the characters, and their lovable nonsense :D
ReplyDeleteHi Dina! Loved, loved, loved the book! The characters were so much fun to get to know, loved Adam the best. Can't wait to read your next novel. :)
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