Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After graduating from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications in 2008, I was a little lost as to where I wanted to go in life. But I’d always been curious about my Czech roots, so in October of that year I packed up my things and bought a one-way plane ticket to Prague in the heart of Europe. Inspired by the romantic city filled with winding cobblestone streets and aromatic crepe cafes, I wrote my first novel over a three-year period, publishing it about a year ago.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Found in Prague” was most definitely inspired by my real life adventure in Prague. (See my blog if you are interested in more details: www.WantedAnAdventure.com)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing I’m brave enough to admit to…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read Judy Blume as a kid and young adult. All of her books inspired my writing today, but “Forever” and “Summer Sisters” especially left a mark on me.
What are you working on now?
I’m about 75% done with the first draft of book number two. Just today, in fact, I had a Eureka Moment and finally figured out HOW the book should end! So that was exciting. While “Found in Prague” is a sweet romance, Book Number 2 will be something a little racier, but not too wild. Let’s put it like this…it’s something I’d let my mom read, but probably not my dad…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The support of my friends, family, and the indie writing community as a whole to help get the word out about “Found in Prague” using all social media.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t chase after perfection. If it’s perfection you’re seeking, go into math where calculations return precise, perfect sums. Your writing will never be “perfect,” because perfection in prose does not exist. There will always be something you could tweak here or change there. But at some point you must content yourself with the work as it is or else you will spend your whole life working on one piece and die still unsatisfied.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Laugh about it.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading “Snobs” by Julian Fellowes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing my second book, I hope. I’ve been toying with a blog idea in the back of my head as well. We’ll see…You’ll know when I know!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Winnie the Pooh,” and something like “Desalination for Idiots” (I cheated, I know…)
Author Websites and Profiles
Dana Newman Website
Dana Newman Amazon Profile
Dana Newman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile