Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have published one book so far. The Spanish version will soon be out!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first (and latest) book, To Catch the Rain, is inspired by the hundreds of communities and groups I have worked with building local projects to meet local needs. This book is about those projects related to water and rainwater!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My process involves:
1. Prioritizing ideas based upon potential impact (but maybe I should start thinking about sales)
2. Mind-mapping the structure of the book.
3. Populating and moving around the map until I am happy.
4. Writing in massive bursts trying to remember to sleep.
5. Having dozens of alpha readers tell me what I am getting right, and more importantly, what I am getting wrong! I have been surprised to see how many blind spots I still have.
6. Spending a long time refining.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books were my salvation as a kid. They were my escape, and they showed me that there was a better life out there!
I don’t think I could ever list all the authors that have influenced me. Picking the first one that comes to mind: Octavia Butler. Her writing matches my dreams/nightmares which were the initial motivation for what I do.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my next book in this same series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media has been the best so far. I have also had luck with Kickstarter, which was a very happy thing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait for perfect. Get it down and get feedback. Don’t worry about looking dumb…it is better to find out fast and improve, then fester forever.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Enjoy life.
What are you reading now?
The Power of Onlyness by Nilofer Merchant
New edition of Lapham’s Quarterly
What’s next for you as a writer?
In just weeks, the Spanish translation of To Catch the Rain will be out! Watch for it – Atrapando la lluvia.
I am also starting to write the next book now.
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?
One book on construction, one book on preparing foods, one book on building boats, and one book of poetry (probably Pablo Neruda in the original Spanish, so it slows me down to savor).
Author Websites and Profiles
Lonny Grafman Website
Lonny Grafman Amazon Profile
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