Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Crazy!: That Time I Cried for Three Years is my debut book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Crazy!: That Time I Cried for Three Years. I think the inspiration for that is pretty in-your-face from the title, but still… I compiled a book of poetry to represent what it was like living with mental illness during the worst period of my life. I started writing poetry when I was 13. I was struggling with an eating disorder at the time and even after all these years, writing is still my outlet. I wanted to publish something very personal as my debut because I wanted my readers to know who I was. I’m a very “what you see is what you get” kind of girl.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My most unusual writing habit is probably the fact that I either can write a full 40 pages in one sitting or I won’t write for months. I have to be inspired to write. It’s an art for me. So if there’s no inspiration, it comes out bland and inauthentic.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence has probably been Sylvia Plath. Ariel is such a beautiful and heartbreaking collection of poetry. I love her so much.
What are you working on now?
I’m actually working on two things right now – an album for which I wrote and composed all the music and a screenplay! I don’t want to give too much away but I think they’re both electrifying.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use social media mostly. I built somewhat of a platform because of my strong opinions. I’m able to promote because of that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I want to stress the importance of staying true to your vision. It can be difficult to write sometimes. A lot of people want to play things safe.
Don’t play it safe. Be bold.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It actually came from the producer on my album. He said that people respond to authenticity. So, I try to be extremely authentic in everything I do.
It’s worked so far.
What are you reading now?
I’m rereading Thirteen Reasons Why for the billionth time. I still think it’s brilliant.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My album comes out this summer! I consider that my writing project currently because I did write every single lyric and note on it. Then I plan to finish my screenplay. After that, who knows? I’ll be graduating from Berklee College of Music next May with a degree in songwriting so I’ll probably be doing more of that, but I’m open to doing any and everything that gives me some inspiration.
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?
Oh GOD that’s tough, haha. Um, probably A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, and House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Author Websites and Profiles
Lorelei R. Website
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