Interview With Author Natalia Hooker
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Australia but have always been fascinated by travel and different languages. I have been living abroad for all my adult life. My first book I wrote and published was the biography, LJ Hooker The Man, and I loved the process of writing and creating books so much that I then started a children’s series, Misha the Travelling Puppy. I love to teach children about different places and cultures in the world. The series is for 3-7 year olds. My upcoming book is called UnStuck; a novel based on true events, for women 15-40.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called FLOWER BOOK. It’s a fable for children about the importance of rain. With climate change and drought that has been happening in Australia and also where I live in Spain, I felt it is topical and important for young children to appreciate rainy days as well as the sunshine. Its for children 4-8 years old.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have always been very nocturnal, so many of my books were written at night. However, since becoming a mother, I don’t have the luxury to stay up all night now! Otherwise, the next day is too painful with sleep deprivation :-))
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love true stories. Since I started reading, it was always the stories based on real events that I found most memorable.
What are you working on now?
I am just finishing the final touches of my novel based on a true story. UnStuck – from New York Banker to European Pop Star. It’s almost there. This has taken a while to come out to the world, I think partly because it’s true events that happened to me, so it’s very close to the heart. It’s a really fun read for anyone who dreams about travel and changing their career.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find the local community really supportive, but also great connecting with different writing groups online – authors supporting authors. I am still trying different promotion sites, and they are a great help to get the word out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There are a lot of books out there, so I suggest choose your topic well, be willing to put in the time needed for marketing and promotion, and also consider having more than one book. I am a huge fan of writers getting their work out there, so I think the best attitude is to believe in yourself and your book, and know you will get there! Advice from a mentor can be really beneficial – an objective eye on the work. Possibly people will put you down on the way, but don’t let them stop you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think it would have to be authentic. Be yourself. Its your book, so infuse it with your voice, your humor (if relevant), your personality. Do not try to emulate someone else.
What are you reading now?
I read books by my clients; I help other authors bring their stories to the world. I love this aspect of my work. Also, I have been reading snippets of best sellers through Kindle, to keep a pulse on the market. Since I became a mother, reading for pleasure has fallen by the wayside a little, but it is my goal to start reading again an hour a day. Reading is vital for writers.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am thrilled to launch UnStuck imminently, and then I have the second book in that series already written, so I need to go back and edit it to get that ready for publication at the end of 2025. The second book is called UnBlock.
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?
I loved Wild Swans. I would take that one. I love so many other memoirs too, but being stranded indefinitely I would want to take books that are uplifting and educational, so I would take some of my favorite self-help books like Wayne Dyer’s Real Magic. I also loved Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and then I would take A Course in Miracles (it’s so big and takes about a year to go through so that would be the perfect place to finally get through it!!). Oh talking about longer books, likely Shantaram too as its the kind of book you can reread!!
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