Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I guess you could call me the girl who is lost in her own words. I recently released my debut title and it is called BLACKOUT. Part memoir part self-help, this title is the story of a journey from the 21st century to who we really are.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have always been a fan of writing for the sake of writing and maybe even for venting a little. So, when I started writing my debut title BLACKOUT, my initial motivation was simple enough. Venting a little and hopefully knowing myself a bit better in the end. Turns out, this was possible. Because during the first 28 days – the experimenting period of writing this book, I immersed myself in a situation where I do not use any form of modern media and I observed myself get closer to who I really am day by day. I faced with the bitter reality that my social media addiction was almost incurable. And I wrote it all down, side by side with my own stories. Then I added the tips and tricks to make it more beneficial for the readers. And now, I believe it is a sincere read with lots of real intention to actually help the reader and it has the charm of a sweet salvation story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh, that is a good question and I believe I do. My weird writing habit is that I write on the floor. Because no matter how many times I try to get creative while sitting at a table, it just does not work well. So, I grab a tiny pillow from the couch and I sit on it for hours. Preferably in the tiny area between my couch and my dining table. Maybe it is just that floors tend to give you more space than a table, that they are not so limited. Or maybe sitting on the floor makes me feel like I can truly get in touch with my emotions and I can concentrate on my thoughts. I don’t know exactly why, but I feel there is something to it. Even though your body aches after only a few hours much more than it would in a comfortable chair, I think floor sets me apart from my everyday self and helps reconnect with a more free one.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think the writers who shaped my perception of life are Irvin Yalom, Sam Harris, Dostoyevsky, Alain de Botton, Mark Epstein, Lee Gutkind and John Berger.
What are you working on now?
I am contemplating on a couple of different ideas these days. Most are nonfiction, but I also have been working on a novel in my mother tongue about dreams and how they destroy us.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Considering I am rather new in the area I do not have great formulas yet, but I am a firm believer in taking it one step at a time especially if you are a new author just like myself. I think researching, learning and taking advice from people who’ve been there is essential for me to find out my own formula in book marketing. And I trust deep down that the most important thing is to have the book in its’ most perfect state possible. All this combined, there should be nothing to worry.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Since I am a rather new author myself, I am going to tell them exactly what I need to hear. “Don’t give up on writing. Try to stand the fact that most of the time you suck at it. Be patient. ”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Vulnerability comes in pretending to be someone you are not.” by Sam Harris, Lying.
What are you reading now?
These days I am reading Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. It is an inspiring read and quite mind-bending as well. I am still reading the first 100 pages now and it already made me question even the most core values of my life.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing.
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?
Irvin Yalom’s The Schopenhauer Cure and When Nietzsche Wept, Sam Harris’s Lying, and Mark Epstein’s Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sezen Ahıskal Website
Sezen Ahıskal Amazon Profile
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