Interview With Author Shamiso M. Lezard
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an Author from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, with a passion for the Arts. As my day job, I’m a Social Media Manager and Brand Consultant.
I’ve written and published one book so far, with many, many more in the pipeline, and I’m always so excited about every project I work on. My poem titled, “I Saw An Ad Today,” will be published in the University of Indiana’s press journal, The Global South, Edition 16.1, an accomplishment I’m thrilled about. I also have a really keen interest in the culinary arts…because food is happiness.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, which just so happens to be my debut novel, is titled, “The Lost Cantrell.” It’s a Women’s Mystery/Crime Fiction novel published by The Wild Rose Press. I really wanted to create an entertaining read that contained inspiring messages, too. I believe I’ve done that with “The Lost Cantrell.” It has everything from suspense to twists, which are some of my favourite things in books and film.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. But, I can write anywhere! Literally, anywhere. When an idea pops into my head, I jot it down immediately. I’m always prepared to write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many authors whose work I enjoyed growing up. If I had to pick a couple of my favourites, I’d say, S. E Hinton’s “The Outsiders”, “Nothing Lasts Forever” by Sidney Sheldon, and “English Ivy” by Catherine Palmer. But that’s just a few. There are so many more.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a suspense novel. I’m really excited about this one. But I won’t give anything away just yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Any Author will tell you that book promotion can be a real pain. It’s not easy at all. But I’ve found that there are supportive groups and communities on Facebook and Twitter. Also, I use my website (www.shamisolezard.co.zw) to promote. Building an Author brand is the key.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would advise new authors to be headstrong with their writing. Write the story that you want to write. Your work will not be loved by everyone and that’s okay. Also, if you can’t handle bad reviews, don’t read them. Responding harshly to your readers or to reviewers is not a good look and it’s not professional. Remember that art is subjective.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In terms of writing advice, the best advice I’ve seen is to just keep writing. If you want to write, write. Don’t let anything or anyone discourage you from putting good, even great, work out there.
What are you reading now?
Oh, gosh! I haven’t had as much time as I’d like to read lately, since it was my debut year. But I definitely want to get back into reading and support other Authors’ works.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep writing and keep building worlds. It’s so much fun and something that I want to do full time.
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?
Haha, what a dreadful scenario! But I would take The Bible with me, definitely. In relation to any others, I wouldn’t be able to choose just three. If I really had to, then probably the three books I mentioned before: “The Outsiders”, “English Ivy”, and, “Nothing Lasts Forever.” Those are my 4 picks.
Author Websites and Profiles
Shamiso M. Lezard Amazon Profile
Shamiso M. Lezard’s Social Media Links