Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in New York City and am a graduate of the City College of New
York. I started working at the age of fourteen for a podiatrist and met my husband when
he was studying at that office. After graduating college, I became a teacher in the New
York school system and then in Freeport New York. When my husband started his
pediatric medical office, I started helping him. Before I knew it, I was the office manager
and then the practice administrator in charge of over thirty employees and seven
doctors. It is in that capacity that I have had the opportunity to observe people, which is
something that has helped in writing my books.
I have written three novels. The first was, The Money God which started as a
private exercise to try to understand my own difficult mother. Initially I did not think it
would become a novel, but half way through it, I thought it was good enough to become
one. My second novel was, The Psychotic Skank which was a direct product of my
observing people and seeing how anyone can fall victim to a conniving woman. Now
You Have It is my most recent novel to be published. In it Donna, the main character, is
a woman who seeks financial and social status sacrificing all else in her pursuit.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called, Now You Have It. I was inspired to write it because I have met many
Donna’s. Donna is a woman who fails to enjoy life and live every day to its fullest
because of her quest for material things and social prestige. She sacrifices her
marriages, her children and relationships with other people. I believe it is most
important to live life to its fullest and to stop and smell the roses along its path. It is all
too easy to allow life to pass you by.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write when it is quiet and I have time to think. I do not use an outline so often my
characters develop in ways that even surprise me. When I started, Now You Have It, I
had no sympathy for Donna but as the story progressed I felt sorry for her, something
that actually surprised me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I try not to let another author influence me. In fact, while I am actively writing, I do not
read other novels.
What are you working on now?
I recently started a new novel based on my life. I feel I have an important message to
share as I am someone who has experienced many different things during my life and I
think it could provide interesting reading. Again, the novel will be about character
development and will weigh heavily on my personal experiences and my observations of
others.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My only advice is to be true to yourself. Write about your feelings and your experiences.
It is important for the reader to relate to you as a writer and to relate to your
characters. I feel that all readers have known a Donna and can relate to her. Some might
admire her and some might dislike her; that is up to the reader.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stop and smell the roses. Enjoy every day and live life to the fullest.
What are you reading now?
I am reading, GENESIS by Robin Cook. I enjoy a good mystery.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Currently, I am just hoping to find the time and energy to continue writing my new novel.
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?
Shakespeare’s complete works and Milton’s complete works. Both of those would keep
me occupied for a very long time.
Author Websites and Profiles
Zena Livingston Website
Zena Livingston Amazon Profile