Dana L. Brown

Get used to seeing this name, guys! She may only have one book out, but I hear that another one is just around the corner! But first, let’s talk about ‘Lottie Loser’.

So, I haven’t meet Dana in person, yet, but we’ve chatted so often online that I feel like she lives right next door. She graciously offered to be a guinea-pig for my first author interview.

Let’s dive right in and get to know this debut author

 

Zelle Andrews – Did you know that you always wanted to be a writer, or did someone inspire you?

Dana Brown – I always loved writing, and even dabbled writing stories as a child, but it wasn’t until about four years ago that the desire to write a book became a burning in my soul.  That sounds extreme I know, but I retired from a thirty-two-year career in banking, and a job that I loved, to write Lottie Loser.

Zelle Andrews – Lottie struggled through issues of being bullied that carried over into adulthood. This is something that many girls, and boys, face on a daily basis in school. What advice would you give to teens today who are bullied?

Dana Brown – This one is really tough, but so relevant.  Lottie made it through being bullied because she had a great support system in Becca, Nick and Noah, but not everyone has that. I won’t say that I was ever truly bullied, but mean girls did say and do things that hurt me.  When I told my mom she would say, “they’re just jealous”, but I knew that was not the case.  People who bully or are mean, probably do have issues, but mainly they do it because they get attention and they get by with it.  My main advice is to stand up to bullying and know that it will get better.  You’ll grow-up and be stronger and more confident than you are today, but it’s going to hurt until you get there.  I love this quote from The Help.  “You is kind, you is smart, you is important.”  It should be the mantra of every adolescent!

Zelle Andrews – Who do you believe was the most influential character in Lottie’s life that shaped who she became as an adult and why?

Dana Brown – Definitely her gran.  Gran gave Lottie love and support and was a great role model for her.  It’s because of Gran that Charlotte stepped-up for Carol in Lottie Loser, even though it cost her so much.

Zelle Andrews – I know you can’t share too much detail of this series, but will we see Lottie evolve as an adult and grow stronger in her self esteem?

Dana Brown – Yes! Charlotte Luce is a force to be reckoned with as an adult, and even though she maintains her loving, caring heart, you don’t want to mess with her.

Zelle Andrews – Some authors have a routine when it comes to writing, others just wing-it. Do you have a routine?

Dana Brown – Truthfully, I just write!  It wasn’t until I became acquainted with other authors that I found out that most make notes, or use special notebooks, etc., but I have the thoughts in my head and just sit down at the computer and start writing!

Zelle Andrews – Give us a sneak peak of future novels that you have brewing in your head. Will they be in the same genre?

Dana Brown – I am a romantic at heart, so I don’t see changing genres.  I am however, working on a new novel about a woman closer to my age, and the struggles we go through wanting and needing to stay youthful and desirable.

Zelle Andrews – What advice would you give to your younger self when you thought of writing a book?

Dana Brown – Life experience and a good imagination make for a great story! Don’t be afraid to take what you know and shake it up a bit!

Zelle Andrews – What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Dana Brown – You’re never too old to start writing!  Follow your heart and don’t ever let anyone talk you out of your dream. Writing Lottie Loser has been my Fairytale come true, and I wish Happy Endings for anyone who has a book inside just begging to be written.

Zelle Andrews -Where can readers find your books?

Dana Brown – Lottie Loser can be found for purchase at SYP Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at PJ Boox in Fort Myers, Fl.  Lottie is available in hardback, softcover and Kindle versions, with Kindle Unlimited being included.  Call me Charlotte is available for pre-order through SYP Publishing, and will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, very soon.  PJ Boox will have it available on May 15th. At some point both books will also be available at other online retailers.

Zelle Andrews – As an author myself, I know how precious your personal time is to unwind. What do you do to relax?

Dana Brown – As much as I enjoy writing, reading is my true passion.  I read at least one book a week and sometimes more. And even though romance is what I write, I don’t limit myself to only reading it.  My favorite books to read are series, which is why I enjoyed your Paisley Memories and Dancing with Dandelions.  With a reoccurring character I feel like I’m spending time with a friend, and that’s an amazing way to enjoy an afternoon.

Check out the cover of  ‘Call me Charlotte’!

If you enjoy reading series, make sure you pick up ‘Lottie Loser’ first, then ‘Call me Charlotte’.

Pssst. Rumor has it this is a three book series. Be sure to follow her on twitter, and facebook. You wouldn’t want to miss her next book.

Zelle