Kira R. Tregoning

Author Interview Form
Tell us your name and where you’re from.:
Kira R. Tregoning. Born and raised in Maryland.
What led to your decision to become an author?:
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. It seemed
like a natural progression. And I had people who wanted to read what I
wrote, so I eventually decided to take the leap.
Tell us about what you’re currently working on, and
what you’ve written in the past.:
Right now I’m working on a fantasy novel unrelated to the
series I’ve already published. It’s sort of a comedy of errors and is
turning out to be a lot of fun. I’m also working on the third book of
my Aligerai series and another novel set in the same universe as the
Aligerai. I hope to have at least one of those finished by the end of
this year.
Are you self published, traditionally published or
both? Why did you choose to go that route?:
Self-published at the moment, although I wouldn’t mind being
a hybrid author and going both traditional and indie. But I chose
self-pub because I felt my series didn’t really fit in a category very
well and so wouldn’t get attention from agents or editors. Plus, the
returns are better for self-pub when you’re putting in the same amount
of work as traditional authors in the marketing and so forth.
What format are your books available in? Which of
these formats do you prefer and why?:
Only e-book right now, though I’m working on getting cover
art nailed down so I can put the first two books in paperback later
this year. I generally prefer paperback because I like the feel of
holding a book in my hands. And when I’m on Metro or traveling, people
are less likely to steal a book than an iPad or phone, so a book makes
more sense (and costs less to replace!).
How do you go about marketing your books?:
Social media, reviews, blogs, Goodreads, and face-to-face
talks. I’ve gotten far more interest and return when I talk to people
in person about my book than I have from anything I’ve done
online.
Have you ever had to deal with harsh criticism in a
re view, and how do you handle it?:
Yes. Actually, there’s one sitting on Amazon right now.
Though I’m not sure that person actually read my book . . . but it is
what it is. I don’t usually let bad reviews or negative comments
affect me. If someone doesn’t like my work, that’s fine. I’m not going
to stop writing because of harsh criticism. Constructive criticism I
will listen to and learn from, but I don’t let anything over the top
bother me.
What are your favorite genres to both read and
write?:
Fantasy, though I also like to read historical fiction and
sometimes sci-fi. I’m also a big fan of the classics and
mythology.
What authors have influenced or inspired you?:
Tamora Pierce, Anne Bishop, Mercedes Lackey, Rowling, and
many more.
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re
not writing?:
I like going to the movies. I also see my friends a lot and
do things with them. I also read.
What software do you use for your writing? Did you
try others before you settled on the one you’re currently using?:
I mostly use Word or Scrivener. If I’m not typing a story,
then I’m writing by hand in one of my writing notebooks. I’m on my
third notebook now–I write small–and should be onto the fourth one
soon.
What’s the best advice you could possibly give to
your fellow authors?:
Don’t give up. It’s a hard world out there for authors of all
kinds. Just don’t give up.
Where can people find out more about you and your
books?:
My main website is http://theworldofcora.wordpress.com. My
Amazon page is
http://www.amazon.com/Kira-R.-Tregoning/e/B00ANY4K86/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1.