Interrogating Sibel Hodge

My third Interview is with the lovely Sibel Hodge, author of some of the best chick-lit around

How do you strike the balance between writing something you want to write and writing something that people want to read, in terms of the compromises you make, if any?

Personally, I think you need to write from the heart, and that means writing something you want to write. If you're just writing something because it's in a trendy genre and you think it will sell a lot of books, then your passion won't be there and it will shine through in your work. 

What excites, attracts or appeals to you about the genre(s) you write in.

I mostly write in the quirky, fun chick lit genre and I guess it's my personality that attracted me to that because I'm slightly nuts. Life is hard, and it can be stressful and difficult at times in the modern-world, which is why we need to take time time out to have fun. Laughter is the perfect way to de-stress!

Do you have a box, drawer, folder etc where you keep thoughts and ideas for future stories? Such as names you have come across, bits of dialogue, ideas, characters - even if you have no idea when you might use them? 

I've got a big book with all my notes in it at home, and I always carry a notebook around in case I get hit by a sudden jolt of inspiration. I just hope the police never find it when I'm planning the perfect murder!

How much of you is in your characters? Which of your characters is the you that you’d most like to be? Or be with ? 

All of my lead female roles have got bits of me in them. I've been unlucky in love and I'm accident prone like Helen in Fourteen Days Later. I can be sarcastic and feisty like Amber Fox in my comedy mystery series. And since The Baby Trap is based on own my experiences with infertility, I'm a lot like Gina in the book. All of my male leads have bits of my hubby in them, too! 

Do you become so wrapped up in your writing that your spouse wonders if they're married to you or one of your characters?

OMG, yes! When I'm stuck in my zone I ignore my hubby. He'll ask me a question and about an hour later, I'm going, 'Hmmmm? Did you say something?'


What type of book do you like reading? Is it the same genre as you write?

I love many different genres - chick lit, autobiographies, thrillers, cozy mysteries, true crimes. Last year I was doing two Indie Books Reading Challenges and I read a lot of genres that I wouldn't normally read so it was nice to open up my eyes. It depends what mood I'm in as to what I want to pick up next. 

What lengths do you go to to convince us readers that your book has the X factor?

Well, hopefully, I've got a good blurb and attractive covers that will entice you. I think reviews are important, too. A lot of readers look at reviews before they decide to buy so I do spend time trying to get some nice reviews from book bloggers and indie friendly readers. 

How do you feel when a reader points out the spelling mistake(s) you have made?

I'm really grateful. Even when you've had your book edited and proofread some of those pesky oopsies will always get missed. 

What do you like most about visiting KUF?

It's a really friendly forum that has some great people contributing. What's really nice as an author is that a lot of readers like interacting with us and it's not a "them and us" situation. It's all about the Kindle Lurrrrrve!

What is on your near horizon?

There will be a fourth Amber Fox mystery, plus a romantic comedy, and I'm going to  delve into another psychological thriller, too. 
 

 Where can we find you for more information? 

You can find me hanging out in cyberspace at:

My website: http://www.sibelhodge.com/

My blog: http://www.sibelhodge.com/my-blog.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sibel-Hodge-Author-of-romantic-comedy-and-comedy-mystery-books/246194485016

Or Twitter: @sibelhodge

Thanks so much for having me! :)

Have a super fab day 
Peace and Love ♥

Sibel 

For reviews and purchases of my latest novels: http://www.sibelhodge.com/
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sibelhodge