It has been such a pleasure discussing my book with so many of you! I've learned so much about both complete strangers turned friends to people I've known for forever. Like what they love to read, the fact they are part of book clubs or even review and blog about books. It truly has been a joy connecting with all of you over your passions, stories and hearing about what inspires you. Please keep those messages and emails coming!
Based on the powerful conversations I've had, I thought I would take a moment to give an inside look into The Pavers. I've gotten a few questions that I'd love to share!
Question 1: What is the appropriate readership for The Pavers?
Answer: The intended audience is the New Adult audience (seventeen and older). The main character, Georgia Lee Scott, is 26 years old and faces a number of mature situations. In addition to her near death experience, there are themes of abuse, neglect, violence, and sexual encounters - both consensual and not consensual. There are bouts of strong language, so reader discretion is certainly advised. Although The Pavers concentrates on dark themes, the story is deeply rooted in the power of grace, love and redemption. There are Christian themes that bring light to a place of hopelessness and darkness.
Question 2: How long did it take you to write it?
Answer: About a year. I started out by writing the initial scene I had in my head. I remember finishing the scene and just staring at it, and thinking, "This is literally the biggest piece of trash I've ever read. No one will ever read this." As I contemplated whether to delete the whole thing, my husband came home and asked what I was doing. I simply replied, "...writing a book?" He just smiled and peeked at my computer screen, probably to see if I was for real. After he realized I absolutely was, he just shrugged and said, "Cool." And I think looking back, that slight moment of encouragement helped me to not delete it, but to revise, and revise... and revise again. I ended up continuing to plot out the story, write each chapter out, then edit the ever loving hell out of it. Finally, I decided to share the story with a few close friends and family. After getting their feedback, I knew it was time to publish. But not yet! A professional edit was a must. I sent it to a professional editor, and once it was reviewed, I sent it for a final proof-read. Writing it was half the battle, but fixing and editing, and then editing some more was what took the most time. For me, the story was too important to rush through.
Question 3: How did you get it published?
Answer: I am self-publishing! Before I wrote this book, I had this perception that self-publishing was somehow "less". Less work, less respected... just less all around. But after researching, developing a book design, collaborating with book vendors, distributors, marketing and branding, I can confidently tell you that is simply not the case. Many of my favorite authors (Mia Sheridan and Tammara Webber) began as self-published. There are also several well-known books that were self-published. The Shack, Eragon, The Martian, 50 Shades of Grey, and so much more. There was a time where I considered sending my manuscript to some of the big publishing houses. But honestly...I just didn't want to wait. I believed in my story and I was ready to take on the challenge. And so here we are...
***I'd love to answer any more questions you might have about me, my writing, process, or The Pavers. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please message me on my Dana Hoff Author Facebook or Instagram page, or email me at danahoffauthor@gmail.com.
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