Dawn Hosmer

Posted On March 23, 2020

• What lead you to write?

I’ve enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. When I was in 2^nd grade, I wrote my first book The Lame Girl and The White Steed. It was such a sad, depressing little book.

In high school, I wrote boatloads of poetry full of teenage angst. I came across this recently in my basement. I wouldn’t go back to being a teenager and having all those feelings for any amount of money in the world.

In college, I studied Sociology and had the goal of pursuing my PhD and doing research, writing books. Instead, I got married and had kids.

When my kids were younger, I wrote a series of children’s books that I tried to get published but couldn’t land an agent or publisher so they are stuck in a box somewhere collecting dust.

I first attempted writing a novel about 14 years ago. I was inspired by a true story that had a profound impact on my life. Thus The End of Echoes was born. Once I knew I could do it (write a book), the stories and ideas wouldn’t stop pestering me so I knew this was a path I was meant to follow.

• Was there a particular person that influenced you to pursue writing?

No one that I personally know influenced me to pursue writing. I would say my inspiration came from the thousands of books I’ve read through the years and the authors that put their stories on paper.

• What is your preferred genre to write?

I write Psychological Thrillers, Suspense and Contemporary Fiction.

• What is your favorite genre to read?

My favorite genres to read are Psychological Thrillers, Suspense and Contemporary Fiction. Since I’ve joined the #writingcommunity on Twitter, I’ve expanded my horizons though and have found an appreciation for almost every genre out there. I’ve enjoyed reading the work of my fellow Indie authors even if they’re outside my preferred genre.

• What are your favorite activities or hobbies outside of work/writing?

I love to read of course. I also enjoy board games, watching true crime TV or HGTV, spending time with my family, and traveling.

• Who is your favorite author and what do you enjoy about their writing style?

This is a difficult question because I have so many authors I enjoy. But, my favorite, is Jodi Picoult. She is an amazing storyteller and has the ability to make me think about issues in a different way. She does a great job at presenting all of the gray areas surrounding an issue like abortion or racism and making me really question my beliefs and my thoughts. She also writes the most beautiful prose. I am typically a very fast reader but force myself to slow down while reading her books just to savor her words.

• What is one major struggle you have with writing?

I am a pantser so I usually sit down with one character idea and one plot point, then write. I always hit a point at about 40,000 words where I panic at not knowing where the story is going and how I’m going to pull it all together. I force myself to write through the panic and it always works out.

I don’t mind re-writes or edits but I hate that point in editing where I’ve read my book so many times that it all just sounds like blah, blah, blah. It’s then I have to fight my imposter syndrome’s voice shouting at me that it sucks.

Marketing is also a beast that I really don’t enjoy.

• Out of all of your stories, which one did you most enjoy writing?

The End of Echoes is the book of my heart. I wouldn’t say I “enjoyed” writing it because it is a very emotionally heavy book. But writing it was cathartic for me and I loved telling a story from multiple points of view.

Bits & Pieces was the easiest book for me to write as it just poured out of me.

• What projects are you currently working on?

My third book Somewhere In Between releases in June 2020 so I’m preparing for my release by finding Advanced Readers, advertising, etc.

I’m currently writing the sequel to Bits & Pieces and also putting together a collection of micro-fiction to publish as soon as I can.

• What has been one of your strongest inspirations for a story?

All of my stories have been inspired by real life events so I feel a strong connection to all of them for that reason.

• Do you place any of your life experiences into your stories?

Yes, even when it’s not intentional.

• If your story could be made into a play or movie, what actor/actress do you think would be the perfect fit to play your mc?

This is a difficult question. I always envisioned Tessa in Bits & Pieces to be played by Jennifer Lawrence but there are so many talented actresses that could do an amazing job in the role.

• If you had enough money to travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would go everywhere! Seriously. I want to go to France, Italy, the UK, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Greece. I suffer from a severe case of wanderlust and want to see the world.

• What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

In terms of writing the best advice I’ve ever received is to just get the first draft written.

The best piece of life advice I’ve ever received is to do to others as I want done to me. It’s how I try to live my life.

• What is your dream car?

I’m not really into cars. As long as it runs well, I’m good.

• What part of your writing is the most complimented?

I’ve received the most compliments on how I’m able to draw readers in and make them feel what the characters are experiencing.

• What part of your writing, do you feel, needs strengthening?

I’m not very good at describing setting because as a reader, it’s not something I care about unless it’s central to the plot. I tend to leave out a lot about setting and would like to improve this.

• What is your favorite mixed drink?

Amaretto Sours or Vodka and tonic with a lime

• What is one of your most cherished items in your writing space?

The first copies of both of my books. I will never forget what it felt like to hold them for the first time.

• What is one thing in anything you’ve read that stood out to you? (Could be meaning or even just sentence structure.)

I love a book that makes me sit back and say, “Whoa!”. That could be from a plot twist or a revelation about a character or just strong prose.

• What advice would you give to someone trying to start building their platform and market their work?

My first advice would be to join Twitter’s #writingcommunity and engage/interact as much as possible.

Secondly, be yourself. People want to know the real person behind the books/stories they read.

Third, support other authors by buying, reading, and reviewing their books. Often we get what we give. If we want support from others, we must also support them.

• What is your favorite food?

I love Mexican food…tacos, guacamole, burritos, enchiladas, margaritas. Shoot! Now I’m hungry!

• What is your favorite show/movie?

My favorite show of all time is Gilmore Girls. I watch the entire series at least once per year. I also really enjoy This is Us because the writing is phenomenal.

My favorite movies of all time are Good Will Hunting and Shawshank Redemption.

Website: www.dawnhosmer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnhosmerauthor7/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DawnHosmer7

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnh71

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/dawn-hosmer

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18534695.Dawn_Hosmer

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Dawn-Hosmer/e/B07JGB6NS2?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1583706982&sr=8-1

If you enjoyed this interview, be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date on what interviews are coming up and if there is anything new in the works. If you’re wanting a taste of my writing, be sure to sign up for the monthly newsletter and receive the first, four chapters of my book Second Chances with your welcome email.

If you’re an interested in doing an interview, fill out the “contact author” form to let me know you’re interested and get the ball rolling.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aarondbrinker

Twitter: www.twitter.com/aarondbrinker