Author Interview with Dana Evyn

chenetuck
Apr 4, 2024
4 min read

Happy Friday, Everyone!

I am so excited to share this interview with you. After reading The Other Side of The Window, I reached out to Dana and asked if we could get to know her a little bit before her book releases next week. Happy dance

So let's get to know Dana and find out a bit more about the life of a writer...

How long have you been writing or when did you start?

I work in PR, but I didn't really focus on creative writing until I was laid off over a year ago as part of the tech layoffs. It was one of the best things that could have happened since I finally took the time to focus on my passion project and write Mirror. I wrote the first line of it years ago but never took the time to write it out until that turning point.

What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?

I am absolutely a panster. Mirror started as a scene that wouldn't get out of my head, and then another, and when I gave in and wrote them down it suddenly all started to come together.

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Time management. I'm a mother of two and have a full-time job, so finding the time to write is always a challenge. That being said, there's an urgency to write once the kids are asleep and the world is quiet that I don't think I'd have without that onus of limited time!

What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?

Matcha latte with oat milk and those Trader Joe's honey pretzel sticks (my weakness!).

What inspired the idea for your book?

There wasn't one big inspiration but rather a lot of little things that inspired certain scenes in the book! But as a big romantasy reader, there were definitely some tropes that I absolutely wanted to include, like my absolute favorite--"Who did this to you?"

What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?

Probably the beginning. I knew exactly where I wanted the story to go, but I went back and forth on the beginning, especially the prelude!

What part of the book was the most fun to write?

I just adore a slow burn. The yearning, the angst... Bash and Eva's journey through the forest was so much fun to write!

How long did it take you to write this book?

This is hard to quantify since it only took a few months (thanks unemployment!), but then I revised it for well over a year. Especially since it's my debut, there was definitely a learning curve, and a lot of additions as time went on.

Would you and your main character get along?

Absolutely. No question about it.

Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?

I adore my FMC, Eva, and a lot of how she deals with things comes from either my own experience or how I imagine I would deal with that sort of thing in her place. But I also loved writing Yael. I adore a strong, sapphic character, and I'd love to explore more about her and Marin's origins at some point down the line!

What are you currently reading?

I just started Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole! Really enjoying it so far.

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?

I'm kind of obsessed with Tessa Bailey's delightful reels. She seems like she would be the most fun to hang out with!

Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?

I usually read on my Kindle, especially when there's worldbuilding to figure out, but I do love a good audiobook. But I'm also addicted to pretty hardcovers, so I usually end up with too many versions of the same book!

What are your favorite series or series authors?

Carissa Broadbent is a personal favorite! I'm absolutely obsessed with her writing style.

Tell us something about being an author that's not widely spoken about?

Marketing! When you write a book, you're not really thinking about Booktok, or at least I wasn't. Nowadays, successful authors have to factor in their social media presence. I love seeing what other authors are doing to promote themselves and their works, especially the indies!

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?

Keep going! Make sure you get a few trusted beta reads in before you even consider submitting it anywhere. Also, there's no one right way to get there.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

If you think it's done, read it one last time.

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Thank you, Dana, for taking some time letting us get to know you! I feel like we would have so much to chat about over a cup of coffee if we lived closer in the world. I can't wait to continue this series.

The Other Side of the Mirror: