Smokin' Hot Reads: Author Spotlight, Interview and Giveaway: Ana Zaun

Monday, May 5, 2014

Author Spotlight, Interview and Giveaway: Ana Zaun

Ana Zaun

Ana graduated from Florida International University with a degree in English Literature. She loves to take pictures, read and write. She always has her camera and e-reader on hand. She is a devoted mom and wonderful friend to many in the indie community. Most evenings she is busy working on her third novel Let It Go.

Questions by Kiki

1. What made you decide to write a book?

I've always loved writing, my favorite way of communicating. I could sit and write letters, emails, blog posts, journal entries, it is my thing. In 2012, one of my Facebook reading groups had a Prologue Writing Contest. I entered it. While I didn't win, I was encouraged to tell my story. So the six of us set out to finish our stories. Three of us published in 2013, Barbie Bohrman, Kisa Harley, and myself. You never know when talent will be discovered in the unlikeliest of places. Take a chance, open yourself up, and reach for the stars.

2. Ant tips for someone starting out?

Do your homework. Writing is the easy part. Publishing is a whole other monster. I would recommend a small group of writers that are going to help each other out, critique for each other, and support one another.

3. Who helped you in the industry?

When I first started out Claire Contreras was my go-to amazing person. She and I read for one another and gave each other tips. she was instrumental in me pushing forward in the beginning when it was so much easier to close my laptop and just let my characters run wild in my head. Also Lisa Harley was a great friend who listened and shared hot guy pictures everyday.

4. Build me the perfect ice cream sundae...

I'm a pretty simple girl. I don't like things complicated. I prefer a bowl of unadulterated ice cream whether its a bowl of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry.

5. How many books do you read in a month?

I use to read about two to three books a week. Once I started writing, I didn't have the time, so I'm down to reading maybe one or two a month.

6. Use 3 words that describe you best?

Misundertood, Quirky, Brilliant =)

7. If you could live in another country which would you choose and why?

Italy. Do I really need a reason? It's a fantasy.

8. What inspired your series?

Rick Marin. Actually, I started writing The Do Over as a standalone. Rick, of course, is so egotistical that he had to make everything about himself. But honestly, I've been Dani. The only difference is that as an author, I can rewrite history and give her a happily ever after.

9. If you went on Dancing with the Stars who would you like to have as your partner?

Val. I think Mak is the hottest one on there but Val can dance and he's an amazing teacher. He's also pretty type A and OCD and I like that, especially in a dance instructor.

10. Favorite Disney movie?

Frozen seems to be on the top of the list. I love the fact that it was the first movie a girl didn't need the boy to recue her. Bambi was the first Disney movie I saw that mad me cry when I was a little girl. Cinderella was my all time favorite.... I think I have a Cinderalla complex...the idea of the ordinary becoming extraordinary, being found, insta-love, and leaving an impression that no one else can ever wipe away.

11.What's the last paperback you read?

Hope by Morgan Parker

12. What is your favorite day of the week?

I don't have one.

13. What time do you go to bed?

Depends on when I get tired. Sometimes, it can be 9pm other times 2am.

14. What is the last ebook you bought?

Monster In His Eyes by JM Darhower, LOVED IT!

15. If you could spend a day with an author who would it be?

This is a tough one. I would love to spend the day with Alison Bailey, but that may be cheating. I think she's fantastic. I would also love to spend the day with R.E. Hunter because well she is cool. I would love to sit and pick her brains of Sylvain Darhower. I'd love to listen to Paulina Simons talk about writing and her stories.