Back in January we featured Cesca Martin, who published her own novel, Agony Angel. This week I'm talking to another self-published author, Sandy Lo. Sandy has released her debut novel, Lost in You, and is currently working on her second.Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Well, I'm 26 years old and live in New York City. I'm a creative person who constantly needs to be thinking about impossible things and alternate universes. I'm introverted and extroverted simultaneously. I'm the typical writer who likes to be alone in a room typing away endlessly, but I'm also a social butterfly who loves to dance, have fun and will talk your ear off till four am. I have many jobs, being an author is probably my favorite one. However, running StarShine Magazine and being a nanny to my niece and nephew are close behind.
Describe your book in 15 words or fewer.
Realistic characters, strong romance, not overly sappy, drama, comedy, fictional celebrities, can't ask for more! (haha)
When did you start writing Lost in You?
I started writing Lost In You out of boredom in 2004, but was working on other projects at the time so I pushed it to the side until I could focus on it fully.
What made you decide to self-publish your book?
After speaking to some published authors and finding out how disappointing traditional publishers can turn out to be for new writers, I played with the idea of self-publishing. I contacted a couple of agents, and signed with one, but it turned out to be a scam. So I decided that I wanted to try things out on my own and see what happens...so far I am pleased with my decision.
Which authors inspire you?
Recently I've been inspired by Nicholas Sparks, Stephenie Meyer and Kristin Harmel. When I was younger, I enjoyed Tennessee Williams and read biographies more than fiction.
What are your favourite chick-lit books?
How To Sleep With A Movie Star by Kristin Harmel, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Anne Brashares. I plan to read many more chick-lit books this year. I've been reading plain old romance for a while now and am now in a mystery/supernatural phase.
Do you have any other projects lined up?
Yes, I do! I'm nearing the end of my second novel, Dream Catchers, which is a fun story about a sheltered college girl who runs off to New York with a gorgeous stranger instead of working at her father's law firm for the summer. After that, I'm working on co-authoring a biography with Anna Sundstrand. She's a young entertainer who was in the girl group Play. The book will be about her trials and tribulations as a child star.
To know more about Sandy and pick up a copy of Lost in You, visit her website.
