Indie October Author Interview and Giveaway: Helen Laibach

Today I'm happy to be welcoming Helen Laibach, author of A Soul Less Broken to A Bookish Affair.

1. How did you come up with the idea for A Soul Less Broken?  

 

 There was a story that I heard years ago, which was the inspiration for the book and that still inspires me to this day, It was an interview with a woman who had been attacked while she was jogging.  It was a vicious, brutal attack, one that she almost didn't survive. But in spite of these circumstances and all her suffering, she remained amazingly positive. The interviewer asked her, "How is it, after all that he did to you, that you aren't bitter? How do you not go through life hating the man that did this to you?" And the woman replied, "That man took one night of my life. I refuse to give him any more."  I knew after hearing her comment that I wanted to write a story about a woman overcoming being the victim of a horrible tragedy and regaining her personal power.

 

2. Have you ever had a friendship like Cat and Maddie do in the book?  

 

 I've had glimpses of it with different wonderful women over the years, but circumstances seem to change and we eventually lose touch. But even small glimpses of it are wonderful!

 

3. What's the best thing about being an Indie author? What's the hardest thing? 

 

The best thing is the incredible responses I've gotten from readers - which I'm sure is true for many authors.  It's very touching to hear from people who have been deeply moved because they can personally relate to some part of the story. To hear women say that the story inspired them or that they felt empowered means so much.  The hardest thing, is having to do all your own marketing and getting the word out about your book.  It doesn't matter how good your story is if no one knows about it!

 

4. What advice do you have for other aspiring authors?   

Never give up - believe in yourself and believe in your abilities as a story-teller!  Continually strive to improve your writing technique and style.  Attend writers conferences in your area - you can make great contacts at these events, including meeting editors and agents.

5. What three books would you bring with you to a deserted island?   

 

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, and Illusions - the Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah also by Richard Bach. I pick these three because no matter how many times I've read them (and I've read each multiple times) I always seem to take away something new each time.

 

Giveaway!: 

One lucky reader of A Bookish Affair has a chance to win an ebook copy of A Soul Less Broken. 

 

Rules:
- You must be 13 and over
-  Open internationally
- You must be a follower of A Bookish Affair

- Giveaway ends October 13!

 

Just fill out this simple form and you're entered!