Name: Laura Roberts
Business Name: Laura Roberts Creative Services
Website URL: http://laurarobertscreativeservices.com
Social Media Links:
Twitter – http://twitter.com/originaloflaura
Facebook – http://facebook.com/LauraRobertsWriter
Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/originaloflaura
Instagram – http://instagram.com/originaloflaura
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4109040.Laura_Roberts
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/originaloflaura
Book Titles: NONFICTION: Confessions of a 3-Day Novelist: How to Write an Entire Book in Just 72 Hours, The Vixen Files: Naughty Notes from a Montreal Sex Columnist, Play With Me: Sex Toys from A to Z, Montreal from A to Z, San Diego from A to Z (forthcoming, June 2015)
FICTION: Naked Montreal: Sex and the Underground City, Naked Montreal: Porn Stars and Peccadillos, Ninjas of the 512, assorted erotic “Quickies” (9 short fiction ebooks currently available)
NFAA Chapter Location: San Diego, California
NFAA Meetup Group Link: http://www.meetup.com/San-Diego-Chapter-Nonfiction-Authors-Association/
Tell us a bit about you. What kinds of writing do you do and what do you do for work?
I usually say I write about sex, travel, writing, and ninjas – though not necessarily in that order. In the nonfiction realm, I’m developing a series of “A to Z” travel guides, as well as a series of relationship focused ebooks. I’m also working on more of my “Indie Confessions” books, which focus on writing, editing and publishing tips based on my experiences as an indie author, editor and publisher. On the fiction side of things, I write erotica and the occasional ninja novella to keep things interesting. And for work, I provide editing services in all of those genres. In short: I like to do a little bit of everything.
What are your publishing-related goals?
I’ve always been into self-publishing, because I like having the creative control and freedom to do what I like. My books don’t fit into the typical molds that most publishers are looking for – which is fine with me, because I prefer to go my own way. As a publisher, I want to produce unique work in a variety of genres, and connect with the people who enjoy them.
Why motivated you to want to run a local chapter for NFAA and what do you hope to accomplish with your chapter?
San Diego has a really diverse writing scene, because the city itself is so spread out. I’ve met a lot of fiction writers who are great, but haven’t met as many writers from the nonfiction realm, so I’d love to make more connections on the other side of the divide. I think we can all learn from each other, and share tips and resources that will make all of us better writers.
What advice would you offer to fellow writers?
Lots of advice is well meaning, but may not be aimed at your specific situation. That being said, I always like to try new things, and if it works for you, use it. If it doesn’t, let it go and move on. And always keep learning!
Please list any favorite books, tools, or resources you would recommend for fellow writers.
Recently, one of my favorite tools is the Babelcube website (http://www.babelcube.com). You can upload your books, and then hire translators to create another version in a variety of foreign languages. I’ve had one of my books translated into French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Indonesian so far, which is super exciting, and the best part is that the service is free! Instead of paying up front for the translation, you do a royalty share with the translator, which means that this person becomes its ambassador in all countries that speak that language. I’m just getting started with foreign translations, but it really seems like a great way to get your books into other countries and start making sales there.
What do you do for fun?
I’m the editor of an online literary magazine called Black Heart (http://blackheartmagazine.com) where we publish new short fiction, poetry, book reviews, author interviews and other literary items on an almost-daily basis. I also read a lot, which is way too much time in a chair, so I try to hit the gym at least twice a week to maintain my ability to leg press the equivalent of an average-sized sumo wrestler. I also love biking, but unfortunately I left my bike in Montreal, so I need to buy a new one and start cruising the beach.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’m currently soliciting work for inclusion in a nonfiction anthology to be published next Valentine’s Day called “Everything I Need to Know About Love I Learned From Pop Songs,” so if you’re interested in writing a short essay on the subject of love and love songs, I’d be delighted to hear from you. You can find the full details on my Buttontapper Press site here: http://buttontapper.com/submissions
