Happy Monday Everyone! I would like to welcome Essence Mason, author of Life Journeys to my blog this morning.
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What is your name and where do you call home?
My name is Essence Mason and I reside in New York City.
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What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
My most recent book, Life Journeys, is a poetry collection that draws memories of one’s growing up into adulthood, and of the realization of life’s common happenings.
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What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I’ve been revealing my emotions through songwriting for almost twenty years, but my love for creating stories in other formats began in college when I took my first course in Creative Writing. I was able to experience all sorts of writing forms and techniques, and they stuck with me.
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How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?
I wanted a cover that was colorful and that consisted of objects, or a concept that told a story many could relate to. I actually put it together myself. I also designed the covers for my other three books, Issues Of My Identity, Love In Another Country, and Heart-Led.
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Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?
I enjoy peace and quiet when I am writing. It’s better for my concentration and the thoughts just seem to flow better that way.
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How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?
In the beginning, I planned to focus on one aspect of life and growing. The next thing I knew, I was discussing relationships and even college life. Every section is a journey people should be able to relate to in some form or another. I didn’t feel like I was only discussing my life journeys, but others’ as well.
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Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it?
I do not currently have a book trailer for Life Journeys, but I have one for my second release, which is titled Issues Of My Identity. It can be seen on my author page on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Essence-Mason/e/B00L2XHP20/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1413164959&sr=8-1)
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Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?
I prefer e-books and those in print format. They are much easier for me to follow and I can always go back and re-read or snapshot my favorite sections without any hassle.
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Are you a self-published/Indie author?
I am a self-published author.
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If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?
There is so much accessibility for people in almost any field these days. The steps to self-publish were pretty simple and I had all of these ideas that were coming to me, that I was dying to get out to the world. I didn’t have to wait.
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Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
I have never read a book more than once because there are just so many ideas to explore. I would like to one day, just to see what it’s like.
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Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
Books, no. Movies, yes. It takes a lot to catch my interest when it comes to books. A good synopsis will pull me right in.
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What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
I love Romance but I am starting to get into Non-Fiction books a little more.
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What books have made it on to your wish list recently? And why?
My interest is actually everywhere, recently. There are no specific books on my wish list but I am exploring memoirs, self-help books, health, business, everything!
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What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I am currently reading a book that was actually written by my college professor, Joshua Daniel Cochran. It’s titled The Most Important Memoir Ever Written Ever and it’s in e-book format.
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If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?
Michael Jackson, Liam Neeson, Tank and Oprah. A lot of times we get caught up in ourselves trying to make it, doing whatever it is that we do. We forget about others for a second. Michael Jackson did a lot in his lifetime, in addition to his music so that balance is important to me. Liam Neeson is just intense in his acting. I want to learn how to make people feel deeply through my delivery as a writer. Oprah has done so much in her career. I feel as though she has found her purpose and she continues to grow her empire as time goes on. I want what I am gifted with to allow me something in life that is limitless. Tank is a singer/songwriter I’ve listened to for a very long time. The emotion in his music is unbelievable and that, itself is inspirational for me as a writer. I haven’t yet gotten there. To have him just singing in the background of the conversation would be an amazing lesson for me.
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What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
Things may seem like they aren’t moving but everything you’re doing right now will pay off.
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Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?
I enjoy baking, participating in activities that one doesn’t do everyday, and I hula hoop every now and again because it makes me feel good.
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Where can your readers follow you?
Blog: http://asireflect.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEssenceMason
Nina Soden 