Interview with Nina mancuso, author of everybody cheats
How often do you write?
How hard was it to sit down and actually start writing something?
Writers are often associated with loner tendencies; is there any truth to that?
Do you think writers have a normal life like others?
What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing?
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
What is the most important thing about a book in your opinion?
How would you feel if no one showed up at your book signing?
Which book inspired you to begin writing?
Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?
What books have influenced your life the most?
Are there any books that you are currently reading and why?
Who are your books mostly dedicated to?
Poets and writers in general, have a reputation of committing suicide; in your opinion, why is that the case?
Do you like traveling or do you prefer staying indoors?
Writers are permanently depressed; how true is that?
For me, I generally have a very optimistic view on life, but that’s because I’ve dealt with a lot of horrible things during this lifetime. So really, small inconveniences don’t affect me much. I’m an optimistic depressed person, if those exist. I always look for the good in every situation. I wake up and say the things that I’m grateful for to put me in a positive mood. I laugh a lot, and I make a lot of jokes. But I have battled depression for several years, and I think it’s because I’m always alone, like most writers are. I never had anyone to lean on or to tell me everything will be ok. I had to convince myself of that ever since I was a child. And I think that all that time alone and wondering if I will ever meet someone who cares about my journey is incredibly depressing. Especially when you’re still waiting to hear someone say “it’s going to be ok.” And that thought crosses my mind at least once a day. But I acknowledge it, I tell myself that one day it will happen, and I move on. I’m an incredibly strong woman because I never had anyone comfort me except myself, but that thought is truly depressing. But, what can you do? At least I am my own best friend.
Do you keep a diary?
Several. To date, I have about sixteen journals. But that doesn’t include work journals, dream journals, and random letter journals. I especially love reading through my college diaries and remembering things I completely forgot. It’s like giving your younger self a high five through the sands of time.
Some writers create a bubble around themselves until they’re finished with their project – how true is that in your case?
Is privacy an issue for you?
How active are you on social media? And how do you think it affects the way you write?
I don’t like the fact that I’m forced to participate to get the word out, but that’s part of the process. I’m a private person and I don’t like revealing much about myself on social media. I reveal a lot about myself in the book, but that’s different. I don’t have an urge to share my every thought or activity or to post selfies. I can’t wait for the day that I tweet solely out of want, and not need.
As for how it affects my writing, I think it makes me more conscious of what I’m writing. When I write in my journals, or blog entries, I’m not looking at the wording. So, really, constantly trying to make a tweet perfect has helped me become a better writer on the first draft. See, there is always good in everything.