Katja Rusanen Author Interview!

Hi all!
I just wanted to welcome Katja Rusanen to my blog:

Here's here interview:

Tell me a bit about yourself:

I dedicate my time to writing, Spiritual Life Coaching and Soul Plan Readings.  I work in the area of holistic life management in Barcelona and throughout the world. I’ve lived in Barcelona since 2004, but I’m originally from Finland. 

What type of genre do you write?

I’d like to categorize my novels under transformational writing.

What genre to you personally read?

It varies a lot from Patricia Cornwell to Lorna Byrne.

Tell me about your latest?

And You Must Love Me is a transformational story which centers on the experience of 15-year-old Renate. She falls for local bad-boy Ronny but has no idea what she’s getting herself into. She’s never had to deal with someone like his Gypsy girlfriend Sabina, who is ready to go to extremes to keep him. And she certainly wasn't expecting to find herself caught up such a dangerous cat and mouse game which gets even more complicated when Ronny's cousin Emil gets involved in it.

Where is your book available?

And You Must Love Me is available on the following sites:

Amazon (Kindle):
http://www.amazon.com/MUST-LOVE-Young-Adult-ebook/dp/B005SEWBPA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319747142&sr=8-1

Apple Store (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac with iTunes):
http://itunes.apple.com/es/book/and-you-must-love-me/id478894148?mt=11&ls=1

Barnes & Noble (Nook):

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/and-you-must-love-me-katja-rusanen/1107443141?ean=9788493879853&itm=1&usri=katja+rusanen

Where you live and one thing you love about it

I live in Barcelona (Spain) and I’m in love with the beauty of the city, especially Gaudi’s architecture, as well as the sunny climate.

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?

I’m very thankful for my parents and big sisters who read me loads of fairy tales when I was little. This definitely sparked my interest in reading and I love to be captured by a compelling stories.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?

If I need to select one, I'd say "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne because that book introduced me to the Law of Attraction, and so many good things have happened to me after reading that.

What was the seed of inspiration for your latest book?

It's often said that all fiction has a tiny kernel of truth at its centre, and in this story it's the traumatic event that changes Renate's life. This actually happened to me and I have expressed some of my own experiences and feelings through the novel.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, I want people who are going through the same difficulties as Renate to know that they are not alone!

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?

I find that rewriting and editing is the hardest part for me. It requires loads of self-discipline to go through the draft again and again... But I know it is essential part of the writing process and therefore I pull myself through it.

What has been your best moment as a writer?

My first book launch party - it was a very special moment to me.

Who is your author idol?

I’ve many author idols but let’s say Stephen King as he has been one of my favourites for years.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Oh yes, I especially see myself in Renate.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?

One of my dreams came true but there are still many dreams on my list…

What is your personal cure for procrastination?

Self-imposed deadlines and a big cup of coffee.

What does your workspace look like?

Organized. I try to keep my workspace pretty clean from clutter, otherwise I can’t concentrate.

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?

Not really, I have a great urge to tell this story and it pushes me to keep writing.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I like doing sports and spending time with my friends. Also charity work is close to my heart and Amani Children’s Home (www.amanikids.org) has my ongoing support. They are doing very valuable work with Tanzania’s most vulnerable population; street children and AIDS orphans. They provide healthy food, education, counseling and medical care for every child who turns to them for help.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Believe. Discipline. Patience.

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?

I learned that there’s always something more to learn.

Did you have a moment when you realised you were meant to be a writer?

The idea sparkled in my head for years until got the push that I needed. I went to see a palm reader on Friday 22^nd of August 2008 and he inquired me, ‘Why don’t you write?’ I was astonished. How could he know that I had always wanted to write but kept postponing it with various reasons? At that moment I couldn’t come up with good enough excuse, so I agreed to start writing…

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Keep writing!

After this book, what is next?

I’ve planned Renate’s story to be a trilogy. So I’m working with full speed on the sequels.

Your website? Your blog? Other websites?

If you are interested in finding out more about me, please check out:
Website: www.katjarusanen.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rusanenkatja
Twitter: @KatjaRusanen

Please thank her for stopping by. Visit her website, leave a comment, let her know you saw her here!