Ten for Ten with Sylvia Valevicius

 

Ten for Ten with Sylvia Valevicius

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I met Sylvia two years ago in French class. We connected immediately due to our love for languages, writing and self-publishing. We stayed in touch via twitter and now I’m glad to introduce yet another self-published author.

 

Question 1

Sylvia, can you please tell us a little about yourself?

Born on a German island in the North Sea, I came to Canada as a child, a few years after WWII, was raised in Hamilton, ON, by Lithuanian parents. I had two brothers, close in age, and another arrived when I was twelve; I was no longer the youngest. I spent my teens in convent schools, mostly a boarder. My mother, a homemaker had creative flair, and dad, a successful realtor, a former pilot, had a penchant for languages; qualities which I inherited. Married at nineteen, I had four children in eight years, and soon divorced. After raising my kids, I applied to university, and gained three degrees after the age of forty. My career was as a secondary school teacher of English and dramatic arts. I also acted, mostly on stage, some film. Semi-retired, I focus on writing.

 

Question 2

What is your book about and why did you write on this topic?

This volume contains twelve, fresh monologues; young people can give voice to their need for expression within the anonymity of dramatic masks. Useful for auditions, drama and English classes, afterschool programs, clubs, etc. It gives introvert kids a platform, and gives extrovert kids that chance to shine!

 

Question 3

Did you self-publish and who did you self-publish with?

I self-published with Amazon’s CreateSpace self-publishing platform. The process was straightforward. A person from my Writers’ Group helped me format my book. I designed the cover myself from a design website called Canva.

 

Question 4

Can you name some of the challenges you faced in publishing with this platform?

Amazon.ca does not automatically retail the physical book. It offers the Kindle version. The S&H of Amazon.com is a detriment to the Canadian purchaser of the paperback version. On the plus side, the physical book comes out beautiful, glossy, with its own ISBN and barcode, all free. Amazon.com distributes internationally to Europe and beyond. The royalties are 70% and the price of the books is low, versus traditional publishers.

 

Question 5

Despite overcoming the challengers would you self-publish again with CreateSpace?

I would definitely do this again. I intend to publish a three hundred page book in spring. My work of the last three years is part memoir, part literature and part self-empowerment.

 

Question 6

Would I do anything differently for the ‘Monologues’?

No! However, the second Volume will contain further diversification of issues.

 

Question 7

If you could change one thing about your book what would it be?

I am happy with the content and appearance of my book though I am deeply disappointed with S&H (shipping & handling).

 

Question 8

What is your main goal that you would like to see accomplished with your writing?

Always a teacher, I see my writing for edification, entertainment and inspiration.

 

Question 9

Would you like to offer some friendly advice to aspiring writers?

Just write something every day. Start with describing in a journal what y Advice to future and aspiring writer? You observe, not only invent. Use all your senses. Writing evolves over time. Never quit. Books to read: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, on writing, and for inspiration, Tama Kieves, Inspired and Unstoppable.

 

Question 10

How can your readers get in touch with you?

I am on Twitter @Jtosnest

I am considering other social media, such as Instagram, and perhaps a blog. Eventually there will be a website. I’m not a big fan of Facebook.

 

Lets support a fellow writer by visiting amazon.com and leaving good honest reviews.