Interview with Stephanie Haefner

When did you know writing was for you?

I guess I’ve always been a writer…keeping journals and writing little stories. But one night an idea popped into my head while we were having game night with friends. Instead of letting the idea float out of my head like I had with so many other ideas, I actually wrote it down and started crafting a story. That was about 6 years ago.

 

How would you describe your books?

Sassy, sexy, fun, and comedic, but also stories of deep emotion and love for family, friends, soul mates. All my characters go on a journey of self discovery and learn about themselves and what they really want out of life. I like to take readers through a range of emotions- laughter on one page, tears on another.

 

What is the hardest part about the writing process for you?

Editing and revising. Sometimes it’s really hard to know if something is working and if a certain scene moves the story forward or not. That’s when I need outside help. Beta readers are so so important!

 

How do you find the balance between being a mom, wife, and writer?

Not easily! I am lucky that I can stay home with my children. We’re not rolling in dough, but we make it work. My oldest is in full day school, so it helps to only have one child home during the day. He is almost four and a little more self sufficient. So he gives me moments to work throughout the day, in between snacks and meals and me doing whatever thing he needs me to do! Also, one day a week, when hubby gets home from work, I stay on the computer. He makes dinner, gets the kids bathed and in bed. And occasionally on his day off he will take the kids and give me the whole day to write. Basically, I take whatever time I can get! 🙂

 

What are your favorite genres to read?

I am a chick lit gal! I truly love stories of young women finding their way in life and love. I’m a sucker for a coming-of-age story! I adore romance, which in my opinion, there is a super fine line between chick lit and romance. And there are times I really like something a bit spicier than chick lit usually is!

 

What do you want readers to take away from your story?

I want them to find a character they can relate to, a friend, someone who has problems like they do, even if they are not the exact same problems. And that being happy and finding peace within your own life is important. I see far too many women who are not happy. I hope I can inspire them to make changes and find happiness.

 

I read on your website you are a former floral designer. What were some of the favorite parts of that job?

Weddings, hands down!! I worked in a flower shop for many years, and I was the one who sat with brides and did 85% of the floral work in the flower shop I worked at. I also ran my own home-based business for years, just doing wedding work. Whenever I hear of someone I know getting married…I wish I could do their flowers for them! I miss making wedding bouquets and seeing the look on a bride’s face when she saw her bouquet for the first time! And the pictures afterward…seeing how beautiful my creations helped make their day.

 

How important do you think social media is for authors these days?

I don’t know if I can fully stress how important it is. The publishing world is changing by the day, it sometimes seems. Writers getting their big break with a big 6 publisher is getting rarer and rarer. Small digital presses and self-publishing is booming. But these small presses and authors cannot afford major marketing campaigns. Hell, even the big 6 publishers won’t do it for newbie authors anymore. All authors MUST get out there and do their own marketing and promotion. They need to be where the readers are and many readers are online on social networking sites.

 

What is your perfect Sunday like?

My husband not working (he works most weekends), sleeping in, the kids coming into our room and us all laughing and playing with the cat. Get up and do something fun together as a family….go out to eat (we love to eat out!), no fighting or arguing from the kids. Home to watch a movie with a yummy snack. Kids in bed, then me and hubby having quiet alone time to watch one of our favorite shows or a great comedy movie.

 

Where is your dream vacation?

We love to travel and try to as often as possible, but usually we are very budget conscious. My dream vacation would be a money-is-no-object kind of vacation! Two weeks at Disney World at a deluxe resort, deluxe dining, all kinds of fun extras like dinner shows, fireworks cruise, every souvenir I want….spending every day in the Happiest Place on Earth!

 

What is your advice to aspiring writers?

Just keep writing. Keep learning. Find a writers group and get useful feedback on your writing. No one can succeed without support and other sets of eyes to tell them what doesn’t work, what’s confusing, where you have grammar mistakes.

 Visit Stephanie’s Website!

Thanks so much for having me Samantha!! As a thank you, I’m giving away a digital copy of my newest chick lit/romance release, Karma Kameleon, to one lucky commenter!! Please leave your email address!!