AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Yolanda De Iullis

Posted August 26, 2016 by @amanhimself in Authors, Interviews / 0 Comments

THE WRITING PART

Q. Hi Yolanda and thank you for agreeing to this interview. Congratulations on your new book: “Memoirs of I”. Briefly, tell me about yourself?

Hey Aman, first of all. Thank you for inviting me to your blog and reviewing my new book. I am from a small town in Scotland but grew up with an Italian/Irish background. I currently study Classical Studies along side Modern Greek. I write for pleasure and hopefully teach another, I also find solitude in traveling and do it as much as I can.

Q. What was the genesis for “MEMOIRS OF I”?

I was going through some personal troubles in 2015 and I needed a friend. My memoir became my best friend and it turned out to be the most therapeutic encounter I have ever experienced. I wanted to reflect on a daily basis to overcome these troubles in which caused me anguish and confusion.

Q. In “MEMOIRS OF I”, one thing I like most is that you have kept the reader in mystery regarding the place you are currently visiting. This mystery element works well (for me) in your book. How did you manage to create such mysteries for a reader?

I am glad that you liked this element about my book. It was sometimes difficult to not shout out to the reader where I was in the world but I wanted to keep this very personal to me so that the reader can imagine wherever they wish. This was all a very natural process during my writings.

Q. How much research do you usually do?

I tend not to do much research when it comes to writings styles and the latest authors as I never want to be influenced from any other. I want and like to write which comes from my heart and only my soul. In The Memoirs of ‘I’, I researched subjects such as religion, politics, art, documentaries and peoples beliefs to enhance my awareness of the world around me and to tell others of how it had influenced me in that moment.

Q. Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?

No, I have never written in this way before unless I am doing essays for university but when it comes to writing, I feel that it should not be forced or commanded in such a way.

Q. What motivates you to write?

My heart, my life, my travels, my soul, my beliefs, my confusions, my questions and to make others smile, think, laugh and ask questions.

Q. When did you decide that you want to be a writer?

I have always wanted to be a writer but I never set out to write books in the way that I have. Again, this path was written out for me and I just followed the road.

THE WORKING REGIME

Q. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

I welcome good and bad reviews. Every reader is different therefore every review will be different. Not everyone can like your writings and this can’t be expected. Of course when someone gives a bad review, it hurts as your book is a part of you and some people can be cruel at times but this is just human nature. All reviews are great if they have constructive feedback or have changed someone in a certain way.

Q. How do you relax?

I enjoy traveling, it is when I am most free and relaxed. I love to tour, read, draw, write and try anything creative.

Q. How did you find your agent?

I am my own agent. I am not at the stage yet to trust an agent with my work therefore I try to do as much work as possible to promote my writings. Some things can be done yourself.

Q. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

I have travelled 6 out of 7 continents in the world.

THE READING PART

Q. Your influence(s)/ favourite author(s)?

I don’t have a particular author which is my favourite but I am influenced from authors who research to help humanity. Someone who wants to change the world with words rather than an author who simply wants to entertain.

Q. What book(s) are you reading at present?

I am currently reading 3 books: