My work has been categorized as women’s fiction, though some people take objection to that label since there is no “men’s fiction.” I don’t think I chose the genre as much as I wrote the novel then tried to figure it out where it fits when I started querying. And though my novel focuses on the lives of two women, it is also written from the point of view of two men as well. So I think it’s more about two couples than just women. But I love women’s fiction because it focuses on the complexity of emotions and relationships, which intrigues me as a reader and writer.
What do you find most challenging about the writing process, and how do you deal with it?
Making time to write is the biggest challenge when it comes to my writing process. I’m married with four children and have a full time job. So, I really have to be diligent about carving out writing time. I deal with it by getting into a routine where I try to write every weekday. That way, it doesn’t matter if I’m tired or not – which I usually am – I just know that I need to write.
When and where do you do your writing?
I’m definitely a night writer. I do most of my writing on my couch at home in the evenings after the kids have had dinner and finished their homework. If I’m lucky, I might be able to go to the library and find a quiet table to write on a Saturday or Sunday for a few hours. But that’s definitely a treat and not my regular routine.
What have you learned about promoting your books?
It’s still early, so I haven’t learned a whole lot yet. Red Adept Publishing likes its authors to focus on getting reviews, so I’ve been sending out requests to book bloggers. I’ve also been trying to build my email list by giving away my novella on my website.
What are you most proud of as a writer?
I’ve written about topics that often are not discussed and are even considered taboo by some people. Before the release, I was very nervous about how the novel would be received because of this. But now, I’m proud that I had the courage to do so and so far readers have been enjoying it.
If you could have dinner with any writer, living or dead, who would it be and what would you talk about?
I would love to have dinner with Maya Angelou. Her writing has left such a huge mark on literature. She was a very wise woman who had not just book smarts but life experience to add to her wealth of knowledge.
Author Bio
Alessandra Harris loves drama… well, on the page, that is. As a writer of women’s fiction, she delves into real-life issues without shying away from controversial topics.
After graduating from San Jose State, Alessandra volunteered as a contributing writer for CityFlight.com, a former online magazine geared toward the San Francisco Bay Area’s African American Community. An avid reader of women’s fiction, she transitioned to writing fiction with the help of writing instructors and critique groups.
Currently, Alessandra is the organizer of San Jose Writers, a diverse group of writers in the South Bay Area, California. At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four wonderful children.
Website: https://alessandraharris.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlessandraHarrisAuthor/
Twitter: @alessandrah17
On Red Adept: http://bit.ly/25Jh1QJ