Saturday, July 20, 2013

Lessons from a Kindred Sister - Interview with Author, Neeta Nahta





Synopsis (from Amazon):  A delightful tale of dishy drama, feel-good inspiration, and sassy humor.

Intelligent, fun-loving Sarah Evans is in need of a glass of wine.  After all, being unceremoniously dumped by your fiancĂ© who leaves you with a ridiculously expensive apartment that makes you even more of a slave to a job you hate can really put a damper on things.  (If you think that last sentence was a lot to take in, try living it...hmmm, better make that two glasses of wine.)  As her sips turn to gulps, Sarah receives a journal from a mysterious Parisian woman known only as a 'kindred sister'.  What lies inside has the power to change her life forever.  Before Sarah's world can begin to sparkle like champagne, things take a decidedly vinegary twist when she learns of a dear friend's horrible betrayal.  Will the journal be enough to keep Sarah's life from fully uncorking, or will her glass of cabernet be relegated to being forever half-empty?


Interview with Author:   I am excited to bring you an interview with author of Lessons from a Kindred Sister, Neeta Nahta, aka The Smart, Sassy Goddess, uses the term Chick-Sass Lit to represent her genre of fiction - a combination of Chick Lit Women's Fiction and Personal Development. Her writings interweave whimsy with wisdom, indulgence with introspection.  They also feature some pretty kick-sass women! Her first novel, Lessons from a Kindred Sister, is the first volume in her Sisters in Life Series. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I have a very wide range of interests.  These are just a few (apart from writing, of course)

·      Reading: I am a voracious reader.  My husband and I actually don’t have traditional TV (just streaming in case we want to watch a movie from time to time), as we both would rather invest that time reading.

·      Art: My mother was an artist and I grew up coming home to her painting in her studio.  I guess I inherited that gene because I now have my own in-home studio.  My paints of choice are oils and acrylics, and I mainly enjoy painting landscapes and the occasional still life. 

·      Socializing: I also am a very social person and love spending time with family and friends.  I’m very lucky to have a strong group of amazing people in my life. 

·      Exercising: Finally, Running/working-out helps to keep me (relatively) sane, especially when life gets overly busy. 

When/Why did you start writing?
I started writing about five years ago.  I was at a point in my life where I was incredibly happy as a result of having grown into and really understanding myself.  This was not something that came easy to me (gah, I used to be one hot mess!).  Because of this, I wanted to write a book that is now morphing into a series about a woman whose life was loosely based on my own and so many of my friends.  Of course, I took extreme poetic license in writing the story and included a few fantasies along the way, but over time my first novel was born.  After that, I was hooked and am now working on book 2 of the series. 

What is your favorite writing spot?
I love writing in my studio.  It faces east so it’s perfect for writing in the early morning time.  Between the writing and the painting, it also holds this amazing creative vibe.  It’s my sanctuary. 

Who are some of your favorite authors? 
I have a wide range of tastes.  Sophie Kinsella, Kathleen Tessaro, and Madeline St. John have all written books that have inspired my writing.  I also enjoy (geek alert) reading personal development books that cause me to be introspective.  I think those types of books actually makes me a better writer, and definitely a better person, in that the more I can connect with myself, the more space I have to connect with the characters I am writing about.  (If that makes sense without going too deep into some sort of esoterically enlightened area J).  I also love books with feel-good endings.  There can sometimes be so much negativity in life, and I enjoy reading things that leave me with a positive outlook (which is why I write in the same vein). 

Can you read other books while writing your own?
Apparently no.  I hadn’t realized this with my first novel, but as I have been writing my second novel I have come to the conclusion that I can’t do both at the same time.  I’m not sure why, perhaps it’s the same the reason I can’t type and talk at the same time. 

What are you currently (or last read) reading now?
Just finished Lauren Weisberger’s Revenge Wears Prada

If you could go anywhere for vacation/holiday, where would you go?
New Zealand.  I’ve actually been there already but would go back in a heartbeat, especially the South island.  I absolutely loved the untouched aspect of the country.  It looked like an artist had taken a paintbrush and painted the landscape. 

Which would you pick:
Ocean/beach or pool: Beach!  There is something very freeing about the ocean, plus I love the smells and sounds. 

Coffee or tea: Tea, I drink it the Indian chai way – with milk and spices such as ginger root, cardamom, and cinnamon. 

Fruit or candy: Vegetables… but if I had to choose, then fruit

A book or e-book: Book!  I actually don’t own an e-reader, which is especially interesting since I have a high-tech background.  I love the feel of a book in my hand. 

Computer or tablet/smart phone: Both.  No ereaders, but our household has 5 computers, a tablet, and 2 smart phones … and there are only 2 of us!  We’re both techies. 

Camping or Hoteling: Hoteling…unless the tent is inside

Driving or Flying: I prefer the destination and whichever will get me there fastest. 

Connect:  You can connect with Neeta on her blog, The SSGs, Facebook, FB Page, Twitter, Pinterest and GoodReads

Purchase:  You can purchase Lessons From a Kindred Sister online at Amazon for $13.95

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