Writer Wednesday - Author Janie De Coster

Tell us about yourself?

First of all let me say that God is head of my life. I am active in my church and in my community. I love to connect with people and this is why I pen stories relating to real life drama. When I am not writing, I enjoy cuddling up with a good book, traveling and shopping.

When did you first begin writing?

I began writing in 2005.

When did you finish your first book and what's the title?

I finish my first novel Man of My Dreams in 2006.

What genre do you write in and how did you choose that genre?

When I first started writing I wrote romance. I chose that genre because love rules the world. Romance will never go out of style.

Do you write full-time or do you have another profession?

When I began my writing career years ago, I was working. But now I am able to devote all my time to my second career...writing.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work better for your genre? 

I market my work using face book, twitter, blogs and just plain old word of mouth. I find word of mouth to be the best marketing tool for my genre because I love the reaction people give me as I talk about my work.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
 The toughest criticism I've had as an author is when someone tells you your work is not up to par. Or the story didn't end the way they thought it should have. My best compliment came from a fellow bestselling author who told me that I am an author to watch as I rise in my career.

Reviews are important for an author. How do you go about requesting reviews?

The way I go about getting reviews is just to ask. I ask my readers if they would, please leave a review once they finish the book. I don't believe in buying reviews. I want honest and respectable reviews whether good or bad so I can grow as an author.

Let everyone know where he or she can find you and your books.

You can find me and my books at my website sweetsmells2003.wix.com/janie-decoster

My Amazon Page: http://tinyurl.com/kje9277

Twitter @janiedecoster.com

Good Reads: http://tinyurl.com/jz77dz3

Do you have any advice you can give to aspiring writers?

Yes, my advice would be to take your time and write a great book. Don't worry about being quick to get it publish.  One great book will do more for your career than several not so good ones. And don't fall for the hype if any one tells you they can make you a famous author practically overnight. Lasting success takes time and hard work. But it is worth the wait.