Hello,
Today I’m please to bring you this interview with Ahiddibah Tsinnie, author of Yes, I Took My Meds.
Please enjoy!
Best,
Vincent Lowry
Interview:
1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?
My name is Ahiddibah Tsinnie. I live in Nevada.
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2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?
My book called Yes, I Took My Meds. It is a memoir.
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3) What is the book about?
Yes, I Took My Meds, follows my life through my trauma, and later diagnosis of bipolar. Through story and diary entries, it shows my progress through my illness and my wellness of being bipolar. Within all of that, the book also discusses my single, teenage parenthood, the traumatic loss of my brother, family history, and my cultural background of being Navajo.
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4) Where did you come up with the idea?
My book started off as a blog. I started writing these journal entries while I was sick or after I had an episode. I kept a diary. Some of that went into my blog. Some of it went into my diary. I decided I wanted to write more and more. I created a timeline of my life. I would just pick and choose what part I wanted to write about. I started having my friends and family read the blog. They really liked it and encouraged me to turn it into a book. With the help of my editor, Margaret, I did.
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5) How long did it take you to write it?
I wrote the first draft is six weeks. It was a burst of manic energy. Then my editor got ahold of it and deconstructed it. Then began the process of really creating the book and rewriting and adding content. Making it a true book. That process lasted another six months.
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6) Did you learn anything from the project?
I learned I have more to learn from writing. I learned I need to have another editor proofread for final typos. There were about twenty typos if not more in the book that were pointed out to me. I was able to correct that but the damage was done. It was very frustrating. the more you stare at a project, the less you can see your error. You need to enlist more help. Even my editor had missed it. I should have had another person proofread it.
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7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?
My author’s website is ahiddibah.com. It is a website and a blog. There is book content and a blog about mental health or writings. It varies.
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8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?
I would have to say, work with professional editors and cover artists. It makes a difference in how your book is received. Even though my book had typos, I recognize that I should have done one more edit with another person. Margaret Diehl was my editor, and without her, I wouldn’t have a book. It was her idea to format it in the way it was written. She has a great eye. David Miles did my cover art. He was easy to work with. Generous with his time. He supplied me with art for everything I needed. Both people I found on Reedsy.com.
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9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?
I read a lot of young adult fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi. I would read anything if I had the time and my brain was cooperating. I sometimes have trouble with the bipolar not helping me. I cannot focus and do my work. Reading becomes a challenge and I find it difficult to focus. Sometimes that interferes with my ability to write as well. But, I would like to help any new authors if possible.
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10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?
That is a REAL tough question. As an English teacher, I have read a lot of books. There are classics and new literature that touches my heart and awakens my brain. But I suppose, I’m going to have to go with the master. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. I feel that every fantasy book owes something to Tolkein. His world-building, character arcs, languages, and overall story is the heart of fantasy. He didn’t create elves and dragons but he gave them a new life and a new world. Something that writers would use forever in their works. It is one of my fandoms that I absolutely love. I admire Tolkien’s mind. His translation of Beowulf is also amazing.
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11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
I have three dogs. Bella, Edward, and Kitty. Bella and Edward are sort of named after the Twilight characters. We named the Yorkie Bella, because my son, Jesse, liked the name Bella. Then we got Eddie and he was a Maltese and all white. I figured if we were going to have partners, Bella would have to have her Edward. So now, we have Bella and Eddie (Edward). My last puppy is a black lab. Her name is Katara but we call her Kitty. She is scared of everything and barks at strangers while running away. She is not a very good guard dog but she is very sweet.
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12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?
I use my iPad of some of my reading by using the Kindle App. I enjoy it so I can read books in bed at night or up at the cabin at night. It also doesn’t bother my eyesight as much. Paper books tend to hurt my eyes after a few hours these days. I have forty books to get through on my shelf. I may have to move them over to my Kindle App.
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Vincent
E-Author Resources 