Welcome to our Author Interview series.
Today we're featuring an interview with Sandy Logan, author of Twin Justice Survived. Our author interview series provides an opportunity for our readers to get to know our authors on a deeper level and also learn more about the types of books we're publishing.
Sandy Logan is a writer, songwriter, and business woman who is committed to revealing the havoc bullying wreaks on our society and our souls. By writing this book, Sandy hopes to aid in recent efforts by organizations and celebrities to prevent bullying. She hopes that her book, Twin Justice Survived, will raise enough awareness and inspire greater action to prevent bullying. Remember the more we continue to talk about bullying, the more attention it gains in our schools, our workplaces, and in our minds.
Synopsis: Twin Justice Survived
In Sandy Logan’s new book, Twin Justice Survived, she presents an in-depth exploration of bullying from the victim’s point of view. The goal is to depict their pain. Though it is a work of fiction, the book is grounded in real life. We all know someone who’s been bullied and – like it or not – we have all been guilty of bullying someone.
The book tells the story of the Wilson Twins. The twins are bullied unmercifully as children but then, as adults, they come back to settle the score. The astonishing nature of Twin Justice Survived will take your breath away!
Why should readers pick up Twin Justice Survived?
Twin Justice Survived offers a unique perspective of what it is like as a young adult to be bullied. Bullying isn’t just “child’s play.” Bullying makes us all losers because it can destroy lives. Many children who have been bullied withdraw from others, robbing our society of potential talent and creativity. Other children lash out at their tormentors, perpetuating a cycle of violence which can lead to horrific results such as the massacre at Columbine High School.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
My favorite character in the book is Renee Wilson. Renee suffered bullying in ways that others will never experience as a young girl. No matter what she experienced and the pain she suffered, Renee grew to be a strong individual. When others choose to forget, she took what happened to her and found a way to help other abused victims. She’s a prime example that life goes on after high school.
How did you name your characters?
I like the name Rainee. Since the story pertains to twins, I wanted the names to have some similarity. Therefore, I called the girls Rainee and Renee. The other names just flowed into the story line as I was writing, but I had certain individuals in mind to represent a couple of the characters.
Why do you think your readers are going to enjoy your book?
I have received lots of positive feedback regarding Twin Justice Survived. It has been amazing to receive feedback from individuals all over the world about my book. I love it. I am positive that readers will continue to enjoy the book. I took a lot of time trying to perfect this book. Basically, I only wrote when I felt I had something to say. I did not want to just throw something on paper. As a result, I now have a very powerful piece of work.
How long did it take you to write your book?
It took about 9 months for me to write Twin Justice Survived. Once I had time to concentrate on the book, everything just seemed to transfer from my mind easily to the pages of the book. I would sit at the lobby in the Hyatt and just let the creativity roll into the paper.
Who designed the cover?
Infinity Publishing designed the cover based on the vision I had for Twin Justice Survived. The vision I had for this book was to have two girls on the cover, face to face with their hair flowing in the wind. I wanted the picture to be abstract and mysterious. I wanted the book to catch the reader’s attention to create curiosity.
Did you learn anything from writing your book that was unexpected?
I learned that writing a book is not easy at all. I’ve always wanted to publish my own book. My vision was to simply write the book and make sales. No, it’s a lot more work involved. Advertising plays a significant part in the success of your book.
How do you start writing a new book? What comes first? The characters? The story?
First, I came up with an idea. I knew I wanted to write a story about bullying because so much was being done to prevent bullying. Bullying is a serious problem. I wanted to do my part to stop this type of harassment and abuse. I didn’t want this to be just another bullying story with no suggestion regarding how to prevent this on-going problem. Therefore, I came up with a twist to the story to make this a more interesting book. Afterwards, I took a lot of time creating a name and personality for each of my characters.
Do you like to write series? Or single titles only?
I am really hoping this will become a series. I hear so many stories about bullying every day, especially now since I have contacted various people about the book. There is a section in the book that I hinted a Part Two to the reader. Please read the book and tell me where you think the hint can be found.
What are you doing to market the book?
Marketing Twin Justice Survived has been a challenge. I still have my 10 hour day job; therefore, I spend all of my spare time with Rainee and Renee. Advertising is not as easy as I thought it would be. I have book signings scheduled in March and I also advertise a lot on my site: www.twinjusticesurvived.com. Once you get into the site, I always encourage visitors to “like” Twin Justice Survived on Facebook. Twin Justice Survived can also be found on Twitter.
In two sentences or less can you tell the readers something unique about your book?
Twin Justice Survived was written as a warning for all future bullies. It warns the bully that the victim they harass may be the one with the last laugh when least expected.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by successful people who have overcome various obstacles only to find themselves on top. Many successful people did not get to where they are as easy as some of us may think. Some were mocked and teased on their way up. They basically pushed away all self-doubt and teasing and aimed for the stars. If they gave up, they would have never achieved what many of us envy. People can say all they want about you, but the important thing is how you feel about yourself.
Where do you find your ideas? Does something trigger them? Do you carry around a notebook in case inspiration strikes?
I am one of those types of people who obtain inspiration from just watching people. One of the places I chose to write Twin Justice Survived was in the Hyatt hotel lobby. I would watch people and obtain ideas from either what they are saying or doing. At the Hyatt, I did not feel alone and was able to write freely with ideas constantly flowing.
Have you written your entire life? Have you always considered yourself a writer?
I have always considered myself a writer. When folks ask me questions such as, “What’s your passion,” it was always to write. I can sit and write for hours. However, I have to be in the mood. I rarely write just to have something on paper. I have to feel the contents. I also like to write songs and poetry.
What is your writing process?
The inspiration to write can strike me at any time. I can just be riding in my car and all of a sudden be overwhelmed by a great idea. I normally write down those ideas as soon as possible. I remember pulling over on side of the road one day just to write down a scene that was played out in my mind. I didn’t want to miss a single thought because the scene was powerful and vivid in my imagination.
If you were told your stories were unbelievable and not written very well, would you continue to write? What would your response be?
I am open to criticism. Criticism can open your mind to new possibilities. I would also depend on who is the critic. I would definitely listen to what they have to say and then decide whether it is worth pursuing. I always say it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, we can learn new things from each other. Feedback is always good, but never give up because of criticism. There are billionaires that obtained their success regardless of the criticism they received. They chose not to take the message personal.
Where did you grow up? How did your hometown (or other places you have lived) inspire your writing?
I grew up in Southern Virginia. It was a beautiful place to grow up. I remember writing some of my best poetry outside overlooking fields and mountains. It was very easy to get caught up in the moment and just let your imagination have its way. I was a kid full of imagination and dreams.
Do you like to travel? If so where is your favorite city?
I absolutely love traveling. I hope I have the chance to tour different cities during book signings. There are so many places I would like to visit. I don’t know if I could honestly claim one city as my favorite. Hopefully one day I would be able to travel around the world
Does your family support you in your writing career? How?
My book was dedicated to my mom. She is my biggest fan. She has read everything I have ever written and have loved it. She encourages me as much as she can. Now the other family members are just realizing how serious I am about writing.
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For more information about Sandy Logan and Twin Justice Survived, visit:
