Follow Here To Purchase Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania

Authors: Rosa Alexander With Shelah

ISBN: 978-1-61777-613-7

Publishers: Tate Publishing and Enterprises

Today, Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest Rosa Alexander co-author of Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania.

Good day Rosa and thanks for participating in our interview 

Norm:

What was your creative process like when you began writing Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania? What happened before you sat down to write and how did you co-ordinate your writing with your co-author shELAH?  

Rosa:

Initially, when I started writing Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania ten years ago, I wrote the story as a movie script. Writing out what happened helped me deal with the time Alan (pseudonym) and I were separated from Julie and Peter, our two children. Several people who tried to help us during this difficult time used to say: “Rosa I hope one day to see your story in a movie.” Even though I did not know anything about script writing when I started this version of my story, I knew I had to learn.

I purchased five books instructing “How to write a script” and started writing Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania in Hungarian. A good friend who taught English then helped me to translate the Hungarian version into English. When I showed this version of my story to a film producer, he appeared somewhat interested, but suggested I first write my story as a book.

After I wrote my story in book format in Hungarian, I then translated it into English. I did not like the English translation; however, as it did not flow or show the love and emotion I wanted my story to share.

At that point, I started searching for a co-writer. I choose shELAH from 156 writers who expressed interest in helping me rewrite my story. Because she had experienced a similar childhood living with an abusive alcoholic father, shELAH understood how and what I want to share. She related to the heart of my story. We both consider our working together as well as our ensuring friendship as gifts from God.

Norm:

What motivated you to write your book and was writing of your book a form of personal therapy?

Rosa:

My motivation was that I had to write out my story because it burned inside of me. Even though writing Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania was painful as I had to relive suffering I experienced in the past, the process turned out to be a positive form or personal therapy. I also hoped my story would help my children better understand why our family had to be separated for almost four years. Knowing that my story could encourage others to never give up when they experience pain and suffering also motivated me.

Norm:

How did you decide you were ready to write the book?

Rosa:

Growing up in an enormous poverty, I often thought that if I could be rich, I would be happier. I decided I would whatever it took to make a lot of money. As I tried to reach that goal, I worked 12-14 hours every day. In time, I became a successful business woman. Working to become rich, however, did not matter when I got sick. I had to slow down. At that time, I again realized that having money would not make me happy.

When I quit working so many hours and had free time, I started writing Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania; hoping that sharing what I learned from my experiences would help others.

Norm:

Was there anything you found particularly challenging in the writing of your book? As a follow up, did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Rosa:

The thought of writing a novel as a first time author challenged me. I am thankful that several people pushed me to write my book. Some people, however, thought I should write a memoir. For personal reasons, I chose to write my story as a novel. From writing my book, I learned that with hard work anything is possible. I have also learned that the best feeling in the world comes from hearing those who read my book say things like: “Rosa your story is a blessing. It gave me hope to never give up.”

Norm:

What discipline did you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc when writing your book?

Rosa:

Because I am an organized person, therefore I scheduled regular writing sessions with shELAH and tried to follow our schedule. I knew that I could never reach my goal to share my story and encourage as many people as possible if I did not actually write my book.

Norm:

How much of your book is realistic?

Rosa:

Approximately 85% of Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania is true. For personal reasons, I fictionalized and/or augmented the rest.

Norm:

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your book?

Rosa:

Even though I am aware that some readers may have liked to have read a bit more history in my book, I preferred not to focus on the political parts. Many authors have written historical accounts about the Ceausescu Regime in Transylvania, however, not many have shared their personal stories. I may have added a bit more humor in some parts to take some of the edge off the sadness I relate in the book, but basically I like the way my story turned out.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about you and Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania?

Rosa:

I welcome readers to check out my website: www.rosaalexander.com as well as my Facebook page, Rosa Alexander

Readers can also purchase Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania at Tatepublishing.com or from Amazon.com; Barns&Noble.com.

Norm:

What is next for Rosa Alexander and do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Rosa:

If Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania proves to be successful, I plan to write the second book: While there is still time . . . My primary goal, however, is to help and encourage people.

My primary four messages to my readers:

* I believe that the more we learn from people whose lives differ from ours, the more we see the face of God.

* In this rich beautiful America, people need to stick together and help each other more.

* Even though thorns in life will always exist, when one gets past the prick of the thorn, a beautiful, fragrant rose awaits.

* All we need to do is love one another.

Norm:

Thanks again and good luck with all of your future endeavors.

Click Here To Read Norm's Review of Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania

Follow Here To Purchase Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania