Ivana Peric Radman

Age 39

California

Romelia: WHAT IS A SIGNIFICANT WAY YOUR BOOK HAS CHANGED SINCE THE FIRST DRAFT?

Ivana Peric Radman: I had idea to write modern and interesting astrology book for every single zodiac sign where main character is a man with unevolved traits and his dating techniques. So I wrote couple of stories ( drafts) in one afternoon,  and decided that I don’t have time to do twelve books but instead to make twelve chapters. So yes, it has changed significantly from the first draft.

Romelia: WHAT PERSPECTIVES OR BELIEFS HAVE YOU CHALLENGED WITH THIS WORK?

Ivana Peric Radman: Am I good enough, is my English good enough, fear of publicity and using my real name instead of pen name.

Romelia: WHAT INSPIRED THE IDEA FOR YOUR BOOK?

Ivana Peric Radman: My metaphysical and astrology study and working with real people, mostly women. We all have some heartbreaking or funny story to tell about dating and meeting love of our life. I have to mention that I’m a member of dozens astrology groups and read daily astro memes posts and “ give me your big 3” posts- lot of younger people still superficially judge people according to the sun signs so my idea was to write from that perspective in hope to spread interest towards deeper meaning of astrology in fun way.

Romelia: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BOOK’S IDEAL READER?

Ivana Peric Radman: My ideal reader is a woman who needs more self confidence and self acceptance. My reader is emancipated, spiritually awakened or in the process of becoming. Interestingly, I have good reviews from men too who find theme of the book interesting.

Romelia: HOW MUCH RESEARCH DID YOU NEED TO DO FOR YOUR BOOK?

Ivana Peric Radman: Only over 20 years of studying topics as astrology, spirituality, relationships etc.  I haven’t prepared myself for writing first draft as I almost channeled all stories and wrote them in less then two weeks.

Romelia: HOW IMPORTANT WAS PROFESSIONAL EDITING TO YOUR BOOK’S DEVELOPMENT?

Ivana Peric Radman: Very much indeed. My first editor was professional writer and intuitive coach so I find her advices and experience to be extremely valuable. When I hired publishing company to help me with self publishing process, my book went through second round of editing and proofreading.

Romelia: WHAT WAS YOUR HARDEST SCENE TO WRITE, AND WHY?

Ivana Peric Radman: Hmm, I would say there were more than one. Any scene where my MC is going through reveling betrayal and crushed expectation was almost as personal.

Romelia: WHAT CHARACTERS IN YOUR BOOK ARE MOST SIMILAR TO YOU OR TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW?

Ivana Peric Radman: Well, I’m there in every story. I wrote twelve chapters in first person so there are twelve different narratives. In every chapter I’m introducing different woman ( 20-50 age range) with different perspective and I had an opportunity for deep introspective and think about my own experiences, expectations and perspectives in different stages of my life. But I have to admit, I mixed myself,  my friends and clients to create funny but realistic enough characters.

Romelia: HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK?

Ivana Peric Radman: Twelve days. Then, whole year passed before I was finally able to publish.

Romelia: HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE TITLE FOR YOUR BOOK?

Ivana Peric Radman: My catchy and provocative title was nonnegotiable. And who ever read the book will find out why. Dick is a name or nickname ( Richard), as a noun means stupid, contemptible person. It has also different, vulgar meanings. Astro is added to not mislead potential readers, this is not an ordinary chick lit. I need to mention that astro dick makes compound number 27 in Chaldean numerology which represents success after hard work.

Romelia: WOULD YOU AND YOUR MAIN CHARACTER GET ALONG?

Ivana Peric Radman: I’m very sociable and outgoing person, love working with and meeting new people, so I would say definitely.

Romelia: IF YOU COULD MEET YOUR CHARACTERS, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM?

Ivana Peric Radman: Keep going my dear, you gonna laugh to this all, one day. Be strong, you are empowered. If I could meet any Richard ( Dick) from my stories, I would say through my teeth: “ You dick!!!” ( rolling my eyes in contempt).

Romelia: WHAT IS YOUR WRITING PROCESS LIKE? ARE YOU MORE OF A PLOTTER OR A PANTSER?

Ivana Peric Radman: Yes, I’m definitely a pantser.

Romelia: WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR WRITING SPACE TO HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED?

Ivana Peric Radman: Coffee and more coffee. Sometimes inspirational music.

Romelia: IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A SPIN-OFF ABOUT A SIDE CHARACTER, WHICH WOULD YOU PICK?

Ivana Peric Radman: I have twenty four main characters ( twelve women and twelve Dicks). I could easily write spin- off about any of them. My stories are short in order to keep us interested. They all deserve spin- off. If I have to choose side characters- I would pick Ava from part three or a priest from part ten.

Romelia: IF YOU COULD SPEND A DAY WITH ANOTHER POPULAR AUTHOR, WHOM WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Ivana Peric Radman: Jackie Collins (lol).

Romelia: WHAT IS YOUR SCHEDULE LIKE WHEN YOU’RE WRITING A BOOK?

Ivana Peric Radman: Being a mom and homeschooling my daughter, I can’t have a schedule. I’m putting my family first and foremost, then if I have a spare time I write drafts.

Romelia: HAVE YOU EVER TRAVELED AS RESEARCH FOR YOUR BOOK?

Ivana Peric Radman: No, but as aspiring new author, I hope I will one day.

Romelia: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WRITING SNACK OR DRINK?

Ivana Peric Radman: Coffee- Italian espresso or cappuccino.

Romelia: HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR BOOK?

Ivana Peric Radman: Silent happy dance. I’m so much in love with my stories, shame I’m not professional or better writer. I am a storyteller. There are so many stories in my head waiting for someone to write them down. If you don’t have ideas but you have expertise in writing, reach me out.

Romelia: WHAT RISKS HAVE YOU TAKEN WITH YOUR WRITING THAT HAVE PAID OFF?

Ivana Peric Radman: Mixing styles, genres and making new and unique theme. As I mentioned earlier, title is the most riskiest- it could be repelling for most readers for sure and I’m aware of the risk.

Romelia: WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU GOOGLED YOURSELF AND WHAT DID YOU FIND?

Ivana Peric Radman: Never did. But I will in future.

Romelia: WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE AS A WRITER?

Ivana Peric Radman: Bad reviews(?), not having support from people in same branches and perhaps writing in English. My native language is Croatian.

Romelia: TELL US SOMETHING FUNNY FROM YOUR ADULT LIFE.

Ivana Peric Radman: I could write dozens of books with my anecdotes. Every day I encounter comic situations or it’s because I have sarcastic sense of humor so I can find funny in everyday situations. Also, my daughter is the most funniest person ever so I laugh from my heart and soul with her.

Romelia: describe yourself in a few sentences. Tell us something we do not know about you and something you hate about the world.

Ivana Peric Radman: Ivana Peric Radman is Astrology lover who proudly holds her diploma from law school (University in Osijek) and certificates in metaphysics, holistic past life regression, and dozens of other disciplines, making her truly a “ Jack of all trades and master of, at least, something”. She is a bit of a sarcastic storyteller and metaphysical practitioner who likes to travel and explore new places. You can locate her in sunny California where she sips amazing macchiatos, enjoys her motherhood, amazing friendships and continues to study new and interesting topics in hope of impacting others to embrace change and evolve.

Book is available on Amazon, paperback and Kindle. Free for KindleUnlimited.

Fb fan page: Astro Dick novel

@astro_dick_novel

Email: ivanapericradman2015@gmail.com