Exploring unique voices in writing can extend across different languages from many places all over the world. For this Hall of Information Interview we speak with an author and blogger who faced the challenge of learning English and succeeded. Her ambition to express feeling through writing has made for some great stories and it’s even been an opportunity to help others. Kristina Gallo has taken the time to share her story so join us as we dive in to the words…
Q1. Let’s start with talking about Language. English is not your native language but that hasn’t stopped you from writing some great books which is impressive. Please tell us your story and how you learned English? Where did your writing journey begin?
“I have been learning English in elementary school and in high school. English is the main foreign language in Croatian schools. We have basic education 12 years and after this we choose the university. I learned English in my University too. But, the real challenge happened when I started to write a blog in English language. I wanted to express my feelings in the internet, to my foreign friends to understand me. I started blog Rebellious rules by Kristina Gallo, that is still active. Four years later, I decide to collect this blog articles in self-help book, because I had reactions of people, they motivated me to write a book. In the year 2018 I hired an American editor. I wanted to write and publish in Amazon, and I start collaboration with editor. So, now I have nine books and book number 10 is on the way.”
9 Books with 10 on the way, that’s impressive!
Q2. All of your fictional books carry many different messages and lessons. Are these inspired by real experiences and people? Can you share more about your books?
“Yes, inspiration is based on real events and people. I passed through bullying and some traumas. My country was in the war during 90’s. Also I had some painful relationships. Some books are based on real events but names are changed and circumstances are modified.”
Some of the best books out there contain some element of truth that’s modified slightly.
Q3. You’ve also written some self-help books, what subjects are they about?
“One book is about breakups, these are problems that many women are dealing with. How to forget an ex boyfriend and find a new one, how to get out from the toxic relationships. Another book is how to survive in the society if you are rebellious person. Also I wrote a book about dangers in the virtual world. The last book had advice about seducing in a satirical way. I wanted to make a parody to magazines like Cosmopolitan, because they share advice about good looking and nice clothes, like this is enough to find a boyfriend. I focused on inside qualities and how to use logic instead of makeup.”
They sound both fun and insightful. Of course many magazines these days set unrealistic expectations.
Q4. What writing project(s) are you currently working on?
“I am working on mystery suspense thriller. It should be released in December.”
Sounds good, you can expect a review sometime after the release!
Q5. Your highly active across many social media platforms and support many different authors.
How important is the writing community to you?
“The writing community is very important to me. I could not get readers without my friends, I get a lot of useful information and reviews. I am grateful for their support.”
Q6. Do you have any interests outside of writing?
“I am working my job in the office , I love movies and football. I am big fan of nature and swimming.”
Q7. Tea, coffee, beer or wine?
“Coffee and beer.”
Excellent choices!
Q8. Can you name three films or television shows that have inspired you?
“Basic instinct”
“Parasite”
“John Wick (all parts)”
Great films, Basic Instinct is a classic and everyone loves some Keanu!
Q9. Back to books. Do you have a short list of must-read books that you would recommend?
“Yes I have.”
“Jitters – Ken Stark“
“The Novice Ghost hunter – Martin J. Best“
“Broken – Donna Siggers“
“The ghost beside me – Lee Hall“
“Best kept secret – Elsa Joseph“
“The Drain – Victor Villestone”
These are some truly excellent choices and recommendations, of course thank you for mentioning mine…
Q10. And finally, a question I like to ask at the end of every interview.
If there was any advice you could give to someone with dreams of becoming a writer, what would you say?
“I would recommend every person who wish to become a writer to use their free time for reading books at first. Then, such person should connect to other writers and learn from them. After that, every future writer should hire an editor.“
“I would also recommend everyone to tie their ego and accept critics. I made progress in my writing because of my reviews that motivated me what to fix and what to avoid.“
Great advice and coming from an author with a unique voice we would like to thank you Kristina Gallo for sharing an insight into your world of words.
You can find Kristina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Her blog can be found here and of course her many books are available now via Amazon.
Check out a recent review of ‘The Player Without Luck’ which can be found here.
Lee's Hall of information 