Interview with author Kristin Bartzokis

Diary of a Beautiful Disaster

1. What really inspired you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and conveying it into a book?  I realized I had message to share and voice that many people admired.  My family and friends had been urging me to write a book about my life with Treacher Collins syndrome for many years.  I wasn’t ready ten years ago to take on that challenge, but I finally felt that I had a variety of experiences from birth to the present that I could turn into a well-rounded story.  Most importantly of all, I finally had the courage to try.

2. What is it about and whom do you believe is your targeted reader?  My story is about growing up with Treacher Collins syndrome, a craniofacial abnormality that set me apart from my peers.  It details the mental, emotional, and physical tolls that reconstructive surgeries had on my life over the course of thirty-three years.  But it’s also about the strength and courage I had to have in order to conquer the obstacles placed in my way because of my syndrome.  I believe this story will resonate with anyone who has ever faced challenges and needed a way to overcome them. 

3. What do you hope will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who finish your book? What should remain with them long after putting it down? I think one of the most important messages of this book is the importance of choosing to be strong in those challenging moments.  I think my story is laden with that message.  I am proof that perseverance, determination, and courage can turn a disastrous beginning into a beautiful life, and I hope that my readers understand these values can shape theirs lives too. 

4. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers? If you dream about writing a book, do it.  Set a deadline and devise a writing schedule.  I told myself I needed to write 500 words a day but then changed it to 1,000 to allow for more editing time.  I have a full time job so I brought my laptop to work and wrote on my lunch break.  Then I continued writing at home after dinner.  Know that you will likely not have a life for a while, and that is perfectly acceptable.  The accomplishment of completing your book will be well worth the sacrifices. 

5. What trends in the book world do you see and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? I see inspirational stories taking the reins of the book world.  We’re living in a time when readers want to be uplifted by a story.  Instead of focusing on the tragedy that is happening in the real world, readers want to find comfort in the words on the pages.  I think the publishing industry is following suit with that.  They’re looking for the best stories that can leave lasting emotional connections with readers.

6. What great challenges did you have in writing your book? The greatest challenge I faced with Diary of a Beautiful Disaster was writing for a book as opposed to writing for a blog.  I had to slightly adapt my voice so that it resonated well over 50,000 words, while keeping the same vulnerability and honesty that my blog followers have come to appreciate.  I had to stay out of my own head in order to confidently come to the realization that I could find my voice and write a great book.

7. If people can only buy one book this month, why should it be yours? Every person has noticed someone with a disability or deformity and wondered what that person’s life was really like.  But even if they had the courage to ask questions, they’d never fully understand what it is like to live with a physical difference.  My book, Diary of a Beautiful Disaster, closes the gap between curiosity and reality.  It is an honest, emotional rollercoaster of a read.  Just as quickly as the disasters break your heart, the triumphs mend it.  This book is a raw and beautiful story that will leave you inspired.

Kristin Bartzokis’s life was defined the moment Kristin entered the world. When you’re born with a facial abnormality such as Treacher Collins syndrome, you’re not the smart one, the funny one, or the pretty one; you’re the girl with the strange face and hearing aid. This made Kristin a warrior from a young age. She surpassed boundaries and crashed through walls, proudly accepting the challenge to stand out. Kristin, author of Diary of a Beautiful Disaster (KiCam Projects, 2017) resides in Central Florida and works in product development for a local attraction. Once a champion gymnast, she now focuses on running marathons. In her free time, Kristin can be found designing T-shirts, watching baseball, and blogging at diaryofabeautifuldisaster.com. for more info, please see:  kristinbartzokis.com

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Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog 2017©. Born and raised in Brooklyn, now resides in Westchester. Named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs