Interview with Author and Blogger Derra Sabo

Let us know a little about yourself and how we can connect with you via website, blog, books, and social media sites.

Hi all, my name is Derra Sabo or D. I was born and raised in So Cal and became a writer in my early twenties. When I’m not thinking and typin’ away, I’m spending time with my family, friends, going to the movies, spending days/ nights at the beach, and boppin’ to music. One of my favorite ways to wind down from a busy day or to get together with my family is cooking. Food is an escape, it’s a universal language that everyone understands. I love meeting new people, so if you’d like to connect you can find me on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat under the handle @derra_nic, or you can find my blog at www.genuinelyderra.com. 

What is the name of your blog or book and how did you get started?

The title of my latest book is Slumberland. It is a partial collection of the dreams and nightmares I’ve had since I was a youngster. From light and hopefull to dark and twisted. I began writing in Jr. High as a simple way of destressing from school. I have lived my entire life with a rare disorder, Epidermolysis Bullosa, and that led to being teased and bullied throughout school. while my wit and sarcasm are superb, I knew that should the bully fight back with a punch, I’d be a goner. Writing out what I would’ve loved to say to those bullies was very cathartic. Well, that and banging on the drums, lol.

What is your favorite food?

Oh…that’s a tough question. I know that sounds weird, but I am just a total foodie. However, being part German, there is this meatball dish with a different sweet and sour sauce that is absolutely delicious. They are served alongside smoked gouda mashed potatoes. That dish is definitely a labor of love dish, but so worth it. I also love In-N-Out burgers and Mexican food. The Cali diet, lol.

What foods do you crave all the time?

Mac n Cheese….it is my ultimate comfort food. While I love a good homemade mac, oftentimes I am super busy and I will pop in a Stouffers Mac n Cheese in the oven. Lunch or a late night snack…that’s my fav!

What is your favorite comfort food?

I actually made my comfort food tonight…Catalina roast with carrots and mashed potatoes. The carrots slow cook with the roast, so they’re very tender. I plop a spoonful or two of mashed potatoes in a bowl and put the roast and carrots over that. Drizzle with the catalina sauce….comfort in a bowl.

If you could learn how to make any food what would it be?

I would love to learn how to make homemade creme brulee. That is my favorite dessert. I find custards a bit intimidating to whip up.

What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?

Writing allows me to speak my mind, especially on those more sensitive topics. I am not always the best at verbally communicating certain emotions, but hand me a pen or a laptop and out come all the feels.

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

Write what you want. Don’t write what is trending or what you think people will want to read. When you write what you have a passion for, it absolutely shows. It also shows when you try to write what you are not passionate about. One last piece of advice…never give up. Writing is 100% a love/ hate relationship. There will be times when the words flow and there will be times when nothing, but stressful blank screens happen. Keep at it because the end result makes it all worth it.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love traveling, going to the beach and spending time with my family and friends. I also love staying in and spending the day watching movies, reading books, playing Animal Crossing, building legos (new hobby during this crazy quarantine) and cooking of course.

What helps you to stay motivated and keep writing?

Having a schedule absolutely helps. Breaking up my day and allotting times for just writing keeps me accountable for writing a certain amount each day. It also helps me from getting burned out, which is easy to do because I start writing and lose complete track of time.

How do you attract new readers? 

The one way I found that works in attracting readers is posting the back blurb to upcoming books. That small snippet needs to capture the reader’s attention, entice them to want to read you book. After a few reviews come in I like to attach a few snippets of reviews so that new readers can see what others thought..

What has influenced you the most as a writer?

The one thing that has influenced me in writing is the world…i am constantly finding inspiration to write. From the beautiful aspects to the dark aspects.

What is your favorite genre to read?

I am a big fan of Stephen King…the twisted side of storytelling always captures my mind.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished rereading The Institute by King.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

I am a total rock/ alternative girl. Fall Out Boy, Blink 182, Green Day… just to name a few However, when writing I listen to hip hop/ rap…a few of my fav artists are Eminen, Postmalone and NF.

If you could have superpowers what would they be?

Teleportation…that way I could travel the world without spending hours at the airport, lol.

What is a typical day of writing look like for you?

Well, the first thing I like doing in the morning is shower and get dressed. This just helps me start the day and prevents me from wanting to lounge around in my pj’s too long, lol. Breakfast and some me time is had, it allows me to fully wake up and have a quiet morning to get ready for the day. I schedule the morning for writing…laptop, cup of coffee and music playing…in the zone I go. After lunch is when I run errands, clean the apartment or do the laundry. I like to keep the night free for comfy clothes and watching a bit of TV, to relax. That is a typical weekday for me. Scheduled out and simple. 

What is your favorite movie that was based off a book?

One of my favorite books was Muder on the Orient Express, so when the movie came out I was excited.

What projects are you working on right now?

Living life with a rare disorder doesn’t just affect me, it also affects those around me. So, my next project is my family’s side of what it’s like having someone in their life who has a rare disorder. I am turning the tables in a way. 

Any other information you would like to include to our readers?

Be open to multiple genres…reading the unexpected leads to finding a new favorite. This goes for anything in life, hence, Variety is the spice of life. So, keep life spicy lol.

Thank you Derra for such a great interview! Be sure to check out her book and blog for more!

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