My lovely and sensual favorite writer has been interviewed by the researcher, Dr. Juanjo Boté, who recently published an interview he conducted with Yra, a detail that Yra also shared on her social media. You can view the original interview on the interviewer's website:
Interview with Yra Reybel
Yra Reybel
This time I have the pleasure of interviewing Yra Reybel, pop singer-songwriter, model, writer, illustrator, Dominican. Yra publishes her books internationally on Amazon.Yra, thank you very much for participating in this interview.Thank you, truly, for this opportunity. I find the work you do with this project wonderful.
1. **Yra, when did the idea of starting to write take shape?**From a very early age; even before learning to read, I had an interest in reading and writing. This arose from the strong curiosity to know what the books others in the house were reading said, which I couldn't understand at that time. When I could finally read, I didn't hesitate to start jotting down ideas, stories, and poems in a notebook that I still keep. Although very few know it, "La Ultima Sospecha" was the first novel I wrote for a school project when I was in primary school. Of course, the story evolved from then to what it is now, but in essence, it's almost the same.2. **How do you promote your books? What channels do you use?**I mostly use social media, which is very useful in these times, including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc. These platforms allow more interaction with readers and provide excellent visibility. Occasionally, we organize contests, giveaways, and other activities to gain more exposure, but all means are important when promoting, so we spare no effort.3. **What has been the most challenging aspect of self-publishing your books? Technical requirements, text composition, layout?**It's said that "where there's a will, there's a way," and when it comes to pursuing your dreams, anything that stands in your way, with determination, won't be a sufficient barrier to prevent you from achieving your goals. For me, it was initially challenging to get used to the entire system, but once I got the hang of it, working with the self-publishing process became straightforward. I also appreciate those who create tutorials online; they were very helpful. Overall, I think people who are genuinely interested in achieving this self-publishing goal won't be intimidated, no matter how difficult it may seem. Moreover, the Amazon system, which I use, is quite intuitive and excellent for writers to navigate with some agility.4. **What do you recommend to someone starting in self-publishing?**- Firstly, it's not wrong to want to make money doing what you love, but if you're doing it solely for money, it's better to pursue something else. Loving what you do is fantastic, and while receiving compensation for the time invested is great, one should not write a book or create any art solely thinking about the profit.- Secondly, pay attention to and perfect spelling, style, and correction, correction, correction, oh yes, and correction. You may be sure that it can't have any more errors, but just as in graphic design where your eyes get used to the content, and you don't see errors at first, it happens when writing a book. Therefore, it's essential to step away for some time and then, when you're more disconnected, go back and proofread.- Thirdly, read continuously, without discriminating against anything but with a critical and analytical mindset. You never know where you might learn something new.- Fourthly, respect yourself and your work. Don't write just for the sake of writing; people don't like to read things that are irrelevant to the story, like unnecessary fillers. True writers understand their work and let it express itself while maintaining control.- Fifthly, always try to improve. No matter how comfortable you feel or think you know enough about something, there will always be someone who knows much more or does it better. So, always try to surpass yourself on every occasion; each page you write is a new opportunity to do so.- Sixthly, take care from what you write to how you present it; the cover is also important and should give a professional image, just like the interior.- Seventh, social media are friends, not monsters that will tear off your arm if you get close. Therefore, put them on your side and try to promote yourself as best as you can.- Eighth, it's not just about selling books; you must also enjoy what you do. If you don't enjoy it, no one else will.5. **Do you recommend any specific training for someone who self-publishes?**Reading passionately, critically, and analytically is the best and what I believe one must really do when starting or wanting to be a writer. Also, having good diction and a vast knowledge of grammar to avoid unwanted spelling errors is crucial. Familiarity with digital tools is essential since most of the time will be spent in front of a computer.6. **Does your career as a writer allow you to live solely from your books? If not, have you set yourself any deadlines?**I don't think even by dedicating myself full-time to writing, I could say that. Currently, I am a small business owner with a small business that allows me to live modestly and continue doing what I love, such as writing, making music, and design work. Since I love art and expressing it, I try not to abandon what I love so much. I believe the secret is not to give up.7. **Who is your audience? Who are you addressing?**I address a young-adult audience, although in my future projects, I want to try something for children. This was my intention with my "Moonlight Shadow" series, but without knowing how, that project took on a life of its own and became more significant than I calculated, ending up in the young adult category. Similarly, I like to explore and see how far I can go; that's why my books are so different from each other
#8- Your books are mostly fiction. Do you write only in this genre, or do you plan to venture into others?
At the moment, I don't plan on stepping out of the fiction genre, but who knows, given how adventurous I am, I might embark on another literary adventure in the future.
#9- In your Amazon profile, you indicate that you are also a musician. Do you plan to publish music on Amazon?
In fact, we've already started publishing music on Amazon. You can listen to a sample at the following link: [L arrivo (Single) (link). This is the single for L´arrivo, my first single after becoming a solo artist when I left the Gargo group. We'll be uploading more works, but for now, we're testing the waters.
#10- In your books, there's also a publishing house, Black Cherry. How does it help you promote and sell your books?
Black Cherry is the entity through which my books are distributed in my country, the Dominican Republic, through a basic contract in which I retain the greatest possible autonomy. Contrary to what many think about publishing with traditional publishers, the real experience is very different, at least for me. It's also worth noting that most publishers in my country have limited functions compared to their foreign counterparts.
#11- You use a profile on Google+, Yra Rebel. Do you interact with your readers?
Yes! Not only on my Google blog but also on all the social media platforms that I personally manage. I love interacting with readers and everyone who follows my work, especially the Fanyras who have been there from the beginning. It's very gratifying to know that people support you, and being able to give back a bit of that attention they provide is a great pleasure that comes with the job.
#12- Continuing with the profile, how often do you write?
I write on my social media profiles regularly, whether it's to announce a new project, follow up on a recently published book, respond to messages and comments from readers, or simply keep the blog updated with interesting information. Of course, all of this without neglecting work, as a fair balance must be struck between the two.
#12- Continuing with the profile, how often do you write?
I write on my social media profiles regularly, both to announce new projects, follow up on a recently published book, respond to messages and comments from readers, or simply keep the blog updated with interesting information. Of course, all of this while not neglecting work, as it's essential to strike a fair balance between the two.
#13.- Do you plan to publish in other languages?
Yes, I believe it's essential to reach a broader audience, and that's one of the best ways to do it. I've already started a project in English with one of my books, and I hope to see it published in that language soon.
Brief biography of Yra ReybelYRA REYBELYra Reybel is the pseudonym of the pop singer-songwriter, model, writer, illustrator, Dominican, born in the city of San Felipe Puerto Plata, D.R. on October 24, 1983.She began her musical career in 1998 with the group Gargo, making her debut on the children's program "Sábado Chiquito de Corporan." She launched her solo career in 2006 under the direction of Carmela Samboy, Gustavo Rodríguez, and Maestro Nathanael González, with her first single "L’arrivo" (The Arrival), a romantic pop song with two versions (Italian-Spanish, Spanish-Italian).Yra Reybel has been the face of advertising campaigns for companies like Xima VoIp, where she serves as a model and provides music for commercials, etc.As a writer, she is known for her debut novel "TU ERES MI VANILLA" (2004) as well as "LA ULTIMA SOSPECHA" (2006), among others, where she also showcases her skills as an illustrator and graphic designer.Yra believes in elevating art to the "Supra" by constantly surpassing oneself, with the premise that "The artist creates souls." The main motto of her career ("While there is a will, there will always be a way") aims to inspire present-day artists to look towards the future.Ways to follow Yra Rebel:
Perfil de Yra Rebel en Amazon
Perfil de Yra Rebel en Facebook
Perfil de Yra Rebel en Twitter
Perfil de Yra Rebel en Google+
