Tina Santoro On The 5 Things You Need to Know to Become a Great Author

Know your subject. Do research. Find your own rhythm and writing style. Write every day.

As part of my interview series on the five things you need to know to become a great author, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Santoro. Tina Santoro’s journey as an author began unexpectedly, sparked by a misheard documentary narration that inspired the creation of her fictional character, Yonan Bo, and the fantastical Yonan Bo® Saga series. A native Californian, she balances her writing with her work as an office manager and enjoys quality time with her dogs, Nymeria and Hodor. In her spare time, Tina indulges in crime dramas, fantasy novels, and thriller series inspired by world history.

Can you share the most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career?

The day I had the “vision” of Yonan Bo comes to mind. I was watching a documentary while performing housework and had misheard the show’s host introduce two individuals as one. The name Yonan Bo hit me like a lightning bolt — and I instantly notated his name. From there, the world began.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your journey to becoming an author? How did you overcome it? Can you share a story about that…