Busy promoting her newly released book, THE SECOND TIME WE MET, author Leila Cobo recently answered our 20 Questions and shared with us just how much fun she is having meeting new people and sharing her book with readers!
What time did you wake up?
7:30 a.m. I can’t bring myself to wake up before 7 unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Did you make your bed?
Always!
Where did you spend your day?
Between my home office and appointments and interviews.
Who did you see/call?
The first order of the day was an 8 a.m. live radio interview at radio station Amor in Miami to promote my book. I was interviewed by Javier Romero, who is the top-rated morning DJ in the city and who’s a sweetie.
At 9:30, when I was finished, I got in my car and immediately called into a conference call with Billboard’s marketing department. I’m in the midst of planning our upcoming Billboard Latin Music Conference, so that takes a chunk of my time.
I went back to the office and worked for a couple of hours before heading to a Media Mixer at the Miami Beach Golf Club. It’s a gathering of professionals who work in media and PR. We meet once a month for a “Mixer” lunch featuring different speakers. Today it was me, talking about my book!
Then it was off to pick up my little boy from school, then back to the office to write a story on nominees for the Billboard Latin Music Awards. That evening, we had houseguests in our apartment, so we cooked in and drank several lovely bottles of wine before calling it a night!
How many times did you check Facebook or Twitter?
Too many to count. I’m obsessed!
Did you respond to reader mail?
Yes. I always try to respond, and I respond to messages and postings on twitter as well.
What did you do on a book project today?
Most of the day revolved around my upcoming book, beginning with the morning interview, through the Media Mixer --- which yielded several RSVPs to my book signing next week --- and of course, Facebook, Twitter and other outreach.
I’m also working on my new book, and although I like to write at nights --- tonight was NOT one of those nights --- the time I spend alone --- even driving --- is crucial to developing the story. I turn the radio off, and for an hour or so, I become my character and I get a better sense of where my story is going.
How did you procrastinate?
I didn’t work out :-(
What did you accomplish?
Lots and lots today. I did very concrete promotion for the book, then I networked, which is important at all levels and I met interesting people who I think I could have lasting business relationships with. I finished a story for Billboard. And most importantly, I got to spend quality time with my hubby and kids!
What did you want to accomplish?
I wanted to finish the two stories I had due for Billboard. One I did, but the other one I simply ran out of time.
What was the weather?
It was a beautiful, early Miami spring day, in the mid to upper 70s.
What were you wearing?
I wore my “skinny” jeans --- meaning, I can wear them when I feel skinny --- and a neon-orange draped top and very high heels.
What did you read?
Bits and pieces of BLINK by Malcolm Gladwell.
Did you listen to music, if so what?
I listened to music in my car: the new album by Mexican rock band Maná, and on the radio, Y-100. I cranked “Sexy and I Know it” --- what can I say, I love that track --- and a Maná song called “Sor María,” about a nun who falls in love. It’s beautiful.
What was the healthiest and unhealthiest thing you ate?
Oh my. I ate too much. The bacon in my California cobb and the Pad Thai for dinner have to be up on the unhealthy list. Healthy? Sushi.
Did you exercise?
Sadly, no. I like to work out every day, but I just ran out of time!
What was the best part of the day?
Meeting new people who were simply fantastic!! I went into the Media Mixer not knowing who would be there --- the group changes week to week --- and this particular group was lovely
What was the worst part of the day?
Not having time to work out.
Any surprises today?
I was very pleasantly surprised by my morning interview. I thought it would be very, very quick, as this is a station that normally doesn’t talk about books. But Javier was a sweetheart. He gave me tons of promotion and airtime and allowed me to talk about the book at length. Media today is ruled by so many interests and considerations, it’s really heartening to get this kind of coverage.
What device did you use to answer these questions?
My laptop.
