Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
That is quite a loaded question for me ;). I have technically written thousands of books by now because I have spent the last five years or so as a ghostwriter. As most of you may know, that means that I get a lump sum to write a book for a publishing company that wants to put one of their author’s names on it. It is a job that has served me quite well with a child at home up until recently. I just self-published my first book with my name on it, but I can promise you several more titles before the end of this year!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called Texas Roze, and it is a contemporary romance. I wanted to give the readers what they wanted with a steamy love triangle and all the drama, but also tell a compelling story of a young woman who is finding herself. I knew I wanted it set in a small town where most everyone was a farmer, rancher, or worked in oil. The reason I chose Texas is because I found this amazing picture for my cover that showed a girl that looked just what I pictured the main character looking like sitting on a car with a Texas plate.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The most unusual thing I do is that I don’t spend a lot of time on planning. I get my basic idea, the events that will happen in order, and I just write. I have always found success this way,, even in school. I made straight As on this strategy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t know how many people will say this as well, but JK Rowling is huge for me. The ways she comes up with ideas, the way she lives her life and speaks her mind, and her style of writing have all inspired me for a very long time. She is just a beautiful and passionate person. I also really love Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, and Addison Moore.
What are you working on now?
I have so many projects coming out this year, and it’s awesome. Right now, I am working on an epic, dystopian trilogy that is like Divergent meets Mad Max. I think it will be really unique and relevant to the modern world.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter is my best friend. I can chat with readers and fellow authors and make them my friend as well as my assets for retweets. As a self-published author, I don’t have the money to spend on all these ads, so I need to rely on my social media skills and word of mouth to get the job done.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do things your way. If you want to try some good advice, that’s fine, but don’t go listening to a formula you must use or a working style you must change. You will rise and fall of your own volition.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to give up or be discouraged. I know being self-published means that it could take a long time to get noticed, so I just need to keep doing what I am doing until it pays off.
What are you reading now?
I am reading a series from Lola St. Vil.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I just want to share my work and my story and keep writing. The ultimate dream would be to do book tours and get movie deals, but even a small success would mean the world to me.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
It would have to be a couple of Harry Potter books, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and the first Twilight novel.
Author Websites and Profiles
Iris Sweetwater Website
Iris Sweetwater Amazon Profile
Iris Sweetwater Author Profile on Smashwords
Iris Sweetwater’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profil
Pinterest Account