Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am fifty five, have two grown sons and three granddaughters. I like to keep fit and cycle, especially if I can cycle the coastal paths. I have written stories since my teens, but until now have not been brave enough to launch them at the world. I have five books available on Amazon’s Kindle, the latest of which is Eliza’s Song.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Eliza’s Song. My sons are both musicians, and the eldest was the inspiration for Cass. He is the vocalist in a rock band inspired by such bands as Poison, Motley Crue, Guns n Roses, and although he isn’t as old as Cass, he was the inspiration. A lot of myself is in Kate, and Eliza materialised after listening to my grandmother’s stories about going into service when she was fourteen. It sort of all got blended together somehow, and became Eliza’s Song. I enjoyed writing it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, although I work better in a quiet room. When I am looking for ideas for a new story I buy a new writing pad and a nice pen. It’s a bit old fashioned, but it always kick starts me when I can handwrite portions of a book. Once it starts flowing I can type it all up and keep going, but it always begins with a pad and pen.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nora Roberts, although not the Mills and Boon so much. Diane Chamberlain. Lucy Clark.
What are you working on now?
Nothing at the moment. Ideas are in my head, but it hasn’t been a good year for family matters, and ideas don’t flow when I am a bit stressed. Once I get things sorted I will be writing again. Until then I am learning the marketing and promotion game.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new to all this, so I couldn’t say just yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author, so no, not yet.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From a creative writing class teacher who was really helpful. She said, just keep writing and don’t worry about the editing until the end. Get the story down first.
What are you reading now?
I have just finished Last Seen by Lucy Clark.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To learn how to market effectively.
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?
To Kill a Mockingbird. I loved it since my schooldays. And some Nora Roberts.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sandra Powell Amazon Profile
Sandra Powell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile