Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a dreamer all my life. As a kid it got me into more trouble than I can explain away. Now, I get to use my day dreaming to write books. Born in Connecticut and lived most of my young life in Florida. Although I live in Central Florida now, I’ve lived all over the country from Maryland to Colorado, New Mexico, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Illinois. I have to say that I love the North East the most. There’s nothing like a crisp autumn day or white wonderland in the winter.
During college the topic of a paper I needed to write was not accepted. But the story stuck with me and became my first book, It Truth be Known. Of course this didn’t come about for many years later. After a book of action/adventure and then a drama, I settled on YA for my genre of choice. After sitting with my father listening to his memories of growing up during the great depression, the first YA book came together. Dirt was a culmination of my father’s stories and my love of history. I am currently working on my sixth book which is Book III of The Fantasmagorical Forest trilogy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I enjoy reading good fantasy and when an idea came to me for a fantasy story, I decided to make it my second YA book. For The Fantasmagorical Forest Book I, Two Stones, I drew on the idea of how a teenager may deal with grief after the loss of a parent and how it affects those around her. We all deal with an unexpected death differently and I wanted young people to understand that it is okay to grieve but to try and not let that grief push others who care about you away.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to have total quiet and total organization. I am definitely not one of those people who can write anywhere – a bus, a cafe, or even the library. I need to have all my notes and 3×5 cards organized so I can grab them when I need them and not lose my train of thought. It drives me crazy to have to search for something while working. And, yes, writing is work and it takes my undivided attention. But that’s just me. I know people who can have the TV and radio going and it never bothers them. If I were to have music on I would be seriously influenced by the tone of the music, so I stick with solitude.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every author I read influences me. I read for enjoyment and I also read to learn how the best of the best write. Some of the best influences are the books that are written so bad I can’t finish them. This has the most influence. Sounds strange, but reading terrible writing makes me so aware of what not to do. There are so many authors I love to read. James Rollins is one of the best researchers for his books along with Tom Clancy. I like Rollins books because instead of telling me how to build a bomb, he just drops the darn thing and let’s someone else build it. No sense boring the reader with information overload.
What are you working on now?
I am working on Book III of The Fantasmagorical Forest trilogy. This one is going to take some time because there will be a lot of magic and wizardry in it. Coming up with all those magic words and wizardry spells is challenging. I’mm not sure if I’m excited or depressed that this will be the last book in this series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have any one specific. I try to get on as many websites that I can. At the same time it is a balancing act to make sure I’m not pushing my books down everyone’s throat every time they see my name.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn the craft before you try to write your first book. Then write as often as you can and don’t worry about how good it is. You can fix bad writing, but you can’t fix a blank page.
My firsts book took thirty two drafts and dumping over 100 pages. It was a learning lesson and I learned from a great writer who was editing my attempt at writing a book. He was brutal. Honest but brutal. Luckily, I had a thick skin and a drive to get it right. I have never forgotten his remarks.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the darn story and don’t worry about getting the right the first time.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Human Bow Down by James Patterson. A really interesting story. I would have liked it to be a little deeper, but the story was great and said a lot about the human race. We are tough.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Who knows. I want to get better with each book I write and possibly be known for great stories for young adults.
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?
The biggest, fattest, most involved books I could find. Maybe War and Peace, Anna Karina, and one by Clive Barker just for interest. They would take me a long time to read. Maybe Breathless by Dean Koontz for an emotional lift. Love the ending of this book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sharon Dwyer Website
Sharon Dwyer Amazon Profile
Sharon Dwyer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account