Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 42 year old Mother who enjoys reading and writing. I would never presume to imagine my work being anything than palatable – while simplistic and hopefully entertaining.
I have just started writing in the middle of last year, and hope to continue writing for as long as my muse allow me. I am by no means considering myself an Author – but I love writing and I love sharing what I’ve written.
I never gave up on my dream, and I write now for the pleasure of writing. The only validation I seek is that of my own peace of mind, I can say: I’ve done it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Up to date, I have published one book “Hidden Carmina” which is part of a series: The Valley. I have finished both book 2 and book 3 in the series and is currently writing book 4. In the mean time, I’ve written three short stories [10k plus each] and published two of them.
The Valley series was meant to be FanFic after a marathon of reading all the Twilight books and watching all the movies – In ONE sitting. What it became… was a complete twisted romance story where the human, for a change, turned the entire immortal world upside down. It became a story of myth woven into history and laced up with reality. And dark.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? I don’t know. Obsessive? Absolutely! I will get up in the middle of the night and write. Even if it is just a paragraph or a line – it must be written down, now. On the days when I am suppose to take care of the business side of publishing my work, I procrastinate… by writing! I think I may be an addict. Is there a word for that?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, I love Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Mercedes Lakey… Wrappers and labels! If you give me a book I will read it – not all of them do I find fit my taste or style, but words are put down to be devoured, greedily, by the hungry. So I stuff myself. Often.
As for my writing – I think so many authors and books have influenced me, which makes it hard to stick to just one style. My novels on the Valley, are a crazy mix of them all.
The short stories – Living Human carries a taste of Sir Pratchett, and Miss Lamont along with Say my Name, perhaps a mix of Douglas Adams and Adams Douglas [yes, it is true! Both amazing authors!]
What are you working on now?
Book 4 in the Valley Series – I’ve just started that while Rosie Wilmott is working on Editing book 2 and 3. I wasn’t going to write a book 4, but SOME people wouldn’t let me get away without it. [laughs]. I am also putting together a poetry Anthology and writing short contest/challenges – stories just to keep the juices flowing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Have I mentioned I procrastinate by writing instead of promoting? Fair be it to say I am immensely thankful for your site, and the opportunity to make a start.
I do use smashwords extensively, as it is really easy to keep track of things – all in one place. I find word of mouth to be a solid experience too. Since I am not writing to be famous or get rich [though wouldn’t that be nice?!] I talk to people about my book/s and share my poetry at every opportunity. At the end of the day, I guess I’d like other greedy folk to sit at the table and enjoy the literary buffet with me!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I am new myself – so let me take a different approach. I have been given so much advice, and all of it very good. At the end of it all, take what works for you, grow a extra layer of protective happiness, surround yourself with positivity and just write, share and write. There are no hard and fast rules to writing – and while your work and style may not be for everyone – you will find your market and they will adore you for finding them!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Stop over thinking it, or I will slap you up the head until your ears ring, then you can write about that.” – Perhaps more of a threat?
I have come up with my own line, to myself, when I ever start doubting my work.
“Don’t write for perfection – that is what editing is for.”
What are you reading now?
With so many new self publishing authors out there, I am reading just about EVERYTHING. Though I’d like to mention my latest favourite by Veronica Robbins – Rookie Season. I am not big sporty fan, but this book made me look at sports, and romance, in a VERY good light!
What’s next for you as a writer?
My word, that is a big question! I am at that point in my life, where I want to write. I want to share what I write, I want to enjoy and be passionate about words. It sounds really daft, doesn’t it? Truth is, I want to inspire others to write – and that is what comes next for me. Sharing what I have learned, and creating excitement – And perhaps write a few more books this year… No, definitely write a few more books this year!
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?
Blank ones, with pencils or pens… Would that be cheating?
If I HAVE to choose books, I’d take Four Terry Pratchett books – they should keep me in a good humour.
Author Websites and Profiles
Adri Sinclair Website
Adri Sinclair Amazon Profile
Adri Sinclair Author Profile on Smashwords
Adri Sinclair’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile