Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written over 40+ books as a ghostwriter and only about a handful myself. I’ve been writing for other authors for about five years now. One of the series that I write for is pretty successful, but I’ll never tell.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book that I published is called #TequilaThursdays and it was inspired by a bi-weekly ritual I had with my old co-workers. We would go to the bar every Thursday we were paid. We’d drink Tequila and have fun. This book was actually written for another author but he never paid me, so I canceled the contract and published it before he could. Just a little cautionary tale for those writers who are considering a ghostwriting career.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I hope this isn’t unusual, but I talk out loud. To make sure that the dialogue sounds authentic I act it out loud. Sometimes I even get into the gestures and it just helps me tune into the characters better. There have been times where I use the accents as well.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I can’t even pinpoint one author that I can say for sure has influenced me. My favorites that I can think of are E. Lynn Harris, Andrew M. Greeley, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Terry McMillian, and so many more are my favorites. I bounce between so many genres and authors though.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on my novel and editing my old work to publish myself. I still am ghostwriting for others.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not so great at this, but I will say that social media plays a big part. The thing is, when you’re an author who is starting out, you may not have that much money or time to put into promotion. I would say to do a lot of research and use as much free tools that you can. There are some apps that will post for you and help you chose hashtags to get to a wider audience. At the end of the day it’s all about persistence and consistency.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Reach out to other authors. Sometimes we can tend to stay to ourselves because maybe in this field, it feels like we should have it all figured out. I had to learn to reach out and admit to what I can’t do. We can’t do it all. We have to learn to embrace each other sometimes. Some writers/authors can be so standoffish.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was to be true to yourself. Often we’d see these bestselling books and they are NOTHING like our style. Sometimes it can make you wonder if you should dabble in that genre just for the income alone, but don’t. Don’t watch or envy someone else’s success, just work on your own stuff.
What are you reading now?
“He say, She say” By Yolanda Joe
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to inspire younger kids to write and pursue publishing. I use to write so freely as a teen. I still think my writings as a teen is a bit more superior to what I write now. As a teen though, everyone shot me down and told me that writing was dumb or foolish. Only English teachers encouraged me and I think that’s sad. There are so many great writers that are shot down before they even get a chance to start.
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?
Only 3 or 4?
“The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros
“Please, Please, Please” by Renee Swindle
“The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster
“Thy Brother’s Wife” Andrew M. Greeley
Author Websites and Profiles
Alexandra Jean Amazon Profile
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