Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 19 years old and this is my debut novella. I am currently studying Film & TV production at York St. John University and I have just finished my first year.
I have been working on this book for eleven months now and I am finally ready to share the story.
I am currently working on the screenplay for this story. As well as being a novelist I hope to be a film director, screenwriter and photographer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This is my first book and the following picture inspired the story. I came across it as I was studying for my Russian history A-Level exams last year.
https://iconicphotos.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/4744.jpg?w=700
It is the third picture on the page.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes when I get an idea, I can sit down and right the rough first draft plot line in under an hour, but never the ending. When it comes to writing the ending of the book, I try to leave it blank unless I have a clear idea at the start, because I like to discover the ending as I am writing and as the story develops.
I also like to listen to movie soundtracks that fit the mood of the story and I try to write a chapter everyday.
I also like writing at night.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Steinbeck, Michael Morpurgo [my favourite childhood author], Ian McEwan, Suzanne Collins, J.K Rowling and all the classic authors – Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters etc.
– Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is my favourite book.
What are you working on now?
I have finished my second novel ‘The Broken Poppy’ which is slightly longer than this book and it will be released on August 4th 2014. It is another historical fiction novel set right in the heart of WWI and it follows the live of the fictional character Private Thomas Millward. I chose the 4th August as its release date as it will mark the 100 years since Britain went to war. The story was also partly based on my great-great uncle Caleb and his brother Ted. Sadly Caleb died in the war, aged 21 but Ted survived.
I am also currently writing the first book in a YA fantasy series. There will be four books in the series and I am halfway through the first one. I hope to release the first one either in late December this year or early next year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still discovering this, as it is my first novel, but I do think social media is crucial. I am also in the process of contacting a few local newspapers in order to promote the book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself I would just say finish the book and keep rewriting until you are completely happy with it. Don’t give up.
– I did try the traditional route of sending query letters to agents, but after 20 rejections I became slightly annoyed more than anything, because I know my story is good and other people have told me that. So I decided to share my story through Amazon kindle and the ebook.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing a book is like climbing a mountain, but just keep the end goal in sight – you want to reach the summit.
What are you reading now?
At the minute I am reading Olivia Twist by Charles Dickens and I hope to read the Book Thief next.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep promoting myself and my books. Write more and release more novels, hopefully gaining some attention.
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?
Of Mice and Men, The Secret Garden, Pride & Prejudice and The Great Gatsby.
Alice Catherine Carter’s Social Media Links
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