Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a wife to a wonderful military vet, mother to three beautiful children, and grandmother to two of the cutest granddaughters. I’ve loved writing and reading for as long as I can remember. Poetry is something I’ve always done as it was so easy to write and hide.
I currently only have one book published (2014), the second book is currently at the editors (7/16/15) and I am in the process of working on the third book in the series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Technically the latest book would be Deadly Cut. What inspired me to write it is kind of hard to explain but I’ll see if I can.
I was working on a movie set in 2014 taking still photos, when one night after a long day of filming I was driving the 2 1/2 hours back home it hit me. The idea for Deadly Cut. It was invigorating to say the least. Not sure how much sleep I got, cause as soon as I got home I wrote everything down.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure if it would be considered unusual, but I am extremely partial to listening to music while I write. It’s like my white noise. I have to use my head phones so as not to disturb anyone else in the house.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow, there are so many authors out there that have influenced me it would be hard to name them all but there are three female authors and one male author that have had the most impact on me.
Jack London wrote Call of the Wild. This is my all time favorite book. I’m sure he wrote more but I didn’t read anything other than that one book. I think what drew me to it was the fact that here is this young person going out into the world and making it his.
Cassandra Clare, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Catherine Colter. These three women have the most unique writing style and story telling. I love them. I love to go back and re-read all their books. I love to get lost in their stories. They more than any other have truly inspired me to write.
What are you working on now?
Aside from doing the edits for the 2nd book, I am currently working on the layout of the 3rd book in the Cian McGrath Series. I am hoping that I’ll also be able to start working on the Western Steampunk novel I have been playing around with for the last few months.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I honestly couldn’t tell you. I have a horrible time promoting my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read everything you can get your hands on. If there is a certain genre you want to write in, read books from that genre. It helps you become a better writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know.
What are you reading now?
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue to write. I want to write as much as I can and continue to improve my skills as a story teller.
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 Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Author Websites and Profiles
Alisa Stapelman Website
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