Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Alyssa, but I write under the pen name: A. Renee Hunt. I began as a traditional author, but I felt I hadn’t received the instruction and assistance promised. With that, I decided to become an Indie Author. I’ve since published two works and currently writing my first indie novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, releasing the end of this month is titled An Omniscient Memoir: A Dark Retelling. It’s about revenge and the consequences of such an action.
It was inspired by a recent trip to the Georgia Mountains with my family. My husband kept nagging me to write something- how the location was perfect for a good story. So I wrote a short story in two days. It’s the darkest story I’ve ever written, but I think it’s absolutely amazing!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t believe I have any unusual habits when it comes to writing, but I do have an amazing desk that allows me to either stand or sit while burning my favorite, scented candle.It’s important to me to have proper posture and to stand often. Also, I have sketches of my characters created with every book.
While I write, if one of them is in a particular scene, I open a smaller window with them in it. I do my best to either think as they do, or I have a conversation with that image, doing my best to hear what they’d say. I let the character come alive.
The candle… it just smells really good.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by authors from various genre, but I truly feel, writers like the King family, Gordon R. Dickson, Lovecraft, Ted Dekker, and Frank Peretti have made me. Though I’m a huge fan of Mark Tufo, Scott Sigler, Marissaa Meyer and My greatest influences come from authors who carry a strong theme without all the vulgarity. A story doesn’t have to be raunchy to be phantasmic or haunting.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my first indie novel: The Malignant Soul. It’s about a young woman who’s so unhappy with her life, she decides to leave her world behind. She travels to other countries in search of herself, but finds something that could possibly place her in a grave instead.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really do not have a website when it comes to promoting. I’m going at this alone and it’s my first time. I use social media as well- creating photos and other images to share. I also share other authors, with hopes they’ll share my work as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors, when it comes to fulfilling your dream is: When you feel no one is paying attention, buying your work, liking your work or even glancing at it- Keep Writing! It’s heartbreaking when if seems no one’s interested, but that doesn’t mean you stop. Push, then push a little more!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never pay someone to publish your book.
Sadly; I received it too late.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading one ebook: Iloray: A Mermaid Story by Mary Jane Capps and listening to an audiobook: Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin.
What’s next for you as a writer?
While writing my novel, I plan to collaborate with another author for a Halloween book release later 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?
If I were to be stranded on a desert, I think I’d have to have The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. It’s got adventure, fairytale themes, hotshot pilots, an amazing female hero and romance in small amounts!
Author Websites and Profiles
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