Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a filmmaker and a traditionally published, award-winning author of more than ten novels. I am a member of the Author’s Guild in NYC. I feel very lucky to be represented by the former Vice President of Paramount Pictures, M. Kenneth Suddleson. I have a motion picture, The Forlorned, based on one of my books and many others coming soon.
In 2018 I won a notable trademark lawsuit over my book title, The Forlorned. The person who sued me is a convicted child sex offender who had filed dozens of malicious and frivolous lawsuits against many innocent parties. The case ended up in the US Supreme Court, and winning freed me from years of harassment from what the press is calling “Trademark Trolls.”
I want my readers and fellow authors to know– if you or someone you love is being stalked, sued and or harassed, please get professional help. Stalking can be deadly–often victims feel alone. I recently formed Authors Unite Against Bullies. I hope to help others who are being bullied and victims of frivolous lawsuits. To read more about my inspiring story of courage and hope, please visit my blog at https://angelatownsendbooks.blogspot.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled, The Forsakened. This is the second novel in, The Forlorned series. I love writing stories of hauntings with nautical themes. I also enjoy writing about ghosts from the Victorian era. Research is always my most favorite part of the writing process. I spent hours pouring over funeral customs of the Victorian and Edwardian time periods as well as studying about mourning art and jewelry. It was a fascinating project and I’m happy to see it finally produced into a book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I plan a lot. I don’t use programs to outline. I first write everything out longhand. I research extensively and then I use large sheets of poster-sized paper with columns and tables. I color code everything. I like to have this giant outline on the wall where I can see it while writing. I write with relaxing music in the background. I drink hot tea with a lot of cream, and I always have my sweet little dog at my side.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lucky Maud Montgomery, Emily Brontë, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, James Herriot, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Anna Sewell, Bertha M. Neher, Robert Service.
What are you working on now?
The third book in The Forlorned series and many other projects in the works.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Connecting with readers. I love interacting with fans of my books. I think it’s important that authors appreciate those who support their work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not let anyone bully you. I have an obsessed stalker and convicted child sex offender who has harassed me for many years. It was very hard to keep going, but I did. No matter what this person tried to do to ruin my career and harm me publicly and personally–I kept going. It wasn’t easy but I knew I stood on the side of truth. No matter how many vicious and outrageous lies this person would post about me–I kept writing. The only way to win against bullies is to not seek revenge but to succeed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before I became traditionally published and agented, I received many rejections. My father encouraged me by saying, “Most people never get a single rejection for their literary work because they never try. Keep going.”
This advice really helped me in my life and career. I’m a fighter at heart. My parents taught me the value of hard work and determination and it instilled in me a determination for success.
What are you reading now?
An out of print book entitled, Among the Giants by Bertha M. Neher, printed in 1895.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more books, creating art and penning more screenplays. And most importantly, because of what I have endured as an author, I am working to get stronger stalking laws in place, especially in my state.
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?
Ha! I would bring four books on how to live on a desert island and how to build a boat out of Palm trees.
I would actually bring the entire collection of Edgar Allan Poe books.
Author Websites and Profiles
Angela J. Townsend Website
Angela J. Townsend Amazon Profile
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