Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have known I was a writer since I was five years old. I took all the paper off the shelf.
My teacher told me to put it all back except one piece.
My best friend Mark stood up and said, “She’s going to write a book.” As only a kindergarten teacher can Mrs. Carnahan said, “Well, then, she’ll have to write it one piece of paper at a time.”
So I did. I’ve written about 50 books, most of which are no longer available, but the few that are available, are my best and brightest.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current book is called The Leonardo Trait. It’s about turning your creative eccentricity into a life you love.
I got the idea from reading a couple of books that talked about having a lot of projects and passions. None of what they said really clicked with me, so I wrote my own book. I do that a lot.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is unusual, but I don’t know anyone else who does it. I design the cover before I write the book. I design my own covers, so I can do that.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Dean Koontz’ Odd Thomas series. I’ve been moved by Anne Lamott’s nonfiction writing. I read The 7 Habits of Effective People by Stephen R. Covey and Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg once a year.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book called 10 Impossible Ideas Before Breakfast, which is about the idea process.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t done a lot before with promotion. I’m hoping Awesomegang.com will become one of my top methods, and I’m doing a FreeBooksy promotion in a few weeks.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write every day that you can. Just write. Don’t worry about what anyone thinks. You’ll get better, but only if you write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t judge your insides by anyone else’s outsides. I use that in writing and in life.
What are you reading now?
Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson. I’ve read it three times but I’m waiting for his new one, Dead Wake, to be available at the library so I’m reading this one again. Devil in the White City is about the Chicago World’s Fair and a serial killer. Dead Wake is about the sinking of the Lusitania.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m expanding The Leonardo Trait into a series, and I’m looking forward to that.
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?
I wouldn’t bring the Bible, no offense to God. I’ve read it, and I may read it again, but I’d read the most interesting, informative and useful parts again. I’d bring a nonfiction book, probably something on personal development. Probably The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Two books on writing, probably Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird and Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones. And a book filled with 2,500 blank pieces of paper. If I’m not allowed to bring a pen I’ll find something to make ink with and write with a twig.
Author Websites and Profiles
Angie Dixon Website
Angie Dixon Amazon Profile
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