Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Ann Laurel is a part of my real name, and I chose it as a pen name for the western historical novels I write because it fit. I am a wife and mom who loves to write. I took a course in fiction writing through the Famous Writer’s School back in 1994-1996. I began writing mail order bride books in 2016. Right now I’ve published 23 western historical novels and bundles.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Anna’s Choice. I have an over-active imagination and while I write I feel as if I’m the main character. I put myself in Anna’s shoes and took the journey with her.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write a number of different genres, so when I finish one book, I jump into another genre. I might go from western historical to science fiction.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, too many to name. Authors I love are JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling, CS Lewis, Katie Wyatt, and Stephenie Meyer to name a few.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new series called Ready Made Family for the Bride. It’s a four book series featuring the grooms with families in tact, either from a late wife, a sibling dying and leaving kids, or even a baby left on the doorstep.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is an area I’m still learning. I have my favorite places to promote and build from there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book, publish the book, write the next book. Keep going. It’s very rare for an author to hit it big with just one book. Keep writing, keep publishing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let a book simmer after you finish it before editing. You’d be amazed at how much better you can make the book if you put a little distance between finishing it and editing it, even if it’s just a week.
What are you reading now?
The Savage Lands by Jennifer Martucci, Christopher Martucci
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to build my catalogs along with popularity. An author can’t make it without readers and fans. I love writing and I need to find the audience who loves to read what I write.
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?
Holy Bible and Lord of the Rings trilogy.
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