Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles, close to Hollywood. I’ve always been intrigued by the film, entertainment business and story telling as a whole and I’m excited to finally realize a dream I’ve had since I was in my early twenties. I’d said I wanted to write a book some day, and I did. There really is no secret to it, you just have to do it and take the time to make it happen.
I’m a lover of wine (too much), yoga, music, gray areas, John Hughes flicks and anything that stimulates and elevates the senses.
My debut novel First Kiss, the first in my Heavy Influence Series, has recently released and I couldn’t be more happy with the reviews.
Skid Out, its prequel novella teaser, is now available for free on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is my debut novel, FIRST KISS. It’s silly to say that I had a dream, but I did. I’d taken my then 8-year-old daughter to a Jonas Brothers concert and had a dream that night. The whole Heavy Influence Series was inspired by that one dream. It helps that I’ve lived an interesting life as well, so I’ve been able to pull from my experiences and from witnessing life unfold around me.
Music is the back drop of the Heavy Influence Series – It’s a modern day “Walk The Line” meets John Hughes Classics (i.e. Pretty In Pink, Sixteen Candles). First Kiss is accompanied by an original soundtrack – recorded exclusively for this series, by musicians who I’ve traveled with and who’ve inspired the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? *laughs* I’m not sure. I wake up REALLY early though, sometimes before 5am to begin writing. By noon I’m usually done and want to “play”. Coffee is HUGE in my process…as well as wine 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Simone Elkeles has been an influence – those were the first YA books that I’d read that were gritty. My Heavy Influence Series is an edgy read. Sex, drugs and the music scene – family issues etc. I’d written my first book before I even read a YA book. I’d only been a fan of Thrillers, Robert Ludlum type books.
I since then devour YA books from too many authors, I love them all, fantasy to contemporary.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on book 2 in my Heavy Influence Series, Broken Notes. Also, tinkering with my next series, The Zodiac Wars, which will be an urban fantasy series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best I’ve found is Twitter and Face Book. But really it’s been the blogging community! It spreads from there, whatever methods they use to get their reviews out to the readers… I think Twitter the most though.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
*Sigh* Boy this has been such a learning experience. Being an indie author I didn’t have anyone in the beginning to tell me what to do. I shot from the hip, haha. I was really fortunate that the bloggers I reached out to, loved my book. It then cascaded from there. I’m still learning though.
Don’t rush the process – as in take the time to edit your book. This was a big deal for me, I’d been working on my debut novel for so long, and finding people to read it was easy, but finding a proof reader/ editor is A MUST! If you spend any money on anything at all – FIND A GOOD EDITOR.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ll reiterate – FIND A GOOD EDITOR – and just write. Writing is the only way to be a writer/author. Just do it.
The only way to build an audience is to keep releasing material.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Magic Study (book 2) by Maria V. Snyder – I need a little fantastical inspiration. My publicist recommended this series and it’s awesome.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, in addition to penning books. I also love producing and writing video/film projects. Because my Heavy Influence Series revolves around music, I’ve been producing music videos for it.
Currently I am producing the second video to promote the series, a film short/ music video and I’m excited to begin filming in Dec through Jan.
As well as finishing the series books.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Oh man… this is a tough one… but right now… the book I always have next to my computer is The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It’s so not the genre I’m currently writing… but it’s written so beautifully. I aspire.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ann Marie Frohoff Website
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