Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up south of Chicago in a small industrial type town where I attended an all girl’s Catholic school run by ‘the sisters’. And yes some of them were mean, but I survived (and so did they). I served in the U.S.A.F. where I met my awesome husband and learned to shoot an M-16. I’ve written several screen plays, two of which placed well in contests, but haven’t made it to the big screen yet (maybe someday). I’ve been writing fiction for about six years now. The Harvest is my first published novel and the first in a series. Although it has some sci-fi aspects, the story is about survival when humans are no longer the fittest on the planet. I draw inspiration by observing everyday life; people, billboards, my dogs, commercials… whatever. I’m also a runner, which is good for burning off chocolate doughnuts and Italian ice cream (should be considered a meal). Some of my best ideas happen while I’m running. I’ve completed 2 half marathons, a 10K and several 5Ks. I should have more published by now, right?
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Harvest is my first and latest book. It started out from a picture I saw of three suns or one sun and two half suns. They call this atmospheric phenomenon Sundogs, which is nothing more than reflections of light on ice crystals around the sun. I liked the name Sundog and from there my imagination took over. The main characters are strong individuals and in some way or another were inspired by people I admire in my life. Although at first they seem a little too perfect, as you read further you see that their strengths are also their weaknesses.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nah. I’m pretty boring. If I have writer’s block I go for a run. I don’t know if it’s the fresh air or the pain, but running always puts my brain into overdrive. I keep a small notebook with me (not when I run) to jot down ideas, because I can’t remember anything, especially at 2 am. I don’t prepare a detailed outline before beginning a story. Something about knowing everything, especially the ending, takes away the fun of writing. Once the story is complete I go back through and fill in any holes or change things where needed. And I generally choose the title once I am almost finished.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a little bit of everything and almost anything. I like stories about real people in extraordinary circumstances, but enjoy some fantasy as well. One of my favorite books is the Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Anne Rice and Stephen King are two of my favorite authors and of course I like the classics like Bronte, Lee and Mitchell. I loved Gone With the Wind and Jane Eyre, but enjoyed reading Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Twilight as well. It really depends on my mood. I’ve attempted to read Tolstoy’s War and Peace, but never got father than the first few chapters.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to The Harvest or the second in the series. No title yet. At present the series will consist of four books.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, The Harvest has only been on the market for two months, so I’m not sure I can answer that just yet. I published through Kindle Select and Create A Space, so the marketing aspect of writing has definitely been a challenge. I’m a member of Goodreads and MARSocial. I use Twitter, but haven’t jumped into FB yet. I guess that will be next.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient. Believe in yourself. And most importantly put out the best product possible. There are a million writers trying to get noticed so you have to shine.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Steve Jobs was quoted saying — “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
I have this taped to my computer and stuck on my fridge. Whenever I doubt myself I read this quote.
What are you reading now?
Nothing at the moment. I have several books in line to read including Fallyn and the Dragons by K J Rollinson and Dr. Sleep by S.King, but first I have to write. I can’t do both.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Obviously I’ll continue writing The Harvest series. I’m also contemplating writing the screenplay for the first book and seeing where that takes me.
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?
War and Peace, because then I would have no choice in reading it to the end and I’ll probably be on the island for a very long time. I would also bring The Harvest, just because it’s mine. A How to Guide to surviving on a desert island would be a must. A book on how to speak Italian, because I’ve always wanted to learn the language. Those should keep me busy in between trying to crack open coconuts.
Author Websites and Profiles
Anne Ferretti Amazon Profile
Anne Ferretti’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account