Interview With Author April Tompkins
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write women’s fiction, with two full novels and seven novellas in my collection so far.
I used to write and record songs with my band (we’re on Spotify!), but now I concentrate on writing prose.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest, released on February 19, is called Lies and Love. My stories are all set in small towns and I wanted to use the Black Hills of South Dakota as a setting this time, so I plopped my main character down in a fictional tourist town there and watched her life unfold.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t plan out my books. I develop a main character, a setting, and usually the main character’s occupation and then things happen to her. I never know what’s going to occur, but my characters have found themselves in some unusual situations.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think I draw from all the authors I read, and I love discovering great writing styles.
What are you working on now?
The second novel I wrote (as quite a novice) didn’t turn out well, so I’ve decided to condense it into a novella. I still like the storyline, and now that I’m a much better writer, I believe I can make something out of it. That said, I’m itching to begin a new story as well.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve used many. I do like Goodreads, because I can usually find a few ARC readers by posting in a few of the groups there. As an unknown author, I try to take advantage of as many opportunities as I can find to promote my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a book that you would like to read. Don’t try to please someone else before you please yourself. In other words, be genuine.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t overthink it.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Matthew Perry’s memoir.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll soon be ready to begin a new novella. I think this time my main character is going to buy and refurbish an old roadside motel.
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’m partial to true crime and great true crime writers, so In Cold Blood for sure, probably Executioner’s Song. I might take Stephen King’s “On Writing” with me as well.
Author Websites and Profiles
April Tompkins’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.