Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a college graduate with two degrees, one in general science and the other in animal science. I have only written one book, and have incorporated my love for horses and other creatures in my writings, and will continue to do so.
One thing I am looking forward to is having my book in circulation so that many people can enjoy what I have put forth. Then maybe I can fund my own breeding farm someday.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest and only book so far is called Hollow’s Charge. It was inspired partially by one of my favorite authors, Terry Brooks, and an animated show I watched years ago that had to deal with balance in the world, and destiny. Since then, an idea popped into my mind, and I began writing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say unusual. I have a certain tea I like to drink while I write. Lady Grey. Just to throw that out there. I like to listen to classical music while I write. I end up tuning it out, but in doing so, I concentrate more on my work, and don’t even realize how much time has gone by until I’m interrupted by something.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have enjoyed reading the works of both Anne McCaffrey (may she rest in peace), and Terry Brooks since middle school. A good friend of mine exposed me to their work, and I have been a fan ever since. If I am being completely honest, I would have to say that much of my writing style has come from Brooks, while the addition of humor is all up to Madam McCaffrey.
What are you working on now?
I need to get in gear to continue working on the second book in The Hollow series. It is proving to be a bit more difficult than the first book. Though through my job as a virtual assistant for an author with websites specifically for other authors, I have been writing content that I never would have otherwise, and it is opening doors into new and exciting things to experiment with. I’m hoping this will help jump start some new ideas for the second novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have not had so much luck with this first novel. It’s been a pain to sift through all the other authors publishing by themselves, and trying to get reviews to entice readers to take a chance and buy my book. If it weren’t very good, I would give up, but I believe there is potential in there, so I will keep going with my promotion until something good happens.
Much of my promoting has been done through Facebook and Twitter. With Facebook, they have a very good system of setting up ads to run that are cheap and easy to set up. While they don’t necessarily garner sales, they do get exposure to a lot of people who might mention your book to another party who is more likely to buy it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
GET YOUR BOOK PROFESSIONALLY EDITED. I fell into the trap of thinking I could do it all myself. While my initial manuscript was not half bad, there were still reviewers picking up on mistakes that took something away from the story. That’s not what I wanted at all. I know what it’s like to find a glaring mistake and have it halt my train of thought and interrupt my reading. I never want that to happen to my readers again.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A friend told me that it’s OK that my novel begins a bit slowly. She says its all part of building up the story. I was put off a bit when a reviewer said it started off slow, and one person didn’t even finish it because she couldn’t get past the starting point. So I have decided to take my friend’s advice and not worry so much about it. There is a point where it is not so slow, and I think that once people get over that hump while beginning a new series, they will be greatly rewarded for their efforts.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Green Rider by Kristen Britain, since it was recommended to me on Goodreads. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy and adventures with a little mystery to keep you guessing. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. I don’t believe there is a point where I will really stop. Until the inevitable, of course. But until then, I will keep doing what I love, what comes natural. It’s not something I can just give up.
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?
One book I really enjoyed was The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Gosh was it long, but it kept me occupied for quite an enjoyable while, so that would be one of them. Another would be at least the first book in McCaffrey’s Acorna series. Love those books. The third would likely be Black Horses for the King, another of McCaffrey’s books. It is all about horses, and has so much information on them, as well as being an intriguing fantasy read.
Author Websites and Profiles
Arielle LeClair Author Profile on Smashwords
Arielle LeClair’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile