Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Last year I published a Young Adult Science-Fiction Fantasy Series called Beyond Earth Series that was made up of three books, “Beyond Earth”, “Beyond Planets” and “Beyond Time”. I’ve also have 12 of my short stories published this past year in three separate anthologies called “Giant Tales Beyond The Mystic Doors”, “Giant Tales From The Misty Swamp” and “Giant Tales: Down in the World of Pirates”. This June 2014 I will be releasing my latest novel, “Butterflies Wake”.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Butterflies Wake is coming out this June 2014 and it is about an underground female mafia that rights the wrongs of an unjust society. What inspired me was the idea that women are always depicted as weak or as victims via media and throughout the culture and I wanted to change that by writing a book that basically shouts from the rooftops the idea that “WE ARE NOT AFRAID”. The idea is to create a conversation about the way in which not only men perceive women, but how we perceive ourselves.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Much like an athlete during the playoffs, I tend to wear my favorite pajama pants for several days in a row and when they get dirty I wash them and wear them again. Its almost habitual. Perhaps I am afraid I’ll lose my mojo if I don’t have them on!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Suzanne Collins has been a huge influence on me because she writes strong female characters so well. The Hunger Games really made me sit down and think about writing in a way where I can make a difference by creating a conversation through my work. I also love Ken Follett and Dan Brown, those are my top three.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the next book in the series, “Butterflies Rising”. It’s a real killer. 🙂
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
http://www.beyondearthseries.com
http://www.butterflieswake.wordpress.com
I also use Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Stumble upon, Digg, LinkedIn, Google Circles, Goodreads and Pinterest!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop writing. Ever. Be like the people who start out in the garage and suck at everything until they finally get it right. Write until its right.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That you can only get better with time. Never give up.
What are you reading now?
30 Pieces of Silver by Caroln McCray
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m looking to continue writing and on the side, promote my work for film.
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?
A book on how to build a boat
A book on how to build a house out of anything
A book on how to build a bow and make arrows
Greatest works of William Shakespeare
Author Websites and Profiles
Arlene Lagos Website
Arlene Lagos Amazon Profile
Arlene Lagos Author Profile on Smashwords
Arlene Lagos’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account
Great interview, Arlene. You have accomplished so much in the last couple of years since we met in our little 750 collective.