Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m rather all over the place, to be honest. I’m a writer, blogger, traveler, reviewer, student, and wife. I’m studying Geology and Anthropology (not mixed together… yet) at the University of Wyoming and plan on taking my studies all the way. Space fascinates me completely as well as our planet and her history. All of which will eventually leak out onto the page, I’m sure!
I’ve published one novel and have many more hiding within me.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel, Dust, is scheduled for release March 9th, 2016 and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s a journey of rediscovery, love, and the reclamation of spirit. And it was inspired by conversations I’ve had with my husband, my girlfriends and their struggles in their own marriages, my grandparents, and others. It’s set in Wyoming and very much so inspired by the landscape here which easily could cleanse even the darkest of souls.
Here is the back cover teaser blurb:
Some people seek marriage counseling; others find wisdom in horse manure. Austen St. Johns has taken up a shovel.
When her marriage transitions from blushing newlyweds to people who merely co-exist, Austen realizes perhaps she’s responsible for her misery.
Desiring change, she leaves Oregon for the open plains of a Wyoming ranch where she discovers through love of self how she can save her marriage.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I’m aware of. It usually comes in spurts. When I force myself to sit down and write it never turns out right, but rather feels like I’m doing homework and writing essays for a class I don’t care for. So I try to stay inspired and often. This could be just a simple trick of leaving the house and getting away from the well beaten path of my daily or weekly routine. I crave new spaces, so if I’m feeling any sort of writer’s block I’ll hop in the car and drive somewhere I’ve never been.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a huge fan of Zane Grey. I love his writing style and his way of paying so much attention to the environment his characters are in. In essence, the landscape becomes a character which helps drive the story. I read a lot of his work and can see that it greatly influenced my own writing in my novel.
What are you working on now?
I’m dreaming up a sequel to Dust and hope to be able to put her together soon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I’m just a baby when it comes to this. I have found, though, that the best way to promote my name is to help other people. By shining the spotlight on other writers I have been able to increase my name recognition online and in the writing community. This type of practice is much in line with my overall perspective on the business world that we would be better off if we worked to build each other rather than racing to the top alone.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
A few pieces.
1.) Just write. Write whatever is in your head and your heart. Who cares what anyone else says. Write for the sake of writing and because it’s what you love. Write because it is a challenge or because it comes easily. But no matter what, just keep writing.
2.) Release yourself of any guilt you have over that one project you started a few years back that has so much potential, but has earned a thick layer of dust. You’ll get to it eventually… or maybe you won’t. Worrying about it won’t write it. It’s ok that it’s sitting there.
3.) A word written today is one more word written than yesterday. Not everyday is going to be a 2,000 word day. And that’s ok.
4.) Continue to grow your craft. I don’t care if you’re Hemingway reincarnate. There is always something to learn from other writers. Go to conferences and expand your writing community.
5.) But don’t let all that advice go to your head. Weigh it, see if it truly applies to your work, and then use what you can. Just don’t let your ego get in the way.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Craig Johnson told me during a book signing that the reason his books seemed to be successful was because he saw what other authors were doing and he went the opposite way. It seems an obvious piece of advice, but it was helpful.
What are you reading now?
Textbooks. Mostly. But I am also reading “Waking Up Joy” by Tina Ann Forkner and “Rose Under Fire” by Elizabeth Wein.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Travel… I think. And school. There will be lots of writing in between and hopefully a follow up to Dust coming soon.
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?
Jane Erye – no question!
Any sort of map of the stars anthology so I could learn something while I was there.
“Rumo and His Miraculous Adventures” by Walter Moers
“I, Coriander” by Sally Gardner
Author Websites and Profiles
Beaux Cooper Website
Beaux Cooper Amazon Profile
Beaux Cooper Author Profile on Smashwords
Beaux Cooper’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account