Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written two full-length novels and one novella as part of a stand alone series. The books have similar characters and places but entirely independent storylines. I plan to publish one more book in this series before the end of the year and an entirely new horror series in 2021.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Whispering. I currently live in South Korea where my husband is stationed because of the military. Outside of our villa is a large field lined with trees. No one uses it for anything, which is a little surprising because the Koreans in our area grow fruits and vegetables even in the spaces between buildings. They really maximize space and their natural resources. Yet, this field is entirely empty and unused. There is an old abandoned chair at the far edge of this empty field. It gave me the inspiration for this novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m very much a planner. Perhaps that’s why I like writing in the horror genre so much. It’s chaotic and unplanned. However, on my end, it’s very much planned. I’ll outline the entire novel, every single chapter, prior to even writing the first sentence. I even have the blurb and cover art chosen before I write the novel. It helps keep me focused.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think every horror author says Stephen King here. And yes, some of the first horror stories I read when I was younger were written by King. However, now that I’m published myself, I’ve looked more towards fellow authors who focus on putting out quality self-published stories for their readers. I look to the likes of Ambrose Ibsen and Darcy Coates, though I believe Coates just accepted a traditional publishing deal. Amazing for her! I’m also quite fond of authors like Flint Maxwell, Carrie Bates, Christopher Coleman, Scott Dyson, Jeff Strand, etc.
What are you working on now?
I’m in the planning stages for the third full-length novel of my Hushed Horror Thrillers.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to give value to my readers. There’s a certain level of trust built up between an author and audience. They have to trust that I’m going to give them a good story with minimal errors. To do that, I like to give away what is known in the industry as a reader magnet. It’s usually a novella or a short story that relates to whatever series I’m focusing on at the time. It lets new readers get to know me and the type of style of writing that makes me who I am as an author. It also helps my more loyal readers see what my new series is about.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. It’s hard. It’s an uphill climb. You have to “go to work” literally every day and put words on paper on that second novel even while you’re trying to figure out how to market the first. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t start to doubt yourself. Your story is worth sharing, and we all can’t wait to read it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ignore reviews. Don’t focus on them. It sounded counter-intuitive to me, too, at first. They are very important; don’t get me wrong. I wish more readers did leave them! Some of them are fantastic and can give you great insight into what your readers want to see from you. But others are simply people being negative for the sake of it. Don’t take them to heart.
What are you reading now?
I just got done reading Penpal by Dathan Auerbach. Great book. I’m not sure why it took me so long to pick it up. Next on my list is actually Echoes by Amy Caplan.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I recently completed my copyeditor certification and have signed up for developmental editing classes for early next year. Along with continuing to self-publish, I’m going to see how I can help other authors in the industry.
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?
Anything I haven’t read yet! I’ve never been a fan of rereading stories.
Author Websites and Profiles
Bella Dean Joyner Website
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