Betty Owens

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write romantic comedy, historical fiction, and fantasy-adventure. I have three novels published, Amelia’s Legacy, Book 1 in the Legacy series from Write Integrity Press (historical fiction) and two fantasy-adventure novels, The Lady of the Haven and its sequel, A Gathering of Eagles. I also have two collaborative novels, A Dozen Apologies and its sequel, The Love Boat Bachelor (Write Integrity Press). Besides my personal website blog, I’m the co-founder of a blog dedicated to inspiring writers. And later this year, I’m putting on a new hat as a contributing editor for the soon-to-be launched online magazine, Imaginate.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest release is The Love Boat Bachelor, a fun romantic comedy. The story was developed by Jerusha Agen and seven other authors were invited to contribute chapters. So her introductory first chapter inspired the rest of the book. We developed our leading lady who would encounter her leading man (hero), each at a different Caribbean Island location. The chapters were released one per day on the publisher’s website– www.writeintegrity.blogspot.com — and after all the chapters were out, the readers were invited to vote for their favorite heroine. My lady won (it was a very close contest), so I also wrote the final chapter that ends the book. What an honor! I loved writing the romantic conclusion.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m struggling with a difficult scene, I turn on the TV. I usually find something I’ve seen several times then I turn my back on it and write. The voices and music (low volume) provide the ambiance I need.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte in the early days. Francine Rivers later on. Now, there are too many to count. I love to read and there are so many wonderful writers! Their books inspire me to work harder.

What are you working on now?
Carlotta’s Legacy, the second book in the Legacy series–sequel to Amelia’s Legacy. Set in the late 1920s, early 1930s, Carlotta’s Legacy is mostly set in the tranquil green heart of Italy. Rebecca Lewis leaves New York to marry an Italian count, where her new mother-in-law, Carlotta, will have a profound effect on her life.

Blurb: Rebecca Lewis’ life is in a downhill plunge. Even before Black Tuesday, her family’s money was dwindling. Marrying an Italian count will secure her and her mother’s future financially, but will it bring her the love she’s always wanted?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still perfecting that. I’ve used the social sites, Twitter and Facebook, Good Reads, and garnered help from friends with blogs.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Write. Study the craft and get involved in a good, supportive critique group. Stay teachable, but develop your personal style and voice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t waste your time writing. This was said to me at a writing conference, several years ago. My initial reaction: anguish. But, it spurred me on to dig deeper, work harder. I’m still learning.

What are you reading now?
With Every Letter, by Sarah Sundin

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have another book releasing this year. A story inspired by the Book of Ruth and a short interval of my mother’s life, called “Annabelle’s Ruth.” It’s set in 1950s rural Tennessee with a cotton harvest, instead of grain. I’m really looking forward to this release, because of the settings, and memories from my childhood.

There will be a final book in June of this year that concludes the collaborative novellas. It’s in the early planning stages.

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?
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – can’t read it too many times

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Swiss Family Robinson – for ideas on how to survive on a deserted island!

Author Websites and Profiles
Betty Owens Website
Betty Owens Amazon Profile
Betty Owens Author Profile on Smashwords

Betty Owens’s Social Media Links
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