Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a published author for just a few years now, but I’ve always enjoyed writing. My best work was only part way done when I lost it in a house fire. I have two books currently published under this name, Let It Snow (standalone) and Buy Me A Rose Book 1 of Wicked Fairytales. I have several more I’m working on as well. When I’m not writing I am playing or creating with my boys or crafting on my own. I enjoy reading, singing, drawing and gaming. I’m a huge fan of anime/manga, fantasy, and magic.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My next book is a story about three sisters that run a wedding company called Taking the Plunge, and they are being forced to marry three brothers that run a matchmaking company called Eternal Love. I can’t give much more away because its release is a surprise. It will be a clean read, not my usual genre but I enjoyed writing it and look forward to writing the others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prefer writing while listening to music. I’m also not partial to an outline. I’m more of a ‘pantser’ type of author. At most I will writing character profiles and summaries, but not much more.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s hard to pinpoint an author or book that influenced me enough to be an author. I’ve been reading most of my like and there are several books I love. I guess if I think hard enough, I can pinpoint a few books that have influenced me enough to feel comfortable enough to write erotica. Kiersten Fay and her book Demon Possession really encouraged me that you can have a great plot with hot sex. J.K. Rowling encouraged me that series are good. Lord of the Rings and Narnia influenced me into realizing that magic, man, and creatures are subject to interpretation. The authors in my writing group have been a great influence on being a better proofreader and writer by going over my work for me before submitting it. So many books and authors have helped influence my direction, but also influenced me to be ME as an author.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on several things. The sequel to the wedding story I mentioned about and the next book in the Wicked Fairytales series. And a few other ideas I’m working out, I may not start them yet, but I plan to write any ideas I come up with for them.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure this out. I’m not used to getting myself noticed so it’s touch and go right now. The best results I’ve had have been the authors in my writing group. They’ve helped to promote my books as they are able. My family and friends have as well. But I am trying to get on my own feet as well and touch more people.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It doesn’t matter how great you did in your English, Literature or Writing Classes when you come into the writing industry as an author. It doesn’t make you all-knowing or the best out there, it makes you fresh meat. So keep the ego in check. There are authors that have been writing for a very long time. If they give you advice, take it. You don’t have to use it, but be grateful they took the time to notice and help a newbie because it’s real easy to get swallowed up in the shuffle without a friend or two in the industry willing to help you out.
And writing groups are a big help. They can be a mix of genres or just your genre, but, either way, they need to be willing to help you, give advice, bounce ideas or just chat. You don’t know how much it will help until you join one.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Proofread when you finish, wait a day or two and proofread again. You don’t realize how many mistakes you’ve made until you do.
Also, consult beta readers. Try getting a well diverse group so that you can get different opinions and interrogate them when they’re done. You need to know WHY they did or didn’t like something. But it’s best to only send a few chapters at a time and try getting people that are willing to critique and not be bias.
What are you reading now?
Wherever It Leads by Adriana Locke. I read it once already, but I am reading it again. It’s a great book that I hope you pick up. You won’t be disappointed.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Another book. There will always be another book for me to write.
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?
Demon Possession by Kiersten Fay
Three Fates by Nora Roberts
The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
Dance With the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Author Websites and Profiles
Brandi Gillilan Website
Brandi Gillilan Amazon Profile
Brandi Gillilan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account