Brenda Sparks

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have always loved all things spooky and that’s why I enjoy incorporating paranormal elements in my writing. I have written eight books, four of which are currently published. The others are in various stages of the editing process.
I also love exploring new places. When I’m not writing (which isn’t often), I am on vacation or traipsing around local spots of interest for fun. I’ve been to some really interesting places like a bat conservatory, amazing waterfalls and underground caverns.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My characters live in my mind. They talk and are mischievous, even after the story is written. Each time I write a new story, a character other than the hero will intrigue me. My next book usually ends up featuring that captivating person. That is how my latest book, Deadly Alpha, was inspired. When I finished writing Alpha Mine, one of the secondary characters, the fun-loving Marcus Botticelli, had my attention. I had to give him his own story which became Deadly Alpha.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits include: A cup of coffee. My laptop. A cup of coffee. A quiet place to settle in. Some coffee. Pictures of the characters and the setting open on my computer. Oh and did I mention coffee? (I’m a total addict and can’t write without it.)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’d have to say Christine Feehan and J.R. Ward are my two biggest influences. I was introduced to adult paranormal romances by Ms. Feehan’s work and it was love at first read. While J.R. Ward’s stories inspired me to write my own series.

What are you working on now?
Currently I’m working on book 4 of my Alpha Council Chronicles series. Book 3, Alpha Lover, has gone to the editor and I’m waiting to receive her suggested revisions, so while I wait, I am working on book 4.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew. I use a variety of mediums to promote such as social media, blogs, as well as, advertising on websites and in the newspaper. There isn’t one that stands out. Each time my story is mentioned somewhere, I feel like it is helpful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get a good book on grammar and writing proper dialog. (You’ll be surprised how often it’ll come in handy.) Then go for your dreams and keep working until you achieve them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Join a writers group. I have learned so much from talking to other authors. Through my writers groups, I have taken classes to improve my writing, and listened to amazing presentations on marketing and writing. I even signed my first publishing contract because of a submission request that came in a mass email for my writers group. Every writer should belong to some groups.

What are you reading now?
DW Adler has a new story out called Dance Macabre. It’s a short story that is dark and twisted. I’m loving it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll continue writing my Alpha Council Chronicles series. As of now, we have planned for there to be eight books in the series. However, my publisher and I are always open to expanding the series if the fans want more.

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?
I would bring my favorite stories from my favorite series: Dark Guardian from Christine Feehan’s Dark Series, Dark Lover from JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Demon from the Dark from Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark Series

Author Websites and Profiles
Brenda Sparks Website
Brenda Sparks Amazon Profile
Brenda Sparks Author Profile on Smashwords

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