Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My background is in radio, so you will notice that it has lent itself well to a lot of my writing. My first novel “Ready for Air” (now in its 3rd re-write), was inspired by my time as a radio personality. My first published book, “To Detroit, With Love” was inspired by my love of music, as well as some events I witnessed during my radio career.
I’m a creative and an educator. I split my time between my work in higher education, writing, and I still do some radio work as well. In my free time, I love to travel and attend concerts. I live in Wolverine Lake, Michigan with my husband and our 8-pound Yorkie-poo Mr. Blake.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“How to Pin a Butterfly” is inspired by the supporting character in “To Detroit, With Love”. It focuses on Madelyn, who has no desire to be pinned down, professionally or romantically. I actually have a fear of butterflies and have read that it is the irregular flight pattern that bothers people with controlling tendencies. Ouch. But, when you get to know Madelyn, you will she has an irregular flight pattern and isn’t afraid to chase her dreams.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write without a cup of coffee next to me. I prefer to write in coffee houses but with my current professional schedule, I often find myself sitting in the corner chair with my feet up, sipping the coffee out of my New Kids On the Block coffee cup.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of the first series I read out of college was Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones series. I was drawn to it because I share a first name with the character. I fell in love with her writing style and read the entire series in a very short time. I went on to graduate school and gave up on reading fiction for a while. When I finished graduate school I began consuming as much “fluff” as I could get. Rachel Schurig’s books really struck a chord with me. She dealt with some of the themes my books do, such as fame, and her books are often set in the same metropolitan region as me, Detroit.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently trying to finish my third rewrite of “Ready for Air” with hopes to begin editing by Christmas. It was trashed by friends and critics alike the first two times out, and rightfully so. So, now, I am trying to shape what used to be a blog into a novel. I’m finding that it’s best to not even look at the previous two versions. Maybe I will once the first draft is complete.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This where I’m struggling right now. I’ve had some luck with the free promotional sites but aspire to become a BookBub Author.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. When someone tears your work apart, take a break from it. Come back later and look at it. What advice can you take away?
What are you reading now?
I just listened “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson. The book had me laughing on my commute, which is a feat to be sure. I think it makes some really great points about modernity and how we define happiness.
Author Websites and Profiles
Bridget Smith-Botos Website
Bridget Smith-Botos Amazon Profile
Bridget Smith-Botos’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account