Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My sister Ann Bauer and I just published our debut novel, Cuban Sun in April 2013. We’re both avid readers and travelers. We both are former college professors and LOVE to research, especially new places and wierd historical mysteries.
We have wanted to write a book together for quite a while but NaNoWrimo 2012 gave us the jump start we needed.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our first and latest book is entitled Cuban Sun. While the environment and setting were inspired by our love of travel, the issues presented were inspired by the increased action of Human Trafficking watchdog groups in the Caribbean. There are still so many underground trafficking groups active in the area and we wanted to draw attention to the issue.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think there are two things that we do differently than anyone else we know. First, Ann actually hand writes everything before typing. She feels intimidated by the blank computer screen. Apparently, the lined paper is more friendly. Second, before submitting any work to review groups, etc. we read the chapter out loud to one another. It really works well to catch flow problems and awkwardness with dialog.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow. That question is extremely difficult. The two of us are all over the map in terms of author influences. Jeannette Wells, Stephen King, Marne Davis Kellogg, Diana Gabaldon, Gary Jennings and Greg Mortenson tend to top the list.
What are you working on now?
We are excited to have begun the second book in the Sofia Koury series. It will be title Mediterranean Moon. We hope to publish in early 2014.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads and Facebook have proved to be invaluable in getting the word out. The other, very low tech, method is word of mouth!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes!
1. Start promoting before the book is published.
2. Submit chapters/ sections of your work regularly to very critical (read: honest) writing groups. The worst thing you can do for yourself is to submit only to people who give fluffy and overly positive feedback.
3. Don’t be afraid to write what you love.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Another author gave me this advice and it has been incredibly helpful: “Get as many bad critiques as you can before the book is published because that’s the time when you can do something about it.”
What are you reading now?
Ann is reading “The Spice Necklace” by Ann Vanderhoof and I am reading The Accidental Tourist. Obviously, we both have a thing for travel writing…and food.
What’s next for you as a writer?
We would like to continue the Sofia Koury series and expand into the Speculative fiction market.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Again, that is extremely difficult. Ann’s favorite is Voyager by Diana Gabaldon and mine is 1776.
Author Websites and Profiles
Bryn Bauer Website
Bryn Bauer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile