Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After getting her degree in physics/geology, I headed west, ultimately landing in Arizona. During my years in the land of cactus and bare rock, I’ve worn a number of cowboy hats including geophysical technician, computer geek, historic district rabble-rouser, museum guide, space artist, and free-lance writer in aviation. Currently I share my home with a husband who resembles Sam Elliot, the world’s largest purse dog, and a passel of cats.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is Assassins: Dela, the first novel in a projected series of three science tales in a galaxy where Earth is gone, interstellar nations war with each other, and Guild World’s chief exports are Assassins. The original inspiration for Dela was the old proverb “A cat may look at a king.” Then the story went its own way…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Costco chai once a day.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nelson DeMille’s THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER made me aware of complexity. C.S. Friedman’s COLDFIRE series taught me to dust off moldy precepts and distort them until they become fresh and thought-provoking. The 1950s books of Cordwainer Smith remain interesting.
What are you working on now?
Either the second book of the Guild World Series or the first book of the Magicians (working title) series will be next in the queue as soon as I finish publishing, publicizing, etc a *gasp* Romance set in a small Arizona town.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Read books like THE KINDLE PUBLISHING BIBLE to learn how to promote yourself and your book. Watch what other writers do for publicity.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
“Patience.” It takes, on the average, five books and ten years before a newbie write gets published.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Join a writers organization related to your specialty. If you have romantic interludes in your book, consider joining a local chapter of the Romance Writers of America. The two chapters I have been affiliated with were filled with women – and men – who shared information on writing techniques, markets, and marketing. And not everyone wrote Romances.
What are you reading now?
Nelson DeMille’s THE GATE HOUSE.
Also, COOKING THE WILD SOUTHWEST by Carolyn Niethammer. (It’s mesquite bean season in the Arizona desert.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Another book, of course.
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?
The Collected Works of Cordwainer Smith – Fascinating stories, beautiful language
The ColdFire Trilogy – Also fascinating
My 1912 Cookbook and Household Companion (buried in a box of books) – bake a cake, tan a hide, clean gloves, build an outhouse – perfect for a desert island
Probably the Holy Bible – So many stories to think about
Author Websites and Profiles
C. F. Yankovich Amazon Profile
C. F. Yankovich’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile