Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a educator who retired early to live in the North Carolina mountains with her husband and a black cat named Molly. By doing so I finally found the time to pursue my writing. I urge anyone who has the means to do so to find their passions in retirement. I have written five books so far.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is the final installment of my series, Jane Digby’s Diary, called White Lady. The inspiration for the series is naturally Jane Digby, who was a 19th century English aristocrat who led an unconventional life by traveling the world in search of freedom, adventure, and love. I am fascinated by women in history who broke the molds of their eras and led unique lives.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know that I have any unusual writing habits such as writing in the buff like Victor Hugo and Ernest Hemingway reportedly did, but I do favor writing on a laptop in a reclining loveseat. I also like to take frequent “walk about” breaks for inspiration.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love authors who have a distinctive style, especially those who write with precision and clarity – so much modern prose is overwritten. I am definitely in the less is more camp as far as style is concerned. I am reader who likes to figure things out for herself, rather than have everything spelled out. Part of the magic of the written word is in its ability to suggest, not impose.
What are you working on now?
I am currently in between projects due to some serious family health issues the past year, but I am currently researching subjects for another book or books about another independent woman in history. Who she is I haven’t decided yet!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have learned to avoid any pay-for-click promotions – too expensive for an indie author with a small budget and too vunerable to click fraud. I prefer flat fee promotional sites. I had some recent success with The Fussy Librarian.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can in as many genres as you can – and make time to write. It is so easy to allow our busy lives to take too much of our time, time better spent in developing our craft.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I hate to say this, since I just gave advice in the previous question, but I find advice is rarely helpful for creative people. We really do chart our own paths.
What are you reading now?
For research I am currently reading Emilie Du Chatelet: Daring Genius of the Enlightenment, Warrior Woman: The Exceptional Life of Nonhelema, Shawnee Woman Chief. And for fun, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am really not sure yet. I’ll keep you posted.
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 am probably cheating with these books:
A complete works of Shakespeare
A complete collection of Yeats
The Norton Book of American Short Stories
The Outlander series
Those should keep me busy enough!
Author Websites and Profiles
C.R. Hurst Website
C.R. Hurst Amazon Profile
C.R. Hurst’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile