Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live by the lake. My husband and I enjoy loading the dogs (two mutts) in the golf cart and heading to the beach for a swim or a game of fetch. I’m an indie author and I write women’s fiction short stories which warm the heart and inspire readers to cherish their friends and family.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Sadie Smiled. It was inspired by seeing myself, my mother, and friends deal with divorce, and my own struggles with debt and how it gets in the way of your goals and dreams.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write with pen and paper for the first draft. It’s harder to edit as I go that way. I just write fast and furious, ignoring mistakes and scribbling notes in the margins. When I’m done I do my first revision as I type it up.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m inspired and influenced by Pat Conroy. I hope in the future to bring more local flavor into my stories in the way he wraps the reader in the coastal South.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my third and last Help From My Friends Story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve learned so much about promoting and marketing in the last two months. Awesomegang is by far my favorite, and I’m learning now how to make the most of Amazon Marketing Services and how branding works.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join the Twitter writing community and get active on Goodreads community. There are so many helpful people there, it’s mind-blowing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write drunk, edit sober”
It’s questionable who really said this first, but I love it. I take it figuratively, not literally. I write fast and without reserve or inhibition. I try not to care if it’s complete junk I’m writing. When I go back and edit, that’s when you put your sober hat on and try to create excellent prose.
What are you reading now?
The BadReadHead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge by Rachel Thompson
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
The Road Home by Krista Sandor
What’s next for you as a writer?
More learning! I’m grateful for my favorite teacher, Linda Batty, who taught me the love of being a lifelong learner.
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?
Beach Music by Pat Conroy
The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide by Douglas Adams
Life After Life by Kate Atkins
Author Websites and Profiles
CA Martin Website
CA Martin Amazon Profile
CA Martin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account