Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written about ten books and published 6. I recently went back to check out my backlist and improve them. I’ve learned a lot since I started publishing in 2016 and I’m really proud of the books I’m putting out now.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I re-released How to Get Arrested this month (Jan 2019). I loved the original but I’ve upped my game and now I think this is a book that will really get people into my series.
The idea for How to Get Arrested (and all of The Starsboro Chronicles) came to me while I was working on my first book in 2011. A portal fantasy about a world connected to ours through portals. In the original, a young woman runs away from her problems right into another dimension.
Zurik and Trent (two of the MC’s in Arrested) are her children. Trapped on earth and away from their parents. They protect humanity by hunting the things that go bump in the night.
In Arrested, that’s more specifically, Morgan Le Fay’s children.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write in the tub. I’ve never asked any of my author friends if they do this as well so I’m not sure how unusual it is haha. But living in New England is cold and when my fingers stop working because I’m literally chilled to the bone, I draw a hot bath, read until I’m warmed up, and then write until the water cools beyond comfort.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sherrilyn Kenyon is a huge influence of mine. Specifically her book Dance with the Devil.
I love the humor that comes through in her books as well as the action.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a lot. I’m a bit scatterbrained post-holiday season. I’m rewriting How to Diagnose a Changeling (Starsboro Book Two) while working on a nonfiction book (A publishing Guide for new authors under the name Marissa Frosch) and a short fiction piece for an anthology.
For my Cameron brand, I’m focused on re-releasing The Starsboro Chronicles but I’m also dabbling in paranormal romance books. Three in fact, that are in a shared universe. The first is a witch book, Salem Witch a fictionalized version of the events leading up to the Witch Trials in Salem Mass. Bite Me Once, is a werewolf book set in rural Maine in the 90s, and Vampire Viking in Vegas (You guessed it, it’s about a vampire Viking and his time in Vegas).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a book marketer by day, I have to say building an organic reach through guest posts, author interviews (like this one!) and podcasts are the best way to promote your books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
BUILD A PLATFORM! That means having an email list (and permission to contact them do not buy subscribers, EVER), a website of your very own (named after your author name, not your book or series), and outreach (guest posts, interviews, and podcasts). It’s slow but taking these steps will give you a following that you can grow a career out of.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read Tim Grahl’s Your First 1000 Copies. I was trained by Tim I’ve seen what these steps can do over time. Buy a copy and start ASAP if you want this to be a career.
What are you reading now?
Pointe Patrol by Earik Beann. Its a memoir about a husband, wife, and their pets who not only survived the California wildfires. After the evacuation, he and his wife and some neighbors went back to their home against professional advice to protect their homes from the fires and looters. I’m having on my podcast next week and he’s donating a portion of his profits to other victims of the fires.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m really excited about my paranormal romance series. That’s my next step once Starsboro is in order.
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?
Travelers by V.S. Holmes, Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, and The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Muagham
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