Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there, everybody! I’m Carissa Andrews—speculative fiction author, freelance writer, and graphic designer. I write novels and short stories with a mix of scifi/fantasy/urban fantasy/paranormal/dystopia and a wee bit of romance added in. I currently have four full-length novels and two novelettes published. I also have three additional full-length books finished, each with publications happening between 2019 and 2020.
When not writing or designing something, you’ll likely find me with my husband and our five kids. (*Gasp* Yes, I said FIVE. Though, technically we have six, but one has her own house!) Plus, we just added two husky puppies to the mix… I have a crazy hectic household, but luckily all the energy is conducive (most days) to keeping busy and getting stuff done. It’s pretty much the philosophy of, “an object in motion stays in motion.” 😉
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I technically have three books all getting ready to launch.
Love is a Merciless God is my title found exclusively in the forbidden love box set anthology called Playing with Fire – due out October 8th, 2019. It was inspired by an episode of Angel in its format, but the storyline is all mine. It’s about a Guardian Angel who falls in love with her human charge, only to bring down the full force of the Angel Guild.
Awakening: Rise as the Fall Unfolds is my novel about angels and resolves the question of “What would it be like if Jesus never existed?” There’s time travel, alternative history, and awesomeness and it’s coming out November 12th, 2019.
Finally, I’m working on my Windhaven Witches series – due out in 2020. It’s going to be a quadrilogy, revolving around a mysterious house, a college student, and magick she didn’t know ran in her family.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I tend to approach my writing with a mixture of creativity and discipline. I listen to music while I write and find that my best times are either first thing in the morning or in the evening as soon as the kids are in bed.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh my goodness… so many I don’t think I could name all of them. I, of course, love JK Rowling, Stephen King, Stephenie Meyer, Shayne Silvers, Jennifer Armentrout, Suzanne Collins, Christopher Pike (as a kid), Douglass Preston and Lincoln Child. I don’t have ONE book that influenced me because they ALL did.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on getting the Windhaven Quadrilogy mapped out and written. I’d like for it to hit the NYT or USA Today bestseller list and I’m working hard to create a story that will be worthy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method for promoting my works has been my newsletter, but I also have used many great ones like Prolific Works, Book Funnel, and Story Origin… just to name a few.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I have TONS of advice for new authors. So much so, I ended up creating an online school and business around it. It’s called Author Revolution. Search for us on Facebook and join our Sunday chats where we talk about all aspects of publishing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When you’re writing, write. It’s not the time to research or edit. It’s time to get words on the page.
What are you reading now?
Obsidian Son by Shayne Silvers
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on my list run for 2020, as well as trying to hit a list this fall with Love is a Merciless God. My goal has always been to be a NYT Bestselling author and I plan to get there by the end of 2020.
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 Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle
Relic, by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Any of the Harry Potter Books. 😀
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