Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Sedgefield, South Africa, near the sea (a 5 minute walk, actually). I have a 7-year-old son who is the love of my life. I began writing as a career almost 4 years ago. Before then I wrote for myself, and for fun. I got into writing eBooks for a company (ghost-writing). Some of the books were in my name, as I chose the topics (and asked for 10% of sales to go to various animal charities) but they were signed to my employer on a ghost-writer’s rate (fine by me). For Animal Totems and Spirit Animals, I requested royalties as I put a lot of effort into that one! The company then turned to website design, which I had no interest in, so I turned to oDesk and I haven’t looked back since. I love writing. I then decided to create my own books (hire my own illustrators) and ‘It Means Something To Me’ was born. The second in the series (The Fairies’ Message) will be available soon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It Means Something To Me. What inspired it? Well, my son often asks me to tell him stories at bedtime. This one came to mind. I wanted to tell him a story about a boy who collected rubbish along his walk, only to find that the rubbish he’d collected was valuable to someone else – and worth a mansion! I wanted my son to learn to look closer at things in life and make use of absolutely everything he has. It’s touching for me, and it saddens me to see how much is wasted in this day and age – especially young talent.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure which habits are usual – so I can’t be sure if I have any that are unusual. I guess one would be that I type with my right hand only?!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Helen Dunmore
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m on holiday at home (well-deserved)! In this time I am also tying together the loose ends on The Fairies’ Message (they can’t make up their minds – I finish the message then they want to add something, or change a phrase…)!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring that out…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t write to impress, write to express.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t write to impress, write to express!
What are you reading now?
Nothing at the moment.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have no idea. New doors open for me on oDesk just about everyday. I’ll see what the new year offers there, and also I need to see if It Means Something To Me will get the response I hope for.
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 Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis
Ingo – Helen Dunmore
The Hobbit – J.R. Tolkien
Author Websites and Profiles
Carly Van Heerden Website
Carly Van Heerden Amazon Profile
Carly Van Heerden’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account