Chariss K. Walker

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Chariss K. Walker and I live in Amarillo, Texas. I am an Indie author and I have written and published 14 books since 2009. Four of my books are nonfiction, ten are fiction. I write fiction novels that appeal to those in my own age group, the baby boomers. Those fifty+ years of age seem to want to take the journey of a good book and savor the details. They aren’t in a rush and can allow a story to unfold. We’re patient.
My nonfiction books were written to share what I have learned over 30+ years of study and research on topics such as spiritual laws, chakras, meditation, and spiritual gifts.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Kaleidoscope, the most recent book(s) is actually the first book in a series, The Vision Chronicles. The Vision Chronicles is an eight book paranormal thriller series. Kaleidoscope introduces Mike Lewis as a 44 year old man tormented by his mystical ability to see visions of the future through the childhood toy. Mike seeks help from an old college friend, Dr. Nelson Fitch, and Nelson helps him to lose his aversion to the gift and accept it. Each book details Mike Lewis’s mystic ability and covers approximately eight weeks in his life. As the title of the book changes, so does Mike’s ability.
Kaleidoscope was inspired by my own dream. I dreamed I was watching a terrifying scene through a kaleidoscope. It was so frightening, I was awake the rest of the night and early morning thinking about what I had seen. The next morning I started the first book and the series grew from that one dream.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would say that my writing habits are unusual because I write every day. I hear other authors talk about ‘writers block’ but I treat my writing very much like a job. I sit down to write each day. I set a goal for myself and try to stick to it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been reading for many, many years. I won’t list a specific author because that would be unfair. I think all authors have influenced me. I often find an author and devour everything they have written. Then I find another one. Now, as a writer, I don’t have as much time to read as I once did but I think it is safe to say that each book I have ever read left an impression on me.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a three book suspense series involving a man who is in hi s late forties and consumed by the experiences of his childhood. He wants revenge and I guess we will have to see if he gets it or it gets him.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know if there is a best method, but I use Goodreads, Facebook, LibraryThing and my own personal website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would advice that all new authors figure out where they are going before they actually publish their books. You have to know where you are headed in order to get there. Know which promotions you will use and budget for them. It is not inexpensive to promote your book, so you want to get the most for your money. Do your research, take advantage of every opportunity that will work with your particular genre, and then keep plugging away at it. Stay calm and breathe. It takes a lot of effort and even more diligence.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You have to know where you are going in order to get there.

What are you reading now?
Right this minute (July 15, 2014) I am reading Looking for Alaska by John Green. I have a teenager at home and she handed the book to me. I am sure we will discuss it later.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I intend to continue to write for at least nine months of the year and promote for three months of the year. It is my personal goal. Being an author isn’t only the writing, it is a lot more.

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?
That is simply too difficult to decide on such short notice. I love books… It would really be nice if I could simply grab my Kindle on the way out the door to this island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Chariss K. Walker Website
Chariss K. Walker Amazon Profile
Chariss K. Walker Author Profile on Smashwords

Chariss K. Walker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account