Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a self published author, having published my debut novel, Baby Blue, in June 2016 through Amazon.
I am an avid reader as well as a writer, reading extensively and in a variety of genres. I find this helps, especially if I’m lacking in inspiration and I’m looking for a new idea!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled Baby Blue and is a novel of contemporary fiction.
I started writing it in September of last year – 2015 – after a holiday in Cornwall with my husband. I remember sitting on top of a large crag of rock overlooking the sea and the character of Suzanna Sharp just seemed to form herself in my mind!
The plot itself, I think, came from a lifetime of reading some of my favourite contemporary authors such as Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain. I wanted a subject I could really get my teeth into but also convey a strong message to its audience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Depending on my subject matter, I like to listen to movie soundtracks while I write… Is that unusual?!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult was one of the first contemporary novels I read that had me absolutely addicted to books of similar genre.
I have read a LOT of Jodi’s books and I love the honesty with which she writes.
Diane Chamberlain is another firm favourite, as her topics are always interesting and thought-provoking.
I have to say, though, one of my all-time favourites has to be Kate Morton. Her descriptions and love of language never fails to amaze me and I often feel like I’m part of another world when I’m reading one of her books. The Forgotten Garden is definitely a book that has influenced my love of both reading and writing.
I can’t not mention a childhood favourite of mine – Brian Jacques. He wrote a series called Redwall in the 1990’s and I devoured each and every book when I was about eleven years old! His were the only series of childhood books that I remember crying real tears when I had finished the last book in the series!
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a series of novels entitled The Good Pirate – a historical adventure series for Young Adults – and hope for this to be released early 2017.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning when it comes to promoting and marketing and I can completely see why this is a full-time job in itself!!
Sites like Goodreads and various social media platforms – Twitter, Facebook – do make it easier to stay in touch with others who are like-minded and share the same goals.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from doing what you love
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I suppose ‘Do what you love’ isn’t really advice, but whenever someone says this or I hear it on TV, it always rings true for me. I’ve never been happy in any job that I had since I was sixteen as they always held me back creatively, and so I make sure that every day, I do something that I’m passionate about. It makes me feel alive 🙂
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book called The Illusionists by Rosie Thomas
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently working on the editing process for my next book, The Good Pirate.
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 Forgotten Garden’ by Kate Morton, ‘Triss’ by Brian Jacques, ‘Pirates!’ By Celia Rees, and the Bible
Author Websites and Profiles
Chelcie Cotton Amazon Profile
Chelcie Cotton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account