Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a small town in Florida called Dade City, and from the moment I could talk I started telling stories. Once I knew what an author was, that was what I knew I’d be. Now, I’ve written more than 25 books in the young adult, romance, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction genres. My coming-of-age series, The Growing Roots, is fairly popular, as is my nonfiction title, The Southern Dictionary.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is ‘Poor Florida Cracker.’ The book is inspired by elements of my own upbringing, along with stories I’ve heard from family members or friends. I worked on the title for years and never published it. This is VERY unlike me. I can knock out a novel in two weeks and have it ready to publish within three months. My stepmom wisely told me that the reason this book was so hard for me to put out into the world is because it contained more of “me” than my other books.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It might be weird that I can’t write only one book at once. After suffering a *long* period of writer’s block, I started jumping from one title to the next when I’d get stuck. I found that my writer’s block goes away like that, so I can go back to the original title and start working on it again. Right now, I have two books in the editing stage (a romance and the fourth volume of The Growing Roots Series), three in the writing stage (another romance, a sci-fi thriller, and the fifth Growing Roots), *and* I have another romance already outlined, ready to write. If I slow down, I can’t write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. For me, it was a lot of young adult authors who really inspired me to write. My favorite books as a child were Dicey’s Song (by Cynthia Voight) and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (by Mildred D. Taylor). I also loved Panther Girl (Maity Schrecengost) and Catfish and Spaghetti (Marcia S. Freeman). Schrecengost and Freeman did book signings at my elementary school and I told them I wanted to be an author when I grew up. They both told me to follow my dream and that I would do great things. That really stuck with me!
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m on a romance kick, mostly. I’m working on both the fourth and fifth volumes of The Growing Roots Series. The fourth volume is in the series’ biggest fans hands… my ten-year-old daughter! ha! I have a sweet romance and a spicy romance in the works, both set in my hometown. I also have a sci-fi thriller setting on the back burner, but in progress.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The fans. I’ve found that connecting with my fans on a person level helps promote my books better than anything else. I have a few who are amazingly dedicated, and they push my stuff more than I ever could! I also make use of giveaways, blog tours, Twitter, and Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Just keep writing. That first draft might look like crap, but that is what editing is for. My rough drafts are ROUGH! But eventually it’ll become a polished piece worthy of reading, and you can’t get down on yourself in the meantime. Also, learn everything you can – about your genre, marketing, writing, editing, everything! You can never learn too much.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” – Andy Warhol
What are you reading now?
The Heritage of Power Series, by Lindsay Buroker. I fell in love with her after reading The Agents of the Crown series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing, and *maybe* bigger things. I have something in the works right now that could launch my career a bit further, but I’m not allowed to talk about it. *shhh* 😉
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?
Oh man, that is *SO* hard. How about the last three volumes of The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan? I keep meaning to finish the series (one of my absolute favorites) but never seem to find the time. A desert island would totally give me enough time.
Author Websites and Profiles
Chelsea Falin Amazon Profile
Chelsea Falin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account