Interview With Author Chris Reilly
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Chris Reilly, born in Liverpool, UK and loved books for practically my whole life, both reading and writing.
I’ve written so many books! But I’ve only recently begun to take it seriously and start self-publishing late 2022. I’ve currently got two books published, with my third, the second book of a duet, due to be released shortly.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sky Full of Stars is my last release and is a Rockstar Romance. I used to read thrillers/mystery books for a very long time, by traditionally published authors. I got into the world of indie published romance authors a couple of years ago and enjoyed them so much I decided to try my hand at writing one myself. Since then, that is all I’ve read/write now.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really unusual but I do tend to get my most creative in the middle of the night. I have a voice recorder app on my phone now so when I wake up with an idea, I just pop that on and ramble away (usually I can understand what I’m talking about when I wake up)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book that influenced me to try Romance was Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. I’d never read anything written by two authors collaborating before and have to say, its impossible to discern who wrote what. From there, I started getting into all the subgenres of romance but a couple of my absolute favourite authors are Serena Akeroyd and Caroline Peckham/Susanne Valenti (another collaborating pair).
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Book 2 of my BreakNeck Rockstar Romance series. It’s about a band, unsurprisingly, a rock band. Each member will have their own story, they are interconnected but they can be read as standalones too.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve tried a few things but as a fairly new author its a bit trial and error. I mostly use Instagram and have my own website. I keep intending to venture into TikTok, that will be my next venture.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
In terms of the writing, only you know what you want to write about and how you want to write it, use your own voice, don’t try to emulate anyone elses writing style but definitely read as many books in your genre as you can to get to know the feel for what readers want. After all, we’re all readers too.
Marketing advice – research EVERYTHING. It’s very easy to fall into the ‘I can just put it on Amazon and it will sell’ trap. There is so much more that goes into it. Get yourself a website, absolute must. Set up a mailing list too to capture readers. A free Reader Magnet is also a must for getting that email list started and also showing new readers what kind of style you write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Dave Gaughran has been the best mentor and provider of free courses and advice. Everything he says is the best advice I’ve ever had.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently re-reading the Zodiac Academy Series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. Its a paranormal steamy romance series about fae in a college setting.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to continue on with the series I’ve started and I have all kinds of plans for an entire new rock star series, plus a few standalones. I’ve mapped out about eight books going forward. So mostly, I’ll be writing!
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?
Bag of Bones by Stephen King
Teardrop Shot by Tijan
Sky Full of Stars by Chris Reilly 🙂
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