Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. I spent twenty years touring the world and working within the Civil Engineer Operations Management Career Field. My time in the Air Force took me to Japan, New Mexico, Texas, England, Germany, Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Oman, and Bulgaria. Upon Retirement in 2017, I followed my dreams and starting writing. I became a published Author in 2018 and now have published children’s books under the Pen Name Auntie Nann, memoirs, Young Adult Romance, and multiple genres all available on Amazon. I am the founder and host of The Authors Porch podcast and Blog along with The Bombshell Book Review. my weekly Podcast shows allow me to talk to people and learn the light they are bringing into the world.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Hopeless In The City” I was inspired to write this book because of my daughter. She is eighteen years old and off in college. I pulled from the feeling of leaving home my first time when I was 19 years old and how much I felt the freedom, yet pull to be home. From there the characters developed themselves and created their own destiny. I loved the friendship that was built within the book with the three girls as I have some friends like that as well; however, I never intended the book to have those other two girls in it, they popped in there on their own. They were quite bossy, they didn’t want to leave Angelica.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think they are unusual, but I tend to flip between books as I’m writing. I usually write more than one book at a time. I will open one in the morning and as the characters stop producing their story, another will come through and I flip to that document. I open each document and in my head, I ask them which ones want to come out and play basically LOL.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have read since I was a child. Beverly cleary was such an inspiration with the Ramona books. I graduated to Nora Roberts and fell in love with the fact that there was romance, but the characters invited you into their lives. I escaped inside her books.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a children’s book (first in a series) to be published in July, a YA fantasy for September, and a “HOPE” book in November. I do a collaboration book every year and the proceeds go to my sister who helps people overcome addiction and get off the streets in our hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana. I call them my “HOPE” books.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books through Facebook, but more importantly I mention them in organic conversations. If they come up they do, if not I don’t pitch the subject to everyone I talk to. I believe you have to be an authentic person first.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
WRITE. Don’t stop. You are going to get discouraged. People aren’t going to notice sometimes. That is OKAY, you notice. Your characters are screaming to get out of you. Write if your heart calls to you. Be authentic throughout the entire process and don’t be afraid to fail. WE ALL DO, and it’s okay, it’s part of the learning process. Love yourself enough to let yourself cry when you need to, write when you need to, take a break when you need to and to celebrate when you deserve it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You are going to suck until you don’t” – Russell Nohelty
After hearing this on a podcast, I wrote my first book and published it. It’s still live on Amazon and I am in love with it. I sold 3 of them to friends and it is horrible LOL, but I think it is beautiful!
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading the list below (yes I read a lot)
“The Shipping Heiress” – Lisa Higgins
“Beyond The Pear Blossoms” – Shawna Rodriguez
“Straight From The Hart” – Traci Bannister
“Dark Strike” – Kim Richardson
What’s next for you as a writer?
For me, I want to keep doing exactly what I am doing. I’m writing in the genre of the characters that bring their story to me. I’m creating a space for authors to tell their stories and show their masterful pieces of art. I love my podcasts and my writing and I want to keep doing it. I would love to have more dogs, but my husband has stopped me at six, so i’m at peace with it. LOL
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?
Diary of A Young Girl – Anne Franke
Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White
Any of the Ramona books by Beverly Clery
Author Websites and Profiles
CJ Ives Lopez Website
CJ Ives Lopez Amazon Profile
CJ Ives Lopez’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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