Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Memphis TN, and now live in Malibu, CA. I am the author of “A Portal in Time,: which is a paranormal mystery written in two time periods and set in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, and of “Dancing to an Irish Reel,” which is fiction, set on the western coast of Ireland. I write for magazines, am a 4 time award winning essayist, and a 5 time contributer to the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Dancing to an Irish Reel,: which is fiction set on the western coast of Ireland. I was inspired to write this novel after spending a year in Connemara, Ireland. Here is the book synopsis: On sabbatical from her job in the LA record business, Hailey Crossan takes a trip to Ireland for the vacation of a lifetime. What she unexpectedly finds is a job offer too good to turn down, so she stays.
Her life in Ireland is stimulating and eye-opening, but it comes with one complication—Liam Hennessey. He’s a famous Irish musician whose entire life revolves around performing, so when he meets Hailey, he is so unbalanced over his attraction that he can’t decide whether to come closer or run away. And so begins the push and pull of Hailey and Liam’s budding romance. It is a lyrical and sensitive dance enriched by colorful Irish friends, in the vibrant town of Galway. Hailey’s new friends help her navigate the cultural nuances of the west of Ireland, and serve as interpreters in her budding romance with Liam, all set in a breathtaking landscape with more charm and character than any place Hailey ever imagined.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, just a strong commitment to the process, which takes a daily investment and a lot of morning coffee.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the author Pat Conroy, and his novel, “The Prince of Tides” is my all time favorite book. I love reading Southern authors. Anne Rivers Siddons is another favorite of mine, as is Johathan Odell.
What are you working on now?
I am putting the final touches on my 3rd novel, which is a Southern family saga set in 1970’s Memphis. It is a sins of the father, cause and effect story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love twitter, FB, WordPress, about.me and Google+ My website is www.clairefullerton.com. I go to all my social media sites a few times every day and post as well as comment on others pages.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Go over your book’s first draft again and again, until you know it is in its best shape, that there are no mistakes, and that everything is cohesive. Find out which publishers are interested in your books’ genre and submit by following their guidelines. If you are looking for an agent first, the same rules apply.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“An author’s career is a marathon, not a sprint.” Dawn Carrington of Vinspire Publishing was the first to tell me this.
What are you reading now?
“Peachtree Road” by Anne Rivers Siddons
What’s next for you as a writer?
To find a home for my 3rd novel.
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?
1. The Prince of Tides” by Pat Conroy
2. “Peachtree Road” by Anne Rivers Siddons
3. “South of Broad” by Pat Conroy
Author Websites and Profiles
Claire Fullerton Website
Claire Fullerton Amazon Profile
Claire Fullerton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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