Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write women’s fiction and romance, with and without paranormal elements. I also write nonfiction under the name Frances Susanne Brown, and my memoir, Maternal Threads, is due out later this year from High Hill Press.
I’ve written four books – the memoir, two romances, and a women’s fiction, The Phoenix Syndrome, which recently won 1st place in FCRWA’s The Beacon Contest. The other three books are all under contract.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Phantom Traces is coming out as an eBook on 02.19.15 from Soul Mate Publishing. It is a romance with a ghostly twist set in an old library. I love libraries, and I love a good ghost story, so I thought I’d write one.
The trailer says it all and can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/1EIj4IY
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I still work full-time, writing has to happen after hours – or usually before. I’m an early riser, a morning person, and will often be found pounding out 1000 words or so on my keyboard before most the of the world even wakes up.
My office, where I do 99% of my writing, is eclectic and reflects my quirky interests, with decor inspired by history, hauntings, and the unexplained.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In this genre, Suzanna Kearsley is my main inspiration. “A Winter Sea,” first released as “Sophia’s Secret,” is in my Audible library and I’ve listened to it at least three times. Her RITA winner, “The Firebird,” is another.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on another romance/ghost story called “Electricity.” It’s set in an abandoned asylum, and the characters are electricians who are rehabbing the building. In writing some of the scenes, late at night in my office, I’ve actually scared myself!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am the odd author who loves marketing, but since this is my debut novel, I guess I’ll have to see which avenue is the most effective to boost sales. I’m a daily Twitter addict with over 12K followers. I also do Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads. I’m hoping Awesomegang joins the list of best promotion website!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. First step: Keep writing until you get to The End. Then revise, revise, revise. Join critique groups – my online crit group had such a big part in getting my manuscript ready for that first contract offer. And remember, until you’ve papered one wall with rejection slips, you’re not really trying hard enough.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make sure you do your research. I’ve read two books lately where the characters watch “a gorgeous sunset, the sun sinking into the ocean.” One was set in Maine, the other in Massachusetts. Geographically impossible.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “Be Buried in the Rain” by the late Barbara Michaels. Classic ghost story!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m seeking agent representation for my women’s fiction, The Phoenix Syndrome. After finishing “Electricity,” I will begin work on the next in my contemporary romance series, The Lake George Series. The first book, “A Taming Season,” is coming soon from Lachesis Publishing.
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?
Suzanna Kearsley’s “The Winter Sea”
Cathy Yardley’s “Rock Your Plot”
Anything by Kristan Higgins
A journal with empty pages, and a mechanical pencil (or 6)
Author Websites and Profiles
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