Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a born and bred Portlander with three mischievous boys and one amazing husband. Along with being an author, I’m a part-time Spanish and creative writing teacher.
I first found my passion for reading YA back in 2009 when I discovered the Twilight series. (Don’t hate.) In 2018, I discovered my passion for writing them. I’ve written the rough draft for five epic YA fantasies, and have published the first one. My second will be released in February. I’m also working on a children’s book series about three boys who discover that an ordinary cardboard box turns into a miniature house that can fly. The Cardboard Box should be released in 2022.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Emerald of Viridian.
The inspiration: a strange concoction of life events and the need for a creative outlet. My children, great authors, painful experiences, escapism, and my bathroom shower all played a large part in producing the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unusual. Just cranky. If I don’t write everyday, I tend to become an unpleasant person. (My husband can vouch.) I also need chai when I write. Otherwise… Well. It just doesn’t feel WRITE.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh man. Sooo many. I devour large quantities of fantasy, and I feel like each have had an impact: Brandon Sanderson, Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and T. Ellery Hodges. The latter has become a good friend and amazing mentor during my transition from traditional publishing to indie.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on polishing the second of The Chronicles of Caelestis series, rewriting the third, publishing the first of the Cardboard Box Brothers (a children’s series), and entertaining lots of thoughts on a new YA fantasy series as well as a non-fiction “How to be an Indie publisher” book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, I’m in the throes of advertising. I’m launching a Kindle Countdown event at the end of September and advertising across about 20 or more different platforms. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice: Set realistic expectations for yourself. One of those expectations is that you are going to have to work your butt off. There will be a ton of setbacks. Gird your proverbial loans for them.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Advice? I can’t think of any. I only have anecdotes that have kept me from falling apart. Each story a person shares where they faced rejection over and over and over before finally becoming successful helps me plod onward despite so many challenges.
What are you reading now?
Sabaa Tahir “An Ember in the Ashes” series. I’m on book 2, and oh my goodness gracious. Half of me hungers to finish it RIGHT NOW. To discard responsibility and get lost in her world. It’s amazing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
There is no real “next.” I want to write forever. I’ve found something that I’m 100% addicted, passionate, zealous for. If nobody read a word of my writing, I wouldn’t stop. I’m a part-time teacher (This year I get to teach a creative writing class! Woot!) but still hope to crank out as many books as I can afford to edit and get a cover for every year.
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. Dawn of Wonder
2. The sequel to Dawn of Wonder that hasn’t been released yet.
3. The sequel to the sequel of Dawn of Wonder that hasn’t been released yet.
4. The sequel to the sequel… you get the idea.
Author Websites and Profiles
Claire Norsworthy Website
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