Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi – I am working on and near completion of several books, and one published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Romance Under Wraps – it is a romantic suspense that also deals with the growth of the two main characters and the obstacles they have to overcome – physically and emotionally. I want to convey a message wrapped in something exciting to help others think about what their obstacles are (without being preachy/overly dramatic etc).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Procrastination is the bane of my existence and usually I write at night. Late. With headphones and music on. I often find that baking, doing laundry, gardening all help the process <coughs in sarcasm>
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Edgar Allen Poe, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Chandler, J.R.R. Tolkien, CS Lewis, Christy Barrett, Melissa Ferguson, Linda Rodante, Robert Whitlow, Ted Dekker, the original Tom Clancy, Lolo Simenson, Terri Blackstock, H. L. Wegley. And a lot I haven’t named.
What are you working on now?
Rules of Engagement (a military thriller)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter, hands down.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot
Take advice from seasoned readers
Not every seasoned reader is right
Get onto social media
If you have a WordPress or can do podcasts, until you have your book written, do interviews. If you’re on social media – edit your work!
Get into groups with writers locally and online
Learn. The. Craft. Which means rewriting, rewriting and rewriting
Hire an editor (not a friend, not a critique, not your beta group, not a program), I can’t say this enough. And you get what you pay for.
Even if you decide to self-publish, it is a great idea to pitch your work to an unknown agent, submit a proposal, and how you plan to market it. Finally, write that three page synopsis – submit it to yourself.
Take time to clear your head.
Learn how to market. Here again: Learn how to market!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not everyone can find every mistake in your book and it’s up to you to comb through it to make sure your editor and publisher are correct.
What are you reading now?
“Murder in the Family by Ramona Richards
What’s next for you as a writer?
Get out of Dodge for a few days to clear my head, see something new, and get that rewrite finished.
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?
Crime and Punishment (because it takes a punishing amount of time to read it)
LOTR
A Bible
CS Lewis
Author Websites and Profiles
Claire O’Sullivan Website
Claire O’Sullivan Amazon Profile
Claire O’Sullivan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account