Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Young Adult Indie-Author, and I’ve written three books so far.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My recent book is titled Spiraling Vortex. It is the second book in a series of eight novels planned. It starts immediately after the events of Dancing Abyss. The Brook Falls series follows a young girl named Ashley during her journey of growing up and dealing with life’s hardships.
When I was growing up, my family had a summer camp, in Wirral NB, and I guess that town is the inspiration behind this series. As are events I’ve experienced during my own journey, have deeply inspired this story.
Often I have found myself flipping through old journal entries, taking me back to that time, and things that were going on around me that I happened to record.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suppose I do, however they aren’t unusual to me. One different thing about the way I write is that I can’t build. If I sit down and try to map out my stories, down to every detail I end up with extreme writer’s block. I just can’t plan. I don’t know. I find it much easier if I get an idea to just sit down and write, allowing the characters to direct me to where they are heading.
Another thing I do while I write is that I write in chunks, and edit constantly. I guess that’s what takes me so long to complete a manuscript. I’m way too much of a perfectionist.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always loved reading, it’s something that I’ve done ever since I knew how to read. So, it’s hard to say for sure. However, I’m thinking that from my childhood my earliest influences were probably Judy Blume, R.L. Stine, and Christopher Pike.
I read a little bit of everything, and recently, I’d say J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, and Veronica Roth has had some influence as well.
What are you working on now?
I’ve been working on an untitled Mystery/thriller for young adults, but recently I’ve been thinking about shelving that for now. I’m at a crossroads at the moment because recently, I have had two main characters screaming at me from different directions.
The characters from my Number Three Series, are pulling me in that direction. They seem to have more to say and are very loud about it.
Then the characters from Brook Falls are demanding a bit as well. Still, have much more to say.
I’ve considered alternating between both projects to satisfy both sides, but I guess we’ll see.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At the moment, I’d have to say Twitter. I just recently have redone my personal website, and Facebook is coming along, so I guess we’ll see about that as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don;t give up, even when it feels hopeless. Keep pushing on.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’ll always regret what you didn’t do, rather than what you did.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Stephen Kings The Tommyknockers.
What’s next for you as a writer?
It’s hard to say, you never know where my writing will take me. Hopefully though, whatever I write next will be that much better than the last.
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?
I’d take the Divergent Series, and Stephanie Meyer’s The Host
Author Websites and Profiles
Clara Cook Website
Clara Cook Amazon Profile
Clara Cook’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account