Interview With Author Claris Lam
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Chinese Canadian author & poet with three self-published books so far. When I’m not writing, I’m probably reading or gaining inspiration from the shows I’ve watched or games I’ve played.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Bloody Fantasia,” Book 3 in the Harlow Mystery series! This amateur sleuth murder mystery book takes place at a highly esteemed music school.
It was inspired by a fusion of La Corda D’Oro (a manga series), The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and elements from several other mystery books set in school settings.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of, except for occasionally acting out scenes that I want to write. Fortunately, I haven’t done that in public by accident.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are far too many authors and books that have influenced me throughout the years to completely list. However, Agatha Christie, Joanne Fluke, Lisa Mantchev, and Junpei Inuzuka are among the authors that influenced me!
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing two poetry chapbooks and several other fantasy books in different subgenres.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method when it comes to promoting my work is just being consistent with promotion. For example, post about it on socials weekly. I think it’s also important to be creative with book promotion – don’t be afraid to experiment with creating book trailers, posts giving information about the characters, and so on!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your work, especially in the early drafting stages. If you have something that plotted out beforehand, and it changes later on, it might be a change for the better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Figure out what your definition of “success” as a writer is.
Everyone’s definition of how they want to reach “success” as a writer will be different. Mine has changed drastically in the past year so I can have a writing journey that gives me more joy regardless of how fast or slow I am with having new work published. It’s really important that when you figure out your definition of success, it’s because it’s something you genuinely strive for versus doing it because everyone else seems to be working for that same type of goal.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I’m reading “The Spellshop” by Sarah Beth Durst and just finished reading “The Girls I’ve Been” by Tess Sharpe!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have several works that need to be completed, writing-wise. I hope to self-publish a poetry chapbook next!
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 would bring “Restaurant To Another World” by Junpei Inuzuka, “The House In The Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune, and “Alice In Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll.
Author Websites and Profiles
Claris Lam’s Social Media Links
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