Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from Wisconsin, but traveled around the Midwest with my husband for school and am currently in Nebraska. I earned both my B.A. and M.A. in Communication Studies and began writing shortly after. The Dark Angel series is my first adventure as an author. I currently have three books published, Book One: The Shadow’s Grasp, Book Two: The Guardian’s Deception, and Book Three: The Puppet’s Blight, which released this month.
I am currently writing the sixth book of this series and plan to publish them all over the next two years.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
On February 22nd, I published The Puppet’s Blight. It is the continuation of The Dark Angel series and follows a mage as she loses her magic and follows a demon and its creatures around the country to get it back.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prefer to write in the mornings when I wake up since that is usually when I’m more active. Other than that, I can sit down and write for hours straight when the story is figured out. In order to make that happen, I spend time listening to certain music that sets the tone for that point in the story. That’s usually how I come up with specific plot points or action scenes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mercedes Lackey’s Heralds of Valdemar series is probably my favorite when it comes to fantasy because it was my first encounter with the genre. I also enjoy classics like Jurassic Park and A Tale of Two Cities.
I find a lot of inspiration outside of books as well, including in fantasy and action/adventure movies and JRPG video games, such as the Final Fantasy series.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am at the beginning of the sixth book in The Dark Angel series. There may or may not end up being a seventh, but once this is complete I would like to start on something new that I’ve had in mind to write for a while. I’m also learning how to get online ads and market myself as an author since nowadays that’s what you sort of have to do.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This year, I began a newsletter with updates, behind the scenes information, and featured authors. You can sign up at lillardbooks.com and get access to a free short story. I also created a brand logo to use so my social media and website are consistent.
I believe the best way to market yourself is by continuing to write and publish. One or two books from an author doesn’t spark up much traction, so it’s important to establish yourself through a website and social media, continue to write and publish, and then focus on paid ads, bloggers, events, etc.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for yourself, first and foremost. In any art form, there will be people who don’t like or don’t understand your work. That’s okay! If everybody liked everything, there wouldn’t be any variety. Because of this, it’s important for authors to know who they are and what they want to create. You’re not going to please anybody and you only have control over yourself. Write the story that you want to write above all else instead of caving into what’s popular, what gets readers, and what pleases the majority of people.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Motivation is sparked by action. If you want to write, write. Once you get started, you’ll find it easier to continue than if you remain lying down wondering how productive you could be later.
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?
My favorite book is Jurassic Park, followed by A Tale of Two Cities, then Magic’s Pawn by Mercedes Lackey. It’s a weird trio, but I have fond memories associated with each.
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