Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a fantasy writer as of right now I have written 3 books. They are a part of a series which will consist of 4 books. As of right now, the first book is published and the second one is due out soon. “Areal” is available on Amazon and my publisher’s website breakingrulespublishing.com as well as various websites online. Here is the blurb: Angela Asher lives a relatively normal life—work, friends, a devoted mother, the whole works. One day she receives a phone call from a mystery man who tells her she’s being watched and to be careful. Worried at first, Angela decides he must be crazy and ignores it. That is, until strange things begin happening: dreams of people with black eyes, an urge to enter churches, and meeting strange people she feels oddly connected to. As she tries to figure it all out, she learns of another world; a world of angels and demons, a world she is a large part of.
The demons want the earth for their own and will stop at nothing to get it. Will Angela learn what her role is in this crazy new world? Will she be strong enough to save everyone? The world is relying on her, but she isn’t sure she can live up to the expectations placed upon her shoulders.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is as of yet untitled. I’m still working on getting it edited and ready for publication. It is the sequel to my first book “Areal”. My series as a whole was inspired by my love of angels. I wanted to give a different spin on angels and hope I have been able to do that. I tried to make them more human-like, more emotional, and even where they can be made to forget who they are. I hope that translates on the page as well as I hope. From what my readers say I have done that pretty well.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmm, I don’t think so. I’d have to think about that someone. I just usually write in the morning before my kids get up and late at night after they’re in bed.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influences are Stephen King, Terry Goodkind, and Terry Pratchett. I watch a lot of videos about their writing habits, read Stephen King’s “On Writing” and tend to take their writing advice the most. I just find them really inspirational and feel like I connect to them the most.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing my second book with my editor and am finishing writing the third book to my series “The Awakening”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is my go-to for sure! However, I also have a blog, email list, Twitter and Pinterest account dedicated to writing. I’m beginning to branch out with ad promotion on sites like Awesome Gang, making a website, starting a newsletter and just trying generally to market myself more.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
People tell me all the time they want to write or they have something written but don’t know where to begin on how “to become a writer”. First, if you’ve written something you are a writer. If you want to become published do your research! Research the different ways of getting published, talk to other authors, watch videos about publishing, being a writer, etc. Also, know that just because you have written something doesn’t mean a publishing hosue will pick up your book. There maybe reasons they don’t, take their advice and work on what you need to fix. Don’t give up just keep working, improving and taking others advice when you know it will work for you!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t get into your own head, it can be harmful to be in your own head too much. I took this as meaning if you listen to all those doubts or second guess yourself too much you’ll never get anywhere.
What are you reading now?
I’m not currently reading anything. I’m too busy working on the two books that I’m trying to finish. I need to read again as I think it’s important to read as well as write.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to work more on promoting myself and getting myself out there more. Life has thrown a lot of curveballs lately and I haven’t really done any marketing for myself. It’s time to get back to work doing that. I also want my whole series to be published by next 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?
“Pride and Prejudice”
“To Kill a Mockingbird”
“Misery”
“Wizards First Rule”