Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently live in Arizona with my husband of twenty years and my four-legged child, Oreo. I debuted my first novel, The Liberator’s Medallion, in 2016. Ersha’s Revenge, book two in the series, was released 9/2017. When not writing (or trying to stay cool in the AZ summer heat) I enjoy reading, cooking, and traveling.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ersha’s Revenge (Medallion Series Book 2). I was inspired to write book two because of how much I enjoyed the experience of writing book one and because of all the positive feedback from readers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use a technique where I create an outline made up of 12 plot bullets. I start with bullet one, where I write how I want the book to start. Then, I jump to bullet twelve and I write how I want the book to end. I go back and forth from top to bottom filling in all of the pieces. When the outline is done, I have a map of how the book will flow. It helps ensure there are no plot gaps in the story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I cannot say I have a specific book or author that has been a greater influence than another. However, I can say every book and author I have read has influenced me in some way. I can say after having become an author myself, I now have a much greater respect for how difficult a task it is to not only come up with the story itself, but to do all the other pieces required to get a book into the hands of the readers.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a romance/murder mystery. This is off genre from my current sci-fi/fantasy series. I know readers are already asking me for a book 3 in the Medallion Series, but I want to give my brain a break in order to allow that story to be organic and not forced. That is when I think I do my best work.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth is great! I also like Goodreads.com because it is a platform for all book lovers; whether author or reader. Other than that, I hop around trying out different places, like Awesomegang.com. Haven’t found the perfect fit yet. Will let you know if I find it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Know up front that writing the story is the easy part. It is everything else that is costly, time-consuming, and hard. With the indie/self-publishing stigma now gone (for the most part) it is very hard to stand out. Even the best books can easily get buried and overlooked.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Only a select few actually make a living from being an Author. Write because you love it, not because you think it is going to make you rich.
What are you reading now?
I am actually taking a break from reading for the moment. I am still cross-eyed from finishing up Ersha’s Revenge, which I just released a week ago.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to have another book out within the next year, and another Medallion Series book sometime shortly thereafter.
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?
The Bible, Ann of Green Gables, The Hobbit, Dummies guide for how to survive on a desert island!
Author Websites and Profiles
D.M. Chappell Website
D.M. Chappell Amazon Profile
D.M. Chappell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account