Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello All,
I’ve written three books so far. One novel and two novellas. The novel was the first in my trilogy called the Benefactor trilogy. Each of the books I have written were for Nanowrimo (National Writers Month). If you don’t know, it takes place in November, and writers take on the challenge of writing an entire book (50,000 words, 200 pages) during that month. There is also a camp that takes place twice a year and that is when I wrote the two novellas (novellas are shorter than novels).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Red Haze, and it was inspired by my addiction to vampires during high school. I’m sure all you paranormal readers out there know what I’m talking about, we all go through that phase. I had always wondered at the different variations of vampires and what it would be like if there was a parasitic connection between two types (in my book they are distinguished by the color of their eyes, red and blue). Anyway, the idea continued to evolve and thus my book was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm…writing habits? I like to drink butter beer when I’m closing in on a deadline (yes independent authors have deadlines too, mostly self-directed though but no less important). It helps keep the blood flowing after I’ve been sitting for hours at the keyboard.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love fantasy and science fiction as you will see from the books I’ve written. Honestly, I’m still trying to find what fits well and I keep trying different genres but I was really inspired by J.D. Robb’s (also known as Nora Roberts) In Death series. I read it through high school and it really helped me through a dark time. Those books are what inspired me to begin thinking about writing.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second book in the Benefactor Trilogy. I’m hoping to have it published sometime in 2016. Let’s just say that the deadline is fast approaching and the butter beer is calling.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really like this group on Fiverr called bknights. They do an amazing job at advertising my books. I have no complaints.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Advice! I have tons of it. Follow your heart when you are at a fork. I’m the kind of person that needs to see everything in front of me before I can make a big decision and becoming a writer is a BIG decision. It’s hard work and you will lose sight of your goals. You just have to remember that writing is the long run which is made up of a bunch of short sprints. Make sure you bring a water bottle and lots of protein bars. Most importantly, don’t lose sight of your true dream, the innocent one that drove you to love writing. Whether it was a love for books or to tell your story and help people. As long as you hold true to you ideal then things tend to work out for the best. Good luck and stick it out!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read a lot and Write a lot!
What are you reading now?
I’m reading an anthology that I bought from humble bundle ( a great cause by the way). It’s called Women Warriors. It’s science fiction and fantasy and gives a great outlook on how woman were portrayed in science fiction and fantasy back in the day and how that image has evolved.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next? Hmm…all kinds of things. I have tons of aspirations and not enough time to do them all. There are several novellas that I want to write in 2016 and I hope to get to them all.
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?
Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Some of my favorite books.
Author Websites and Profiles
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