Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
HI. I’m Dawn. I have three books published. My earliest novel became available in 2013 and is dystopian with a heroine protagonist. This year, two more books were released.
Touch of Darkness is a short-story prequel written to provide the readers a different view into one of the main characters in Scythe of Darkness. These books were written with love and passion for the supernatural. Scythe of Darkness is infused with a romance between two characters whose attraction is irresistible … and deadly.
When I’m not writing, I actively take part in writing functions. I’m a member of SCBWI and have completed editorial work for a popular travel blog, A Backpacker’s Tale. I plan on traveling the world one day.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Touch of Darkness by Dawn Husted —
I hadn’t planned on writing a prequel, but a few readers got in touch with me. Not only did they enjoy Scythe of Darkness, but they asked about a sequel. With the sequel in mind, I decided that there needed to be a prequel too. The short-story prequel has been published permanently free at various online outlets. This story serves as an appetizer for the novel. The sequel will hopefully come out next year, but first, I have to write it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to write in the morning. My creativity is at its highest before I become drained, and I MUST have a cup of coffee.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many authors have influenced my work.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is creative caffeine.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed was written with such raw passion of which I found inspiring. I hope my stories connect with readers on a primal level too.
A New World by Patrick Ness was my inspiration as a reader and a writer. I love how he constructed the story’s world.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the fourth draft of a young-adult psychological suspense novel. It’s written with a contemporary audience in mind, but the story is told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon Kindle Unlimited. My novels are on KU, but my short-story prequel (Touch of Darkness by Dawn Husted) is free and available on multiple websites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Write that first draft for yourself, but don’t forget what the readers want too. Gather a small critique group of writers that can provide constructive feedback, and then write your second and third and fourth draft. Make it shine.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t let a manuscript sit too long. It’s okay to work on a story for years, but be able to distinguish whether it’s finished or not. Sometimes fear can hold a writer back from moving forward.
What are you reading now?
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish writing my current manuscript, and then listen to the muses on what to write next. But I’m always writing — no matter what. I should probably schedule camping somewhere in there.
I also love helping writers developmentally edit their books. So I hope to be critiquing new manuscripts.
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?
Oh goodness! Why are you doing this to me! Hell, I don’t know. I like so many different books. I’d probably take four off my shelf in the living room. I have a shelf filled with 10+ books that I’ve yet to finish reading or haven’t even started yet.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dawn Husted Website
Dawn Husted Amazon Profile
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