Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a happily married woman of 35 years, a high school English teacher, and a mother of one son who is also a teacher and engaged to be married next spring. Although I love teaching literature to my students, I am also passionate about writing which I began when I was thirteen years old and inspired by Nancy Drew mysteries. I have a bookshelf filled with my manuscripts dating back to my junior year in high school when I finished my first one called Beloved Forever. Of those 15 manuscripts two are published. I was encouraged to self-publish by another author who is also a longtime friend and colleague. It’s been an incredible journey to get to this point, and I am grateful for her support and encouragement and my family’s understanding of my endeavors!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, being released on October 2, is called Christian’s Choice. It is Book Two in a five book series called Choices. When I wrote the first one, Logan’s Choice, I never envisioned that four more would follow; but I loved Logan and Chelsea so much I decided to continue their story with their second eldest daughter, Britain, and three of their grandchildren – Callie, Michael, and Lily – who are featured in Books Three, Four and Five.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I still write the old-fashioned way with pen and paper on a clipboard. The radio has to be on, too. I get inspired by songs! One song by the Partridge Family (don’t laugh) inspired one of my best manuscripts to date!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been highly influenced by the greatest names in historical romantic fiction: Kathleen Woodiwiss, Judith McNaught, Laurie McBain, Shirlee Busbee, Bertrice Small, and Rosemary Rogers. I loved Little Women as a teenager, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and the typical classics such as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice.
What are you working on now?
All five books in my Choices series are done, so I’m in the editing process getting the next three ready for publication. I just started a manuscript which I’ve had to put aside while I concentrate on this series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been posting in groups that I belong to through Facebook. I also hired a PA to help me edit and promote my books. I have Twitter and Instagram accounts, too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be prepared to start slowly if you intend to self-publish. Join groups on Facebook. Make friends and connections. Hire an editor. You don’t want to publish your books with a lot of mistakes, although it may happen no matter how thorough you think you are. You shouldn’t have any grammatical errors, period. Be patient! Be prepared to spend money before you make any!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It takes time to build a loyal readership, but it can be done, even if you are an indie author.
What are you reading now?
Sandra Brown’s Tailspin
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish publishing my Choices series by next spring and then work on my newest manuscript while preparing my next series Heritage for publication next fall.
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 King James Version of the Holy Bible, Shakespeare’s Complete Works, Little Women, and The Flame and the Flower.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dee Stewart Amazon Profile
Dee Stewart’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account