Interview With Author Eileen O’Finlan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write historical fiction and cozy fantasy. As of now, I have four published novels. Three are historical fiction, Kelegeen, Erin’s Children, and my new release, The Folklorist. The other is a cozy fantasy called All the Furs and Feathers, Book 1 in the Cat Tales series. I live in central Massachusetts with my adorable Main Coon mix cat, Autumn Amelia.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new release is called The Folklorist. Many years ago, I watched a PBS documentary on the New England Vampire Panic. I’d never even heard of it before seeing it. I was fascinated by it and knew right away that I’d write about it. It took a long time for the story to take shape in my mind and changed dramatically from how I originally imagined it, but I never lost the desire to write about it. Finally, it’s here.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so, other than I write best at night. Often I will be writing and think I’ve been working for an hour or so. I’ll look at the clock and realize it 2:00 a.m. I have to force myself to stop and go to bed since I work a 9-5 day job. If it weren’t for that, I could just keep going.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott has always been my favorite book since the first time I read it. I couldn’t get enough of the Nancy Drew Mysteries Series as a kid. Jane Eyre was another huge favorite. As I got older, I fell in love with historical novels and horror, especially Stephen King and, later, Ann Rice. I am especially fond of the classics, particularly everything written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Current favorites are Jodi Picoult, Lisa See, Diana Gabaldon, and Philippa Gregory.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the second book of the Cat Tales series, a stand-alone fantasy, and I’m doing the research for the next book to follow Kelegeen and its sequel, Erin’s Children.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook a lot and I always do a Goodreads giveaway when I have a new book out. (Giveaway for The Folklorist will run October 1-31, 2023.) I also use Twitter. I contact bloggers. I have my own website. And, of course, I use Awesome Gang!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep working to improve your writing. There is always more to learn. Take constructive criticism well. Also, know that whether you are traditionally published or self published, most, if not all, of the marketing will be on your shoulders. Hire a professional book publicist if you can afford it, otherwise learn everything you can about the best ways to market your book and watch out for marketing scams. Networking is very important.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When my first book came out, I had no idea what to do about marketing it. I went to an advertising company and they told me I needed to start thinking of myself as the CEO of Eileen O’Finlan. I learned about branding and marketing. I had no idea how much of that would be my responsibility. It was a huge learning curve for which I was not prepared. I highly recommend accepting the fact marketing has become the author’s responsibility and learning all you can about it, preferably before your book is published.
What are you reading now?
I always have several books going at once. The current ones are:
Mageborn by Jessica Thorne
The Book of Splendor by Frances Sherwood
The Civil War Chronicle edited by Matthew Gallman
Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m continuing the Cat Tales series, working on a stand-alone fantasy, and researching for the next historical novels. Beyond that, I have several ideas in mind for future historical novels and more Cat Tales.
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?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Radical Amazement: Contemplative Lessons from Black Holes, Supernovas, and Other Wonders of the Universe by Judy Cannato
How to Stay Alive: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Any Situation by Bear Grylls
Author Websites and Profiles
Eileen O’Finlan Amazon Profile
Eileen O’Finlan Author Profile on Smashwords
Eileen O’Finlan’s Social Media Links