Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a true book worm since I was young and read a variety of genres. I just wrote my very first book, and self-published in July 2019. I am a part-time webcam girl, but work full time as a criminal defense investigator. I am also a retired Air Force veteran, so I’m not your average 21 year old cam girl. I got into the webcamming industry to supplement my income and to pay off my debt. It is an easy job you can do from the comfort of your own home. It is also nice that I can make my own hours and I am my own boss.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Shock Value: A Cam Girl’s Sexy and Hilarious Stories of Capitalizing on Sexual Desire. A friend of mine kept encouraging me to write a book based on my webcamming experiences. I would often tell her some of my webcamming sessions, some that were so strange and offbeat, I couldn’t even make them up. I bounced the idea off of a few other friends who, in turn, agreed with my friend that I have a very intriguing topic to write about. I wanted to let people into this world of webcamming, to show that everyday, normal people have strange fetishes, but that there is nothing wrong with them. Webcam sites offer a safe and discrete outlet for people embarrassed of their weird fetish to go to. We all have a little weirdness in us and we should embrace it!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. Since I am new to the writing industry, I basically do a brain dump and jot down anything that comes to my mind while I am deep in thought. After my brain dump of paragraphs, I go back to re-read, add and edit.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love scary books, books that get you to think outside the box a bit. My favorite authors are Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I can’t say that one particular book or author influenced me
What are you working on now?
Nothing at the moment as I just released my book in July. I do blog though, and will be adding some new blogs to my website.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own website that I refer people to, but I also promote on Instagram. A lot of my friends promote my book to their friends and family, so a lot of word of mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research! Especially if you plan on self-publishing like I did. I stumbled across a website; www.reedsy.com, which is an amazing website for indie authors which saved me from having a meltdown. They have vetted freelancers on their site promoting their work for hire. Editors, book designers, marketing, public relations etc. You can view their bios and their previous work. If you like their profile, you can contact them and submit requests. That is what I did when looking for an editor and book designer. Pay the money for professionals! It is worth the money, trust me. You don’t want to put out a book with sub-par editing or a crappy book design layout. Avid readers and people in the industry can spot a hack job!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I watched Brene Brown’s special on Netflix. She said something that really resonated with me. She said “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” This right here, gave me the courage to take my book seriously, and to be proud of it, despite what others will say or think. Even though this advice wasn’t directed to me per se, I just loved it!
What are you reading now?
I am re-reading Rose Madder by Stephen King. It is one of my favorite books! The story-line is along the lines of the movie Sleeping With the Enemy. Very intense book! At the same time, I am also reading a book by comedian Matt Bellassai called Everything is Awful. If you want a book to laugh so hard tears will stream from your face, then read this book! The way he tells the stories of his childhood, college and life are so wickedly funny! I also just pre-ordered Laura Clery’s first book called Idiot. She is a hilarious comedian I love to follow on social media and I am looking forward to reading it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have no idea! Some people have asked when my next book is coming out. Truthfully, I will not write another book on webcamming. I think my readers will gain a good sense of the subject once they have finished reading it. I did have someone suggest I write a thriller book based on my webcamming and experience as an investigator, fiction of course. Who knows, maybe I will have the courage to write a fiction thriller some day!
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 hell, this is tough. Well first, I would find a book on long term survival. There is one written by an ex Army Special Forces called Hawke’s Green Beret Survival Manual: Essential Strategies by Mykel Hawke that I would buy. I’m not trying to die within the first week. Then, if I needed a laugh, I would bring Everything is Awful by Matt Bellassai. I would also bring Stephen King’s “IT” mainly because I have never had the patience to read all 1138 pages, but being stranded on an island will do the trick!
Author Websites and Profiles
Eliza Wilde Website
Eliza Wilde Amazon Profile