Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mother, wife and career woman. 3 and a half years ago I went to Colombia to teach English and live abroad. There in Pereira, I met my husband and had my son. To date I have written two eBooks and am currently working on a third.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Pereira City Guide. Freelance writing was something I did to escape teaching and to allow me to stay home and care for my son after he was born. From there I was inspired by my mother to publish my first eBook. When Pereira City Guide became an idea, making an eBook out of it was the next obvious step.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I like to burn a candle when I write at night. During the day I focus better by going to a cafe where the only sound is the dull roar of life in Latin America and my own thoughts. If I can’t concentrate or imagine new stories, I smoke marijuana.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Henry David Thoreau, George Orwell, Mark Twain, Louis L’ Amour and Hunter S. Thompson.
What are you working on now?
I am half-way finished with an eBook about Gluten-Free Pancakes. I will be introducing a Colombian super-food that has revolutionized my gluten-free kitchen, and all my favorite pancake recipes will be included.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Having a blog should be automatic. I have sold more eBooks through my own Social Media and website presence than anything else. It’s very hard to be found and discovered, especially as a new author who doesn’t have many published books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop writing. No matter what we do its a matter of time and experience. I myself have learned so much, and realized that I have so much more to learn as a result. Don’t be afraid to take risks either.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always check your back trail to prevent getting lost on the return trip.
What are you reading now?
A series called the Barren Planet Romance series. I like a good science fiction.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue documenting the hidden gems of Pereira with my website PereiraCityGuide.com via weekly blog posts.
I am writing my first “recipe/foodie” eBook, and enjoying it tremendously. Cooking pancakes is the chicken soup of my expat-abroad soul. It helps me to cope with living abroad, its a fun hobby, and my family likes the variety when I am exploring new recipes or ideas.
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?
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
The Bible
Love in a Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (so I can finish it!)
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Author Websites and Profiles
Erin Donaldson Amazon Profile
Erin Donaldson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account