Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author living in South Africa. I write juvenile fiction, animal rescue books, and historical romance – quite a mix. My middle grade adventure series The Chronicles of the Stone is a wonderful adventure series that takes two young heroes and their sidekick pal across continents to discover and reunite seven mystical stones. History, geography, mythology, archaeology and culture all rolled into an adrenalin-raising mix of action and adventure. I write historical romance under a pseudonym, Arabella Sheraton, and my romances are all set in the Regency era. A lot of fun as well, with some intrigue and dastardly deeds thrown in. Close to my heart are my animal rescue books, designed as fund-raisers for various animal sites that have saved animals and need funding.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In the middle grade action series, I have just completed Book Three in The Chronicles of the Stone, and this one is entitled The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper. Set in the jungles of Mexico, our young heroes battle with a enemy that has dogged their footsteps since Egypt, as well as a new Nemesis in the form of a villain who has assumed the persona of a bloodthirsty Aztec god. More thrills and spills as the kids crash-land into the jungle with absolutely nothing to help them but their wits and ingenuity. Is this enough to keep them alive while they search for the Third Stone of Power? My original book, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, was inspired by a trip to Egypt with my mom and my two young nephews. From there more books just sprang to life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Alas, nothing really sensational apart from listening to movie soundtracks very loudly and probably annoying the neighbours… I hope they like Pirates of the Caribbean, my current fave.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s hard to say because I absolutely love books and movies and read widely. I can’t remember learning to read. I think I was born with a book in my hand.
What are you working on now?
I am forging ahead with Book Four: The Cabal of the Ouroboros, set in France. My young heroes will uncover a secret dating from the Knights Templar…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really think putting up book covers, descriptions, extracts and details on sites like this. Keep looking and you find all sorts of marketing opportunities. Be generous and give away copies of your book. It is worth it because people will then want more and will buy your subsequent books. An interesting anecdote: my young cousin (11) took her copy of my book to school. The history teacher pounced on it and her classes loved it so much that she kept borrowing it. Finally I sent the school their own copy. Each year I get loads of fan mail from kids who loved it!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Never give up.
2. Make sure your book meets the stringent industry standards (get an editor).
3. Tell everyone you know and ask them to tell everyone they know about your book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From Penny Sansivieri of Author Marketing Experts (AME): Marketing does not sell books. Marketing creates publicity and publicity sells books. Tell everyone you know about your book.
What are you reading now?
The Murder Room by P.D. James
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing Book Four, and completing my next animal rescue book The Poppy Project (about a famous Fijian dog that had reconstructive surgery on her snout and got a new life)
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 Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
All Jane Austen’s novels
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
Author Websites and Profiles
Fiona Ingram Website
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