Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in an old Victorian home in Illinois, complete with a coach house, the same house I used as inspiration for my first two books. I earned my master’s degree from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and have obtained more than three decades of experience in corporate America. I am currently retired and reside in Chicago where I am working on my next novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled, “Daughters” and is the sequel to my first book, “The Coach House.” Years before I started writing novels, I jotted down anything and everything I thought I could use in a storyline. It could have been from a conversation I overheard on an elevator, a line from a movie, something a co-worker said to me…anything. Then when I was ready to write, I retrieved those hundreds of scraps of paper, categorized them, and put them in piles. During this process, a story emerged.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is unusual or not, but I can’t get into writing unless I have at least two hours of time to devote to it, and then after four hours, I need a break from it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I look up to Dennis Lehane and Nicholas Sparks–Lehane for his amazing ability to tell a compelling story and Sparks for his expert character development.
What are you working on now?
My current project, “Red Clover,” is a story of how a young man deals with weaknesses, frustrations and feelings of inadequacy, but more importantly, it bespeaks differing views on what defines success.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books on a variety of book promotion sites, in author interviews, on my own website, on Amazon.com, and BarnesandNobel.com. I also write articles, conduct free book promotions, participate in many on-line discussion groups for authors, and have an active Facebook author page.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I devote most of my website to new authors–offering advice I wish I had received before I got started. But the most basic advice I have for aspiring writers is to read, read, and then read some more. Read books in your genre and keep notes on what made the book a good read or a not-so-good read. How well did you relate to the characters? Did the story keep you turning pages, and if so why? Is it a book you’ll remember reading a year from now? Learn from other author’s successes and failures.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If your passion is to write, don’t let anything stop you.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “Raised by Committee” by Carollyne Haynes, a fellow indie author.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope what’s next for me as a writer is to publish more books. It’s my passion, and I will continue doing it as long as I can.
What is your favorite book of all time?
“The Same Kind of Different As Me” by Ron Hall and Denver Moore may be my all-time favorite book for the rest of my life. Based on true events, it is the story of a modern-day slave and an international art dealer, and the unlikely woman who brought them together.
Author Websites and Profiles
Florence Osmund Website
Florence Osmund Amazon Profile
Florence Osmund’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile