Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a young, self-published author and I have been writing stories for nearly my whole life. The first real book I ever wrote is a novella called Epidemic, and I wrote that while still in high school. Right no I am preparing to begin my final semester in college where I attend as an English major specializing in writing. I plan to graduate this spring from University of Michigan-Flint. So far I have written 5 books and I am working on the 6th one. The first 3 books I have written are short novellas which I wrote under a different name. Currently I am working on the 3rd installment of my novel trilogy which I call the Hippie Logic series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the last book I wrote is Hippie Logic: The Mod and the Free Spirit. It is the 2nd installment of a novel trilogy. This entire series was greatly inspired by and based on The Monkees. I took fictional TV world as well as element of the real lives of the members of The Monkees and I created characters and a fictional world of my own. This trilogy wasn’t just inspired by The Monkees, but of other bands of the era and the 1960s in general.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual my writing habits are. Since I became a mom I have had to come up with ways and certain times during which I can write in peace. Also I tend to not write as much while attending college.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of Stephen King. I love his writing style, and he’s had a lot of great advice for young writers, which I have tried to pay attention to. I also get inspired by reading classic novels. I try to read as many different books by as many different authors and I feel as though the classics are a great place to turn. I am also greatly inspired by music. I feel that listening to all sorts of music inspires my creativity just as well as reading all kinds of books. So books and music tend to go hand-in-hand for when I need inspiration or a creative boost.
What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on the planning stage for the 3rd and final installment of my Hippie Logic series. Unlike the first two books of the series which focused on The Craynes, this one will focus more on The Nuggets and how they formed their band, as well as other stories that involve members of The Craynes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Even though I don’t use it nearly as much as I should, due to lack of time, I usually go through social media such as Facebook groups. I have posted about my books in several groups on different occasions. Right now I am researching other methods of promotion which will be more effective in getting my books to potential customers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
All I can say is write what you feel. Don’t worry so much about what you think other people might want. Write for yourself first. Write for others later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t wait for inspiration to begin writing. Because if you do, then you won’t write a single word. I forget who said this but I am reminded of a saying: the water won’t flow until the faucet is turned on. This means you have to start writing before inspiration can flow.
What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading Stephen King’s 11/22/63.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I honestly don’t know. I don’t look too far ahead into the future. I hope to continue working on my novels, as they are my first passion when it comes to writing. I may begin doing some blogging once I’m finished with college.
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?
This is such a tough and unfair question because there are so many books I have not read.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gina Marie Website
Gina Marie Amazon Profile
Gina Marie’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile