Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, I’m an Indie author with four books published via Kindle Direct Publishing. My genre is fantasy, but recently I’ve written with a twist of paranormal influence within the genre of fantasy. My ultimate writing goal is to write as many ‘hero’ inspired stories as I possibly can all with women being the main protagonist and all of them featuring a person of color. I’m also into the reverse harem ideology; so most of my heroines are complete badasses that break hearts (not on purpose) but because they’re fated.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Does The World Need Another Hero? A contemplation of Short Stories that are inspired by the ‘hero’ in every heart of my protagonist. Some heroes take longer to acknowledge their roles. My inspiration comes from realizing there are not a lot of women of color depicted as heroes in the world. I hope my stories inspire an outbreak soon.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a Pantser through and through. The only thing I need is electricity and a laptop. I can not pen on paper for the life of me, although I swear #IBleedInk. Oh and for fuel; gummy bears are a must. For inspiration – a good epic music mix. Two Steps from Hell, BrandX music or Audiomachine anything Epic truly gets me going. Finally, I almost always have to play the piano first. lol.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Old school fantasy. I started off reading the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe ‘C.S.Lewis’ my first ever fantasy book given to me on my sixteenth birthday. From there; David Eddings, Terry Brooks, Mercedes Lackey, Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordon…ole school. And of course JRR Tolkien. I do believe these authors had major influences on #mywrite
What are you working on now?
Something fascinating. It’s a paranormal – fantasy, sci-fi. that’s out of this world ‘no pun.’ The protagonist becomes involved in a reverse harem in the worst way. I feel so sorry for her men – they all can deliver her the moon though. So – I can’t wait to complete the last chapters of book three. Almost complete. Oh but the edit? Sigh.
Hint: I’m also working on a heroic fantasy epic series that targets the demographic of 14-16-year-old readers.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve no real success key as to the ‘Howit’sdone.’ I write but realize that the promotion of my published work is lacking. I heard somewhere that 10 percent is the actual writing, but to become a successful writer, a 90 percent emphasis must be placed on the marketing.
I lack this strategic combo percentage to stake my place amongst the many authors, and the title that vies for attention to be read and praised. I’m taking my first steps to rectify not placing enough emphasis on promotion, and marketing as I write.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t ever think about ‘Am I good enough’ Such negative thoughts will ‘shut you down’ fast. If your desire is to write, you’ll find a way. Your words will reach someone – somehow – just ‘do’ like Dory. ‘Just Keep Swimming – I mean ‘Writing.’
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Only you can prevent ‘Forest Fires’ – What I got from that was quite a few lessons.
1 Depend on yourself, and you won’t let yourself fail.
2. Don’t wait for someone to come along and put out your ‘fire’ Because they will.
3. If you want to keep your ‘passion’ alive it’s all on you. No one can make you do anything because as you write, ‘time, investment, money, the energy that you put into your #write can easily become extinguished if you don’t have the ‘desire.’
4. If you have that ‘fire’ then you can fuel your dreams forever.
‘That’s my advice anyway.’ lol #Desire4fire
What are you reading now?
My works recently. Sorry, I do support quite a few Indie’s on amazon because somehow secretly I want the same love. Lately, I’ve read Mac Flynn – she’s paranormal, but I like her #write a lot.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To become known. Well known even. And ‘More’ readers asking for my next WIP and more fans. I’m reaching out and asking for reviews more too. And hopefully, my fantasy upcoming WIP that will target ages 14-16 will jump-start more ‘girl-fandom power’ hero stuff type authors to write something amazing too!
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?
Easy; my own. I’m certain to fine-tune and work out every single mistake, and out of sequence plot that plagues me.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gloria Sanders-Williams Website
Gloria Sanders-Williams Amazon Profile
Gloria Sanders-Williams’s Social Media Links
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