Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Good grief… Where to start? So, I’ve been a published author for many years but decided to branch out under a pen name… Gracin Sawyer. This was one of the greatest things I’ve ever done and haven’t looked back since starting.
Gracin’s first book is Branding Lily, the first book in Jacob and Lily’s duet (followed by Saving Lily). The next duet is set to release spring of 2020 with Diesel and Samantha’s duet, titled: I’ll Be What She WANTS and I’ll Be What He NEEDS
I love to travel and my favorite place to be is on the ocean. Not near it, ON it. I have four kiddos, one who is old enough to make me entirely too old. Sarcasm rolls off me so easily I sometimes forget not everyone speaks the same language 😉
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Latest book is Saving Lily (releasing January 24, 2020) and it is the second book in Jacob and Lily’s duet.
Goodness… I can’t mention this book without the first one (Branding Lily) because they go hand in hand. This story is one I’ve wanted to write for YEARS. My love for romance and my need to help women started it. As a warning (especially for those of us with triggers) it has things like abuse, rape, trafficking, ect in the story line.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure it is unusual, but if I get stuck, I turn on brown noise. You see, I LOVE to listen to music while I write. I kinda need it, but if I get stopped, stuck, can’t focus, or whatever else makes it hard to get words out, I blare the brown noise in my earbuds and the words flow.
White noise is too high and pink noise just annoys me, so that’s why the “brown noise”, just in case you were wondering.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
SO MANY!
I’m not sure if influenced is the right word, but I look up to a few of them. Rosanne Bittner is someone I admire and love her work. She writes very swoon worthy male leads (one of whom I still claim as MINE, and I first read him when I was 14!).
Currently, I have favorite authors who I love to read. Like, Meghan March, if she puts something out, I read it without even hesitating or reading her blurbs.
What are you working on now?
Diesel and Samantha’s duet: I’ll Be What She WANTS and I’ll Be What He NEEDS
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think over the years the platforms have changed. I have continuously seen them shift so it is hard to say at this moment. But I still think word of mouth is hands down the best method! If you love a book, tell your friends. Tell your social media friends! Tell everyone who will listen.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Don’t give up. If you have a story inside of you, then write it. DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. This means don’t compare to other authors, their writing speed, their success, nothing! You are enough. You are fast enough. You do you. AND… help when you can. There is room at the top of the mountain for us all.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take the manuscript out of the trash, wipe your tears, and get busy. (I think I was 20? And I wasn’t sure I would ever be good enough. Impostor syndrome is real and STILL gets me.)
What are you reading now?
I just finished Credence by Penelope Douglas. HOT! Wow…
I am getting ready to start the Bargainer series. It looks really good.
I am a very diverse reader so the genre depends on the mood I’m in.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Everything!
I am still climbing this mountain and look forward to every step. So much is ahead and I’m excited!
Trying to break out on social media and connect/interact with my readers is what I’m currently working on. So… come find me and chat!
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?
*Survival Guide
*Book of matches (heheh… see what I did there?)
*And, for the honest one… My scriptures.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gracin Sawyer Amazon Profile
Gracin Sawyer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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