Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have started 4 books, recently publishing Ink Stains on the Wall: Volume One. Currently, I am more than halfway done with Volume 2 as well as a separate compilation of other short poetry called Cursory. I am also finishing a writing guide to help aspiring writers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ink Stains on the Wall: Volume One originally began as an Ela writing exercise. It began evolving as I continued to write more and more and suddenly I had 30+ poems. The real idea for a book was started when I wrote the poem The Traitor, a poem about anti-Semitism and the halocaust, for my Earth science teacher. She read the poem and told me it was good, so I decided to try my hand at writing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t really edit, I know that most people say you should but the majority of my poems come out exactly as I intended and when shown to others, they claim it is pretty well done. Also, I prefer to write early in the morning around 3 am, what is referred to as the witching hour. I go to bed at 8 pm then I wake up from my sleep and start to write, after about an hour or two I go back to bed till around 7:00 am on the weekdays and 9 am on the weekends. I prefer to write during that time because it is when my house is the quietest and also when I get my best ideas. Plus, I always end up transported to the magical world of my consciousness.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading anything I can get my hands on. My most favorite authors include Danielle Steel, Stephen King, and J.k Rowling. One of the most influential author/poets that inspired me was Laurie Halse Anderson. I have read many of her books my favorite being Shout and Wintergirls. I also really liked the full and uncut edition of The Stand..
What are you working on now?
My latest book I have almost finished with is called Writes & Wrongs: A Writer’s writing guide to writing. Recently, as a teenage self-published author, I have been doing a lot of research on the dos and don’ts of writing different forms of work. Plus, as an advanced placement English 10 student, I often analyze how books are written. I have a great understanding of the common mistakes newer writers often make. I decided to compile it in a short guide to help other readers and writers understand the art of writing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang.com has been my go-to for promoting but, I, as a low income jobless (due to covid) teen, have found it difficult to find cheaper ways to promote my book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Anyone can become a self-published author if they have enough drive and want. Writing is an art, it varies so don’t worry if your writing doesn’t fit an exact style or genre, just write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass- Anton Checkhov
What are you reading now?
Read me like a book by liz kessler
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to try to save as much money as possible and keep my grades high so I can attend a prestigious college for a degree in psychology and philosophy, to better understand the human mind and apply it to my writing. I will also continue publishing books and as a side job I might become a teacher for grade school students, so I can share how writing changed my 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?
I love books, that is probably the toughest question I’ve ever answered but I feel like these are the winners
The Stand by Stephen King
They went left by Monica Hesse
Devils within by S.F Henson
ordinary hazards by Nikki Grimes
Author Websites and Profiles
Haze DiTillio Website