Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a middle school Language Arts teacher, so of course reading and writing is my passion. For me writing is a stress reliever or hobby, so I never really considered the world of publishing. When a student asked me why I never published any of my stories it got me thinking. And you know what? We are all authors of our written work, but not all of us choose to share what we write. I decided to start sharing.
All of my writing is fiction. Most of my stories are fantasy or paranormal romance but a few are realistic. I have fourteen novels and short stories saved on my laptop (and various USB’s), but I’ve only published two. I have one short story titled Back to Me (e-book) published on Smashwords. It is the first of my stories to be published. Last July I published a novel through Amazon titled Something Within. It is available as an e-book and paperback. I am currently finishing up the second book of the Something Within series, Shadows, which I should be publishing soon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Something Within was inspired through teaching, actually. I started an after-school program called Literary Lions in order to get my students to write creatively. I gave them prompts and let them “go for it”. While they wrote, I did as well, and then we would all share our works of art. It was during one of these sessions that I wrote what became part of chapter one. After I’d shared it with my students, they said it was really good (something they would definitely pick up from the library). They wanted to know what was going to happen next. And you know what? I did too! I took it from there, and now it is a published work for all to enjoy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I am nowhere near a laptop, I write on napkins, the backs of envelopes (my mail), receipts, or anything I could possibly write on. Sometimes ideas come to me like a silent fart – suddenly, unexpected, and unavoidable. When that happens, I need to get the ideas down before they fade away.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love to read; therefore, I have too many favorites, but to say who has influenced me…that’s pretty tough. I’m influenced not only by books but by movies and music as well. Sometimes I’ll be listening to a song and the rhythm or lyrics will spark an idea, or I’ll be watching a movie and something a character does or says will open my eyes to something new for my characters. As for books, I’m really into dystopic fiction and paranormal romance, though I read just about everything. But if I had to choose, I’d say Scott Westerfeld (Uglies series) and Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me series) have most recently influenced me.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Shadows – book two of the Something Within series. I am also working on the first book of a dystopian society series which I am planning on publishing soon after Shadows.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, KDP Select, and my website to promote my books. I am currently surfing the web for new promotion ideas.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Promote, promote, promote. We authors put so much into our books that once we’re done we often forget that the last word we typed really isn’t the end. After the book is ready for publishing our job isn’t over. Promoting the book is the most important, and the most time-consuming aspect of the publishing world. It takes more time and effort than the writing process! My advice is to get online and research how to best promote the type of book you’ve written. There is a wealth of knowledge out there, and who better to give us advice than the people who’ve already been through it. There are tons of free and inexpensive promotional sites out there. So as soon as your book is ready, START PROMOTING!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t remember where I heard it, but I say it to everyone.
Don’t let anyone tell you what your characters should do or say. You are the author. Let the characters speak for themselves, and don’t be afraid of what people might think. Once your story is told, though it may not tickle everyone’s fancy, it will be the perfect book for someone out there. If I can make one person laugh, or cry, or FEEL my characters, then I’ve done my job (although it’s great if it affects more than one LOL).
What are you reading now?
I am currently not reading anything. While I write I refrain from reading. It’s just my thing. I read between novels. The last book I read was When by Victoria Laurie.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next project is Bleeding Gray, a dystopic fiction series. Once those books are published, I will dive into the other novels on my laptop and decide what will be next. Possibly a science fiction dream I’ve been toying around with.
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?
Jane Austen’s seven novels (it is one FAT book), the Bible, and The Norton Anthology of English Literature (two of them). I think those would keep me busy for quite a while, and I could skip around and reread at my leisure.
Author Websites and Profiles
Helene Montalvo Website
Helene Montalvo Amazon Profile
Helene Montalvo Author Profile on Smashwords
Helene Montalvo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account