Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in a small town, I longed for adventure and travel. Age 20 I moved to Dublin, then to San Diego, Then Sydney and back to California where I did a brief stint working at Universal Studios being a minder to Sponge Bob. Once back in Britain I got married, had babies and decided to write about the adventure I was now missing out on. I work full time as a Media and Communications Manager, have three kids three kids and gave birth to a surrogate baby. I have skydived twice (and survived), climbed Kilimanjaro and hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I have also worked as a professional clown and banana picker amongst other jobs. Somehow I find time to write. My first novel, Endless Winter, is the first of the four part Guardians of The Light series
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last book I published in my own name was the last of The Guardians of The Light series – Autumn Ever After. It wraps up the adventures of Aethelu and Anais. I have a prequel out shortly. I have however published a book under a pen name which is very different from the Guardians series
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write with my laptop in bed whilst munching on ginger biscuits. I’m laid here now, listening to Alanis Morrisette and singing along as I type – Thankfully my partner and my kids are out – no one wants to hear me sing!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a total Harry Potter fan. I must have read a million books in my time but those are the ones I read over and over. I read Alice in Wonderland a lot as a child too. I guess I like fantastical themes. I love a good thriller too.
What are you working on now?
As I mentioned, I have a prequel to my Guardians of The Light books in the pipeline. I’m also writing a book about children but most certainly not for children. It’s very different so it’s quite refreshing to write two books at once – I’m flipping between the two. I’ll probably have to write a sequel to the pen name book too.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My book sales are very organic. They ebb and flow. I was doing amazingly well over the summer with no promotion at all. Sales then dipped in September but just a couple of days ago I had my highest ever page reads in a day so go figure
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. You might not sell many books but you won’t sell any if you don’t write them
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably the above. I’ve followed a lot of advice and strategies since publishing my first book. some have worked and some haven’t – I think it’s finding your own way and seeing what works for you.
What are you reading now?
I just read a Vampire book from an up and coming author. It was a novella so a short read which is just as well with my busy schedule. The most famous book I’ve read recently was Gone Girl.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully just to keep writing and publishing. One day I’d like to make a living from it so I can go and live on a desert island. which brings me to the next question
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’d probably take a kindle full of books because I’m a very quick reader. If I can’t do that I’d bring
1: How to survive on a desert island by r.crusoe,
2: 20 recipes to make delicious meals out of sand by Sandy Cook
3: The ultimate boat building manual by C.Shore
Oh who am I kidding – I’d take the harry potter books
Author Websites and Profiles
J.A. Armitage Website
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