Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an Australian romance writer with two children. Although my family and writing are my first loves I also love to read, knit, listen to music and watch my favourite shows. I’m also a bookkeeper and florist. I have written 15 books, all of which are published and I have more coming soon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Afterworld – Spring Gluttony, Book 2 in my Sinful Seasons Novelette Collection was released on the 6th of June. It originally started as a short story (two chapters) and was written for an anthology, Words to Music. I had already had one short accepted (Mystified) but I think The Afterworld was a bit racy. The theme of the anthology was we were given a song and had to write a story inspired by it. Mystified came from Mystify Me by INXS and The Afterworld came from Let’s get Crazy by Prince. The Afterworld title came from the song as did a few other lyrics. So basically I was inspired by a song. When I decided to write the collection, I thought I would turn my short stories into a longer novelettes, so then The Afterworld was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of. I drink a lot of coffee and stare at the my daughters paintings behind my laptop when I’m thinking of what to write or when I get stuck. I don’t tend to listen to music and write in silence usually.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many authors but I guess my biggest inspirations are Paullina Simons, Nora Roberts, Cassandra Clare and many many indie authors I have come to love. There have been so many authors and books over the years it’s hard to limit the list.
What are you working on now?
Book 3 of Sinful Seasons Collection, Cowboy Daze – Autumn Lust. It is about a bull riding cowboy and a journalist who is sent to Texas to interview him and write articles about him. It is sexy but sweet and I’m on the home stretch. I hope to have it ready for release in early July.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Even though I’ve been published for a while, I didn’t do a lot of marketing in the beginning (things were different and I was with a couple of indie publishers so did a little). Since then I’ve been testing the water with different sites and I’m still learning about the whole marketing thing so it’s early days and I’m not sure which are the most effective yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write from the heart and keep writing. I wrote about 4 or 5 books really quickly when I started and then spent a lot of time polishing them. I then slowed right down and wrote here and there when I felt inspired but now I push myself to write and I keep on going. The best way to get better is to keep doing it. So write and write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep on writing! The same advice was given to me.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Anima Mea by Lucy Pepperdine
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have three or four more novelettes to write for my Sinful Seasons Collection. Then after that I have to finish the many works I have in progress. Writing, writing and more writing.
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?
The Bronze Horseman and Tully by Paullina Simons. Anna Karenina and the Jane Austin collection.
Author Websites and Profiles
Joanne Sexton Website
Joanne Sexton Amazon Profile
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