Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My seventh book, Unintended, just came out on August 17th. I’m an author and a publisher of escapism fiction. I started out writing science fiction and fantasy YA and now I write mainly fantasy romance. You can learn more about me at my website: http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Unintended is a Shakespearian-style romantic comedy. I was inspired by the blend of comedy, romance and fantasy in The Princess Bride and also the mix of dramatic romance and light-hearted comedy found in Shakespeare. The setting is a fantasy version of medieval England, Scotland and France.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write with my sister and we like to argue, so the arguments in the book are real and the dialogue reads very naturally. We try to write every night while working on a book, which means locking ourselves in our office with a pot of tea and a couple of office cats.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite author is Anne Bishop. I love her style of dark fantasy, but I also enjoy epic fantasies like those of Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson and more historically -based fantasies like Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. I think my more recent work falls somewhere in the middle of those three genres.
What are you working on now?
A super secret project which may or may not be a sequel to an earlier work, but I won’t tell you which one yet. With regards to publishing, we’re nearing the end of our Summer of New Releases, so it’s been a hectic few months preparing for all the book launch events!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We use Facebook a lot. Our facebook page is very active and we also host launch parties there and advertise for our local launch events through there. Second to that would be our blog which acts like a hub for everything we do, directing people to our website, facebook page, or store as needed.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Every. Day.
Stopping or taking long breaks makes it harder to keep your head in the game. Just keep going.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Create a fan base. It’s important to have an author platform, but more importantly you want to provide content that people want to read and interact with. If they like what you do, they’ll be more willing to invest in you as an author.
What are you reading now?
The Legend of Ghost Dog Island by Rita Monette. Her middle grade adventure book about life in the Bayou for 10-year-old Nikki Landry and her dog Snooper, launches September 1st through Mirror World Publishing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Growing my publishing company as a brand and producing some really great books. I want to make Mirror World Publishing a known place to come for great books that take you away to other worlds.
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?
My Crimson Winter Trilogy. I wrote that set of novels for me to remember a great story told to me by someone else. I love to re-read it from time to time just to immerse myself in that world.
Author Websites and Profiles
Justine Dowsett Website
Justine Dowsett Amazon Profile
Justine Dowsett’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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