Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 58 year old grandmother, happily married for 30 years. I am a fan of both history and fantasy fiction, and a huge fan of Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies. When I was in the U.S.A.F. around 38 years ago, I was stationed in England, and toured Europe extensively for two years. I started writing fanfiction several years ago, but am now trying to write original fiction. I consider myself a writer of historical fantasy, meaning the stories have fantasy elements but are set in a historical time and place.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is “The Death Doll,” which was inspired by one of my favorite childhood books. It is set in New Hampshire during the Salem witch trials, and deals with the dangers of gossip and other “fake news.” It also incorporates the “wandering heroine” featured in so many tales of mythology and folklore. Although my first book is what I’d call a historical fantasy, I consider this one a historical fiction because of the amount of research I put into the time period, the fact that Durham, N.H. existed at the time, and the references to the witch trials that occurred in the summer of 1692.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to start my stories with pen and paper, and don’t start typing until the chapter is finished.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Although I’ve read Tolkien and J.K. Rowling, I’m not sure either was much of an influence. I mostly read for the stories, not the authors. As a child one of my favorite books was “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London, which was an action adventure also set in a historical setting. I also loved “My Enemy, the Queen” by Victoria Holt, which is a straight-up historical fiction about Queen Elizabeth I. And there are so many others, I couldn’t name them all. But I also have a soft spot for Jane Austen!
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to my first book, which is a historical fantasy about Vikings in the modern country of Newfoundland. I’ve also started on another historical fantasy about Celtic tribes in Ireland circa 500 B.C. I’m hoping to have the first draft of the sequel finished before I actually go to Ireland at the end of June, because I’m sure that my trip to Ireland will inspire me to work on the Celtic fantasy!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I’m still working on that one.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a tough decision about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. I know there are some extremely successful self-published authors, but self-promoting your book is like a full-time job! Of course, traditionally published authors also have to do a lot of self-promotion, so be prepared for that.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day, no matter what! There are days when I can barely write two paragraphs, and other days when I can write several pages. You cannot wait for inspiration. Writing is just like playing a sport or musical instrument, the more you do it, the better (and easier) your writing becomes.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading “Killer Debt” by Suzanne Adair, another self-published author. It’s the fourth book in a historical fiction series set during the American Revolution. After that I have some fantasy books I’d like to tackle.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish my “Celtic Rings” series, I have in mind a series based on the travels of a Viking woman. It will probably be more historical fiction than fantasy, but I’ve also got an idea for another Celtic inspired historical fantasy. I have lots of ideas!
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?
Hm, does “Lord of the Rings” count as one book? If so, that one plus at least one Jane Austen, and two good books that I’ve never read just to keep it interesting.