Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Katie St. Claire is a pen name and I chose something that would appeal to both girls and women alike. My own name is rather bland.
I love to garden and I’m a world-class chrysanthemum cross-breeder and don’t let anyone tell you any different. Actually, the bees do all the cross-pollinating but that’s our little secret. I also love to travel to Mexico and the Caribbean and want to move there permanently someday. My sense of humor is outranked only by my curiosity.
People often accuse me of being blonde because I have so many dork moments that I’m a real-life Stephanie Plum. For as intelligent as I’d like to think I am, I’ve had some mishaps that are too embarrassing to even talk about. As far as writing goes, I dabble in everything except horror. I can’t seem to write in those deep dark places like the famous Stephen King, so I allow others to do what they do best.
I have released one book and have the sequel scheduled for release on April 21st. This will be a three-book series minimum, because of the many different directions I can take this plot.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rewind Forward is my latest book and will be released April 21st. The inspiration is simple. After writing Second Hand Stops the story had to continue. I left it on a cliffhanger and there was so much more to tell. We’ll see how far I can take this series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have so many unusual writing habits it would scare you. Seriously though, I love to write in my pajamas. The more comfortable and relaxed I am, the better I write. When my mind is alert and ready to go, I don’t stop. If I’m not feeling it, I do something else that still furthers my cause. This can include reading books about marketing or actually promoting my book and blogging.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Cassandra Clare is my favorite author because she’s simply magic, but Charlaine Harris is an author with a fast-paced easy read. I aimed for that same style because people are busy and easily distracted.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing Rewind Forward. When that is released, I’ll start working on Book III in the series. I won’t stop because I’m a little bit obsessive when I’m on a mission.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are many free web promotion sites and they are too numerous to mention, but authormarketingclub.com is a good place to start. I don’t recommend spending your money on paid sites unless they have a high Alexa ranking, and proven results. You’ll hear about it from other authors. Pixel of Ink is one I would recommend along with BookBub, but wait until you’ve racked up quite a few good reviews before you approach them.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and don’t stop. Many successful authors have told me that it takes awhile to brand yourself. You don’t start making money until about the third or fourth book if you’re writing a series, although a good standalone can do quite well if it’s informative and people need the information.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing. The hardest part is marketing, although editing gives me fits because I tend to be rather verbose and write in long, flowing sentences. When it flows, it flows…but then I have to take out the magic wand of conciserosity (I make up my own words) and that’s a pain, trust me.
What are you reading now?
Mississippi Blues by D’Ann Lindun and The City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare. I just finished a handy little marketing book as well.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The answer to that question will always be, ‘keep writing until I die.’
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 Bible, a thesaurus, The Codex (Cassandra Clare).
Author Websites and Profiles
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