Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve published two books, and will be publishing a third this fall. My debut novel is The Day After Yesterday (contemporary fiction). Early this year, I published Ashes (suspense), the first in a two-book series that concludes with Reckoning, to be published in November.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, and also watching movies. In fact, I also write movie reviews for the Horrorview.com site, and next year will be publishing a movie review book tentatively titled The Nerd Girl’s Guide to Cinema. My other favorite hobby is cooking, and I particularly enjoy the holiday time, when I make big feasts for my family and friends.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ashes is the first in a two-book suspense series. In the opening chapter a Los Angeles federal building is bombed, and Jennifer Thomson, a young woman who works as an admin, is the last person to make it out of the building before it collapses. The whole world is watching her last-minute escape, and this makes her into the icon of the event. Jennifer’s life is overturned not just by the trauma of the attack, but by survivor guilt and her unwelcome celebrity, so she moves to a small town in British Columbia to start life over.
One of the people watching her escape from the building is Sean Kincaid, a former covert government operative who’s been in unhappy retirement for the past few years. Jennifer’s plight moves him and, when his request to rejoin his agency is denied, he decides to go rogue and not just find those who perpetrated the bombing, but to bring them to Jennifer so she can mete out justice personally.
The federal building attack had its inspiration in events like Oklahoma City and 9/11. I didn’t want to write about those incidents specifically, but about the effect an event like those (or any catastrophic event, like a natural disaster) could have on a survivor, particularly in this era when the media is so ever-present and intrusive.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Because I’m juggling family life and a day job as well as writing, I find it’s best to adhere to a fairly strict schedule. Between the schedule and a steady diet of coffee, I meet most of my goals! I also limit my distractions, so I’m still only on Season 2 of Breaking Bad.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many! Stephen King, for his world-building and characterization. Larry McMurtry, also for his strength of characterization. Ray Bradbury, for the fine art of not over-explaining to the reader. Margaret Atwood, for her descriptions and imagery. I’m sure there are dozens more I could list.
What are you working on now?
Reckoning, the sequel to Ashes, is in the final stages of preparation for publishing in November. After that I’ll be concentrating on my movie review book, and also helping other independent writers by copyediting and proofreading their work.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotions with Ereader News Today and BookBub have done very well in terms of sales. I also reach out to a lot of bloggers to request reviews for my books – while those reviews don’t always translate into immediate sales, they do help generate visibility and good will. I’m always happy when someone shares their opinions on one of my books with their friends and followers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Understand that independent publishing is a long game. It will take a long time to get notices and to make decent sales, but if your book has merit, in the end you will get some success. Maybe not enough to quit the day job, but enough to encourage you. Be patient. Be understanding and respectful of your readers and reviewers. Be professional. Take the high road. And above all, keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always have another set of eyes review your work. Beta readers will help you refine your book and get rid of any elements that don’t work (and strengthen the elements that do work). Editors and proofreaders will fine-tune the book and ensure that you are putting your best, most professional content out there.
What are you reading now?
I just finished yet another re-read of Stephen King’s The Shining. Not sure what’s up next – I need to consult the to-be-read shelves!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m very much looking forward to the publication of Reckoning, the conclusion of my two-book suspense series. It’s quite a ride, and I think those who’ve read Ashes will really enjoy its sequel.
What is your favorite book of all time?
It’s so hard to narrow it down, but one candidate is Michel Faber’s The Crimson Petal and the White.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kelly Cozy Website
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