Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Kelly The Critter Lady and I’ve written three animal-themed memoirs. I’ve always loved writing, and I’ve always loved animals, so putting the two together was a great fit for me. I also rescue and care for animals in need. Doesn’t matter if it’s wild (a skunk who got caught in my humane trap) or domestic (those noisy domestic ducks in my back yard-with many apologies to my neighbors!), I love them all, and firmly believe that they’re all equally deserving of care and respect.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The new book is Sorry Honey, But The Critters Come First. My poor, put-upon husband came up with the title, and it takes no imagination at all to guess how he did! LOL Sorry Honey picks up where No Better Medicine left off, with new tales about some of the same animals featured in my previous two books, and some new animals, as well. Did I mention that skunk that got caught in my humane trap…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m probably the only writer out there who refuses to write on a daily basis. I’m a firm believer in practicing and honing your writing skills, and improving your craft – one look at anything online proves that there are far too many writers who do neither – but I simply don’t have things to write about every day. My usual process involves letting an idea simmer on the back burner of my brain until I’ve come up with the lead sentence and a paragraph or two. Then I sit down at the computer and let the magic happen.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Bill Bryson’s humor, as well as his subject matter, which generally involves multiple mishaps during his travel adventures. I enjoy Bob Tarte’s animal-themed memoirs for the same reasons. Bob doesn’t travel, but his life with 50+ animals seems to be full of mishaps! And because I have absolutely no talent for fiction, I greatly admire Stephen King and his prodigious amount of work. My goodness! Can you imagine what goes on in his brain, that he manages to write so many terrific (and terrifying) stories?
What are you working on now?
Book 4 is currently stewing on the back burner of my brain. I have the first two story ideas in my head. Now, it’s a matter of setting aside the time to start writing them.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang is a great one. I try to hit all the online sites that are willing to promote books because the more exposure you have, the better your chances of sales are.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
WRITE WRITE WRITE! And then write some more. It took years of writing before I came up with anything worth reading. Your first and second (and possibly your third, fourth, and fifth) manuscripts are NOT best-seller material! Keep honing your craft, know your subject matter inside and out, and don’t be afraid to ask published authors for help. I’ve found several who have been very generous with their time and knowledge, and I try to be, too.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing!
What are you reading now?
Nothing at the moment because I’m writing an online newspaper column and doing promo work for Sorry Honey, which doesn’t leave me much time for other things. I do know that my locally-owned bookstore has ordered a copy of Bill Bryson’s new book, The Road To Little Dribbling, for me, and I’m really looking forward to reading that.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep on writing at every opportunity that presents itself!
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?
Bill Bryson’s Notes From A Small Island, and, Neither Here Nor There. Bob Tarte’s Enslaved By Ducks, and, Fowl Weather. And a few of Stephen King’s early books (The Shining, Carrie, and ‘Salem’s Lot) if I was allowed to bring more.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kelly Meister-Yetter Website
Kelly Meister-Yetter Amazon Profile
Kelly Meister-Yetter’s Social Media Links
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