Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a medieval fantasy author based in Johannesburg, South Africa. I love the complexity and intrigue of the medieval period with all its intrigue, danger, adventure, politics and drama rolled into one.
I am writing a medieval fantasy series called the Chronicles of Nadine. Book 1 (The Last of the Silver Wings) and Book 2 (The Fire Within the Storm) are available on Amazon. Book 3 is due for release early in 2021 and I am about 14 000 words into book 4.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Fire Within the Storm is part of the Chronicles of Nadine series, was inspired by my daughter. She is feisty and determined and sometimes people misunderstand her, but despite her struggles for independence, she is a gifted and caring person. I believe that a lot of strong women are incorrectly labelled by those who do not know how to deal with them.
Within each book, I deal with a social issue many people still face in the modern world. Each book has a different sub-theme. I can’t give too much away without having a spoiler, but the sub-theme in book 2 is something that has affected some special friends of mine. Too often we judge people when we have no understanding of what they are going through.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a writing routine. I get up around 03h00. I drink a glass of water to rehydrate my brain. I then eat a protein-based snack, usually egg. I do a few cross midline exercises to get my left and right brain to connect and I listen to medieval, spy or other mood music on YouTube while I am writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a number of different genres and like different elements from them. I used to read a lot of Wilbur Smith and I love his series where you could track a family lineage over time, although eventually some of the violence was too graphic for me. I enjoyed the complex world-building of Terry Pratchett in the disc world series. I love the drama and moral fibre of Francine Rivers. And finally, I enjoy the clean read adventures of Clive Cussler.
What are you working on now?
My editor has just started reading the first draft of book 3 in my series, so I am expecting the rewrite suggestions within the new few weeks. I have started writing book 4 in the series. In this book, I will introduce my Emerald Forest Dragon, who is meant to train the Silver Wing Dragon Whisperer. It will not be a simple task as he is as reluctant as she is. I somehow have to transform this traumatised dragon to reclaim his purpose. People sometimes believe that living according to purpose is easy, but many who achieve great things have had to endure more than we can ever imagine stepping into their destiny.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I belong to a number of Facebook groups and have had some success on Instagram. I have grown my newsletter subscription base using Storyorigin.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Even if you do not feel like writing, do research or something else related to books in that time slot, it will help you to perform better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Simple does not equal easy. Just keep moving.
What are you reading now?
I am reading a non-fiction book, by Alan C Walter. It is a personal development book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will finish the Chronicles of Nadine series which will be 6 books. Then I will write a series from a different character in the same world.
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?
A practical book on how to build shelters and prepare meals on an Island. I will have to research that. Then “The One Minute Millionaire”, which is a novel and self-help business book rolled into one and one of Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion Series.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kim Vermaak Website
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