Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a background in marketing, and have written two full-blown musical plays that were produced by independent investors. I wrote the music and script. I now write full-time in the midwest.
Political thriller “Itsy Bitsy Spider” is my debut novel. Courtroom drama “Hush” will out in December of this year, and “Lottery” will be available in the spring of 2014.
I am an upbeat, positive person that is a continual student as there is so much to see and so much to learn. Every person I have met has an unbelievable story not only worth listening to, but telling.
I have three grown sons that still keep me busy, and my house companions are George and Gracie Burns – a Bichon Havanese and Yorkshire who sit at my feet as I write.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Itsy Bitsy Spider” was inspired by hearing stories about those who took their power back after living in an abused environment. I have always been, and continue to be, in awe of what survivors have gone through if they live to tell their story. However, I thought about it for some time and, knowing that abuse has no boundaries, I wondered how many of the rich and famous had gone to their grave with their dark secrets? How many victims have been silenced by those who held power over them? Thus the birth of the powerful Boston Mayor Jack McCallin and his step-daughter Claire who had been a victim since she was three-years-old. And when Claire hears her three-year-old-daughter Lizzie singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, the nursury rhyme song Jack McCallin sang to her behind closed bedroom doors, she knows she has to protect her daughter.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write from five a.m. until 2 p.m. every day – seven days a week. I take a break from 2 until 3:30 and then begin editing what I’ve written for the day. I treat my writing as I have my previous occupations as it is not only a passion, but something I feel I have been given the opportunity and gift to do.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Grisham – Patterson – I love a fast-paced book with a solid foundation that sweeps you into the story and keeps you captive.
What are you working on now?
Courtroom Drama thriller “Hush” is in the final editing process and will be released in December of this year. A young couple falls in love not only feeling they’ve known each other all of their lives, but have finally found their soul-mate. After they marry and are expecting their first child, when lawyer Ben Grable unseals his adoption papers, their lives are thrown into nightmare from which their is no escape. Forced to opposite sides of the courtroom, when the world becomes involved in the silent protest of HUSH – the brainstorm of Ann Grable’s lawyer Michael J. McConaughey – this angst courtroom thriller will leave many asking what price they are willing to pay for a cause.
Thriller “Lottery” is due to be released in the spring of 2014. Caleb Gillespie has found the love of his life, and will do anything to protect Ling from finding out the truth obout how he came to claim the largest mega-million lottery ticket worth seven hundred and thirty six million dollars. And when one person knows the truth, there is usually another…and another… and another. Greed turns murderous in this San Francisco cat and mouse thriller.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I started marketing “Itsy Bitsy Spider” six months before it was published – on facebook, twitter and linked-in. Gathering a group of friends and then telling them about your book has been a successful venue. However, there is a fine line between friendship and ‘peddling’ your wares. First and foremost, I want to care about the friends I meet online or in person.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is a business for those who are thick-skinned and not for those who will crumble when they are rejected or receive bad reviews. If you’re going to write, and everyone says they have a book to write, write for the right reasons and not to become famous. Grab a partner who wants to read what you say and listen, listen, listen to the positive AND the negative because readers know better than you what works and what doesn’t. Above all, make your writing honest. Feel what your character feels – go into their head – get into the situation, and then tell what you are smell, hear, feel, or see.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you write to become rich and famous, chances are you are writing for an audience, and not being true to yourself.
What are you reading now?
Stephen King’s “Doctor Sleep.’
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing “Hush” and finishing “Lottery.”
What is your favorite book of all time?
“Of Mice and Men,” “A Time To Kill,” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” : )
Author Websites and Profiles
Kimberly Shursen Website
Kimberly Shursen Amazon Profile
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Goodreads Profile
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