Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Colorado native, a wife, a mother, and along with being an author I’m also an artist and a library clerk. I’ve *written* five books so far. Three in my adult urban fantasy series (The Magicsmith), one sci-fi adventure waiting for a sequel, and one stand-alone YA. Of those, A Drop of Magic released July 31, 2019, Courting Darkness will release August 23rd, and Faerie Forged should drop before the end of the year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I was inspired to write A Drop of Magic after reading yet another urban fantasy novel where the protagonist started out with kick-ass powers they already knew how to use. I wanted to write about someone unaware of their powers, someone who had to learn them and stumble and grow. To put it in comic book terms, I wanted to write an origin story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not by choice. . . But whenever I sit down at my computer to write, my super cute and snuggly cat hops up and lays across my arms with her head tucked up under my chin. She’s doing it right now in fact.
Therefore, I have gotten in the habit of not moving anything above my wrists for long periods of time. This is not great for my stiff neck, but it’s worth it for kitty snuggles.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Way to many too name, but here goes . . .
Patricia Briggs, Seanan McGuire, Kevin Hearne, Piers Anthony, Terry Brooks, Brandon Sanderson, Tad Williams, J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan, Larry Niven, Terry Pratchett, Brent Weeks, Ann Bishop, Laurell K. Hamilton, Lois Lowry . . . shall I go on?
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the rewrite of Faerie Forged, book 3 in my Magicsmith series. I’m also starting the pre-writing for book 4, which doesn’t have a name yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have active accounts on Goodreads, BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. So far, I think I’ve had the best response from Goodreads and Facebook. I also have an author newsletter that I use to promote things like sales, recommended titles, and upcoming events to keep people engaged.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Look for people willing to give you constructive criticism and hold them tight. These are you best friends. They will help you grow your work from okay to awesome!
Also, be persistent. Being an author can be frustrating. There’s a lot of waiting, and rejection, and self-doubt. Stay strong and push through. Holding your finished book will be worth it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Follow your bliss.”
I translate this roughly to mean, do what you love. If you enjoy doing something, if you care about it, that passion will come through and enrich both your life and the lives of those around you.
What are you reading now?
At the moment, I’m reading Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi, the third book in her Under the Never Sky series.
I’m also reading The Fantasy Fiction Formula by Deborah Chester, because I’m always trying to improve my craft.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I’ve got at least two more books planned for my Magicsmith series. Then I have the outlines for some stand-alone novels I’d like to write. Beyond that, I have a couple YA books in need of revision, and I promised my daughter I would write her a middle-grade adventure.
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?
Oh, that’s hard. . .
Elantris, Moon Called, A Spell for Chameleon, and Good Omens.
Author Websites and Profiles
L.R. Braden Website
L.R. Braden Amazon Profile
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