Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have always loved writing, and started writing as a child. Life took over with college, marriage, starting my own business as an interior designer, our children–two daughters. Over the course, I continued to write but have never published anything. My husband and I have recently retired and moved from my home town of Olympia in Washington state to a serene coastal setting. The perfect environment to finally be serious about writing. I love history, especially history about the early pioneers, including my own pioneer family settling in Olympia, coming to America to make a new life. There are so many stories to be told. I am presently working on my first novel of a story of a fictional pioneer family in the 1850’s traveling by paddle wheel steamship from New York City to the rugged Pacific Northwest via the South America route. So much is known about the Oregon Trail, but there hasn’t been as much attention about the water route. I have many hours of research logged in. I can’t wait to have people read it and come to love my characters as much as I do.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
After my husband and I retired and settled on our country/coastal property , we planted an orchard and have grown an organic garden every year. I found out that my pioneer family’s Planters’ blood is alive and well in me. I enjoy the garden and plucking the fruit from the orchard. I have always enjoyed making food gifts, and now that we have access to such bountiful harvests, I became inspired to write and publish my first book, Food Gift Recipes From Nature’s Bounty. It’s all about the old fashioned tradition of giving the gift of food. Two of the recipes in this book play a role in my historical fiction novel which has been on the back burner while I finish this book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it is considered unusual, (possibly because many people write using the keyboard), but I like to start out by hand writing the book. It’s not long before my hand begins to ache, and I have to finally switch to the computer keyboard.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like stories about the past and biographies. Gone With The Wind is an amazing and timeless book, and the story of the author, Margaret Mitchell, is intriguing.
What are you working on now?
As I mentioned earlier, I am working on a historical fiction novel, 98,000 words. I have many hours of research in including reading narratives by people in the 1800’s. The story centers on a family traveling via paddle wheel steamship from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast. Their destination–the rugged Pacific Northwest. My own pioneer family migrated from Michigan and Nebraska to the Pacific Northwest; namely, Olympia, Washington which is where I was born. They came via the Oregon Trail, and some who came a little later, were the first to come by rail. So little is talked about the water route in the 1850’s. I was inspired to learn what they went through. My fictional family go through many trials and tribulations including a kidnapping into the white slave market in San Francisco.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is my first published book, so everything is trial and error. I have been building an email list, using Facebook, and trying promo sites such as this.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t go it alone. Involve yourself with other writers. It’s a rewarding and gratifying experience. We support each other rather than compete with each other. I have made new friends of people I would never have known existed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up, be persistent.
What are you reading now?
I am reading self help books on writing and marketing them.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to interview war veterans and write their stories with their permission.
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?
I would take books that would teach me how to live off of the land and inspirational books.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lilly Brock Website
Lilly Brock Amazon Profile
Lilly Brock’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
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