Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there! I am 23-years-old, and the founder of an online magazine for teens and young women called Crown of Beauty! I have always had a very creative and hyperactive mind, so I enjoy anything that involves creativity; whether that be writing a new song, dreaming up a new story, or designing magazine pages! I’ve written many books, but currently have three published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Regal Hearts is a Kindle series for teen girls and I think it was really inspired by my teenage years! The premise of this story is that a family of girls who were all separated at birth, discover their royal heritage and their entire world gets flipped upside down. It is very much a fish-out-of-water story, that plays around with many extreme circumstances and ways of life! It has a fun sprinkle of pretty much everything…from a Princess, to a Popstar, to an Amish girl, and even an average girl! As a teen and pre-teen I imagined what life would be like in each of those situations, so I can see how this story was influnced by my younger-self. But what girl didn’t wish, at least at one time in her life, that she was a Princess or a Popstar? Haha!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm…not really. I don’t think this is at all unusual, but most of my inspiration and ideas seem to kick in, at night-time. But I think that might be pretty normal for us creative-types. It’s like, when the sun goes down, a light-switch inside of me is turned on!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I might get in trouble for saying this, but I’m an author who doesn’t actually read very much. I know, I know, it sounds crazy! What kind of author doesn’t enjoy reading?! I think I’m at a place in my life where I’m just overflowing with words, ideas and inspiration, I feel like if I were to pick up someone else’s work of fiction at this point, I would probably explode! Haha! The inspiration is flowing very strongly, and I feel like I need to release so many of the stories inside of me, before I spend time looking at anyone else’s. Again, I know this sounds crazy, and maybe I’m not a true writer if I don’t love to read and read and read…but it’s just where I’m at right now in my life. If I do pick up a book or two, it’s usually to read non-fiction. Inspirational books that encourage you to set goals, follow your dreams, and fulfill the purpose for which you’re on this planet.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a trilogy which revolves around a modern day royal family, living in a fictitious nation in Europe. I don’t want to give too much away, because I haven’t officially announced the details to my followers yet, but I’m very thrilled about this project! It touches on a lot of exciting, yet heartwarming subjects, and I believe that readers are really going to fall in love with those characters.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I run an online magazine which is targeted toward the same demographic to which I’m marketing my books, so that works really well! Over the years, I’ve been building connection and relationships with my readers at Crown of Beauty Magazine, and now as I’m starting to release various works of fiction to them, those who have been following the magazine for awhile are really excited about it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Wow, what a loaded question! There is so much I could say. But I think my number once piece of advice would be, turn off your inner critic! You have to shut down that negative voice that says your writing is no good, that you’re never going to make it as an author, that you’re not good enough, nobody will ever want to read what you have to say, bla, bla, bla LIES. Those are all lies! Don’t give them any place in your mind our heart. Focus on the truth. You ARE a writer. Just the fact that you have the desire to write, and the dream stirring in your heart, means that you are meant to do this! So just go for it. Sit down, and write. It’s not going to be perfect, and that is totally okay. You grow over time, as you write, write, and write some more. But no matter what, don’t give up! Believe that this is what you’re meant to do, and that your words will touch other people’s lives.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It sounds so cliche, but the best advice I’ve ever heard is to WRITE. We can read, and research, and talk about it, and brainstorm, and plan, and vocally express our desire to be a writer….but the bottom line, is that you have to sit down at your computer, force your mind to focus on one line at a time, and WRITE. Write as much as you possibly can. Write everyday! The more you write, the better you’ll get. Again, I know that everybody says this, but they say it because it’s true. Write, write, write!
What are you reading now?
My manuscript! I’m currently editing the trilogy that I’m working on and whew, talk about an uphill battle! (Editing truly is the hardest part of the writing process ,in my opinion!)
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish editing this trilogy and then release it! I’m very excited to see how my readers react to this new series!
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?
Hmm…great question! I would choose my Bible, Dreaming with God by Bill Johnson, Without Rival by Lisa Bevere, and Crazy Love by Francis Chan.
Author Websites and Profiles
Livy Jarmusch Website