Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Chicago native, I moved to San Diego in 1980, married and divorced with 2 grown children, one married and one at home. I also care for my two elderly parents, mom 85 and dad 103.
Started writing in 2008 but did not publish my first book, The Sea Maiden, until 2011. It has been revised and re-edited recently.
Writing my second book was very emotional experience for me…and have started writing the sequel targeted at audiences that favor romantic medieval and fantasy adventures like, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Braveheart, Tristan and Isolde and King Arthur.
I look forward to translating all of them to Spanish in the near future.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
SPELLBOUND, was inspired because of my love of romance, mystery, medieval times, epic battles, and the supernatural. My muse has been music, mostly instrumental emotional soundtracks, which I listen to constantly. It keeps my fingers on the keyboard as I picture scenes in my head.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure how to answer that, since what’s usual for me may be unusual to others. I guess I can say I write to music or after watching or listening to something that stirred my emotions.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Actually I was first influenced by old time movies by Errol Flynn like, Robin Hood, The Sea Hawks, and Captain Blood. More modern day influences are, Gladiator, King Arthur, Tristan and Isolde, and even Assasin’s Creed Unity video game series. In the past I have also enjoyed paperback historical romances. However, I find them too racy so I decided to write something that is PG-13 that everyone can enjoy.
What are you working on now?
SPELLBOUND II, the sequel. I added a scene at the very end of SPELLBOUND. This time the time traveler will be an 18 year old boy who finds the crystal in the castle. When the crystal connects with him, a series of events leads him back to medieval times, and to face three evil sorceress.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe KDP free book promotion is the best method but I am also promoting my facebook fanpage, https://www.facebook.com/mspeeradventurebooks as well as my website: https:/mispr6.wix.com/romantic-adventures
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well if money is not an issue go for the gold but if they are on a tight budget then just start writing and edit as you go with Grammarly, or use people on fiverr. It saves time and money. Reviews are very important so try to get some in advance before the KDP free book promotion. I’m still learning as I go, but I am planning to find a book agent because they can help promote your book too. They don’t make any money unless your book sells. The catch is the better the agent the more swamped they are.
Other things to consider is book trailers and youtube, no experience here yet, but they are suppose to get you very targeted traffic with good keywords. Look up Google Keyword Tool also you can use the search bar on Amazon for keyword searches. The ones that pop up first are going to be the best. You just insert words or phrases that describe your book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Well, the best advice that works for me is that, no book is perfect, you just do your best and try to reach enough targeted audience for your book genre. Many book authors do well with their books even when they don’t reach NY Best seller list.
What are you reading now?
Well I’m still reading my own books to proof read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Youtube video, reddit, and getting a book agent.
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?
Besides the Bible, not sure, haven’t been reading any books lately other than my own, so I would just take them…it’s what I like to read anyway that’s why I wrote them.
Author Websites and Profiles
M. I. Speer Website