Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Canadian author of what I like to call twisted fiction. I’m a big horror fan, and most of my stories run in that vein. I have written two full length novels and countless short stories, which I have published in various anthologies.
I also work with a group of authors called WPaD, AKA Writers, Poets and Deviants. We publish multi-genre anthologies to raise funds for MS.
The very first book I wrote was very different from what I write today. The Jealousy Game tells a story of real-life horror. It is based on a combination of true stories, including my own. It follows the path of a domestic relationship from the beginning, where jealousy is seen as a sign of affection, to the violent end of the relationship. I wrote it to help a family member who was in that situation, but had no idea so many people would end up reading it and passing it on.
The ebook is permanently free.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Feeder. This thriller is not for the squeamish.
It’s a violent tale of revenge inspired by a short story I wrote about a serial killer posing as a prostitute to lure victims. When I looked at it later, I thought it had potential and developed it into a novel The characters that emerged were unlike anything I could have imagined in the beginning. There is a twist in this book that no reader has seen coming thus far.
The sequel, entitled Fed Up, is currently in progress.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. On most days you’ll find me parked on the couch with my laptop, dog and cat on either side of me and the Comedy network playing in the background for ambiance. The perfect setting to create murder and mayhem.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading a lot of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, but these days I read almost exclusively indie books. I skip through pretty much all genres of fiction and have found an endless supply of fantastic reads. It is in the indie community that I have found most of the authors in whose footsteps I hope to follow.
What are you working on now?
At the moment, I have several projects in progress.
One is Fed Up, sequel to The Feeder, as I mentioned earlier.
The other novel I’m working on is called Phobia, which is in its final stages and should be ready for release in the spring of 2014. It’s about an agoraphobic who feels secure in her home until strange things start to happen. She’s terrified and wants to escape, but the outside is just as terrifying as the inside.
I am also working on another MS anthology with WPaD. This one has an apocalyptic theme. It’s called Goin’ Extinct, and is due for release in the summer of 2014.
I am also working on another project for a terminally ill friend. His final wish was to see his poetry published in a book. I have compiled his poetry into an anthology called Silk She Is. I’m just waiting for a few more pieces he is sending me, then the book will be finished. It will be published and all proceeds will go to cancer research.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have tried a lot of promotional sites, with varying degrees of success. I think the best promotion is by engaging with readers via social media. By engaging, I mean talking to people, not bombarding them with “Buy my book!” posts. I’ve met a lot of great people and have learned a lot from other authors.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it’s exciting to finish that first novel and publish, but don’t rush the process. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so do it right the first time.
– Professional editing and cover design are essential. Readers WILL notice the difference.
– Do the ebook edition first, then the print edition. Work the glitches out in the ebook version before immortalizing it in ink.
-Understand that publishing a book does not make you an instant superstar. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. There’s money to be made, but it’s a gradual process and requires a lot of hard work.
-Seek out the people who have succeeded at doing what you are trying to do and learn from them. Listen to what they have to say. Read books and blogs written by people who are trying to share their knowledge, and never stop learning.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Spamming social networks does not sell books. Stop it. Just stop making an a** of yourself.”
I heeded that advice.
What are you reading now?
“Don’t Tell Anyone” by Laurie Boris
What’s next for you as a writer?
This year will see me completing the four in progress projects I mentioned earlier, along with another WPaD anthology, Creepies 2, to be released toward the end of the year. We plan to release two anthologies per year.
As for me personally, I expect to be starting my next novel, “Love Thine Enemy” toward the end of 2014. I fully expect another project to surface between now and then and demand my time as well. At this time, I don’t know what that might be, but I have more ideas in my head than I have years of life left to write them. (assuming I live to at least 80)
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 honestly can’t think of which books I’d bring, but I would want a limitless supply of pen and ink.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mandy White Website
Mandy White Amazon Profile
Mandy White Author Profile on Smashwords
Mandy White’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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