Mariam Kobras

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was many things before I became a writer: mother, wife, lay judge, football team manager, city council member, teacher, and yes, also Skyrim player. The writing began to happen when I was fifty-three; my kids were grown, and there I was, with too much time on my hands. My husband gave me a laptop for Christmas, and six months later I’d finished The Distant Shore.
So far I’ve written seven books: six of those are Stone Series novels, one is the first novel in the new Sunset Bay series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is The Rosewood Guitar, a prequel in the Stone Series. It tells the story of young Jon Stone and his road to stardom as a performing song writer. Music inspired me to write it. I’ve always loved music, all kinds of it, too, and I wanted to write about it. Rosewood Guitar is not a sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll novel. It’s about the dream of fame and wealth and the price that will have to be paid for it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t really think so. I’ve never thought about it, to be honest. All I do is sit down and write. It doesn’t have to be a particular place, either. I can write anywhere. While I’m writing this I’m on the living room couch. My kid, who is sitting next to me, is playing Steins;Gate on the PS, my husband is watching a football game on his computer.
I’ve written on planes, at airport restaurants, at my publisher’s dining table, in bed, and yes, even at my desk!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to mention. Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy, Sigrid Undset’s Kristin Lavransdottir, Neil Gaiman’s graphic novels (because they are so beautiful!), Sena Jeter Naslund’s Ahab’s Wife, Nagib Machfuz’ Cairo Trilogy. As you can see, I really like the classics. Character-driven novels.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a new book in the Stone Series. This one is not about Jon and Naomi, the heroes of the trilogy and the prequels, but about their children, Joshua and Allegra. It’s set in Ontario, New York City, Los Angeles and some other places. Joshua leaves his family to find out what he really wants in life. It will be released exclusively to those who signed up for my newsletter. A treat for my readers!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love twitter! It’s such a great place to actually talk to your readers and not just blast promo tweets into the air. I found my publisher on twitter! Or to be more accurate: they found me there. Pinterest is a wonderful place for authors. I’ve created boards for all my books, they’re like visual storyboards.
Facebook is great, too. For me, it’s always about connecting with people, and making friends. I just love making new friends.
As for the other possibilities–Awesomegang is a great way to promote books, just like BookBub and other sites. I leave that to my publisher though. They know better.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Patience. That’s what I have learned since my first book was signed by Buddhapuss Ink, my publisher. Nothing happens overnight, that’s a myth. Even those “overnight successes” never happen overnight. Also, don’t stop writing. The more books you have out there, the greater are your chances of being noticed. And don’t expect to be rich and famous overnight, either. Won’t happen. Just keep working.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Butt in chair, write.”
This is my publisher’s favorite advice, and it’s also the best advice for any fledgling writer. It sums up everything you need to know: You’re a writer. Your job is to sit down and write. Everything else will fall into place.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading “In the Context of Love” by Linda Sienkiewicz. An amazing book! The author has such a clear, unflinching view of young love, dead love, redemption, love fulfilled.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As long as my publisher still wants me I’ll keep writing for them! I’m in my happy place with Buddhapuss Ink.
When I’ve finished this (as yet untitled) Stone Series book I’ll go back to the Sunset Series. Those characters are really crowding my head, they want OUT!

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?
Certainly a book on “How to Survive on a Desert Island”! I’m sure there’s one somewhere out there, right?
I think I’d take Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy. I’ve been meaning to re-read that one for years now. Also, Peter F. Hamilton’s Night Dawn’s Trilogy. And I think I’d take The Bible.

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