Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a professional writer, working as a journalist, editor and in public relations. I have been writing fiction most of my life but quite intensively in the last 5 years. Dawn of the Shadowcasters is the second book in the Stevie Vegas Chronicles trilogy, the being Shadowscape. I plan on writing the final book in 2014, Luminous.
I have also written a book for adults, Belonging Places. It’s the story of three women and their journeys to find themselves, and where they belong in the world.
I also love writing and reading horror – not gory stuff, or vampires and werewolves which have been done to death, but good horror/paranormal with a real shock or twist at the end that makes you think. I am currently working on an anthology of short horror stories, Evil Imminent.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Belonging Places – an adult contemporary book. The story is about three women, at different stages of their lives. I see some of myself and the women I know, in all of them. The inspiration for the book comes from a belief that we all need to belong and it’s in human nature to keep searching until you find that place where your heart knows…just knows that’s where you should be.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing very early in the morning, with the sun coming up and a view of outside, and a steaming hot cup of coffee in hand.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
All of them. I have been an avid reader since I was a child. I studied English Literature at university and my favourite author is Albert Camus. But I love Hemingway, and the Bronte sisters right through to Stephen King and Dean Koontz.
What are you working on now?
An anthology of short horror stories, Evil Imminent. I am enjoying writing these, as each one is different. They range from alien abductions, to love lost in the otherworld, through to a ghost hunter that picks on the wrong ghost.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably my blog. It’s not overly commercial and it’s where I feel I really connect with readers. You can find me at: http://extrasensitiveperson.wordpress.com/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. I don’t know of a book that goes off with a bang on launch date. Getting your work noticed takes persistence and innovation. And don’t spend so much time marketing that you forget to write. Writing and the love of it, is what it’s all about. Never forget that.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For Twitter, don’t expect to sell a lot of books, but use it to really brand yourself. And for social media generally, don’t be rude and spam people about your books, really connect with potential readers through interesting interaction and engagement.
What are you reading now?
I am too busy writing and marketing but hope to read another of Dean Koontz books soon, as I finished his book Odd Apocalypse in March and want to read more of his work.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the final book of the Stevie Vegas Chronicles trilogy, later this year and then writing an adult horror book. I have the plot and characters swirling around in my mind.
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?
Albert Camus’ The Plague
Charlotte Bronte’s Wuthering Heights
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mocking Bird
Author Websites and Profiles
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