Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am fairly new and have two books currently available to purchase – Happily Never After and Into the Deep. Both are Young Adult, paranormal and fantasy. I live in Montana, where being outdoors often wars with my need to write. Both books out are first in a series. I’m hard at work on the next ones!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Into the Deep
It’s about mermaids and what little girl hasn’t been obsessed with mermaids at one point in her life? It’s not just that though. I’ve put a lot in about the way humans treat the oceans. It got me thinking one day…what if the oceans or the creatures living in them, revolted against our years of neglecting it? It’s an adventure into a new world but at the same time it’s about saving the real world. Plus, the heroine is an amputee, who’s never felt comfortable on land. it’s about finding that inner strength and loving who you are.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m old school when I finish a first draft. I print the entire thing out then get out the red pen!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are way too many to list. I’ve only been reading young adult for the last five years or so. Like many, I got introduced to it through Twilight, but some of my favorites are Richelle Mead, Julie Kagawa, Melissa Marr, and I’m drawing a blank at the others.
I’m also inspired and blown away by George R R Martin. His ability to create worlds and write such an intricate story has me wanting to step up my game!
What are you working on now?
It’s National Novel Writing Month so I use November to experiment. I’m venturing into science fiction, a virus that unlocks super human powers in the general population. Chaos ensues and well the rest is a surprise.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Goodreads for now. I’m still new so I’m learning to navigate the whole social media thing. I’m one of those authors who are very introverted. This getting out there and being seen stuff has been slow going but it’s slowly coming to me!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up!
I literally queried every agent I could with my first novel, Happily Never After. One of the last places I tried, a small publishing company called Fire and Ice, fell in love with it right away. And it’s gotten great recognition in reviews. I was never in it for the money. I just want people to read my work and fall in love with the characters the way I have. Sometimes, we have to adjust our expectations, figure out who we’re really writing for.
And one more time…Don’t give up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Kind of similar to what I said above. Not to give up and to understand the publishing industry is changing. I was told that it doesn’t happen overnight, not often anymore. You have to have patience and I’m still working on that!
What are you reading now?
I’m in between books, looking for The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa but not finding it in town. May have to order online. Waiting for The Fiery Heart…can’t wait for that later this month!!!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Coming up with a sequel to my mermaid book, Into the Deep. I’m working with a graphic designer to come up with a great website. I’m wayyy behind on blogging so I need to get back to that again.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Any of the Game of Thrones books. Hands down. Amazing work.