Interview With Author Naomi Shibles
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the Caribbean and used to be a newspaper reporter in South Florida. After that, I went to New York City and interned at Woman’s Day magazine before becoming an editor. The most famous people I’ve interviewed are Randy Jackson and the late Hugh Hefner. My debut novel, Counterblow Clemency, is a YA sci-fi caper—but it’s the second novel I’ve written. I’ve written three so far, and am working on a fourth. I’m honored to have been included on The Letter Review Prize Short Fiction Shortlist. I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, with my family.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Counterblow Clemency was inspired by a dream I had in which the freeway was covered in huge, bright, electric advertisements. That’s how I thought of the problem of advertising pollution. As I wrote this book, I pictured a story that might get my son off of his computer—maybe something he’d share with a friend. Understanding the power of reading is a superpower that I don’t want anyone to miss out on. Counterblow Clemency is a fast-paced caper—a fast read at less than 150 pages—intended to encourage reading in people who might be more inclined to pick up a video game than a book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in bed on a breakfast tray! It’s probably terrible for my back, but it’s what I’ve always done.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really love Mary Stewart novels. She knew how to make the setting its own character in her books. Mario Giordano does the same in his Auntie Poldi books—Sicily is its own character.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m switching it up from YA speculative fiction to a murder mystery! It’s going to be a closed-circle mystery where all of the suspects are stuck on an island.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning how to promote my book, but I think the most important thing has been finding out where my audience hangs out. Young adults and teens tend to be on YouTube and Pinterest, so I try to reach them on those platforms.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join writing associations and become involved. These organizations provide knowledge, resources, and a community. Be sure to connect with your local bookstores, and be humble! It’s the only way to learn and evolve as a writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Everything that you write should move the story forward.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading Plugged by Eoin Colfer. It’s very different from his Artemis Fowl books, but that wry humor shines through.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep writing my next book, marketing Counterblow Clemency, and working to get my other manuscripts published. It’s never over.
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’d take an anthology of all of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Swiss Family Robinson for inspiration, and The Sweetness At the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. I might also bring an almanac or some sort of survival manual, consiering the circumstances.
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