Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
PAMELA K WITTE is the author of the debut novel Jet Lee Dragon Warrior, a thrilling, magical, action adventure for middle grade readers who love karate-kicking excitement and all around ninja awesomeness.
A former psychiatric nurse and adrenalin junkie, Pamela is really a thrill-seeking kid who never grew up. She enjoys skiing (is a professional instructor), martial arts, yoga, hiking, sailing, exploring and spending time with her husband and two children. She lives and writes in a cabin in the middle of the woods in southeastern New Mexico. Visit www.PamelaKWitte.com to learn more about Dragon Warriors and the mystical powers of friendship.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jet Lee Dragon Warrior was inspired by a group of amazing mixed martial arts students, several of whom were taking martial arts as a way of building self-confidence and self-esteem. I love taking readers on a hero’s journey that is both adventurous and exciting, and introducing them to epic good versus evil scenarios. If a reader sees a part of him or herself in my characters and is swept away by the adventure than I have succeeded in my goal of creating an awesome book. Finding the right book at the right time can light an emotional spark within children that motivates them to read more, understand more, and read joyfully. When that happens, the world opens. Everything becomes possible. Jet Lee Dragon Warrior could be that right book! Whether the middle grade reader is a boy or a girl, a reluctant or an avid reader, I hope that all of them will enjoy this book and recommend it to their friends.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Because I am an insomniac, I love to write late at night with my music turned up and my two big dogs asleep at my feet. When I get stumped and need to find my MOJO, I usually take a long run through the woods, then grab my laptop and head to the coffee shop. A good caffeine buzz and the hum of chatter around me seems to stimulate my creativity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a kid I loved The Black Stallion books by Walter Farley and all the Nancy Drew books. I loved getting swept away by adventure and mystery. I greatly admire Kate DiCamillo, she is an amazing talent, especially wonderful with middle-grade books. I’ll happily read and reread anything by Cornelia Funke and love the adventures of Gregor the Underlander by Suzanne Collins. And of course J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter!
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a YA action adventure called RADIANCE. A thrilling story about self-discovery, commitment and survival, it is set in a treacherous future steeped in toxic levels of solar radiation, the kind that kills some people and gives others extraordinary powers.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You simply can’t beat social media! There is no one website. Of course I love my own Pamelakwitte.com, for sharing my work and my own thoughts. After that I think Facebook and Twitter are both pretty great platforms for promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. Learn and learn. Read everything in your genera. Join a critique group and if you write for kids, join the Children’s Society of Book Writers and Illustrators. Network. Take advantage of the multitudes of online resources. But mostly, learn everything you can about writing well and then just do it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The first time I went to a conference, I met the writers who became my critique group. I learned more about writing and the social aspect of networking than I ever imagined. I was exposed to a world I’d only dreamed about and accepted as a peer.
What are you reading now?
Gone Crazy in Alabama by Newbery Honor and New York Times bestselling author Rita Williams-Garcia. It’s the third book in a series and the series is wonderful!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Find an agent to represent my YA action adventure RADIANCE!
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?
The dictionary so I wouldn’t forget. Harry Potter, because I can revisit those friends over and over. Miss Twiggley’s Tree because everyone needs their favorite childhood picture book to make them smile now and then and my comprehensive book of children’s poetry.
Author Websites and Profiles
Pamela K Witte Website
Pamela K Witte Amazon Profile
Pamela K Witte’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account