Interview With Author Petra Shaw
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Petra Shaw, and I grew up in the New York area, but have since moved to another state. In school, I was told I had a talent for writing stories and was encouraged to continue. I’ve written at least sixteen books and plan to write many more.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is No Neutral Ground in Briar Hollow, the eleventh in The Quiet Discretion Mysteries series. The series features a town that has quietly changed how typical small towns govern themselves. Without a vote or any announcement, some group has taken over, and the townspeople are struggling to conform to this new way of living. This newest title in the series finds the main character resisting the governing entity to the point of being more than just an annoyance. What inspired it is all the secrecy in our society today. Companies, utilities, and sometimes local governments make changes without forewarning. When one tries to live as they always have, these entities inform them after the fact that they recently made a change and that the behavior must change. Slowly, these small changes force the townspeople to be under their control.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write at night. That way, I avoid all the spam phone calls and people knocking on the door. I can think without distraction.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Everything I’ve read in school, such as Hemingway, Orwell, the U.S. Constitution, and hundreds more across different genres.
What are you working on now?
I am working on book twelve of The Quiet Discretion Mysteries, where the main character has pushed things too far, and the stakes blow sky-high.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That has been my biggest issue. I’ve tried different marketing strategies with little success, but I keep finding new ones, and my sales are creeping upward. Currently, I’m posting pins on Pinterest and just posted on Awesomegang.com. Let’s see where these take me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find the one genre you would love to write in and learn how to write it. Find out what the readers want and write your best to give it to them. Don’t give up. Work a job if you have to in order to pay for your writing, and don’t expect instant wealth. I find that it is coming slowly.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always check reviews for websites and individuals who attempt to get you to promote your books for a price. Most are just scams to extract a monthly fee from you. Don’t fall for it.
What are you reading now?
I am reading books to improve my marketing, such as Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more!
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?
My scriptures, my journal, and How to Get Off Desert Islands for Dummies!
Author Websites and Profiles
Petra Shaw’s Social Media Links
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