Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Piper. I often say I’m a late blooming writer because I didn’t publish my first book until I was 36. To date, I’ve published two full-length novels, The Waiting Room and 60 Days (Missing Girl Series, #1) and the companion novella, Missing Girl. I am also the author of The Murder Lawyer Series, and the children’s chapter book series, The Lavender Fairies.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called When Luck Dies. It is a short novelette that is the first “episode” of The Murder Lawyer Series. The book is about a young, thirty-something lawyer, Luna Goldwyn, who is trying to find balance between being a high-profile criminal defense attorney and mother/wife. I wanted to write a series that read almost like a television show and also highlighted certain cases that make us question attitudes towards social norms and justice.
What’s different about this series than other book series is that each “episode” is about 50 pages long and a new episode is available every two weeks until we reach the end of the series. Readers can learn more about The Murder Lawyer Series by visiting this post on my website: https://piperpunches.com/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-murder-lawyer-series/
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh, I don’t think so except that a lot of my writing takes place while I’m driving. I’ve been known to have full-length conversations with myself in the car that turn into dialogue in my books. Thank goodness everyone uses Bluetooth these days and hand-free talking. I don’t look crazy talking to myself!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love books that have strong characterization and multiple POVs. Some of my favorite authors are Jodi Picoult, Celeste Ng, Khaled Hosseini, Amy Tan, Rohinton Mistry, etc. I could go on and on!
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m finishing up getting all episodes of The Murder Lawyer Series ready for their release dates. I am also proofing copies of my children’s chapter book, Brave Hearts (Lavender Fairies, #1) before it releases mid-May.
I am also working on putting together a reader’s retreat in a very warm and sunny place. If this is something you’re interested in learning more about, email me at piper@piperpunches.com.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promoting is the hardest part about being a writer because it’s hard to get in front of readers. The truth is that it’s a crowded field and we’ve turned into a scrolling society. I rarely use Twitter, but I do promote on Facebook and Instagram. Instagram is actually my favorite social media app. Come over and say hi! My handle is @piperpunches.
Also, I send out newsletters 1 – 2x a month to my VIP list. If you’re interested in being on the list, you can sign up at: http://bit.ly/pipersvips
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Oh, I have a lot of advice! If you’re a new author, this is an exciting time for you, but also scary. There’s a lot of uncertainty and you’ll get a lot of pushback. Don’t let this discourage you. Remember why you love to write and just show up. Show up and write on days when you feel blah and uninspired. Show up when sales are great and show up when they’re slow. No one every got to the top of the mountain by stopping halfway when the switchbacks became too numerous and the air got thinner. They simply took the breath they needed and get going. If you want success, you have to work hard for it, but the view from the top is worth it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’d say it comes from Dory on Finding Nemo – Just keep swimming!
What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading The Magic of Big Thinking by David J. Schwartz. I’m also excited to read Girls Burn Brighter by Shobha Rao, but am waiting to read this until I’m on my way to Aruba!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I need to get back in front of the computer and start writing the sequel to 60 Days, but not quite yet. Writing two new series in a few short months has been exhausting, so I’m going to do a lot of journaling and soul rejuvenation before I begin the next book.
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?
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein
A journal to write my own story because no one tells your story the way you do!
Author Websites and Profiles
Piper Punches Website
Piper Punches Amazon Profile
Piper Punches’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account