Interview With Author Raven Mills
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am married, and a mother of two. I enjoy larping, writing, dancing, drawing, acting, and singing. I am a huge musical fan (and I have been in a few as well during my theatre days). I am in two films on Tubi called Die by the Sword and King of Britons as Princess Dove. I am currently a student at USC Upstate as a Performance Theatre major and English Literature cognate. I love all things fantasy and my favorite trilogy is the Inkheart series by Cornelia Funke. I started writing when I was 14. I wrote a 6 book series. I have to get around to typing it. However, I have another book that I am working on under the working title “Eraser”. It will be completed once the other two books under the Black Rain trilogy are completed.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Black Rain book one is the first book I’ve ever published. It is a ten year old book. We started it when I was in high school. Eli already graduated from high school. The book was inspired by a dream he had of us in the mountains back in 2012. We ended up coming up with Black Rain in the process. We also pulled from our own ancestry here and there. Amira is my clone with several differences and Rain is his clone with differences as well. We also chose the spirit animals based on our birthday and their totems. So the beaver is an April totem and the raven is the October totem. They ended up being perfect matches for the characters in general.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not believe I have unusual writing habits but I guess I can say that I have to have a book inspired playlist going to keep myself immersed. I play the scenes out like a movie and translate it into paper. I will day dream about how it will go until I am satisfied with the idea.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Edgar Allan Poe is a huge influence with the flow and sentence structure (sometimes). I love the way he tells stories. I also love Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart; a well written fantasy; along with LOTR/the Hobbit by Tolkien.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the second book of the Black Rain Trilogy. It is already typed and ready for editing along with the 3rd book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is my main and best method. I have more reach there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do your own research on the best options for you if you choose to self publish. If not, and you want to go through a traditional publisher, get prepared to write a cover letter and polish your work so much that you can see yourself in it. You want to send your best work to them. Be prepared for a lot of no’s before you receive your first yes. Don’t get discouraged. It is ok. Rejection is part of the process of success. Utilize your resources. Fiverr, Twitter, IG, Reedsy, Booksie, Facebook groups, YT for tips, Canva for creating videos and pictures for marketing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
BEWARE OF VANITY PRESSES. DO NOT GO TO PUBLISHAMERICA. THEY WILL TRY TO STEAL YOUR WORK. THEY ARE SCAMMERS. A group of people saved me from them and I still have a copy of their letter to me promising they will never use any or part of my work. Just in case they try.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading the 48 Laws of Power and Art of War.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing the next two books in the Black Rain Trilogy with my co-author, Eli Salas.
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 Edgar Allan Poe collections “bible”, 48 Laws of Power, a copy of my own book, and a Nancy Drew book
Author Websites and Profiles
Raven Mills’s Social Media Links