Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an award-winning and bestselling speculative fiction author best known for Amaskan’s Blood (2016 Ozma Fantasy Award Winner and Epic Awards Finalist), Class-M Exile, and the collection Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays (Foreword Reviews 2015 Book of the Year Finalist). I also have several published short stories in anthologies such as Untethered: A Magic iPhone Anthology and Magic Unveiled. I spent most of my K-12 education doodling stories and 500 page monstrosities that are forever locked away in a filing cabinet.
When I’m not writing, I’m getting my game on with tabletop and video games, indulging in cartography or other artistic endeavors, or staring at the ocean. I live in the Seattle area with my husband and our three kitties who enjoy lounging across the keyboard when writing deadlines approach.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I just had two books come out: Amaskan’s War, which is Book II in the Boahim Trilogy, and From the Worlds of Raven Oak, which is my coloring book. I illustrated and wrote the coloring book, which is inspired by all of my novels and stories and my love of drawing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I edit and revise my novels on printed paper–old school. I get more done that way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up, I was heavily influenced by Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series as well as other classic SF/F. Now days, I get inspiration from a wide variety of stories and authors, including Neil Gaiman, Connie Willis, Margaret Atwood, N. K. Jemisin, and so many others. I also gain inspiration from people watching and sitting in nature.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently revising my upcoming science fiction space opera, The Eldest Silence, and outlining Book III in the Boahim Trilogy, Amaskan’s Honor.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For the most part, I promote by having conversations with readers. Social media is one of my best methods for doing that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Write as much as you can, preferably daily. You only get better with practice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pretty much the advice I just gave (write and keep writing), but also, be you. Don’t worry about chasing trends. Also, writing is a marathon. Focus on the end game.
What are you reading now?
K. R. Richardson’s Blood Orbit. It’s a smart science fiction mystery that speaks volumes about current racial tension.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be finishing up the Boahim Trilogy and moving on to a stand alone novel in the universe featuring a character from Amaskan’s Blood.
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?
American Gods by Neil Gaimain, Blackout & All Clear by Connie Willis, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Author Websites and Profiles
Raven Oak Website
Raven Oak Amazon Profile
Raven Oak’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account