Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer, editor, and performance poet from central, rural Maine, where I live with my husband, two kids, and lots of animals. I have written several books, including three novels, a novella, two poetry collections, and five children’s books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book should be out in the next few weeks. It is called Introducing Gertrude, Gumshoe. Gertrude was a character in my book Grace Space, and everybody fell in love with her. She wasn’t the main character, and yet, she was the one everyone was talking about. I thought she needed a book (maybe even a series) of her own. She’s a pretty cool lady.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Copious amounts of coffee and dark chocolate.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King and Johnny Cash.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just started another Gertrude mystery!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am really bad at marketing. It always feels so awkward to promote oneself! I just try to talk about my books a lot and hope something sticks!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
For me, at least, it is impossible to write in a vacuum. I think writers need to bounce their ideas, manuscripts, and grammar off other writers. Writers’ groups rock.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing.
What are you reading now?
Stardust, by Neil Gaimen
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on a new collection of poetry; I’m still competing on the poetry stage; and I hope to continue helping Gertrude to track down murderers.
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?
Yikes! The Bible, Watership Down, Shardik, and the Collected Poems of Pablo Neruda.
Author Websites and Profiles
Robin Merrill Website
Robin Merrill Amazon Profile
Robin Merrill’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account