Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a college student studying English, Creative Writing, and Industrial Design. I also have two minors, so I’m pretty busy. Last December I started Aviator Owl Books Inc. with a friend of mine, and that’s what I do in my free time: write and illustrate the books. Every book we sell donates half of the profits to a specific cause or charity (much to the dismay of our CPA). I have 3 current books available for purchase, with 2 more on the way in the very near future!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The one I am currently working on is called The Boy Who Played with Stars, about a boy who journeys into the night sky and interacts with constellations. I came up with this book a long time ago, in the back of one of my English lectures. I was thinking about a different story idea (that may or may not become a reality so I won’t disclose it quite yet) and I had this image of a child playing with starlight. Wouldn’t it be amazing, I thought, to be able to climb into the sky and dance with constellations? I decided it would be, so that’s what I did.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think my notes would drive people absolutely crazy. When I get one idea, I often get several more and all of the characters, plots, illustrations and everything else comes spilling out onto any paper surface. It can make for a difficult business meeting later when Chris (my business partner) asks me, “so what are some new ideas?” and I can only stare at the page of chicken scratch and think, “well I would love to know the same thing.”
Another somewhat bizarre trait I have is to listen to Celtic music while I write. Sometimes I listen to music to fit the mood of the book I’m writing (Christmas music for our Christmas book, etc) but often it’s Celtic.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
JK Rowling was probably the biggest influence. For children’s books I am inspired by Dr. Seuss’s writing and his liberties with what can be done. His imagination drove his work and that’s what I want to do.
What are you working on now?
Two books: The Boy Who Played with Stars and an Aviator Owl Christmas book (title unknown). The Boy Who Played with Stars was actually released a long time ago but we pulled it back in to add text because the original was published as illustration only. While I love the illustration only edition, it’s fun to write a character as he travels through the sky at night.
I’m SO excited about the Christmas book because it is my absolute favorite time of year (perhaps because I was born on Christmas…) and I finally have an excuse to do all sorts of Christmas-related things well before the season even starts. I call this “market research.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not so good at the promotional things. I write under a pen name and for years I steadfastly refused to include a picture of myself anywhere near the books. I didn’t want people to know who I was because I wanted the work to speak for itself. I have since realized that I won’t sell any books that way, so I’ve slowly started reaching out through Goodreads, Twitter and Facebook. Those are definitely my top three websites for book promotions currently.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t ever be afraid to experiment. I found that in the beginning of my writing “career” I really struggled to do anything that I hadn’t seen before. I always thought, “well, if (enter famous author name) didn’t do that, then I can’t either or people will hate it.” Finally I learned that as long as I publish the best story I possibly can, and I’m happy with it, then it was worth the time. If no one buys it, then no one buys it, but I’m doing what makes me happy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t ever stop dreaming. And you will never go wrong if you remember to be kind and be brave.
What are you reading now?
Water for Elephants (for fun), The Book of Unknown Americans, Beautiful Ruins and the KJV Bible (for school).
What’s next for you as a writer?
To write. I guess that answer is too easy. First, I’d like to graduate. Then I’ll continue writing in my favorite genres (kid lit, picture books, memoir, fantasy, YA fiction) and expanding Aviator Owl as a company.
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?
Is there a book about surviving on a desert island? I’d like that one. I’d also need a joke book because I’d die without something to make me laugh. And a Harry Potter book, probably The Half-Blood Prince.
Author Websites and Profiles
S. A. Porcher Website
S. A. Porcher’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account