Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, grew up in Phoenix, AZ, and am now back in LA. I’ve been reading and writing since a very young age, but explored several different types of prose before trying my hand at writing a novel. That first book was The Gathering, the first book in my series. I have also written screenplays, poetry and plays. I have currently written one novel, several short stories and a few novellas.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last book I published is The Oak: A Grown Up Fairy Tale. It was inspired by Beauty and the Beast, but it isn’t a re-telling, it’s completely different, but the inspiration is definitely there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
(Laughing) I think all writers have some unusual habits, but I guess it’s up to the person to determin eif they are unusual. I put my ear buds in and crank up my music, which is usually film soundtracks or new age music. Then I usually start talking to my characters until they start talking to me 😉
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors who have infuenced me are Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, J.K. Rowling, Magen McMinimy, Kresley Cole, Robin Jarvis, Jane Austen. The Stand is my favorite King novel, The Bad Place and Phantoms is my favorite Koontz, The Wyrd Museum Trilogy from Jarivs, All Harry Potter, and the Immortal Heart Series from McMinimy.
What are you working on now?
I currently have several irons in the fire. A Sci-Fi Romance adventure called CAptured, the 2nd novel in my Lia Fail Chronicles series, The Bridging, a horror anthology and a super awesome project due out in summer of 2018. Four authors writing one novel, it’s going to be GREAT! http://www.risingindiesunited.com/thesimilayerproject.html
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I’ve seen whaat Bookbub can do, but I also know that as of late, it’s almost impossible for an unknown author to get in. I’ve had some success with Robin Reads and eBook News Daily. and I’ve also noticed that getting bloggers to review your work can be great, as is getting top 100 Amazon reviewers to review. But of course, that can back fire too… Still trying to find what works best for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want to read, not what’s “popular”. Passion can be seen in the pages. Always have a cover professionally done and always have a professional editor do your manuscript. Also, treat writing like a business. Designate the time to sit down and whether you get out 20 words or 2000, remember, you’re writing. Oh, and dont’ write for the accolades, write becasue its your passion, it is what you do. You should never determine whether or not to publish based on audience, becasue even touching one other person, is a huge success.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Water off a ducks back – You need Rhino skin to be in this business. The internet has opened many doors for writers, but it also allows for people to troll. And when I say troll, I mean the personal attacks on your work, which most trolls have never read, or on you becaause you dared to review another author’s book, or criticize anotehr person’s review. the internet has made a lot of people “brave” in their anonymity, so make sure you build a thick skin.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Monsterland by Michael Okon, great book!!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, working on the items I mentioned above, and outling other items I have on deck. Just keep plugging away, trying to find that audience, trying to be inspired.
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?
Oh… Um, The Stand, And The Wyrd Museum Trilogy.
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