Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I lived a miserable and unfulfilling existence* until the day I was invited to play Ultimate Frisbee by one boy, and left madly in love with another (my husband).
We Claws live with a hoard of ordinary, run-of-the-mill children, whom we believe to be spectacular and exceptional, and for whom we would gladly dash into a burning building to save.
Or just make the mundane, daily sacrifices required over a lifetime.
*5.775% accurate
Oh, and pssst–I’ve written numero uno book-os
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Goggles Gone Strong: Mighty Monday is my latest book and it was inspired for the need for speed in dashing across the beach, swinging from the banyan tree, chasing that tarantula for a closer look and finding treasure before the next kid.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write during the time of day when I’m the most tired–in the evening after my kids are in bed. Also, my husband is morally opposed to Word or any word processing software really (who needs words when you can code??), so my entire book was written in Google Docs, usually with my iPhone or iPad.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
What hasn’t?? It’s a big melting pot in my head, but a few childhood favorites do stand out.
I loved The Chronicles of Narnia. I read the entire series every summer. I also read one of The Three Investigators every week. (Maybe someday I’ll have a child named Jupiter.) I also read Joan Aiken short stories, and adored Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle–where is that woman when I need her?!
For years I listed The Fragile Flag by Jane Langton as my favorite book ever. (And don’t forget The Diamond in the Window or The Swing in the Summer House!)
Harry Potter wasn’t around until I was in college, but I’ve read all the books many, many times.
But most importantly, since I was 9 years old, I’ve read every day from The Book of Mormon. Back then, I understood very little of what was going on, but it made me feel awesome!
What are you working on now?
The second book in the Goggles Gone Strong series–True Tuesday. This one is written from Reggie Blue’s point of view, and he’s a hothead!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon and Smashwords have both been invaluable to me. They both offer incredible free services, educational tools, and they’re both very helpful and easy to use.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Only the same advice I would give anyone: Put first things first. Make God and family the apex of your life. Then prove you mean it. All good things will follow.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Wow! This question is nearly impossible to answer–I hear (er, read…) good advice everyday. I did read this last night and like it:
“Never have women had greater influence than in today’s world. Never have the doors of opportunity opened wider for them. This is an inviting, exciting, challenging and demanding period of time for women. It is a time rich in rewards if we keep our balance, learn the true values of life, and wisely determine priorities.”
Belle Smith Spafford
What are you reading now?
Alma, Isaiah, Magyk and Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I complete my Goggles Gone Strong series, I plan to start a series of picture books or early chapter books. Something for younger kids–my grandkids :).
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?
The Book of Mormon, The Bible, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (narrowly beating out The Horse and His Boy).
Author Websites and Profiles
S.M.W. Claw Website
S.M.W. Claw Amazon Profile
S.M.W. Claw Author Profile on Smashwords