Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey, I’m Safira!
I’m a newly self-published author. I have a thing for dark fiction, thrillers, and adventure novels. You could say my writing is for those with an acquired taste…
Flower is my first and only book out right now, but I’m expecting to release my next book (also a paranormal thriller) by the end of March or in April.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a short thriller, titled Flower. Flower was inspired by American Horror Story (one of my favorite shows) and some celebrity gossip. I just couldn’t get my mind off the idea of the plot until I wrote it and published it. Usually when story ideas cling to my mind like that, I know they’re going to be good.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Of course! Take this as you will, but I don’t brainstorm in a traditional manner. It tends to bog me down and feels super formulaic. I also don’t use story maps too often. Typically, I just create my set list and start writing. For a novel that I expect to publish a little farther into the future, I do have to create an in-depth brainstorm for my characters and will probably end up using a story map too.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth, for sure. I used to want to write a dystopian story so badly growing up, and I still do, but I just don’t know how to wrap my mind around it.
What are you working on now?
My second book, Left for Dead. It’s another paranormal thriller with a lot more supernatural elements involved. This book is sad and a lot darker but so, so good.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still new to the book industry, but I think Awesome Gang is pretty awesome.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write, and don’t edit until you’re done with the whole story. Write a little everyday, even if the story doesn’t make any sense.
This is for my self-publishers, don’t lose hope! It’s a long and sometimes frustrating process getting your work out there to the world, but the reward will worth it. Also, marketing is *everything*.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I can’t think of anything off the top of my head, but I’ve heard the saying “Nothing is permanent”, and I think it’s pretty nice for the hard times.
What are you reading now?
Unfortunately, I’m busy with a lot of things right now, but I hear a lot about Saint X and want to look into it when I have the time, especially since the title sounds similar to my name.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know, I’m just going with the flow…
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?
First of all, a humid island with a bunch of bugs and insects sounds like Hell.
Anyway, I would take The Hunger Games, Divergent, Saint X, and One Crazy Summer with me.
Author Websites and Profiles
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