Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a middle school Spanish teacher by day and novelist by night. I live in a small town in North Carolina with my two daughters and my rescue Australian shepherd dog, O’Neill. I’m a quiet and geeky girl, who loves to read, watch old movies, and travel. The only shoes I ever wear are Converse sneakers as they are the only things my feet like.
I’ve now written five books, though only one of them is available for purchase so far.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Going Through the Change: A Menopausal Superhero Novel was inspired by a conversation with my husband about the relationship between hormones and superpowers. I told him that if hormones caused superpowers, then menopausal women would be the most powerful people on the planet. And a book was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve developed the ability to write anywhere, surrounded by noise and distraction. It was probably just a survival mechanism.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Louisa May Alcott was probably the first author to truly win my heart, but these days I read more speculative fiction. I’m a Neil Gaiman fan, and am so happy that Margaret Atwood continues to blur the lines of speculative and literary fiction. I like books that surprise me and subvert my expectations.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to Going Through the Change, working title: Change of Life. Wait until you see my new villain!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s always hard to know which of the things you did actually led to sales, but I think that it’s the personal connections I’ve made with people. I just put my best self out there on social media and respond graciously to any invitation I receive, and hope for the best!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Whether you go traditional or indie, there’s a lot more to marketing a book than you might expect. Be careful not to become “that guy” as you try to call attention to your work. No one likes spam.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be the best version of you, especially when you’re in the public eye.
What are you reading now?
1984, by George Orwell for a book club discussion; the Danny Dragonbreath series with my eight-year-old daughter; a collection of short stories called The End is Now; and two beta-reads (unpublished drafts of novels I’m providing feedback on for other writers).
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish Change of Life, I’m hoping to get back to the middle grades novel I wrote a draft of for NaNoWriMo. I’ve also been invited to submit a novella for a superhero anthology and have the second book of my historical fiction trilogy to work on.
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?
Emily Dickinson’s poetry, Oscar Wilde’s plays, Jane-Emily by Patricia Clapp, and the collected Shakespeare. That way I can have beauty, comedy, fright, and drama. Plus, I could stand to read all of these over and over.
Author Websites and Profiles
Samantha Bryant Website
Samantha Bryant Amazon Profile
Samantha Bryant’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
I love your concept! A menopausal superhero is definitely right for these times, a powerful, older woman who can take on the world. Hope you have amazing success with this!