Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first novel, but my first book was published back in 2003. It was a memoir called Culua: My Other Life in Mexico, and was essentially a love letter to my mother’s country. Part search for identity, part travel tale, it was my first foray into writing, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called THE BAY OF SHADOWS and it is about a woman called Elena Jameson, recently divorced and living in a big old house in a coastal town, who becomes temporary guardian to a six-year-old foster child, Daniel. It is about love, family, hope, and what happens when the child’s father tries to take him back.
The inspiration for this book’s setting was growing up by the sea, and that connection to nature. The water became almost like a character itself. The story itself is an exploration of love in its many different forms.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Good question! Other than staring at the wall, which I think most authors do… I have a plastic Pokey (Gumby’s pet horse) that sits atop my computer; he’s been there for every book I’ve written so I consider him a good-luck charm.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Undoubtedly, the biggest influence on me has been Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I read ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE when I was 18 and it set me on this path from the very first page. His use of language and imagery just blew me away. It was the way he could draw you into a story – and take you to another world – that has stayed with me ever since.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a redraft of a previous novel at the moment. I thought it was time to go back and re-introduce myself to these wonderful characters who have been waiting for me to do something with them for a while now!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think one of the best things I did was set up my own website before releasing THE BAY OF SHADOWS because it became a kind of go-to page for further information, but also having social media accounts, Facebook and Instagram, has been hugely beneficial for building my profile and connecting with readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My tip for other first-time authors is the same one I have used to keep myself going when things got hard: “Never give up.” If you have the talent and the passion for writing you will succeed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As above. This is the best bit of advice I’ve ever heard, and I feel compelled to pass it on!
What are you reading now?
EUCALYPTUS by Murray Bail. A mesmerising story about beauty and love, the landscape and storytelling.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my next novel, but having said that, I just try to take it one day at a time because otherwise the writing process can get a bit overwhelming.
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?
This is a really tricky one, but if I had to choose it would be LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, THE BROKEN SHORE by Peter Temple, and POSSUM MAGIC by Mem Fox just for a bit of fun!
Author Websites and Profiles
Samantha Wood Website
Samantha Wood Amazon Profile
Samantha Wood Author Profile on Smashwords
Samantha Wood’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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