Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I work with Opensource software during the day. At night, I write, mostly science fiction and fantasy. I have five books published, three in the space opera genre. My next projects will delve into urban fantasy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
EYE OF THE DAMNED is the third book in my science fiction series. It delves into what it means to be family, within the backdrop of an interstellar war. I was inspired to explore this area as so many of us form our own families beyond or sometimes instead of the ones we are born into.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure it’s unusual, but I have one laptop dedicated to writing, so when I sit down to write, it’s the only thing I do on that laptop. It helps me stay focused. If I stray too far, I can turn airplane mode one to cut me off from Internet distractions,
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tanya Huff and Anne Leckie are the two main authors for me of late. I’ll read anything they write. I love the flow of their writing as well as the strong characters, regardless if gender.
What are you working on now?
I’m delving into urban fantasy now, with a first stop in necromancer land! I’m looking to put my own twist on this premise, with a strong focus on the characters themselves.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to promoting for my latest, but in the past I’ve gotten the most traction out of bloggers and other influential recommenders.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, read, write some more. Don’t take your craft skills for granted. Always look at ways to improve, whether it’s the depth of your characters, your use (or misuse) of setting, or dialogue. Choose certain books you enjoy, and dig deep into why they excite you. What is the author doing that rings magical for you, and could you bring that into your own voice?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write more. Your online time on social media and blogging should be a small portion of what you do. Your readers want books to read and that means budgeting your time so your focus is on writing.
What are you reading now?
Malazan Book of the Fallen. Well, it’s a reread of the series. There is just so much to these books it’s hard to understand it all the first time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Novellas, I think. I want to experiment with shorter length storytelling, and I’m curious to see what length falls out naturally from my next few stories. I also want to engage more with readers and authors.
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?
Cyteen, it’s sequel, Regenesis, and the Ancillary Justice series.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sandra Barret Website
Sandra Barret Amazon Profile
Sandra Barret’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
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