Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live on the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland Australia with my husband, two children and two dogs. After a lifetime career in retail I wanted to develop the creative side to my nature. After writing poetry as a child I am now an avid lover of books, movies and reading. The move I have made into writing my own novels and screenplays seems like second nature. As well as reading and writing I enjoy walking along the beach, collecting shells, boating and being with my family: and that’s only when you can pry a book out of my hands.
I enjoy writing in a number of genre’s. I have published on Amazon two books so far. One is called RIOT by Sandra Mayer. This book’s genre is erotica and definitely for 18+ only. The second book is SECRET AGENT S by SC Mayer. This book’s genre is children ages 7 to 13. I have written picture books but haven’t published them yet as I am teaching myself to draw. I have also written a short story for young adult called CERES genre science fiction/fantasy and SCRUB AND THE SEA SERPENT genre children’s fantasy both of these are in the third draft stage.
At the moment I am in the last stages of writing a thriller screenplay called ENOUGH (working title).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book was SECRET AGENT S (Serena Silver) a story about a 15year old gifted chemist who with her cat MR No Name and her best friend Derek foil the sinister plots of DR Misery.
Serena uses her knowledge of chemistry and with daring exploits Serena, Derek and Mr No Name get into and out of scary and sinister situations. This book was inspired by many years of reading children’s mystery books but I wanted to put a modern slant on the characters and the situations that they get into. I’ve included volumes one, two and three into the one title.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always find that I get my best ideas while sleeping or in the shower. Many a time I have had to get up at about four in the morning to write ideas down so that I don’t lose them. I like writing with my favorite music playing and no-one else in the house with me, except maybe the dogs. I love looking out at nature and cannot write stuck in a room like a box.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors have been science fiction/fantasy authors like Robert Heinlein, Ben Bova and Isaac Asimov. But I have read all genre’s and loved them all. The Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden series influenced my reading when I was growing up and now that I have children of my own I am enjoying sharing picture and chapter books with them.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a thriller screenplay called ENOUGH (working title). It’s going okay. I am in the last third of the piece. I do know the end but sometimes it’s hard to write it down. This is my first screenplay so as I have had no training in this art it is taking me longer to write than I thought, thank goodness for brainstorming and writing down all of the ideas that come to me in the middle of the night.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning the trade of book promotion. So far word of mouth has gone okay so far. The use of AWESOMEGANG is my first foray into professional promotion and I’m sure sales will increase.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advise to new authors would be to keep all of your ideas written down somewhere. I use children’s school exercise books they are cheap enough to got down notes about a particular story or subject and if you are careful you can’t lose them like post it notes or loose pieces of paper. Have a place set up in your home or elsewhere where you feel calm, at ease, content and try to remove all distractions while you write. I like making lists so at the top of my list everyday is write then household jobs like sweeping the floor etc, it keeps me focused. But even if I am not writing I am thinking about the story and that is great.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Plan your daily minimum word limit and stick to it. I find that hard to do sometimes so when I get stuck I change art forms and do some drawing or brainstorm a different idea.
What are you reading now?
Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my screenplay, finish rewriting SCRUB AND THE SEA SERPENT and then rewrite CERES.
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?
Friday and Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein, Mars by Ben Bova and Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
Author Websites and Profiles
Sandra Mayer Amazon Profile
Sandra Mayer’s Social Media Links