Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing ever since I was a little girl. For me, it was a way to get away, to create new worlds. The story I’ve begun to publish is an evolution of an enormous world that I’ve had growing in my head since I was young.
I’ve written many books for fun, but only one has been published at the moment. Several more are in the production/post production process now. The next book in the Chronicles of Everen series is set to be released in September.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is titled The Arena. I think the story came about through years of worldbuilding and coming up with stories about lots of characters in this same Chronicles of Everen universe. As a girl, my sister (also an author) and I would make up stories, a lot of them inspired by our favorite scifi television show at the time, Babylon 5. Now that I’m an adult, my husband and I have long conversations that start with the question of “What if…?” Those questions produced the story that is The Arena.
Book Two, Liberator, soon to be released, is a continuation of that character’s story where he is now a bounty hunter chasing down slavers and the galaxy’s scum.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s unusual per se but I tend to do a lot of plotting before I start. Then, once I get started, I can sometimes write ten-thousand words a day or so. I then make a point to read each chapter aloud to my husband at the end of the day which helps me hear mistakes and get feedback/ideas.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As mentioned before, Babylon 5, while it’s a television series, has been a huge influence in my life. I remember reading the books about the telepaths when I was younger and I think that had a lot of influence. My sister, also an author, is also a large influence.
What are you working on now?
I am finishing with the editing process with an editor for Chronicles of Everen Book Two, Liberator. My beta readers said it gave them a similar feeling to Firefly which makes me pretty happy. For those who like space pirates and bounty hunters, it’ll be a fun ride.
I also have an Urban Fantasy, The League of Acquisitioneers and the Bow of Chaos, in the works. I’ve gotten a lot of excitement about it already including an antique Japanese Tanuki statue someone gave me after hearing about a funny scene. It’s got a lot of ups and downs but definitely lots of humor mixed in.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook can be really handy if you can find the right groups. I’ve also gotten a lot of connections through Twitter by posting snippets and hashtag game responses.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Connect with someone and find a mentor right away.
Ask for constant critiques on your blurbs, cover art, and work. Don’t be offended if someone says something needs work. It’s a constant learning process. I get excited to hear tips from other authors.
There are some things you can get for free or through connections. There are some things that you really NEED professional help with. Get an editor. Pay for cover art. Have pride in your work. Some places let you do these things on barter but, again, ask around for critiques because your work is worth it to have the most polished version out there that you can produce.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get your second book out. Some new authors will be upset that their book isn’t selling right away. They ask what they can be doing. There are some things you can do, sure, but getting another book out is the best way to sell book one.
What are you reading now?
I’m finishing up an Alpha read for the next unpublished book of E.A. Copen’s awesome Judah Black novels. After I finish that, probably Dangerous Ways by R.R. Virdi.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to continue to build in both my Science Fiction and Urban Fantasy series for now. However, I do plan to integrate my knowledge from my anthropology degree with my writing experience to maybe write a book about using Anthropology to world build for science fiction and fantasy.
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?
I have a HUGE book of every Shakesphere play ever that I would definitely take. I might also take Vernor Vinge’s A Fire Upon the Deep, R.R. Virdi’s Grave Report Novels, and the Judah Black series, though I think all those equal more than 4.
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