Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Sari and I live in the dry, hot desert of the American Southwest! I have a degree in film production, but decided to use my talents to write books instead of making movies. My goal is to make books that are as entertaining as a Hollywood blockbuster, but with heart and intelligence as well. Bubblegum is my debut novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bubblegum was written after seeing so many films with a cast of male action heroes, and only one woman. I wanted to turn the roster around, with a group of badass, unapologetic women.
It was also important to me that many of the characters were LGBT. I want to see representation beyond dramas and romance.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to listen to video game music while writing, mainly Final Fantasy soundtracks.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray blew my mind. It’s got all the things I need in a book: a diverse cast of mostly tough women, and LGBT representation.
What are you working on now?
A sequel to Bubblegum is on it’s way, along with a romantic comedy!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use twitter for much of my book promotion, and like to give out free bookmarks with my book’s cover art and website for those in-person conversations. I also just discovered this site, Awesomegang!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get that first draft finished! Don’t edit as you go. It can waste a lot of time and there is so much you don’t understand about your novel until you can look back on it as a whole.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Every person who has succeeded has felt like giving up at some point. You can only make it if you keep going!
What are you reading now?
Alif the Unseen by G Willow Wilson, Finding Lizzie by Karma Kingsley, and Doctor Who: Beautiful Chaos by Gary Russell (I’ve got a Doctor Who tie-in novel collection, don’t judge me!)
What’s next for you as a writer?
I planned Bubblegum as a four-book series, so there will be three more on the way. I’m also hoping to publish a romantic comedy, and a children’s holiday book. What can I say, I like trying new things!
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?
1. A island survival guide (duh)
2. The World According to Mr Rogers (to keep me optimistic)
3. The Art of Racing in the Rain (so I can make potable drinking water from my tears)
4. A notebook (because even on a deserted island, I’ve got to keep writing!)
Author Websites and Profiles
Sari Taurez Website
Sari Taurez’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account