Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I’m seventeen and I self-published my first book back in July, and recently did the same with a new romance novella. I’ve always been really into reading and writing, but I suppose I started thinking about it more seriously when I hit fifteen and started considering self publishing. But, as a student it’s sometimes tough finding a balance between writing, advertising, studying and having time for home life and social activities. But, that’s just my tangent for this question lol.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is called “The Green Garden”, and it was inspired, surprisingly enough, by the song “Green Garden”. I listened to it for the first time in June, while I was finishing my first book. As the lyrics passed by I had images of these two characters, Lacey and Erik. The lyrics “I’ll go, whenever you go,” kind of made me think of tragedy and gave me this image of two young lovers running away together, and then something bad happening. It’s like the song kind of spelled out the entire story in my head, if that makes sense? Either way, that was the initial starting point.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes if the room I’m in isn’t doing anything for me I have to move about and sit somewhere else, or leave the room entirely just so I can get a new perspective to write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses series was a really good read, and I suppose I do kind of see a few similarities that were inspired through her writing.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on two projects (don’t worry, because I’m also really bad at multitasking lol). The sequel to Disconnected, my first book, and the sequel to The Green Garden, “After The Green”, which just shows us the events of what happened after the garden and when Lacey and Erik fail to escape. We get more insight into Vincent’s character, (Erik’s father), and we get to take a look at Priya and Parker, and why Priya turned to him over Achint.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve tried using social media a bit, and after digging deep into the internet I found this, so I suppose we’ll see.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Proof read 1000 times, love your work and don’t be afraid to show you’re proud of it: you’re allowed to feel pride for your creations.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You started doing this because it’s what you loved.” Not really advice, just a reminder for whenever I get frustrated at sales. It grounds me and makes me remember the seven year old girl who turned to her own imagination so long ago.
What are you reading now?
I’m rereading “The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle”. It’s a phenomenal read with so many twists and turns, and the ending is shocking, it’s definitely something I’d recommend (after The Green Garden, of course 🙂 )
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully more promotion, as well as maybe releasing a minimum of two books next year, if I can stay on track. I suppose we’ll see.
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?
Hmm… How To Stop Time, Noughts and Crosses, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, and Red Queen.