Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My journey to publication started in the mid-90s. One evening while I was reading, I thought how simple the structure and dialogue was in this particular novel. You can write, you can do this, a voice urged inside my head. Let me tell you, I almost fell off my chair. But the words rang true for me. So, I decided to act on this truth, and took a writing course—Writing your Novel—where I met a great couple of like-minded would-be writer gals. Together we started a writing support group, and I wrote my first novel—a paranormal romance. This manuscript caught the eye of an agent, but I was hardly ready, and I see that now. What I needed to do was to hone my craft and get better and better with the process of writing. And that takes making lots of mistakes at the expense of your ego. In other words: lots of rejection, rejection, rejection! Ouch!
Perseverance paid off in the end because I finally got published in 2012, and since then have had two young adult books published – The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, and Legend of the Timekeepers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Legend of the Timekeepers is the prequel to my young adult time travel series, The Last Timekeepers. Originally, I had planned to write the prequel as a novella and give it away for free on my website, but I soon realized that my characters had far too much to say! So I decided to take a page out of George Lucas’s book and flesh out enough background information to create a solid foundation for my series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to light a stick of incense before I sat down to write, but somehow got out of doing it. I want to get back into this habit/ritual again. I found that it set the tone for the day and kept me on a schedule, plus it was a way to be grateful for the time I had to write. Gratitude is everything in this business!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Loved Stephen King’s memoir/craft book called ‘On Writing’, as well as ‘The Emotion Thesaurus’ series by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi.
What are you working on now?
I’m diligently working on the second book in The Last Timekeepers time travel series tentatively called, The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, and I’m over half-way through the first draft. I’ve planned for a total of ten books, plus the prequel for the whole series. Yeah. I know. Big plans. I’m sweating bullets.
I’m also signed on with literary agency, Walden House (Books & Stuff) to represent another young adult series I’ve created about teens with psychic abilities entitled, Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls. Recently, they have contracted me for an adult novel—a paranormal romance with a Beauty and the Beast undertone to it, so I’m guessing I’ll be one sweaty and busy gal!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The jury is still out on that one! Promotion is one of the hardest things for an author these days, so the best thing ANY author can do is use the know-like-trust principle. People buy from people they know, like, and trust. You have to get out there whether through social media sites, blogging or reviewing other author’s books and engage with people. In the end, it’s all about cultivating human relationships and how you make people feel.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop investing in yourself. Invest in the best. That’s in yourself, and in your readers. Your readers deserve the best of what you have to offer them. Surround yourself with the best possible team. Never stop learning. As you grow, so will your readers, so be prepared for this. Oh yeah, and never give up. That’s a given and should be part of any author’s credo.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Buck up, Sharon.” I’m not kidding. This is my kick in the pants when I’ve lost my writing mojo or life gets me down.
What are you reading now?
Disenchanted by Leigh Goff, published through Mirror World Publishing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting back in the writing saddle after a roller coaster of a summer. I’ve had two re-releases of my books since my original publishing company closed up shop last February. Talk about frustrating! I’ve also had a lot of family issues this year, so I’m looking forward to spending some time with my characters. Sigh. I’ve missed them terribly!
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?
Since I’ve read only the first four of the Outlander series written by Diana Gabaldon (they’re so thick!) I’d probably take the next four in the series! The books are so meaty, the plots divine, and the characters are fantastic!
Author Websites and Profiles
Sharon Ledwith Website
Sharon Ledwith Amazon Profile
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