Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I turned 35 this year, and although I’ve always been pretty creative, I only really started writing a few years ago. Bound to Blackwood, which releases on November 1st is my debut novel. I’m British and I love all things British – except the weather, so I now live in southern Spain with my husband and an ever-growing collection of dogs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Bound to Blackwood” is a paranormal romance set in London and the Home Counties of England. I’m a HUGE fan of the genre. Very few paranormal romances are set in the UK – so I wrote one. I wanted to write about vampires, but with so many vampire tales out there, I wanted to put my own spin on it. My Vampires are Fae and were responsible for guiding human souls to the afterlife. That was until one vampire decided to keep a soul and ‘Fell.’ The entire race was banished from Faerie and now lives on earth, in England, actually.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write in front of the tv. My other writer friends think that’s bizarre, but I actually get more distracted and wander off onto social media when it’s too quiet.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many, but I love JR Ward, Jeaniene Frost, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Larissa Ione, Charlaine Harris and of course Anne Rice.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in the House Blackwood series, entitled “Stranger to Blackwood.” It focusses on the best friend of the female lead from Bound to Blackwood and some new characters.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I honestly have no idea! This is all pretty new to me. I am very lucky in that I have a great online support community of fellow Indie Authors so I take advice from them. I belong to lots of forums, try to be active on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. I’m also running a Thunderclap campaign in the run up to release day to spread the word.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! The first draft of anything is usually just word vomit, so don’t panic. Get the ideas down and try to resist the urge to edit as you go.
Join online or physical writing groups where you’ll meet like-minded writers. I’ve yet to meet any writer who doesn’t want to help new writers, they’re all, honestly, a lovely bunch and you can learn a lot from others’ experiences.
If you’re going down the independent or self-publishing route, remember that Indie doesn’t mean you have to do it ALL yourself. There’s an awful lot you could spend money on if you wanted to, but the top two things would be an editor and a cover designer. A good editor is worth their weight in gold and will bring the best out of your writing. You can edit yourself to within an inch of its life, but you’re often too close to the work to see any true faults. If you can’t design a cover yourself, find someone that can. There are so many great stories out there hiding behind amateur covers and it puts readers off. There is a wealth of experience in the writing community and those willing to help are often very reasonably priced. If you don’t know anyone, join those forums and ask – nobody will mind.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Fellow writers are not your enemy or your competition
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading an anthology put together by members of an Indie writers’ forum called the Awethors. There are two volumes – Light and Dark. I’m reading dark at the moment. They are available free via amazon and feature nearly 50 stories across a multitude of genres.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Launching “Bound to Blackwood,” then cracking on with the next story in the House Blackwood world.
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?
Only 3 or 4?
Anne Rice’s “Interview with a Vampire.”
JR Ward’s “Dark Lover.”
Sherrilyn Kenyon’s “Acheron.”
Jeaniene Frost’s “One Foot in the Grave.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Sharon Lipman Website
Sharon Lipman Amazon Profile
Sharon Lipman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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