Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing more-or-less full time for about twenty years (the “less” part while I raised small children). I write all over the science fiction-fantasy spectrum, for adults and younger readers too. I have three science fiction books in my Nearspace series (the first one is “One’s Aspect to the Sun” and they’re published by Tyche Books), a middle-grade fantasy, “The Seventh Crow” (Dreaming Robot Press), as well as novels, short story collections and ebooks I publish myself.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a science fiction adventure for younger readers called “Planet Fleep,” and it was inspired by–the cover! Yes, I found the cover first, on a pre-made covers site I love to browse through, and the characters and story just came to me. I love the way story inspiration can come from almost anywhere.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I spend part of my writing time at my treadmill desk, writing while I walk. It takes a little bit of practice to learn this multi-tasking skill, but not as long as you might think! It’s a great way to shake up the lifestyle of constant sitting that seems to go hand-in-hand with writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always been a voracious reader, so I’ve been influenced by an enormous number of authors. From Edward Eager and Walter Farley when I was young, through the Nancy Drew mysteries, and on to Nancy Kress, Connie Willis, Neil Gaiman and others, what I like is a really good story with lots of things happening. Slow-paced, reflective literature is not for me, although of course any good story can have depth and meaning. But for me, the story and the characters come first, and I think that’s what my reading over the years reflects.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on several new novel-length projects, one in my Nearspace series and a couple of others. I usually have a few projects I’m juggling–it may not be the most efficient way to work, but it seems to be what works for me.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think it’s a matter of trying a lot of different things and figuring out what is the best fit for both the author and their readers–and it can even vary between books. I do think a newsletter/mailing list is a good way for authors and readers to connect, since it’s a little more personal than randomly sending out messages on social media. I do like to have some fun on social media with pictures and interesting tidbits, though. So readers should join my mailing list AND follow me on social media. 😉
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always say write a lot, and read a lot. Realize that writing is a craft to develop; few people are naturally great writers, but you can become a good one with work. Understand that 99.9% of first drafts are terrible, but that’s okay–once that’s done, it’s all about making it better, which I think is easier. Don’t doubt that you have a story to tell, and don’t self-reject because you think your story isn’t good enough.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the best advice is about writing for yourself first. It’s fine to follow market trends and write what you think readers want, but I think to be successful you still have to have some personal connection to what you’re writing. If you’re just “phoning it in,” readers will pick up on that, and your writing won’t resonate the way it could.
What are you reading now?
I always have a few books on the go! On my e-reader, I’m reading a sort of paranormal detective book, “The Midnight Eye Files” by William Meikle. For an audiobook, I’m listening to “Taken” by Benedict Jacka. And in print, I’m about to start “A Curious Beginning” by Deanna Raybourn.
What’s next for you as a writer?
There’s a second Science Twins (Planet Fleep) book just taunting me to start writing it, so I think I’ll have to give in and at least write a brief outline soon. As with many writers, I suffer from “too many ideas, not enough time” syndrome!
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 guess I could cheat and say I’d only bring my e-reader (with a couple hundred books installed!). But I’ll answer in the spirit of the question. I’d bring “To Say Nothing of the Dog” by Connie Willis, the “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams, a nice fat book of short stories, and I’d try to sneak in Maggie Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle as one book. (That’s a really hard question!)
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