Interview With Author Shevy Castle
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I'm a new author. 'Rise of the New Crown' if my first published piece. I've always loved creative writing. Once upon a time when I was in grade school, I thought I was a terrible writer, but I always loved making up stories. Turns out I didn't read enough books. By the time I started high school, I started writing fanfictions. A friend introduced me to a dragon fantasy book, and after that, I started reading more. That improved my writing tremendously! I've always dreamed of publishing my own work one day, and at first it seemed daunting, especially because I was busy with my daytime job after finishing my Master's. I finally got over that hump and pursued my passion in writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Well, my first book is my latest book. What inspired me? Well, since I was in grad school, I was seriously thinking of writing my own novel. I kept seeing images of knights and kingdoms, and I would try to write a story, but I would only be inspired to write a couple of paragraphs before the inspiration died. Then one Sunday night in early February, the first night I moved out of my parents' house into my own apartment, I was sitting in my new room, browsing through some fanart on DeviantArt to help me adjust. Then I saw one picture that inspired me, and BOOM! The rest was history
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of… unless you want to call sitting on the couch unusual? I can't write while sitting at a desk!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many of them, actually. Michael R. Miller is one of them. Cornelia Funk is another. There's Christopher Poalini, and even Angie Sage.
What are you working on now?
Book 2 of the Kingdoms' Oath Trilogy (the one right after 'Rise of the New Crown.' As of now, book 2 is dubbed 'To Be Named')
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Using promo sites help. I'm pretty new, so I'm finding what works best for me. So far right, word of mouth has been pretty successful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I'm a new author so anyone have advice for me?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself
What are you reading now?
Harry Potter Book 3 (After twenty years, I finally started reading that series)
What’s next for you as a writer?
Creating my author newsletter and further promoting 'Rise of the New Crown'
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 book that would teach me how to survive on a stranded island
2. My book, of course
3. Recipes using coconuts and bananas with limited kitchen supplies
4. How to talk to animals