Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
How many books I’ve written depends on whether you want the published or unpublished version. As for paranormal romance (I believe I have six total out there, counting the original Midnight Valley saga series and my latest novel), I started writing it several years back as a general creative writing exercise.
I published my original series twice under different names and covers. The first time was a trial to figure out the mechanisms of self-publishing and whether anyone would actually read stories about a teen werewolf trying to figure herself out while not falling in love with an alpha. It turns out, anyone does! So I re-polished, re-named, and re-published my earlier books, re-writing some from scratch.
The Vampire’s Secret is the first longest piece I’ve written in this vein and the first that has a paperback edition. I’m currently working on a related sequel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Vampire’s Secret. When I had finished my original five-part series, I really wanted to sink my teeth (okay, pun intended) into something longer, more substantial, and more romantic.
Vampire romance is a cliche in some circles, but when it’s my vampires and my romance happening in my own beloved invented town of Midnight Valley, it’s completely new. I had a chance to use old settings with new circumstances and dig deeper into characters which earlier were only figureheads. I fell for some new ones as well, but I can’t say anything more without spoilers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I howl at the full moon once a month and keep a vial of blood on my desk near my computer.
I’m kidding about most of that, but I do enjoy a cup of hot tea when I write and listening to a series of soundtracks.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of Stacy Claflin. I like binging on various new books from the self-published realm in the paranormal romance, but Stacy Claflin is the one I keep coming back to. She has a spiraling world with many different characters and more emotional mazes than I would have guessed possible. You could probably open one of her books to a random page and choose a random character on that page, and that character will win your heart if you read enough of her books.
Personally, I’d love to build Midnight Valley into something very similar, but I’m still comparatively new at this and have a long way to go!
What are you working on now?
I have an off-beat sequel to The Vampire’s Secret currently in the works. Without spoiling it, I can tell you that it’s a werewolf wedding romance. (Yes, I have vampires and werewolves, as well as a sizeable wendigo community and spirit guides who keep pestering me to have their own stories written as well). You’re going to see many of the old characters, but I’m bringing in some new, well, blood, to keep things sizzling.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I binge on Twitter, and less frequently on Facebook. I love sharing tidbits about what I’m working on and how I’m procrastinating. Writer stuff.
Otherwise I have a more or less regular email newsletter, which is a hot spot for flash sales, giveaways, and exclusive samples.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Definitely! Have fun with it. Follow and read from similar authors–a lot of us roam in packs and are excited to have new buddies to cross-promote with. And always remember that the important part is what feeling your own readers will walk away with when they finish the book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best and greatest advice I’ve ever heard is that ideas really aren’t so important. When you write a lot of stories in a saturated genre, it can be frustrating to find new ways to stand out–but the way you write, your personal spin and voice, is unique. And that’s how you’ll draw more readers in the end.
What are you reading now?
Well, right at this moment I believe I’m reading through a series of author interview questions…
Oh, for fun. Yes. Right now I’m taking a break from self-pub and delving into the classics. And by classics, I mean I’m finally getting around to reading Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife. I’m one third of the way in, and I really like the minimalistic blending of fantasy and literary romance. It’s like a cool cup of water after too much fruit punch, very refreshing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to keep writing and to keep publishing for all the foreseeable future. I want to grow Midnight Valley, build it into a full community of fascinating people and creatures, and continue sharing it with anyone who’s interested.
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?
The Bible, whatever nonsense I’m reading at the moment, and one or two other books I haven’t discovered yet.
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