Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
An avid reader, I finally took the plunge and tried writing one myself. For my first book, I didn’t focus too much on following tropes and found my own balance between romance and women’s fiction. I feel like life never allows you to focus on just romance or your own personal growth, they’re all tied up together.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Resting Beach Face was inspired by how when you’re in your twenties you can have some things really figured out (your career and friendships, as is the case with my MC Olivia) and other things seem like they’re totally out of reach or endlessly confusing and frustrating (romantic partnerships and family for Olivia). When we’re thrown out of our comfortable routine it often leads us to confront these things. For Olivia, it’s when she has to attend her sister’s destination wedding in Cancun.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do a lot of my thinking and scene crafting when I am walking my dog, Bodie. So when I come in from a walk I often go running to my laptop to get something down that I’ve thought of.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! I love reading and especially try to read debut authors.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my next manuscript. Again it involves an MC having to confront some hard truths while on a trip. This one is more close to home for me as it picks up details from a trip I took in my late twenties.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth has really helped me. I have some amazing friends who’ve championed the book and encouraged others to read it. I think Instagram has really been helpful for that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The temptation is there to share your in-progress manuscript with friends, and for sure do it to get encouragement. But, and this is an important “but,” don’t ask your friends to critique or give advice. That’s not fair to them. Lean on Beta readers who are not invested in you or your feelings. And make sure your Beta readers know and love your genre. Even give them the name of a few books you think yours is similar to and ask what they thought of those so you know whether they’ll be into your style of writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish the book.
What are you reading now?
The Layover by Lacie Waldon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A lot more writing (I hope).
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?
Night Film by Marisha Pessl
How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Hely
And then whatever book I was reading at the time because I’d want to finish it!
Siofan Davies’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account