Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Now in my early 30’s I find comfort in being home with my husband of near 16 years and our 2 pugs in our hometown of St. Catharines, ON, Canada. I’ve outlived the club era in my town. Usually I’m in yoga pants in front of my PC with spicy snacks and lit candles. I have a go with the flow personality and enjoy hitting up a pub or restaurant with friends and family. A career in social work for almost 8 years has fostered a love to give a voice to those who don’t have one or who need a boost in finding their own. I’ve learned as much from my clients as I hope they’ve learned from me.
I’ve written about 8 books, though only one is currently published. The others are a part of this series or 2 novellas that were created during NaNoWriMo and will be expanded on as soon as I can get my paws on them.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name is Soul Discovery – The Soul Seer Chronicles, Book One. The inspiration came from a time I was only part-time employed is social work where I felt a sense of existence without purpose. One day, middle of the night, a sentence came to me so I wrote it down and didn’t stop writing. The rest came from life’s events, people I knew, observations of personality quirks of those I’ve met, and a drive to give my characters’ depth.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unlike many other authors I find the middle of the night my sweet zone. Also I can’t seem to keep my feet on the ground. Comfort is essential so I must be cozy and have a drink, snacks, and a candle burning.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything by Anne Rice, J.R. Ward, and Kelley Armstrong. I’ve lost myself in their worlds too many times to count and would remain within them if possible.
What are you working on now?
The untitled second book of The Soul Seer Chronicles. While all the books are written, they aren’t edited yet. This book is untitled because it’s the second half of the original first book that was so long it was given the chop half-way.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, Facebook has been the best outlet, as well as the cheapest since it’s free. Don’t underestimate the power of social media.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find your priorities. If writing is one of them, then keep it that way. The rest is business, but you need a finished product first.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You don’t aspire to be a writer, you either write or you don’t.
What are you reading now?
I just finished J.R. Ward’s The Beast. The 14 (?) novel of her Black Dagger Brotherhood series (Like I said, no series is too long). Next, I’m thinking about the sequel to Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes. My to-be-read pile is enormous and I just added to it with ARCs from BEA16, so I hope to dig into one of those as well and do a roundtable discussion about it with The Fabulous Fictionistas.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. There’s no next. Writing is a constant present and I hope to keep it that way.
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?
Anne Rice – The Witching Hour
J.R. Ward – Lover Awakened
Kelley Armstrong – Bitten
Shayla Black – Belong to Me
Author Websites and Profiles
SJ Cairnes Website
SJ Cairnes Amazon Profile
SJ Cairnes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account