Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Stacey Carroll. I’ve been a novelist for decades, and a freelance writer since 2011. I have a pro-pilot degree from Indiana State University. I’ve flown Cessna 152s, 172s, the Pipe Seneca and King Airs. I was a certified flight instructor for a few years down in Kentucky and Tennessee, so a lot of times, my main characters are pilots. I currently have four books written. I released the first one in 2005. In March of 2018, I revised that book due to inconsistencies with the rest of the series and rereleased it in 2018 with 50 to 75 percent different content. the second book in the Avia series is due to be released in May, and the two other books will be released later this year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Thunderstorms and .45s is my latest book. It was inspired by watching and reading too many Disney films and books. So, the inspiration was creating something for adults that was the anti-thesis of Disney. It was further inspired by the fact that I could not find any books that ‘had it all’. If it had a good plot, it lacked character development and vice-versa. If it was a relaxing, no-stress book, it lacked adult situations. In this book, I really tried to emphasize the plot as well as the characters and provide enough mature content to satisfy even the most discerning of readers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Being a freelance writer for the last eight years has given me a unique perspective on the writing process. When I talk to new writers or those who are still in the developmental phase of writing, I receive a lot of the same comments, and I receive some of these comments even from seasoned writers – it’s not ready. It’s not perfect. I can’t get my words right. My sentences aren’t right. I’m fretting over punctuation or a certain word. my favorite comments include – I have writers block, or I’ve lost my muse.
As a freelance writer, I’ve learned that those are excuses not to write, and I don’t get the liberty of having those excuses. When the client says I need X article by X date, it must be done regardless, so I’ve learned to push past all those excuses and just write. I can fix everything in editing. As a result, I write eight to 10 hours a day. I wrote 222,000 words last year. So, my unusual writing habit is that I have the ability to crank a lot of words in a short amount of time, and I do’t fret the details until the end.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have read so much from so many authors. I’ve read Stephen King, Anne Rice, Lee Child, Grimms Brothers and J.K. Rowling to name a few. My writing style is probably a combination of Stephen King, Anne Rice and Grimms Brothers.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am putting the final touches on Avia II: Bullets and Betrayal, which is coming out in May 2018.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find a combination approach is always best. An author should have a personal website, a professional website and several social media accounts where they can promote their work, and the earlier the better. I do take a freelancing approach to my advertising, so I create useful articles around my books. A few promotional articles that I did for Thunderstorms and .45s – 2018 Avia Version were 3 Benefits of Reading, Interview with Avia, interview with Benton and Top 3 Reasons to Buy Thunderstorms and .45s.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going. Keep writing and keep working for it. You are good enough. You’re writing is strong enough, and your book idea is marketable. Don’t let the naysayers get you down or tell you, you can’t.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t listen to the people who tell you, you can’t. They’re not helping you. You need people around you that will pick you up when things look dire and people around you that will provide you with honest feedback.
What are you reading now?
The Art and Craft of Writing Historical Fiction.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Lots and lots. My publishing schedule is pretty packed this year. I have a book coming out in May, one in August and one in early December.
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?
Bush Craft 101
SAS Survival Handbook
Preppers Long-Term Survival Quide
And a blank book and pen. There’s probably a novel in tat experience.
Author Websites and Profiles
Stacey Carroll Website
Stacey Carroll Amazon Profile
Stacey Carroll’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account