Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Stephanie and I a young woman author. I have written one book but have two more in the works. I hope to have one of them published by the end of 2017. I enjoy writing, reading, and spending time with my family. I have a firm belief in creating a better world for all, and my only hope is that I set that example for people daily.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Dear World” is the title of my first book and its a short collection of non-traditional poetry. I decided to write this book after a young woman reached out to me for a short story I wrote called, “Recovery”. It’s about eating disorders and how you can fight them. I’ve found that people all around the world feel worthless, angry, and saddened by things in their life. I wrote Dear World so everyone can look around and realize they are not alone. They can keep fighting and it will end okay. It’s about trusting yourself as well as the people in your life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A few, I suppose. When I write, I keep water at my side but also some sort of caffeinated drink. Caffeine puts me in a different mind set and I often drink it when writing action scenes. I also start writing the first chapter, the last, and one that will go in the middle. It literally gives me a timeline of events to follow.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
JK Rowling was the first author I read and thought ‘that’s my future. I’m going to write’. Shortly after her, I turned to Cornelia Funke and her realistic fiction style. Of course Mrs. Funke has amazing fantasy but I read things like “Heartbeat” and “Red Bird”.
What are you working on now?
A fantasy, young adult novel untitled. It’s the exact opposite of what I’ve just released. This story revolves around a group of teenagers with magik set a thousand years in the future. A law has passed stating no magik is allowed in any of the major cities, which the government controls. This group of kids is determined to turn the law around and with illusions and spells, they fight their way to stop the corruption. It’s a work in progress, but you have to start somewhere!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter, my blog, facebook. I haven’t set up any author signings anywhere but I’m sure that would help.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. It sounds so cliche, right? Well it’s true. Look past the traditional ways of publishing and make a name for yourself. Find some fans, collaborate, have fun, and let them know you. Build a fan base and just go for it. Never stop having fun either, if you do it’s pointless.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t get stuck in what it looks like. I heard this statement about a year ago and realized I was so focused on publishing through an agency I never considered anything else. That fear of rejection melted away and I began making a name for myself.
What are you reading now?
The entire Star Wars book collection. I have a list of four pages of these books and I’ve read about six or seven of them the last few weeks. Currently, I’m reading Lost Tribe of the Sith by John Jackson Miller. It’s pretty great.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep writing. I’m going to finish my untitled book, I’m going to publish it, and I’m going to write something else. I have made plans to donate to charities of my choice that help underprivileged kids and families, as well as just enjoying the fans I have and getting to know them.
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?
This is going to be hard. I would take Kill Me Softly by Laura Cross, Into the Void by Tim Lebbon, and at least one of the Harry Potter’s by JK Rowling because that was the entirety of my childhood.
Author Websites and Profiles
Stephanie McGinnis Website
Stephanie McGinnis’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account