Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and work from home, so I have a lot of free time to write. Which is great but also leads to being a hermit. I also paint and make spoof movies with friends from time to time, and I like to stay creatively busy. I’ve written 4/4.5 books, since I recently released an expanded version of my first book as an eBook.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Kota: Book 1 (expanded version)” is my newest in that it’s a redo of my first book that I wrote in college. The Kota Series is based on what my brother, our two best friends, and I played when we were kids, so it’s entirely inspired by “The Kota” story we created while playing in our fort(s) and drawing superhero characters.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m the only author I’ve ever heard of who doesn’t drink coffee. This is especially weird since I am most creative between the hours of 10:00 pm and 2:00 am, but I guess I’m a natural night owl and have never needed the caffeine.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, and Orson Scott Card are the 3 big influences with “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “A Swiftly Tilting Planet” and “Speaker for the Dead,” respectively.
Writing-specific books that I’ve found very helpful include Stephen King’s “On Writing” and Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird.” I think every writer should read them because they’re not only informatively helpful but also make you feel like less of a crazy person.
What are you working on now?
Since my whole series is already completed, I’m taking a break from novels right now and instead enjoying blogging (much simpler and more fun).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads has a lot of resources for authors to reach out and connect with not only readers but also other authors. We authors all like support, and it’s great to have little group communities where you can share experiences and also promote your own work. It also helps that authors can link directly to their books on Amazon for purchasing, and your website’s blog (of course you need your own website) links in too to add something more personal.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try anything! Don’t be afraid to talk about your work, both when you’re in the process of writing and also when you’ve completed your finished product. There are so many resource out there for writers/authors online nowadays, so try to make it fun as you explore how and where you want to connect with people. Really, try anything that you think works for you and be as social as possible to connect with potential readers rather than just spouting off promos all the time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never waste a bad experience; write about it.
What are you reading now?
My New Year’s Resolution was to reread my Top 25 Favorite Books, and right now I’m in “The Vampire Lestat” by Anne Rice.
I also try to read at least 1-2 Indie authors a month, so I’m also reading “Merminia” by Emma Cole.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I might write expanded versions of the following 3 books in the series, but I haven’t really made up my mind about that yet. I also have an idea for a sort of sideways/prequel to The Kota, but right now that’s just an unformed idea floating around in the back of my mind.
What is your favorite book of all time?
We’ll see once I’m done rereading my Top 25, but I think my favorite of all time is still “Speaker for the Dead.” It was the first book I remember reading and thinking, “Wow, I want to do that.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Sunshine Somerville Website
Sunshine Somerville Amazon Profile
Sunshine Somerville’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account