Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a proud Indie author with seven full length novels published, and more on the way! I have a young adult, scifi trilogy called The Forgotten Origins, and on on-going middle grade mystery series. The Samantha Wolf Mysteries has been gaining some ground on Amazon and I am very excited to see the readership build.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Heiress of Covington Ranch, book #4 in The Samantha Wolf Mysteries
This is the fourth book to be released in this series, and it’s a special segment for met. I do a lot of character development with this story, introduce a new returning character and hit on some very real topics for kids today. I hope that the fans of the series enjoy the setting in the girls hometown, and like the more personal look into the girls lives.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I try to keep things routine, as that is what works for me. I might spend more time working on my outlines than some other writers do. Okay, so maybe there are a couple of odd things. When I get stuck on something, I have to step away and either go for a walk or take a shower. I think best when I’m isolated. I also like to like a candle. I have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and having something pleasant burning puts me in more of a relaxed state.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading Trixie Beldon, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to have young readers give me positive feedback, and to know that perhaps, I am offering them the same type of healthy escapism that those amazing stories gave me as a child.
As I got older, I read a lot of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ken Follet, Cook, etc. I love scifi, thrillers, and a good medical mystery.
What are you working on now?
I just completed The Heiress of Covington Ranch and it’s in the process of final edits in preparation for the December 21st release date. (It’s available on pre-order right now). I’m planing on taking two weeks off, and then I’ll decide what’s next. I narrate my own audiobooks, too, and I might go ahead and start on The Beach House Mystery (book #3), or else Heritage (book #2 in the scifi trilogy). After that, I’ll get going on book #5 in The Samantha Wolf Mysteries.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I had the amazing fortune of running a BookBub campaign earlier this month (Nov. 2015) and I hope to do more of that. Aside from this massive site, it’s the wonderful promotions I get through the ‘ground troupes’ like Awesomegang that really add up to make an impact.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up! It has taken me nearly three years and six books to even begin to make a dent. It takes a whole lot of perseverance.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To have a professional cover made.
What are you reading now?
Above the Bridge, by Deborah Garner
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep going, and marketing! I’m excited where the future is taking me!
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?
Pillars of the Earth
Watchers
Lonesome Dove
The Hunger Games
Author Websites and Profiles
Tara Ellis Website
Tara Ellis Amazon Profile
Tara Ellis Author Profile on Smashwords
Tara Ellis’s Social Media Links
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