Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a licensed acupuncturist and yoga instructor who also happens to be a writer. Back in the early 90s, I was a Social Worker in a psychiatric hospital, and before that, I spent a year as a teacher in a Catholic grade school. In-between each of these careers, I spent a lot of time bartending and waiting tables to pay for my studies. All of this experience informs the way my stories are constructed and colors the characters I write.
My first book, a memoir titled, “Slaves to the Rhythm” was a Cowley Literary Award Nominee. I liked my book, but thought it would make a much better screenplay. I re-wrote my memoir and submitted the script to a few film festivals. Much to my surprise, I won a few awards, including: Best Alternative/Social Screenplay and Screenplay Most Likely to be Produced at the Action on Film Festival (2016).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A LITTLE CHATTER is a collection of short stories I started as a personal challenge. After my first book was published, and I got such great feedback from my readers, I decided to challenge myself and try a different genre. My intention with these stories was to be diverse in the characters I wrote about – and in the way the stories were told (first, second, third person). I’m very happy with the end product – and even happier that this book has received such great reviews and won an award for Best Short Story Collection in the 202 IndieReader Discovery Awards.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Get up early – 3 a.m. early – make a strong pot of coffee and get to work!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ethan Canin’s short stories EMPEROR OF THE AIR was a big influence on me, as was his novel BLUE RIVER. John Irving is another favorite – esp. A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY and LAST NIGHT AT TWISTED RIVER.
What are you working on now?
I’ve got two different books in the works – a second memoir that follows my life after the death of my partner in 1993 and a collection of essays written while living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and writing for a local “gringo” paper there.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Twitter for social media. Still learning the landscape of the self-publishing word and learning about which sites are best. I will say – Awesome Gang has been very nice to me so far, and is very easy to navigate. So is Indies Today.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s not my quote, but one I live by – Writing is re-writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
see above
What are you reading now?
I just bought John Kennedy Toole’s NEON BIBLE and am looking forward to reading it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
another collection of short stories, another memoir, possibly a scripted TV show
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?
Confederacy of Dunces, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Just Kids, Bossy Pants
Author Websites and Profiles
Terry Connell Website
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