Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a sixth generation Floridian out of the Orlando Area who braved the adventures of being an Author back in 2014. “Cedric the Demonic Knight” was the first book in a planned Fantasy Paranormal Romance series that pulls from mythology. It is followed by the second book, “Romasanta” which dives heavily into the werewolf side of this Urban Fantasy-styled world in The Cedric Series. Another novel I have released is the first book in the Tattooed Angels Trilogy, “Rebirth”. This Young Adult Dark Urban Fantasy was a project I started while I was in high school and was the reason why so many friends pushed me into writing professionally. Currently I am editing the second book, “Judgment” while also drafting out the third book in The Cedric Series, “The Oracle”. I hope my readers are ready, since both of these books will shift assumed plots and push the characters to new limitations.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent release was “Romasanta: Father of Werewolves” which is book two in The Cedric Series. A lot of elements inspired not only the plot to this novel, but the character himself. Readers familiar with lores, mythology and even history will be stunned at the amount hidden in Romasanta’s story. His name is inspired by the first serial killer ever to stand trail who confessed to being a werewolf, Emanuel Blanco Romasanta. The novel ties in Fenrir, Apollo, Artemis, Borea, Lykoan (Lycan), Romulus and Remus, folklores, and so much more!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh, I have a tendency to literally bang my forehead on the desk when I lose my train of thoughts mid sentence. Also, I apparently talk rather loudly to myself according to my Husband.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
A lot of books and authors come in mind. First off, CS Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia was my first real experience in the Fantasy genre in Elementary School. I soon discovered Robin McKinley in 9th grade and learned that it’s ok to beat the heck out of your characters, but only if they can learn and grow from the experiences you place them through. It wasn’t long after reading her novel, “Deerskin” that I started writing more actively and having my friends reading my short stories.
What are you working on now?
My latest book, which is being edited currently, is “Judgment”, book two of three in the Tattooed Angels Trilogy. This is a life-flashing-before-my-eyes style telling of one immortal’s experiences through thousands of years. A lot of it is inspired by forgotten or not well-known historical disasters that I have managed to tie-in with my main characters, Talib and Hotan, but as well as many of the characters Readers have met through book one. “Judgment” answers a lot of unanswered questions while twisting the plot drastically by the time you make it to the end.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found Twitter and Facebook great places to meet readers and talk to them one-on-one. Inkitt.com is another wonderful place I promote my work. Here I can share excerpts and short stories in a format that is clean and even mobile friendly. Overall, it comes back to me actively sharing posts with snippets and information at minimum weekly.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Daily marketing can go a long way, but if you don’t polish your written content, it can’t move anywhere. Whether you are Self-publishing or aiming to Traditionally publish, it is good practice to edit and polish every piece with every means and resource you have available. Readers and editors alike get frustrated and pushed away by copious amounts of errors, whether it grammar or gaping holes in content.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Change the font on the manuscript, print it, and/or read the novel from back to front in order to edit. These techniques have done me great justice to produce strong written content and I can never thank my mentors with The Alliance of Worldbuilders enough for this advice.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Kristell Ink Publishing’s “Fight Like A Girl” Anthology. Absolutely loving this collection of Female writers and their short stories on this shared theme. Hoping to finish it soon so I can thank them with a wonderful review!
What’s next for you as a writer?
The next chapter in my career is hosting Workshops! I host my very first one as Author Valerie Willis on July 16, 2016 on Character Development. Super excited, and hope that this is something I get to do more often.
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?
The Odyssey, Dante’s Inferno, The Illaid and… Alice in Wonderland. Might as will read about other’s adventure to strange and even scary places!
Author Websites and Profiles
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