Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an avid fan of Gothic literature! As a child I fanatically read ghost stories, and in high school fell in love with Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” and Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre”, a love that continued into adulthood. I find the darker side of humans fascinating. It’s an integral part of who we are, a product of what life has thrown at us, and is responsible for much of our behavior and many of our choices. And it’s infinitely more interesting than the average, “normal” side of things, whatever that is! 🙂 My writing philosophy follows Pablo Picasso’s words, “A work of art must make a man react, feel strongly, start creating too, if only in his imagination. He must be seized by the throat and shaken up; he has to be made aware of the world he’s living in and for that he must first be jolted out of it.” I have written two books so far and am currently working on my third.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Owl Manor – the Dawning”, a Gothic horror/romance and part of a trilogy. As I said before, I am an avid fan of Gothic literature, and am inspired by books I have read, as well as movies I have seen in the genre.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I try to stick to a schedule, but as everyone knows, the ideas don’t follow any schedule! So I find myself scrounging for a napkin and pen in a restaurant to write down ideas!!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
From the classics, Gothic literature writers such as the Bronte sisters, Edgar Allan Poe, Daphne du Maurier. From more current authors, I love Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Sarah Dunant, Kate Morton. It’s not just what they write, it’s the way they write. It’s beautifully sculpted writing, like poetry. The writing itself, in addition to the story, is moving.
What are you working on now?
“Owl Manor – the Dawning” is part of a Gothic horror/romance trilogy, and I am currently working on the next book in the series, “Owl Manor – Abigail.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find scrolling for book promotions on the internet turns up some very helpful and lucrative sites. Amazon ads also help. Other than that, I have my own author website and blog, which I have been neglecting lately because I’m trying to get my current novel going. It’s hard to find time to juggle everything!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I firmly believe we need to write what we enjoy, what we have fun writing, not what others might expect us to write. That way it will resonate and people will enjoy reading it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever got was to plan out every chapter before beginning the actual writing. That way you have your story goal and character arcs in mind when you begin writing and it’s easier to stay on track. After that it’s a matter of filling in the “meat” – descriptions, dialog, etc.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading “Craven Manor”, also a Gothic novel, by Darcy Coates. It’s the first book I’ve read by her and I’m really enjoying it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing and hope to find the people who enjoy what I write!
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?
All the books by Daphne du Maurier I haven’t read yet!
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