My career has revolved around researching and writing for government. These days, however, I work as a features writer for a local newspaper and write novels as a way to understand people, governments, the world, and myself. I’m experimenting with literary fiction, thrillers, and paranormal romance—different ways of arriving at similar places. If you’re familiar with Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers, he says that people who are successful at something are thought to have put in at least 10,000 hours of practice. I reckon I’m on the road to achieving those 10,000 hours.
You can buy Willow in Underwood here.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
It was a special moment when I saw my book cover for the first time. The cover reflects perfectly the movie reel that was going on inside my head as I wrote Willow in Underwood, and there is no better praise.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
Writing, in one way or another, has been a constant in my life. It gives me the voice I haven’t otherwise had. Reading has always been my way of surviving anything and, as a child, Enid Blyton was one of my favorite authors. Putting aside the author’s funny ideas, which haven’t traveled well, her Famous Five and Magic Faraway Tree stories could always transport me.
In each of her stories is a small group of friends. They banded together, they had amazing adventures, and they overcame adversity. To me, that’s what Willow in Underwood is really about.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
Publishing a physical version of Willow in Underwood felt like a validation.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
Willow in Underwood touches on some hard topics. It’s not a frothy read. But it’s real and meaningful about the smaller and bigger things in life.
What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?
I’m currently working on Book Three of the Underwood Collection, called Underwood Strikes Back. Book Two (Underwood and the Round Table) has already been published as an e-book.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Huge thanks to Atmosphere Press for making the publishing journey so straightforward, professional, and personalized. Take the plunge, it’s worth it.
You can buy Willow in Underwood here.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.