Monday, January 30, 2012

On Writing Author Interview: Davidson L. Haworth


To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
Being able to escape the real world on a daily basis, and creating a world you actually want to be in. How many times do you turn on the news and wish you were on another planet? Writing allows you to do that.

What is your least favorite part?
Editing, or going back and making corrections.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.
A couple of years ago I had a bad case of writers block. I decided to travel to Wales for some time off, and behold the country gave me new ideas and energy. I owe a lot to Wales and its wonderful people.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?
I am always looking for new ways to advance vocabulary or to improve it.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?
I think I am proud when a person approaches me or I get an e-mail from a reader telling me how much they enjoyed the [book].

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?
Virtue, chivalry, honor, faith, courage, charity, these are the cornerstones of a well-rounded person, and my characters share these with who I am as a person.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?
I write about what I know or what I invent in my imagination, but I do use real life historical places and events, so in this aspect of my writings I have to do much research to make sure I have all the right details.

How do you use the internet for your writing?
Everything, from using proper vocabulary, to research, internet has changed how writers work. Anyone who tells you that they still write pen to paper is giving you a dramatic storyline.


If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had? 
Winning awards renews confidence and validates that you have taken the proper path in life. No writers gets into the business for money or accolades, they do it for the joy of telling a tale. Nobody in their right mind would choose to be a writer, it just happens.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?
Social media, web site, and simple word of mouth, people want to see you as well and a good book signing schedule is required. It is a fact that the average author only sells four books per signing, and it is a little discouraging, but one must throw themselves into the flames of the public eye.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?
Most writers have other projects and it is difficult to write sometimes. Carry a small journal and jot down every idea that pops into your mind. Never be discouraged because a writer will receive more criticism than accolades, even Shakespeare was spurned for his writings and many called his works rubbish. Throw away the negative and surround yourself with supporters. Always form the habit of writing at least two hours Monday through Friday.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?
Try not to procrastinate on your ideas or your dreams, cease the day.

Do you have any strange writing habits?
I don’t think I should answer this since it is a family oriented interview. Put it this way. I take on my day of writing like a warrior the night before battle.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?
I do try and read every night before bed with a cup of black tea and a cozy fire. I still enjoy pulling out my J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis books. Ian Fleming is on my list along with Robert Jordan, but who can resist William Shakespeare. Believe it or not I also like to read anything from the Bronte sisters as well.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?
Only to write a story that I enjoy and if others enjoy it with me then that is fine with me. I write what I enjoy, not what the market tells me to write. If a person is writing to become a millionaire then they are in the wrong business.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?
This might sound cliché, but follow your dreams. Never allow anyone to tell you different. Go for that brass ring you are looking for in life.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?
I have done much in the industry, including working for big publishing houses. I suggest doing what feels right to you. In this day in age with technology anything is possible. A writer can try and get published by a big publishing house such as “Random House,” but that is unlikely. Try self-publishing or Amazon.com for green e-book releases. Tip your toe into the sea before diving in, test the waters. Never allow houses or agents tarnish your dreams, more times than not they are wrong.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit?  Six

Do you have an agent?  I do not.

How many different companies have you published with?  Two

How long have you been writing?   Thirty – six years

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?
I am a full time writer working on many projects.

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

Davidson L. Haworth has been writing novels, short stories, articles and screenplays since his early years as an adolescent. His writings transcend through the ages and he is considered by many to be the father of historical fantasy. He has also been involved in local theater productions, including the San Jose Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker”. In his Prali Trilogy, The Dragon of Prali (iUniverse, Feb. 3, 2010) and his latest novel, The Wizard of Prali (iUniverse, Sept. 23, 2011) Davidson L. Haworth brings classic fantasy back. Fantasy genre has become extremely popular over the last several years with books like Harry Potter and Twilight, but with all their popularity they don’t satisfy readers hunger for good classic fantasy you can find in books by J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. Davidson L. Haworth returns the reader to the roots of the genre.

Author Davidson L. Haworth’s titles include:  The Eye of Mortals, Swords of the Enemy and The Dwarves of the Underworld (Fantasy); Black Hole Nemesis (Science Fiction); and The Dragon of Prali, The Wizard of Prali, and The Vampires of Prali (TBA) (Historical Fantasy)

His books are available through his Author Website (World Wide) http://www.davidsonlhaworth.com/, Barnes and Noble and other retailers throughout the world.

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on the third book of the “Prali Trilogy,” and then I have plans for two novels that is in the fantasy genre, but much different then what I have been writing recently, it’s a bit of a secret.

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?
One bit of advice, “Always go forward and never turn back.”

Where can people learn more about you?
I urge all to visit my web site and give it a gander.

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews?  Let us know...drop us a comment below.




Monday, January 23, 2012

On Writing Author Interview: Lawrence Fisher


To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer? It is fun. I can do it when I have time or wherever I am.

What is your least favorite part? Trying to market. This is not something I am very good at or enjoy it.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome. As a self-published person, I had to find the money to get it published. Some publishing houses were interested but they said that I must foot the entire bill. Coming up with the money to publish in the first place was a major obstacle. It placed me in acute financial hardship but now I understand all those struggling artists.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve? Yes, my use of tenses and prepositions. I write something down and my editor says “Which you are you referring to?”

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?  The book was started at an extremely low period of my life. My book is all about humor and I am proud that I managed to find the humor in my daily life.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you? It is me!

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know? I write about weird experiences. So I guess you could call the weird people my research.

How do you use the internet for your writing? Nope.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with? I have found that Facebook is very useful. It is still early days and I have not got back much feedback from my publisher so I do not know how many copies have been sold yet. I am currently trying a Google Adwords campaign and I have seen increased traffic to my website as a result but I do not know how many were translated to actual sales.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out? My advice to someone would be just to write. Not to worry about perfectionism in style but just to write. When you have a completed work in your hands, go through it again and correct anything. Then find a friend who will read it and comment.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what? I do many things when I am not writing as I am very active. But I do enjoy reading thrillers especially medical thrillers. I do enjoy James Patterson and Lee Childs.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing? For me writing was therapeutic. However, what I would like is if people who have given up on the dating game because they have been hurt once too often, will pick themselves up and try again. No, one year after being dumped, I have not found anyone that I wanted to spend more than two dates with, but it does not mean that I am giving up.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
  What advice do you have for someone looking to get published? Before going through this avenue, people must think what they want to achieve. Why are they doing this? It is not easy becoming a famous writer or a best-seller, the same way as it is not easy becoming a famous actor. Whatever people decide, they need to have fun and enjoy the ride because it can be enjoyable. When my book arrived in my hands, I was ecstatic.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit? One

Are you self-published? Yes

How many different companies have you published with?  One.

How long have you been writing?  Eight months.

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing? I work in computers. I am also a systems analyst and a gymnasium trainer. I mainly write software tutorials. I have an easy balance as whenever I get an idea I quickly jot down the idea on my iphone and later turn it into a story. If the idea is burning to get out, I will write it there and then and simply work later that evening.

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

In author Lawrence Fisher's words: I am in my late 40s and live near Tel Aviv, Israel. I was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe but came to Israel at an early age. I was taught computer computer programming in the Israel Defence Forces. I also hold a diploma as a personal gymnasium trainer. Today I write tutorials for software.

Lawrence's new book - Kill Me Now! A Middle Aged Man’s Maneuvers through the Frontline of the Dating Battlefield  is available on Amazon.com and at iUniverse.com.

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?
The second part of the book. Maybe I will call it “How I didn’t meet your mother”

PARTING WORDS
Where can people learn For more about Author Lawrence Fisher, you can visit his web sites:  http://killmenow.org
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kill-me-now/257875704243021

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews?  Let us know...drop us a comment below.




Monday, January 16, 2012

On Writing Author Interview: M. Edward McNally


To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
There are bad days, writing.  The kind of days when the characters just stare up at you blankly from the page, shrugging, scratching their heads, and saying “Well?  What now, Smart Guy?”
The worst of those days are still better than my best days flipping burgers, stripping micro parts, selling women’s shoes, or grading essay tests on the history of the Balkans.

What is your least favorite part?
The vast time-consuming bits that have nothing at all to do with writing.  Promotion.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.
In “real life,” I’m generally a private person, not a “social butterfly” by any stretch of the imagination.  But in a social media environment, it seems like you have to be “on” all the time, and my brightly colored wings get really tired.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?
Not any one specific part, but every word a writer writes makes them a more experienced writer. ;-)

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?
When someone says they are eager for the next book, not to “find out where the story goes,” but to “see what happens” to Tilda, or Zeb, or Claudja, etc.  I take that to mean that the characters seem more like people to that reader, which is how they seem to me.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?
She’s trying to do the best she can to be successful in her endeavors, while holding on to her integrity.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?
Lots and lots of research, as no matter how obscure a reference is to a real thing, somebody out there will call you on it eventually if you’re wrong.  That, and I kind of love research into things I don’t know about, but I’m sort of weird like that.

How do you use the internet for your writing?
For the aforementioned research.  I spend a lot less time at libraries now.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had? 
I had some short stories get some acclaim long, long ago.  But as that was on the other side of a ten year gap when I didn’t write a word of fiction, as such, it now seems like a different lifetime.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?
Positive reviews from bloggers with lots of followers. Though given the glut of material all reviewers have access to, it can be months before a blogger gets to any particular thing in their queue.  So that really isn’t the sort of “tool” that can be used reliably.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?
The thing that saves me is that I still draft by hand, so it is easy to have a little notebook with me wherever I go.  I can finish a chapter in five and ten minute chunks at diner counters and in parking lots.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?
Part of the reason I go by hand is that on a word processor I have the tendency to edit as I go, which results in a lot of spinning-my-wheels.  My advice is to hammer through that first draft and worry about things only in the editorial stage, which I regard as equally important as the “drafting” part of writing.

Do you have any strange writing habits?
Apart from the writing by hand…at this late date, that’s probably weird enough by itself.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?
Yes, though a lot less since self-publishing, as my reading time is the thing that has taken the biggest hit to make way for all the tertiary, publicity stuff.  Though it seems odd to a lot of people I know, I still read far more History than I do Fiction when I am just reading for pleasure.  Some stuff you really just can’t make up.
 
What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?
I’m just trying to get through each day, still smiling.  Writing makes that easier for me. ;-)

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?
Quit.  Seriously, go out and get a real job, and never pick up a writing utensil again.  If you find that you can’t do that, then you are a writer.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?
You mean “traditionally” published?  First, realize that being traditionally published does not mean being Stephen King or JK Rowling.  Most trad authors I know, and have known for years now, are still working their day jobs, dancing as fast as can to keep promo-ing, trying to cram in writing time between work and family and friends and everything else.  There are thousands and thousands of traditionally published authors of whom you have never heard, and the life of the average one is a lot more like the life of an “Indie” than it is of a rock star.  Know that before you start chasing rainbows.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit?   Eight.

Do you have an agent?  No.

Are you self-published?  I am now.

How many different companies have you published with?  6

How long have you been writing?  Twenty of the last thirty years.

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?
Nope, any number of day jobs consisting of repetitive tasks that require little or no mental energy.  I balance my time by doing them halfheartedly. ;-)

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

In M. Edward McNally’s words:   ...let’s see…I’m a North Carolinian of Irish/Mexican extraction that grew up mostly in the Midwest along I-35 Northbound. In the flannel-clad early Nineties I was in a Master’s Lit program at Iowa State, publishing short stories and shopping a novel, when I quit writing for about ten years to get a “real life.”  Now I am back where I ought to be.

The following books are by M. Edward McNally:

The Norothian Cycle. Epic, Musket & Magic Fantasy
Book I – The Sable City
Book II – Death of a Kingdom
Book III – The Wind from Miilark

Short Story compilations (mostly of his earlier work)
Eddie’s Shorts – Volumes 1, 2, and 3 (free from most e-book retailers)

Collections from the Indie Eclective
The Halloween Collection
The Holiday Collection

Where can people find your books?
They are all listed together on my blog http://sablecity.wordpress.com/ under the “The Books” button, with full links to the major retailers.  Otherwise, the easiest place to find them all is probably through an author listing at a retailer like Amazon, Barnes & Noble  or Smashwords.

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?
Writing Volume IV of the Norothian Cycle (tentatively titled “Devil Town,”) and sprucing up more short collections to put out periodically.  At least, that is what I am supposed to be working on…;-)

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?
This is a ridiculous, noble, silly, honorable, awful, and wonderful calling.

Where can people learn more about you?
The blog is both the homepage for the Norothian Cycle, with maps, glossary, short histories, etc., as well as where I do my writer yammering, post interviews, and the like. http://sablecity.wordpress.com/

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews?  Let us know...drop us a comment below.






Monday, January 9, 2012

On Writing Author Interview: Richard Godwin


To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?   The process. You can never perfect it, so unlike a job in which may people reach a ceiling, love of the craft is the motive.

What is your least favorite part?   Marketing. While I have met some great people through it, it is a secondary process to me.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.   Narrow minded publishers. It seems now the mighty are falling.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?   I write in many genres so all of it all the time. If I said anything else it would indicate I thought I was too good.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?   When I receive an email as I did for my novel Apostle Rising from a soldier fighting in Afghanistan. It said it helped him through a week’s battle and he thanked me.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?  Everything and nothing.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?   I research novels, I write stories straight out.

How do you use the internet for your writing?   Some research.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had?    It depends on the award.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?   The whole online blogging community, it’s great.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?   Write every day, I see it like practicing a tennis serve.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?   I used to when I started out: don’t try to sound like someone else. We all go through that and eventually abandon it for our own voice.

Do you have any strange writing habits?   No.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?   I read every day. I read a vast amount of genres and factual books, and am prepared to read almost anything.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?   I am trying to tell a story. Through the story I am trying to reach people and explore the human condition.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?   Write every day and try to read as many authors as you can.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?  Keep trying.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit?   12.

Do you have an agent?   Not at present, in search of the right one.

Are you self-published?  No.

How many different companies have you published with? Including anthologies, ten, only one for my book.

How long have you been writing?   Many years, but professionally six.

Do you write full-time? Yes. I am lucky enough to be in that position now.

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

Richard Godwin is a widely published crime and horror author whose work has appeared in many magazines. He is the author of Apostle Rising, in which a serial killer is crucifying politicians and recreating the murder scenes of a case which nearly destroyed DCI Frank Castle. Now, many years later, Castle leads the investigation again. He and his partner Jacki Stone are drawn into a dark web which involves the original suspect, Karl Black, who is now running a cult and playing games with the police. The novel has received excellent reviews and there are already foreign rights offers for it.

Richard Godwin is also a published poet.  His stories in anthologies can be found here http://www.richardgodwin.net/books  and here http://www.richardgodwin.net/magazines

Richard’s books are available at all good retailers and online at Amazon.com as well as Amazon.co.uk.  Purchasing information can be found here:  http://www.blackjackalbooks.com/order


THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?  My next novel, which will be released as an E Book early next year, and the sequel to Apostle Rising.

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?   There are many styles in which the same story can be told and all of them involve knowing where to cut words.

You can learn more about Richard at his website:  http://www.richardgodwin.net/  and on his blog at http://www.richardgodwin.net/blog

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews?  Let us know...drop us a comment below.




Sunday, January 8, 2012

A New Resource for Indie Authors and Readers


This web site is awesome.  I'm proud to be a part of it!

STEPHEN HISE LAUNCHES INDIES UNLIMITED
New Web Site Will Be A Resource for Indie Authors and Readers

Phoenix, AZ – 05 Jan 2012 – Indie Author Stephen Hise has launched a new website called Indies Unlimited.  The goal of the site is to celebrate, educate, and promote independent authors. Content includes interviews, articles, links, video book trailers, contests, reviews, industry news, tutorials and recommendations.

“We are at the beginning of a technological revolution in how books are written, published, marketed, purchased, and read,” Hise explains. “I started Indies Unlimited to showcase the amazing amount of talent in the indie author community. I hope to connect authors with each other and with readers as well.”

IndiesUnlimited.com is designed to provide a platform for independent authors to share and exchange ideas, knowledge, expertise and frustrations; and, for readers and reviewers to become exposed to the amazing depth and array of talent in the indie community.

With a staff consisting of multi-published, best-selling and ground-breaking writers, Indies Unlimited is able to provide guidance and input to assist less-experienced authors.  Hise says, “I have recruited authors and industry experts from different areas of the publishing field to provide insight, expertise, and diverse perspectives on the many facets of writing.”

Readers from all over the world have already found their way to Indies Unlimited, where they can sample excerpts of Indie Authors’ books for free, and even engage an author directly in questions and answers through the comments. 

“Indies Unlimited offers so much to so many,” says award-winning author K. S. Brooks.  “I really enjoy the sharp-witted, fresh content.  It’s always good to be able to laugh when you’re involved in such a competitive industry.”

Authors who’d like to participate are able to submit queries via www.IndiesUnlimited.com/submissions.   

###

About Stephen Hise:  Stephen Hise is an Arizona-based independent author and consultant. He has been writing both personally and professionally for many years. Hise published his first novel in 2010, along with a collection of short stories on which he collaborated with two other authors.  More information is available at http://StephenHise.com and http://IndiesUnlimited.com

Monday, January 2, 2012

On Writing Author Interview: Author Jess Mountified


To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?   Getting to create new characters by far. I love the times when a fresh scene with fresh characters pops into my head and I get to explore them and their worlds. For me it's always the most exciting part.

What is your least favorite part?    Definitely the editing and proofing. I often leave the first draft alone for a few weeks and then come back to it to go through before handing it to my editor and I always find about 6 weeks after I've written something that I just don't like it anymore. I know I've done a good job, most of the time, but I don't enjoy rereading it. The magic that was there initially no longer exists. The more I read it and edit it the worse it gets, which is a pain because I like to make sure my works well edited and proofed.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.   I find my confidence is quite an obstacle. I always worry that something is good enough the second I've finished it. Thankfully my husband and friends are very encouraging and I've had some amazing reviews of my first book. It's slowly becoming less of an issue.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?   In terms of my writing I really struggle most with my detail. I can often see everything in my head but forget to describe all of it when writing. During the editing stages I often have to go add in description in various places in the book. I'm working to try and remember to write it in the first place.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?   By far I am most proud of my characters. It's what I get commented on most when I get reviews and it's always what forms first in my head. I see them like my children, who I create, mold and then let out into the world.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?  My favourite main character is Marie Woodell, we both like to just get on with our tasks and what we think will make us happy, as well as both being unafraid to take risks.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?   I usually do a lot of research about settings and places though I don't always stick exactly to what I find, sometimes artistic license is required.

How do you use the internet for your writing?   I usually only use the internet when I collaborate and then google docs is a very useful tool for more than one person working on a document at the same time. It updates in almost real time. Other then that I only use the internet for some research. I do all my writing by pen and paper so the distraction of the internet is as far away as possible.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had?    I've not won any awards

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?   The amazon kindle forums are probably the most effective tool I've found for marketing. It's a place to really get connected with readers and talk to them on their level. Anywhere there are readers and it's easy to strike up a conversation. There are so many books out there that actually getting involved in a community works best at getting positive attention. If someone already decides they like the author, they start reading already wanting to like the book. It can't be random spamming though, too many authors just say a really useless comment, add their book link and never show up again.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?  Writing a little something each and every day. It's hard to do but it keeps a story going and prevents the project being stopped and forgotten about. It also helps stop a writer moving on to another project before the old one is finished. If it's still what's being concentrated then new ideas can be filled rather than seeming more exciting than the current idea.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?   Not really, I've had most of my bad habits ironed out of me with the desire to be more productive. I used to fixate on new ideas while writing old ones but I've found as long as I write a rough outline and file it for another day I can stay focused on the current idea and actually finish it. It also means I've got a folder full of ideas I can pick from when it comes time to start the next project.

Do you have any strange writing habits?   Nothing really strange except writing by hand. I just can't think as well as type it seems so I go somewhere where there is no computer and sit with pen and paper. I usually type up a day later at the earliest.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?  I read a lot and whenever I'm not busy with someone else. At the moment I'm actually going through a lot of the old classics I've missed like Wuthering Heights and The Count of Monte Cristo but I'm also re-reading the entire Redwall series for some lighter reading in between.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?  Mostly just tell the stories of the characters in my head. There are so many of them with such varied lives that I can't help but write down what they get up to.
  
ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?  Write a little often and join a writers group or something similar. Having a supportive network of other authors who'll both encourage and help improve your work is invaluable.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?  Research all your options thoroughly. There are many options now and they have different good points for different people. But most importantly don't give up.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit?   1

Do you have an agent?   No, though it is something I'd consider I am actually quite happy doing my own business and finding my own opportunities. That may change as I get busier.

Are you self-published?  Pretty much yes. I run my own publishing company, Red Feather Writing, so it's not far different.

How many different companies have you published with?   1

How long have you been writing?   On and off ever since I could write a plot. I still remember the rough idea I had for a story when I was 8 in school and asked to write a story for the first time. I didn't seriously start writing until about 4 years ago when a good friend asked me why I'd stopped. I realised I didn't have a good answer to the question and started writing less than an hour later. I fell in love with telling stories all over again.

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?   I work part time writing most of the time but there are odd months when I can do it full time. I also jointly run a film company and a clothing company and while for the most part I work on the books I do have to work on other stuff reasonably often. I have a well organised to-do list though and still manage to write as much as I'd like to most days.

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

About Author Jess Mountifield, in her own words: I live in Bath, Uk with my husband and cat. I write part time as well as run three companies, Flight productions (film), Jnk Clothing and Red Feather Writing (publishing). When I get time off I spend it reading, watching films and playing online multiplayer games with friends.

Jess has authored With Proud Humility – an historical adventure and romance, which is available through Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and on Smashwords.

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?   Currently I'm working on the edits of my second book, Chains of Freedom, which is another historical adventure book. I'm also doing prep work for NaNoWriMo where I'm trying my hand at a sci-fi novel called Sherdan's Prophecy. I've also just finished two fantasy shorts as part of a collaboration with another two authors. We're still deciding on a title for the book but it should be published some time in the next 6 months.

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?   Thank you for the interview and the chance to chat about my work for a bit, I hope it helps inspire some other writers.

You can learn more about Author Jess Mountified at http://www.jessmountifield.co.uk