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In this blog I share what I have learned through twenty-plus years of marketing and writing. I hope other writers find these tidbits useful, and readers find it interesting to learn what what goes into getting a novel out on the market.
I also invite us to take the time to get to know each other. I’d like to share an interview I did with Awesome Gang (http://awesomegang.com/wendy-wanner/) and invite you to ask questions and leave comments on all blog posts as you wish.
My latest interview...
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer of supernatural crime fiction novels based on folklore, cultural idiosyncrasies and that little touch of the occult. I have a BA in Cultural Anthropology from U.C.L.A, and my interest in cultures and religions has driven me to travel the world and soak up different beliefs and traditions, which surface in my novels.
Beyond being a passionate reader and traveler, I am an avid dancer, yogi, and SCUBA diver and surf and paddle board every chance I get. An Arizona desert girl at heart, I have two boys and now live in Dubai with my Scottish husband.
“The Color Of Fear” is my first book, but I am already working on my second fiction novel, and will be on location in Sri Lanka shortly to complete my research.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Color Of Fear” was written nearly 15 years ago, although I have only recently finalized and published it. I have always been interested in some of America’s darker moments, such as the Salem Witch Trials, as well as the psychology of societies that are conducive to this type of hysteria. From there, the book took flight.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Don’t we all! My first book was written almost completely in the “after dark” hours, as that is when the spooky side of my imagination is most alive.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
This is an interesting question, as I don’t normally read in the genre that I write in – supernatural crime fiction. However, growing up I read all the Stephen King novels, so I guess he was most influential in building the author I have become.
What are you working on now?
My current novel features a female heroine who is struggling to overcome the death of her daughter. It is based in both Los Angles and Sri Lanka, and is touching on Buddhism and Naraka, or “Hell”, and the punishment of bad karma. With a few supernatural twists, of course!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of Mouth is always the best from or PR, so I am focusing heavily on social sites, such as FB and Twitter. That’s how I heard about Awesomegang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just don’t give up. This is your passion and dream, not anyone else’s, so no one can do it but you. Waiting for the right publisher, or the right deal, will only slow you down. Be brave, and just publish.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From my father, “Of course you can!”
What are you reading now?
Dan Brown’s “Origin”
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got many ideas for other supernatural crime fiction novels, but I used to tell my oldest son bedtime stories about Little Christian the Dragon Slayer. I would consider turning these into children’s books.
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?
A Collection of Edgar Allan Poe, The Harry Potter series, and Janet Evanovich’s latest novel which always makes me laugh.
