Interview with an Author - Laura Mae

• Tell me a little about yourself, personally.

I am located in sunny Arizona, living with my furbabies and fishy friends. I work full time in the hospitality industry and also do some freelance work for graphic design on occasion.

• What is the name of the book or books you have published?

So far I have published two books. It's a series and the first book is called Fliers and the second is Sparrows. I am very close to publishing my third!

• Where can they be found?

You can purchase them on Amazon (of course), Barnes & Noble, Walmart, etc. They are even in some local stores here in Tucson! My website has a complete link list off everywhere you can get them, too. www.lauramaeauthor.com

• Do you have any current WIPs?

At the moment, just the third book in my Fliers series which is called Vultures. I also have a couple of short stories out there, hoping to get published in anthologies. That is my plan after the Fliers is done is to focus on short story writing.

• How are they going?

Vultures is going great! I am getting sentimental to wrap my series up. Fliers was the first book I ever published so it's like ending an era for me. I am currently in the beta stages now and after that, the professional editing and formatting, etc. I hope to have it published at the end of this year, but seeing as 2020 is not the best year, I think I better wait till next year! Ha!

• What got you into writing?

I'm not really sure. I have just always enjoyed doing it. Even laughing that I used to offer to write my friends essay papers or whatever in high school because I just truly enjoyed it. Writing fantasy stories is definitely though as I get to create worlds with my mind. Creating characters from thin are and making people feel things for them is such a great feeling. There really is nothing else like it.

• What keeps you focused?

My focus is that I need to share this story with the world and I won't feel satisfied if I can't do that. I have such a connection with Sydona and I want the world to love her the way I do. This story has just been apart of my for almost 10 years now and I want you all to discover it with me.

• What gives you inspiration?

I draw a lot of inspiration from dreams. I had a huge interest in them in my early 20's and researched a lot, did dream journals, all that stuff. I got to the point where I have a dream almost every night and can control about 80% of them if I know I'm dreaming. Which is honestly how I created the idea for my Fliers series! I also love to play video games and I like the way they show stories in such an immersive way. They have been in my life since I was a kid so I have played a lot in my day, especially role playing games that are story motivated. Great sources to explore.

• How do you battle writer’s block?

Ah, the cursed writers block. I know it's different for everyone but the best way I defeat it is by walking away and not even looking at my MS for a while. Sometimes a few days, sometimes a few weeks. For me it helps to wipe the mind clear of it and when you come back, you have less clutter to deal with!

• Did you decide on traditional or self publishing?

I went the self-publishing route personally. It took me a while to find out that self-publishing was a thing. I didn't really know much about traditional publishing either but I know I am not a patient person and I don't do well with having a deadline on stuff. Being traditionally published doesn't always mean you'll be successful either. And it's honestly, probably, just about as much work.

• What made you make that choice?

I think I answered most of this in the last question, but I don't like to be pressured to write. I enjoy writing and I think it's because I can do it at my leisure. If I have a boss who wants me to pump out books every year or more, I know I would get burned out very fast and I don't want to hate something I once loved.

• How does it feel to be considered an author?

It's pretty cool! I have my book in the gift shop where I work so I get to see my book on a shelf of a store quite often, and every time I see it, it still makes me smile. To know I made that story right there. All from this little noggin. Haha!

• What’s your social media platforms for people to find you?

You can find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.