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.