Hi, I’m Sarah Jane Avory. I was born in Ely, Cambridgeshire, UK.
I’ve been writing for a long time, ever since I bought my first home computer. I’m a self-taught writer. Okay, I’ve had a little help from some how-to-write books I own. Oh, and not forgetting the internet of course! But I enjoy programming, and it has been a wonderful career for me. Today I’m married, I have a great job, a beautiful black long-haired cat, and my own house. My long-term goal is to one day be able to write full-time. One can dream, yes..?
1) Fill in the blank: If you like ________, you'll love my book.
If you like witches, magic spells and talking grumpy cats, you’ll love my book.
2) Why did you write your book?
Well, Dark Secrets is book 3 of the Briley Witch Chronicles, a series about witches and talking cats. I started the series to be something different from the usual vampire stories. It all started one day when I wondered what it would be like to be able to talk with a cat. Throw in witches, plus an Anglo-Saxon-esque background, and there you are!
3) Is there a message in your novel?
Yes, there is a message in Dark Secrets about family and honor, that to be truly happy you have to do what is right for yourself, and that if people really love you they will understand and support you.
4) Be completely honest: how much of your main character is really you?
I’d say parts of me have crept into Briley, her initial lack of self-esteem and self-doubts being some I can identify with. There are some personal experiences I have used as the basis of certain events in my books.
5) How do you relax?
When I’m not writing, I’m relaxing on the sofa at home and watching TV. I don’t care for many sports, but I do like to watch Formula One racing.
6) What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I like programs like Perception, Elementary, Arrow, Agents of Shield, Ray Donovan, Unforgettable, The 100, plus many more. As for movies, I like fun movies like Labyrinth, action films like Iron Man, and the odd rom-com. Oh, and The Hunger Games! Looking forward to the latest movie!
7) Do you have anything you want to say to your readers?
I am seriously passionate about my writing, well motivated and hard working, and I can say I pour my heart and soul into every book I write. And I write to the best of my ability. Always. I have cried my eyes out at some emotional scenes, both happy and sad tears, and I have experienced such joy and excitement I have danced crazily around the house. My wish is for my readers to enjoy my books as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
8) What's the worst part about being an indie author?
Having to do promotional work. I’m not very good at it, but I hope to learn how to do it better. I’d say my main problem - like a lot of authors I suspect - is that I just want to write.
9) What's the best part about being an indie author?
Having the freedom to be able to write what I like, when I like, and publish it when I want. I also love being in contact with other authors. I have a growing number of friends now, some that are very dear and special to my heart.
10) What advice would you give to other writers?
My advice: never give up, and keep on going even when you feel you can’t. Just keep plugging away at it, day after day, and one day it’ll all be complete. I know the general view is to write a first draft start to finish and not stop to edit, but I would recommend writers to try the edit while you write strategy. It works really well for me, and I’ve discovered others write that way too. I did a blog post about my writing methods.
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