Author Interview: Kelly Samarah

 

What’s your story? How did you get into writing?

My book, Thorns of Glass, is about murder, domestic abuse and what happens to us when we die, told from the perspective of the fifteen year old son of a single mom in the 1980’s.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Edit, Edit, Edit! That is the number 1 most important thing to do as a self-published or traditionally published author. I speak from experience. It’s hard, but don’t be in a rush. Make sure you are giving your readers a quality piece they can savor. Trust me, they can tell if it’s been edited or not.

What are you working on now?

Right now I am working on my next novel. I am posting a chapter a week on my blog, and when it is finished it will go through editing and then self-publishing. I’m also putting together an anthology of my short stories set to be released in late August, titled Beneath the Blood Moon.

What has been the most challenging part of publishing or marketing your book?

Self publishing is always a challenge. Many people don’t realize the time it takes to market your book. It’s true what they say, writing a book and geting it out there is 90% marketing. It’s a full time job in itself to get your book some notice.

What has been your favorite part?

My favorite part has definitely been the positive feedback. To have people read my story and connect with my characters is so fulfilling and rewarding.

Who are your favorite authors?

Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, Neal Shusterman, Lois Lowry…just to name a few.

What gave you the idea for your current work?

I literally carry a little notebook with me everywhere I go to write down my ideas. They just hit me, and if I don’t write them down I forget. My anthology is actually inspired by my love of short horror/paranormal stories. I think there is a lot of value in the short story, and I want to do my part to get more recognition for the short story author.

If you could be any character in the book, which one would you be?

In my book, I wouldn’t want to be any of the characters. It’s just too sad. If I had to pick a character from any of my other work, it would be the hero, Cason Carter, from the book I’m currently working on.

What other books have you written and/or are working on for the future?

Untitled: a story starring Cason Carter who learns he is a reincarnated warrior. Beneath the Blood Moon, and anthology of short paranormal, sci-fi and horror stories.

What’s your favorite quote?

I have read on a Kindle. But the Kindle we had only worked for about eight months then it stopped working. You don’t have to get books repaired.-Joyce Carol Oates

What’s your favorite supernatural creature?

Bigfoot because there’s a possibility he’s real.

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