Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 50 year old mother of two sons, and Nanny to an amazing six year old granddaughter, Destiny. She inspires me to be the best that I can be, and in return, by finishing this novel, Surrogate, and following through from beginning to end by publishing it, I am teaching her that she can be and do absolutely anything she desires.
I’m currently working on a mystery/suspense novel, entitled Chef’s Secret, which is a short story I’m extending into book-length, and have finished a Children’s rhyming book, Landon the Turtle, which is awaiting the right illustrator to step up to the plate.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Surrogate, was inspired by a dream that I had. I saw the characters, and heard the conversation. I awoke and thought, “Hey, I can do something with this!” I had no idea what at the time, but I got up and jotted the scene down, calling my niece to tell her. During that conversation, came the conception of Surrogate. The scene between characters Xavier and Jaiden is in the book, exactly as I dreamt it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual or not, but I use Trip Adviser to find cool or interesting locations for my book (cool-sounding location names make a scene so much more interesting I think). The reviews give me some insight on quirks or perks of the hotel/restaurant/resort, and I word it in my own way. It certainly made writing about vacationing Cabo San Lucas a lot more interesting and informative. So yeah, 99% of my locales are real-life venues, so hopefully my readers will visit them and say, “Hey, I heard about you in one of A.H. Shelton’s books!”
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Of course, being from North Carolina, Nicholas Sparks is my hero, but someone who actually drives me to reach my goal is Amanda Hocking. She Indie-published her first novel, a paranormal romance, as Surrogate is (I was embarrassed to call my book a “paranormal romance,” because I thought readers wouldn’t take me seriously, but after reading about Amanda, I now know it’s the next big thing), and she’s now a famous author. I plan on finding time to read her first book when all of the marketing for Surrogate is done. I may not make it to her level, but at least I know it’s a possibility. She inspires me to keep pushing myself toward success.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing three books at the present time – a children’s book, for which I’m seeking an illustrator, a drama/suspense novel, and a dark comedy. It’s like my mind can’t decide which genre I want to do next, so it just decides to do them all at once.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up! Becoming a published author isn’t just a dream anymore – YOU can make it happen! No more laying your manuscript at some drunken editor’s feet and hoping against hope that they’ll like or even understand what you’ve just ripped from your soul. NO ONE is in charge of fulfilling your heart’s desire, except for you!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From probably every teacher I’ve ever had, “You can do it, you just have to believe in yourself.”
What are you reading now?
Haha, not a lot of time for reading, with one book just out and working on three more, but I am reading BookBub’s “Ultimate Collection of Book Marketing Tips.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully lots of fame and money, haha! Actually, I’d be thrilled just to sell enough books to become a pretty well-known author – even if it’s just locally. It’s still REALLY cool to hear people say, “Hey, here comes that author-lady!”
Author Websites and Profiles
A.H. Shelton Website
A.H. Shelton Amazon Profile
A.H. Shelton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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