Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a fantasy and horror author. I live in Bradworthy, a
charming village in North Devon, UK.
My love of fairytales, fantasy, and horror, inspired me to write my own stories. I was always described as ‘being off with the fairies’ but I put it to
good use and incorporate my love of history into my tales, too. I want to write novels to inspire and help young people in the same way
that fantasy books helped me. Horror is a genre that I want to bring
people back too. *’It’s such a deep genre. It’s so much more than just scaring people, it
gives them a sense of empowerment. I’m obsessed with the reality of the
human condition and the darker shades of humanity. I try to tell my stories from a different viewpoint.’*
I love writing fairytales as I want to show people what happens after
the happily ever afters and put a realistic spin on our favourite
childhood classics.
Volume one and two in the Haunting Fairytales series are available on
Amazon, along with my three bestselling horror stories and latest dark
fairytale anthology, Once Upon a Cursed Time.
Unforgiven horror anthology is out on Halloween along with my latest horror, Struck Three. Book three, Into Wonderland, in the Haunting Fairytales Series and a paranormal mystery, Fantasy vs Reality, are out in February 2017.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Journey to Neverland – Book two in the Haunting Fairytales Series. It inspired me as the characters from book one were searching for the fountain of youth. I knew that in both Neverland and Wonderland, nobody grows older. The fountain of youth keeps everyone young, so it made sense to combine the three. Also, I love the Peter Pan fairytale and wanted to explore the darker parts of it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am usually in my pyjamas when I am writing. I sit at my laptop (on my bed), put on some music and turn off my internet. Then I just write. I have many cups of tea and I stop and have little five minute breaks every hour.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I always had an interest in the written word since I was four. I used to read so much, mainly fiction. The first books I read were by Enid Blyton, but it was the Harry Potter books that spiked my interest in fantasy books. The unique storyline and otherworldliness attracted me. Since then, Stephen King’s novels made me want to write horror. The feelings after reading one of his books with different to any other feeling I got from other genres.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on book three in the Haunting Fairytales Series. We continue with Snow as the Red Queen of Wonderland after killing Peter. Alice, Wendy’s sister, finally finds the magical land, and searches for her sister, but finds out a lot more than she anticipated. Into Wonderland is due for release on February 4th, 2017.
Along with that, I am working on my Christmas horror story which will be featured in an anthology titled Christmas Nightmares, along with six other authors. Due for release on December 15th, 2016.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
What a great question. The answer varies depending on what I am trying to gain, whether it’s exposure, sales, new readers, interviews, guest posts, etc. For exposure and to help my books reach a wider audience I find that Twitter ads are excellent, along with Facebook posts and groups. I also use email book blast sites such as ereader news daily, book gorilla, fussy librarian, etc.
I have a newsletter and offer giveaways and exclusive peeks at upcoming works before any one, for those who sign up. I think it’s a great way to give something back to my readers and let them join in with the magic of the series while book three is being written.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. I was told my other authors when I began writing to make sure everything I did was well edited and I took my time with. My advice would be not to rush your book just because you want to get it out there. Make sure you have an amazing cover to represent your work and make sure it is edited well. We all make mistakes when we write, but it’s important to get them smoothed out before the final document is uploaded. Also, do your research on marketing websites, follow other authors and see what they are doing, and read! Reading helps inspire and helps us develop our own unique writing style.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As above, to take things slow and make sure that you put out the best book you can. To make sure that you have everything prepared beforehand.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory. Yesterday I finished reading Frostbite in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to continue to write my fairytales and horror stories. I do have some works in progress which I would like to finish by next year. I have a few books lined up for release in 2017 and I would like to make them perfect. What’s next for me as a writer is too finish the Haunting Fairytales Series and perhaps explore new genres.
What is your favorite book of all time?
It may sound clichéd, but it would the Harry Potter series, namely Deathly Hallows. I have read it over and over again. I love the magic, the morals, just the world she created. Harry Potter is a massive part of my childhood, so I guess it takes me back to my younger years when I read them. I just feel closer to magic when I pick up one of the HP books.
Author Websites and Profiles
R.L. Weeks Website
R.L. Weeks Amazon Profile
R.L. Weeks’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account