Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a mother of three and married to my best friend. Somewhere between the chaos of my life I’ve written 7 novels and am working on two novels currently. I’m an avid reader myself and absolutely love connecting with readers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest released book was Whiskey Songs which is the 2nd book in my Distilled Love Series. Tequila Nights will be out this Winter and will be the final installment. Vodka Dreams was book one and was heavily influenced by people in my life that have dealt with or are dealing with substance abuse and the life that goes with it. I also touched on the power of sexual healing as well as light BDSM. Whiskey Songs isn’t as dark as Vodka Dreams but still touches on human emotion, forgiveness, moving on and loving again. Tequila Nights follows the same siblings in the first two, and is my first F/F book. I can’t for the world to meet Brooklyn!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual but I typically write my best work early in the morning or when I’m home alone. I always have music playing and something to drink. I also don’t write off of an outline, I just write what comes to mind. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
This is tough, I have so many authors that inspire me but I’d have to say Stephanie Meyer and Colleen Houck really inspired me to actually sit and write a complete story, then self publish it. After Twilight, which I love with no shame, I wanted more. But I wanted that kind of love story with more adult content. I was really into the YA fantasy stuff but just needed those stories with more grit, sex, suspense so I wrote my own. Neveah A Broken Forever is my first full length novel and the one that started this all for me. Colleen Houck was the first author I came across that self published and I followed her like crazy trying to learn. I also look up to the writing genuineness of Diana Gabaldon and Toni Morrison and have a total girl crush on Colleen Hoover..big time..will she read this? I hope so…Colleen I love you!
What are you working on now?
I am trying to wrap up Tequila Nights as well as a follow up to my murder romance You Are My Sunshine. Two very different books in different genres so it’s fun. Never gets boring.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Twitter are still the good standbys but I am slowly finding other sites and blogs that have been very generous. Pretty Hot was definitely a good find!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. You have to have a strong spine and thick skin but don’t let the critics silence you, keep writing what you feel and you’ll be fine. Write for passion not for money. Write to reach people. Always have your work edited before publishing. Do your homework and put in the effort to promote. Mostly though, reach out to other authors. The Indie community is full of loving and generous authors willing to lend a hand and advice, seek them out.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I saw another once say that the first draft of her book is like the out line, it’s during the read through and first self edits that her characters really take shape and round out. I believe that wholeheartedly. Just write, get it on paper, get the story out then go back and fix the imperfections and flesh out the story.
What are you reading now?
Scripted by Lisa Marie. It’s the follow up to Keystrokes which is when I fell in love with Kassen…
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books. I have tons of new stories swirling around in my head. I’m excited for what 2016 has in store.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Author Websites and Profiles
Angie Merriam Amazon Profile
Angie Merriam’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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Krystin says
I love Angie!! She is definitely one of my Top 5 authors!