Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Brooke VanSoelen, and I write books for Kindle Vella at the moment. I’ve been writing almost as long as I have been reading, so if you count those books, it’s in the hundreds. But professionally, four so far.
Other than literature, I love gardening, folklore, and mythology. I’m also intrigued by tea leave reading, but I haven’t gotten very far with that hobby yet.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Augustine. Actually, it’s a remake of a book that I wrote a couple years ago. I loved it then, but I think that I’ve made some really great changes, and I’ve learned so much about writing over the last couple of years.
The inspiration for Augustine is hard to pinpoint really, but I’d say that it has a lot to do with a documentary I watched once about Robert Johnson and immediately I was hooked on the idea of the crossroads. It’s kind of just bloomed naturally from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My most unusual habit is when I’m in a writing funk I go online and read Neil Gaiman quotes on writing. Like, over and over again. It gives me the boost of inspiration that I need to make it through.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman is a big one. John Green is another. I vividly remember reading The Giver in middle school and dreaming of writing a book just like it. I don’t know, there are so many incredible writers out there!
What are you working on now?
Currently I’m wrapping up my two Kindle Vella’s The Eldridge Pact and Augustine. I’m not sure what I’ll do after that…but I’m excited to find out!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I’m finding that Facebook is the best tool, which was really surprising to me for some reason. But it’s still early days, and I have a lot to learn.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice is also the most obvious I think- Don’t stop. It’s really easy to get yourself into a funk about your work and about what you think other people will think about it. But what’s most important is that you write for yourself first. Hone your skill. Love what you do. It’s really hard, I know, but fans will come.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The first thing that comes to mind is write what you would like to read. I’ve heard different variations of that a lot, and I think it’s great advice. Actually, that sentiment has pushed me through chapters of Augustine in the past.
What are you reading now?
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope that I can keep doing what I’m doing. Writing books that people like to read.
What is your favorite book of all time?
What a cruel question. The first one I thought of is Me Before You. I don’t think it’s my favorite book of all time, but it absolutely shattered me in the best way.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brooke VanSoelen Amazon Profile