Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, my name is Carol Staff. I am an adoptee who self-published September’s Child. That was my debut title. I published it in 2014. While writing September’s Child, I needed to escape the pain of writing about my adoption. So, I created The Dark Mountain Saga. I turned the villains in The Dark Mountain Saga into characters in my book. I also turned the heroes in my life into heroes in The Dark Mountain Saga.
Since the beginning of my writing career, I have written 12 books. I have rewritten 4 of those 12 books. I will continue rewriting the other 8, but I now care for my murdered daughter’s children.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is, The Other Side: “The Only Way Out Is To Die!”
My youngest daughter Amber’s body was discovered alongside a pull-out in Pecos, New Mexico on May 21, 2021. The media dehumanized my baby girl by calling her The Slain Woman. The police turned Amber into someone worth less than the criminal who killed her. Amber’s story was far too important not to tell.
The purpose of this book was to help other families. Grief is difficult, but grief from murder is multiplied by other people not understanding the pain children and families go through because their loved one was murdered.
Therefore, our family has discovered there is a need for us to start a foundation. It may take time, and that is alright, but 50% of the royalties from this book will be saved to begin, The Carol and Amber Foundation. Why 50%? Because Amber’s children need to go to college. They need help to grow up. They still need help in understanding that their mother can never come back. Amber’s death was not just some elaborate scheme. Her death was real! The effects that followed are real!
Spirit Bond Publishing along with Hugh Murphy (Author of Memories and Observations.) wants to help those who need Legal help, counseling, or a way to begin again. When I brought my grandchildren home, they had one bag of clothes each. The clothes are expensive. That is what our foundation will do. It will help those forced to start over!
What can readers do? You can help us help others by leaving a kind review. The purchase of this book helped! Sharing our story helps us get the word out. We don’t want anyone to feel alone. Please, let’s help each other by bringing awareness. This is what Amber wants!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to write around having to care for my traumatized granddaughter. I don’t think of that as unusual. Aside from working around having children, I think I am pretty normal.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many of the books I write are about some aspect of my life that I think could help others. No other books influence my writing.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two books. The second book of The Dark Mountain Saga, titled Journey To The Hidden Gate, and a supernatural fiction title named Working From The Other Side.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t stick with any one website to promote my books. Much of my promotion comes from word of mouth. People who read my books share them well. So, word of mouth is my best method of promoting my books. I am here to get Amber’s books out faster than word of mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is this; Write about the things you know. Write well. If you plan to self-publish, purchase your own ISBN numbers. If you use the free ISBN numbers from publishing platforms, the platform owner owns the ISBN numbers. You can save yourself a ton of money by formatting your book yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Your desire to succeed should be greater than your fear of failure!”
I am quoting myself!
What are you reading now?
At the moment, I do not have time to read. I am working on two titles. My most recent read book was Memories and Observations by Hugh Murphy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Book two of The Dark Mountain Saga is next, as I have worked on book two since 2014 and my fans are getting impatient.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Lord Of The Rings trilogy is my favorite!
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