Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Evangeline and I’m a writer living in the good ‘ole ATX. My ideal world includes constant companionship from otters (because they are just the cutest things on the planet), zero traffic, and weather always being 75 degrees with a slight breeze. Realistic? Probably not, but it’s nice to dream. I’ve published two books, King Beatrice and Love Letters from an Insomniac.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Love Letters from an Insomniac, is a collection of photography and romance poetry. It all started when I had a few rough nights, staying up far later than I’d like to admit writing all that came to me, which was, for the first time, poetry. For a few weeks, all I could write, all I could express, was poetry. And thus, Love Letters from an Insomniac was born!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get a trinket for every book I write. For King Beatrice, I have a Diptych Sundial which is mentioned in the book, and for Love Letters from an Insomniac, I have a special lantern and candle that I would burn while I wrote. I have other little things for other books that I’ve never published. I love it because it keeps me connected to my stories!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Maya Angelou was perhaps the first writer I’ve read who stopped me in my tracks and made me really feel something through written word. It was the first time I felt power and hope from reading. Since then I have taken things and learned from every book I’ve read, though reading The Alchemist and Fahrenheit 451 in high school fired me up for becoming a true writer.
What are you working on now?
Promoting King Beatrice and Love Letters from an Insomniac for now, though I’ve started an outline for a book #3 . . . it will be incredibly different from my first two books with intrigue, lies, sex, scheming, and, if they’re lucky, love.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are so many methods and people/companies that help with promotions! I guess the two biggest are social media and using bloggers/promoters. With social media, you have to find your niche site (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, or any of the other awesome sites) and grow within your community, do giveaways, and connect with writers and readers. Finding blog tours, blog reviews, and sites who will put your book up on their homepage will boost your sales far more than if you overlook their service.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do. Not. Give. Up.
Writing isn’t all fun. There is a lot of work that goes into it. Believe in yourself as a writer and believe in the importance of whatever story it is you’re telling. Don’t stop. Keep pushing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s not about being the best or better than any other writer out there. It’s about working hard and falling in love with your work. When you accomplish that, that’s when you truly succeed.
What are you reading now?
I’m diving into classics right now, so I’m reading For Whom the Bell Tolls (which may be my favorite title I’ve ever seen).
What’s next for you as a writer?
Studying, studying, and more studying! I’m going to expand my writing into a genre I haven’t quite tried before and refine my poetry for a book I’m planning for down the road.
What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book . . . I’m honestly not sure I have one. I really loved the Blue Blood and A Great and Terrible Beauty series, The Book Thief, and as a child my favorite books were from the Inkheart trilogy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Evangeline Books Website
Evangeline Books Amazon Profile
Evangeline Books’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile