Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Gwen McDowell, and I’m a 20 year old mother.
I’m very creative, whether it’s with music, knitting or crotchet, sewing, painting- I’m always up to something! Am I good at everything I try? Not necessarily, but that won’t stop me.
I began writing a year ago, I’ve always loved reading and I would find myself rewriting the story in my head as if I was a character. Those stories would branch off until eventually I had an original story running through my mind, and when I was 19, I decided to act on it. I currently have two books published, and I plan to keep writing in the future.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called When the Voice Spoke. It’s a book written about survival, bringing attention to the fact survival isn’t only about the physical, but the emotional as well. My life has been hard and I’ve been through a lot of trauma myself, and that tends to influence the characters I write.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that I consider unusual! I typically write whenever a new storyline pops in my head, then I decide whether to add it to the current book I’m writing or save it for later.
My big sit downs of writing usually take place late at night when the family is asleep, I have something to drink and maybe a snack, listening to music on my earbuds while typing on my laptop.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dickens has long been a favorite for his portrayal of a melancholy hero in Sydney Carton. Someone who thinks ill of themselves yet still rises to the occasion to protect those they care about.
I’m also a fan of Stephen King, though I admit I’ve seen more movies based off his stories than I’ve read the books themselves.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would be my top favorite author for his Sherlock Holmes series. I’m a bit of a nerd and judge any new television version of the books!
What are you working on now?
Right now I’ve switched from my typical apocalyptic fiction and I’m working on sort of an autobiography, retold in a fictional way.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Not sure that I’ve really figured out the “best method” yet. I primarily promote my books on my social media profiles Ashline Press, and through independent websites like Pretty-Hot and AwesomeGang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I still consider myself a new author, but if I were to be asked by someone who hasn’t published yet, I would tell them not to hesitate. Write the kind of story you want to read, and publish it regardless of how well you think you wrote it. It’s better to take the chance than wonder where the dream could’ve gone.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You’ve survived all of your worst days so far, there’s no reason not to believe you won’t survive today.”
Believe it or not, when I was working at a rather large bowling and theater venue, my manager told me that as I sat in his office crying. I had a lot going on in my life and was tired of holding it together, when Tony reminded me I’ve pulled myself through before and I’m stronger than I believe.
What are you reading now?
I’m not really actively reading anything right now, but I have a copy of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities on my headboard waiting for me to pick it up!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to finish my fictional version of my autobiography, then get back to writing my full fiction books. I may write a sequel to When the Voice Spoke and turn it into a series, or start on an entirely new adventure.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Of all time….believe it or not, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I used to have a hard time reading through classics, but when I picked it up I literally couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gwen McDowell Amazon Profile
Gwen McDowell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile