Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve authored four books and two screenplays (which my novels came from). Every book I wrote was on the suggestion of another. My two novels were first screenplays and are about Scottish immigrants. The latest novel City of Redemption was written upon the request of a Scottish actress I met while in Los Angeles doing a play based on my first novel, The Skye in June. I am a Scottish immigrant who came to live in San Francisco with my 6 siblings and parents, of course. I have to say life has given me quite a ride. In 1970 after a near fatal accident I had a near death experience which opened up a path for a career I never even thought of; psychic abilities which my non-fictions are based on. Happily, I had a long successful career as a psychic reader and medium. I love animals and have had dogs and cats and a beautiful horse that lived to 28 years. The ocean is a place I find great peace and joy so I live blocks from it. Yes, life has many interests to pursue. I’m not done yet.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts. I truly had no intention of writing this non-fiction. A long time client PM’d me saying he had a visit from his angel that they wanted me to write a book on (the title) this. Several times I responded back to his several messages, NO! Then I gave in thinking so many books on this I’ll make a quick ebook. Long story longer, paperback and now an audio book because it’s turned out to be so popular. I’m amazed. His angels won. My client/friend has since passed away but I dedicated the book to him.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual but my novels were written with the sound of music of the era the stories took place. I got up and danced while to stimulate the muse within – seeing and hearing scenes and characters.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So very hard to say since I read all the time, plus listen to audio books. But, I am a big fan of Micheal Connelly with his straightforward stories and dialogues.
What are you working on now?
Well, honestly my life is busy with – so much! My commitment to a metaphysical learning group, selling books with radio interviews and public speaking, teaching ESP that completing my sequel to The Skye in June is taking forever! I get requests all the time to hurry up. Readers love the story. So, that’s a project I must complete in 2020.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’d like to think my website, www.juneahern.com so people can get to know me, as an author and person better. The most sales have always been at my book events/book read parties. Once potential readers get a chance to talk with me, share their ideas and stories while I also share mine, they just seem so happy and books sell! Other than that, Amazon has done me right, but I also offer my eBooks on Smashwords.com just to keep sources well rounded.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to other authors, how they did it, what challenges they had. One of the hardest lessons for me, and often still is, tooting your own horn. Find a way to share your books that you are comfortable doing. I usually sneak in to the conversation a bit about one of my books and let the other person ask more. People are interested in writers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
People sell books, books don’t sell books. Meaning don’t wait around for your book on a shelf or on a book site to just sell. Get out there, carrying some with you. I once heard successful author Sue Grafton on a radio interview say, you can edit your own book, you know what you want to say and how. Trust yourself. I do hire editors, but I get what she means. Write to please your artist within, write for the joy of it, what you’re connected to. Readers will somehow know if you’re “feeling” your words.
What are you reading now?
I’m enjoying my library of Agatha Christy in this shelter-at-home place of life. I have an extensive library of many books, fiction and non-fiction. Most my non-fiction are on metaphysical and spiritual subjects, which I read in bits and pieces. Presently, I’m continuing to study The Tarot Major Arcana and the Kabbalah.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As said above, completing the sequel to The Skye in June my most popular and well reviewed novel.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Oh my – loved so many – but always when asked this what comes to mind is Aztec by Gary Jennings. Fascinating history and characters. I’ve read it a couple of times and just as pleased as the first time.
Author Websites and Profiles
June Ahern Website
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Goodreads Profile
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