Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written over 40 books, and I’m a Nerdette – fan of DC comics and Star Trek and magic and used to draw cartoons to amuse my son and as a side job. I knew I wanted to be a writer the first time I walked into the Philadelphia library at 5 years old and my entire world opened up. Survived a diagnosis of terminal cancer 10 years ago and been making a point of reaching further and further ever since. Grateful for everything.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Peabrain’s Idea is the start of a brand new series – The Peabrain Adventures and a new universe. I came up with the start of this idea two years ago but other ideas, other projects intervened. Then last October my big sister, Diana died suddenly. She was the one who taught me about DC comics and Star Trek and how to make cherries jubilee and light it on fire. She also leaned into her dreams from a young age and taught me the universe is enormous – go get yours. So, it was time to start – and the sister in the story is based on her (same name). Gives me a chance to visit with her every day again, at least for a little longer.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to be a newspaper journalist (for anyone wondering -what’s a newspaper well, sigh…) and learned early to just keep writing. And I was a single mother from the jump and then there was that cancer diagnosis, and then the Great Recession. All of that adds up to my most unusual writing habit – no matter what, I just keep going and believe for better. Been really paying off lately.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Michael Chabon (Summerland), William Styron (Sophie’s Choice), The Grapes of Wrath, The Scarlet Letter, Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
What are you working on now?
The Peabrain Adventures – Find the compass, save the world or save herself?
For Austin robbery detective Maggie Parker, dating is harder than running down a felon, even if the guy is worth it – just ask Jake. Now add in magic.
When she finds someone breaking into her garage, stealing a favorite wooden puzzle box everything changes. Did she just see a compass fly?
Can she learn how to use the magic of bubbles to chart a new course in time? The mechanics may hold the answer.
Her new quest: Rescue the passengers on an ancient ship – a big blue marble called Earth – and save herself.
Recover the compass, find the other Elementals and help decide Earth’s fate.
Simple? It’s a lot harder than it sounds. And there’s that fourth date…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method has been to organically grow my newsletter and create a strong connection in my Facebook group through constant contact, talking about what’s going on in my life and giveaways/contests.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work on your cover and your blurb and learn as much as you can. At the same time, start a Facebook page and a group and start to build an audience. Write a 3k word short and give it away to potential readers in exchange for signing up for your newsletter.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No matter what, just keep going and listen as if your mind could be changed. It’s not a competition. There’s room for everyone to succeed.
What are you reading now?
Fairytales of a Trailer Park Queen by Kimbra Swain
What’s next for you as a writer?
Expand this new universe, work on an anthology with some other UF authors, write a non fiction about the spiritual side of writing and have some fun – have a lot of fun.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Grapes of Wrath
Author Websites and Profiles
Martha Carr Website
Martha Carr Amazon Profile
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