Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the Midwest, which is how I developed my crippling politeness. I studied theatre in college, and you know that’s true because I spell it with an “re” at the end. I always preferred behind the scenes work, I think that’s partly what drove me to be an author. I want the applause without anyone seeing me. I’ve written three books currently, with more on the way.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Orcs in the Mist is my newest release. I wrote some comic books for an 18+ monster fan site. A few months later, as often happens to creative projects, the site shuttered. This was left on the cutting room table, but I always thought it’d be a good story. Over the years I made a few changes, and now I’m happy to report the story is ready. It’s set in a fantasy world where our explorers are diplomats, not conquerors. I know, it’s too far-fetched.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write with a quill that I dip in hot dog water. Later, I sniff the paper, and it’s like I’m reading the words through my nose. I doodle on my etch-e-sketch as well for illustrations.
Jokes aside, I think I’m a pretty normal writer. I don’t drink coffee, never met another writer that doesn’t. I like to use a typewriter if I’m writing a letter. CLACK-CLACK-CLACK-CLACK. So satisfying.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was younger I loved Dick, Phillip K. Now that I’m older, I like him even more. His books are so strange. Ursula Le Guin is another all time favorite. Kurt Vonnegut. Tolkien. Growing up I was a huge Star Wars fan, so the Thrawn series and Jedi Academy books set me on the path for Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and I’ve never looked back.
What are you working on now?
Always have a minimum of three stories I’m working on, so I can procrastinate on two while working on the other. This interview was a great reason to procrastinate! No matter what, I try to write at least a thousand words a day. Diary entries, letters, stories, those add to the word count. Emails don’t, text messages don’t.
My next stories are VERY spicy, potentially too spicy for Amazon. I’m working through the second drafts now.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Woof, I wish I knew. Marketing for me is an enigma onion, every time I think I’ve got something figured out there’s another layer, and now I’m crying again.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
WRITE. Every day. No matter what. Just write. WRITE. Have you tried writing? You should write. It doesn’t matter what you write. Just practice writing. I’ve written over 200,000 words this year. You totally can too, if you write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pee after sex to avoid STIs. Oh, about writing? Write.
What are you reading now?
Just finished “Words of Radiance,” by Brandon Sanderson. Going to pick up “Alice in Wonderland.” Also reading “Pride and Prejudice.” I try to have two books going at once so I can switch between them. Usually one that requires a lot of effort and one that requires less.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Gotta keep writing, gotta keep publishing, gotta keep writing writing writing.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Tough call. Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut is one of my all time faves. It’s incredibly funny. The Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin changed my life, another incredible one.
Author Websites and Profiles
Raven Angstrom Website
Raven Angstrom Amazon Profile
Raven Angstrom’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile