Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in South Africa, in the heart of Johannesburg, I grew up with a vivid imagination. When I wasn’t immersing myself in books, I was actively creating my own stories.
At 29 years old, left to my own devices after my sister immigrated, I wrote my first horror book Ensnared and dared to publish it under the guidance of indie authors Toni Cox and Ashleigh Giannaccaro.
Now I have released more than ten books including a thriller and sci-fi fantasy.
In 2019, I took up the challenge of publishing 11 books in 11 months.
I came second place in the First Annual Indie Awards for Favourite African Author.
My book, Sylvana, the final book in my Butcher series, made the Amazon top 100 best sellers list in several categories across three countries.
In my spare time, I am an avid Harry Potter fan, pop collector and Bingo addict. I reside in Johannesburg with my 2 best friends, their daughter, our 6 dogs and 2 cats.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Buried which releases on October 15th.
Originally I saw the premade cover and purchased it with no exact story in mind. When I got around to writing it I actually didn’t think it was going to turn out any good but the more I worked on it the more excited I got because it is definitely my best work yet.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to sit with my right foot tucked between my left calf and the chair. I only sit like this while writing, never while doing anything else 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Anne Rice, JK Rowling and Rick Riordan and Harper Lee have had major influences on me.
What are you working on now?
After Buried I am set to release another horror novel called Hex in November. It’s about a woman who is forced to kidnap a baby but returns to the town years later when her mother passes. She doesn’t think she will be caught but gets suspicious when strange things start happening.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Persevere and don’t stick to just one website. Contact them all. If you’re invested in your book readers will invest in you.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would like to quote JK Rowling here.
“You cannot live without a measure of failure unless you live so carefully that you might as well not have lived at all, and then you fail by default.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ashleigh Giannacarro gave me the best advice when I was starting out.
Reviews are for readers, not authors.
Write. Sit down and write. Don’t keep going back to change things and edit, you can do that once you have all the words down.
What are you reading now?
I just finished a collection of short stories by John Wordsmith and am trying to decide what to read next.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have Comic-Con Africa coming up in September which is the biggest event in my country for authors. I was invited by them to be on a panel so I’m really excited
What is your favorite book of all time?
To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
Author Websites and Profiles
Sian B. Claven Website
Sian B. Claven Amazon Profile
Sian B. Claven’s Social Media Links
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