Author Spotlight: Stephie Walls

August 22, 2016 • News

1)      How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?

It started as something cathartic and morphed but I’ve written all my life and went to school for English but my degrees are in Literature and not creative writing. I’m an all around book whore.

2)      What hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?

Divorce, selling my business, and leaving my job of fifteen years.

3)      Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?

I start out loving them all but by the time they are actually published, I’ve read them so many times and picked them apart line by line, I’m typically tired of them but I love chimera. It took me about twenty months to write and the depression and anguish the characters exhibit were a reflection of who I was during that period of my life. It’s completely different from anything else I’ve ever written and I think readers are…shocked by it.

4)      For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?

Pick a different profession…I’m kidding. I would tell them to spend the money on an amazing editor. Your name is going on that cover—no one else’s. If it reads like garbage you just ruined your chance to make a first impression.

5)      Favorite motto?

I don’t really have a motto but I believe everything happens for a reason and every reason puts you exactly where you’re supposed to be.

6)      In one word, how would you describe your writing style?

I asked a friend to answer this question and she said, “Deep”.

7)      Which author inspires you the most and why?

I’m not really inspired by authors per se. I’m inspired by people and their stories. But if I have to pick one author, it would be Ian McEwan—the man can tell a story—brilliantly! If you haven’t read Atonement go buy it right this very second.

8)      What is your writing process like?

I always think people will think I’m crazy when I say this but my characters tell me the stories they want me to write. Sometimes that comes quickly, and other times, it’s agonizingly slow. Unfortunately, I have not figured out how to work on multiple projects simultaneously so this ends up dictating how quickly I’m able to get books out.

9)      Goals for the remainder of the year?

My biggest goal this year was leaving my job to become a full-time writer but that has been tweaked, you know because life happens, and I’m working part-time and writing full-time. Huge dream come true—even if I end up falling on my face J

10)   What new projects are you currently working on?

I just finished the rough draft of my next release entitled, Beauty Mark which I hope to release in November/December 2016. I’m also working on an anthology called A Secret Affair that features seven AMAZING authors and seven novellas about forbidden relationships. Mine’s a doctor/patient romance. And finally, for those who’ve read chimera—I hope to have the first draft of Nate’s story written before Thanksgiving. Oh! And…I have a secret project I’m working on with Leddy Harper but that could take a while to come to fruition so I’m keeping that one under wraps.

11)   Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

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