Hello to Stevie Turner and welcome to the Author Spotlight for another interview in the series of fascinating interviews with authors who remain as “indies” or started out as an indie author in the world of self-publishing.
Bio
Stevie Turner is a British author of women’s fiction, suspense and humour, who now writes full-time. She won a New Apple Book Award in 2014 and a Readers’ Favorite Award in 2015 for her novel ‘A House Without Windows’. Stevie lives in the East of England with her husband Sam, and they have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren.
Stevie is now signed to publishers Creativia.org who have published 3 of her books so far, and she has recently signed another contract (through Creativia) to have her books translated into several different languages.
Links:
Amazon Author Page (worldwide)
The Interview
Why do you write?
I write because I have stories to tell, which will not go away until I write them all down. I’ve been typing away seriously now for 3 years, and so far have managed 8 novels, 4 novellas, and 18 short stories. As I write ‘The end’ there’s relief, coupled with a great sense of achievement.
What are you currently working on?
I’ve more or less finished my memoir, Waiting in the Wings. This focuses on the sometimes turbulent relationship I’ve had over the years with my now 92 year old mother, and how we’ve grown together recently as I’ve become her main carer. The book also gives an insight into the perils of ageing.
From where did you draw your inspiration to write your latest book?
From old family photographs, and the need to document my mother’s early life and her wartime memories while she was still able to relate them to me.
Which writers had the most influence on your decision to write?
I’ve always had a need to write since childhood. As a kid I read voraciously; books by Enid Blyton in particular gave me the inspiration to try and write my own stories. Goodness knows why her books were banned from some schools; it’s an absolute disgrace.
What was the last book you read?
Yours! I enjoy reading true stories, and Undercover: Operation Julie – The Inside Story, was right up my street.
Do you suffer from writers’ block?
Sometimes. When I can’t think of a subject for a new book, I write short stories instead.
Biggest frustration as a self-published author?
Trying to find the time to write in amongst the huge amounts of social networking and marketing we self-pubs need to do. Every day there seems to be yet another site that we need to check out in order to sell more books.
Reviews for books are vital. Any tips on getting more reviews?
Put a book up for free for a few days on Amazon, or give away a free book to anybody who signs up to your mailing list. I’ve also signed up with Netgalley for a 2 month promotion. We’ll see how that goes.
Do you use social media? If so, do you like using it?
Yes, I think self-published authors would have the devil of a job trying to sell books without it. I don’t like using it, I would prefer to just write, but I try and keep a profile on the main ones such as Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress.
Who is your biggest fan?
I’ve no idea; he/she is keeping a low profile!
Many people have a bucket list. What is #1 on yours?
After being diagnosed with advanced thyroid cancer in 2005, my number one aim is to live long enough to see my 4 grandchildren grow up. I’m in remission now, so hopefully I’m in with a chance!
Any special message for your readers?
If any reader would like to sign up to my mailing list, they will receive my collection of 18 short stories free, and also info regarding competitions, other giveaways, new books, and promotions.
Thanks Stevie, that was interesting and a big thank you for buying my book – nice review too! It is interesting to note how many of my guest authors have battled against life’s difficulties including illness. Keep healthy all of you, please!
As a reminder, here is a link to Waiting in the Wings which is currently available on Amazon for pre-order.
At the grand old age of 92, my mother Dot suddenly starts telling me that she loves me. I am quite dumbstruck at these outbursts of emotion, as she has never mentioned the fact before in all of my 58 years. Over the entire course of my lifetime we have often argued bitterly, and have never really seen eye-to-eye over anything. I squirm with the inner knowledge that she wants me to reply in a similar vein, but try as I might, I cannot.
The guilt I feel at being unable to grant Dot her wish is overwhelming. As Dot’s health deteriorates more towards the final chapters of her life, I take on the role of carer. I find the only way to bring her out of her perpetual misery is to reminisce on past events by showing her old family photographs, and by helping her to remember holidays and happier times. We look back without anger and sometimes with a lot of laughter, getting to know each other better, raking over the past, and talking more than we have ever done. The process helps me, a middle-aged woman, understand the perils of ageing that I might one day face, and also the struggles that elderly people suffer on a day-to-day basis while stoically attempting to maintain their independence.
This is a true story, told in flashbacks and in modern-day often humorous conversations with my mother.
Review of A House Without Windows
Top Customer Reviews
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