One of the best parts of this blog is meeting new author’s, including today’s guest, Taylor L Stimac. Taylor contacted me this summer and asked if I would review her novel, Trusted. After reading the synopsis, I signed up. You can read my review here. Taylor was kind enough to stop by today for a chat. Thanks, Taylor!
Taylor: Thank you so much for having me! I am so excited to be featured on your blog! 🙂
Your novel, Trusted, is a young adult paranormal novel. What draws you to this genre?
I have been a fan of this genre for quite some time. I suppose (and I admit it unashamedly) that it was the Twilight Saga that really pulled me in. I just love the suspenseful elements and the fact that anything can happen at any moment. Being introduced to new ideas and having them feel real as you read is just an indescribable feeling. It was so freeing to write in this genre, just letting the story unfold.
Are any of your characters based on people you know in real life?
There are a few that share similarities. Lol I can honestly say though, that while I did borrow traits from people for my characters, there aren’t any that are directly based on actual people.
For people who are new to the paranormal genre, what authors would you suggest?
Oh goodness, there are so many good ones out there. Stephanie Meyer, Becca Fitzpatrick,
Cassandra Clare, Maggie Stiefvater, Susan Ee. Try books by any of those and you won’t be
disappointed. 🙂
You decided to self-publish. What inspired you to take that route?
Writing has always been a hobby for me. It has been a dream of mine to publish a book since I was a child. When the opportunity finally presented itself to write my first novel, I was beyond excited about seeking publication. And then I Googled the process. Lol I decided that I didn’t want to wait for someone else to tell me that my book was “good enough” to be (hopefully) published someday by a traditional publisher, I wanted to share it with the world now. So, after talking it over with fellow Okie author Jamie McGuire, I was inspired to seek out self-pub routes and I couldn’t be happier! I have seen wonderful success beyond my wildest imagination and have been able to remain in control the entire time. For me, it was definitely the right choice.
What advice would you give an author who wants to self-publish?
Definitely do your homework. There are a lot of self-pub options out there these day. Take the time to research and find the one that is going to work best for you. Once you have selected a publisher, do the best you can to make your book as professional as possible. Join writer’s groups, seek advice, get some beta readers. You’re behind the wheel, so make it count!
How long until the sequel for Trusted will be released? Do you know how many books will be in the series?
I am just wrapping up the sequel (Destined) right now and hope to have it available on Amazon and Kindle by Christmas. There will four books total: Trusted, Destined, Broken and Forgiven.
Do you plot out your books or just have a general idea when you sit down at the computer?
I generally do a rough outline, just to keep me on track. I always know how the book will end before ever starting. I try to just keep that ending in mind and let the events unfold as they wish.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I love anything artsy: painting, writing, drawing, crafting, etc. I also enjoy just hanging out with my family, watching movies, going fishing, taking a drive down the backroads. The simple things. 🙂
What has surprised you the most since becoming an author?
I am just overwhelmed by how much support I have received. From my family to complete strangers, it’s just been amazing how people have responded to the book and are eagerly awaiting the next one. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.
Thanks Taylor for stopping by and I hope we chat again in the future.
About the Author:
Taylor L. Stimac is a Young Adult novelist with a passion for storytelling. She graduated from East Central University in Ada, OK with a Master’s
degree in Educational Technology. She’s been an English teacher since 2010 but has since found that her passion lies in writing prose rather than teaching it. When she’s not writing, Taylor enjoys painting, listening to music, and crafting. She resides in Arkansas with her husband and daughter.
Book(s): Trusted: The First Book in The Trusted Series
Where to find Taylor:
Website/Blog
Twitter
Facebook: Author Taylor L. Stimac
Goodreads: Taylor L. Stimac –
Amazon Author Page:
Trusted is available exclusively on Amazon:
Published June 08, 2013
324 pages
Approximately 64,000 words
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Suspense
Making My Mark 
Great interview, TBM! It’s always fun to learn about other people’s writing process. I look forward to checking this book out! And–it’s good to “meet” you, Taylor!
Blogging from Ecuador,
Kathy
I do enjoy getting the opportunity to learn about other writers, how they come up with ideas, and their process. And it’s always fun to chat about books and writing. Thanks Kathy.
Great interview, ladies! I’m completely obsessed with author interviews. I love learning the behind of scenes of their writing process.
I hope to provide many author interviews. And I’m always looking for authors who want to participate. Let me know.
What a great interview! It brings me such joy to see my sister-in-law’s name out here among blogs and other forms of media. Thanks for brightening the spotlight on beginning authors TBM!
It’s my pleasure and I was honored to have Christine as a guest. She’s welcome anytime. Thanks for stopping by.