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Interview with CJ Puccia

Published 2014-02-01.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I'm currently using my HP notebook.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I've only published free items on Smashwords.
Describe your desk
My desk holds my old Compac computer (which I never use anymore,) printer, scanner and software.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a western suburb of Chicago. I think that living close to a big city enriches your experiences and provides many opportunities to draw upon.
When did you first start writing?
In grade school.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Well, I'm working on at least three projects right now, but they all revolve around "mildly occult" themes.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
A friend told me about Smashwords and other online sites. After reading some of the work out there, I felt encouraged to submit some of mine.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
I have gained confidence in my writing by posting stories for others to read. I thoroughly enjoy every review I receive, favorable or not. These comments help me focus and better fine tune my writing.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Getting these ideas out of my head - many have been bouncing around for years!
What do your fans mean to you?
It's an awesome feeling to see someone enjoy and appreciate your work.
What are you working on next?
Probably more of the same at this point. I have a seemingly endless supply of "mildly occult" story ideas.
Who are your favorite authors?
Jodi Picoult and Elizabeth Berg come to mind.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Family. I have four children and five grandchildren.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Reading, word games, geocaching.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
On Smashwords I read the author's summary.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
No.
What is your writing process?
I get an idea and just start writing.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I read and re-read it. It was the first time I realized what it must have been like living in a different time.
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Books by This Author

Farmer's Grove by
Price: Free! Words: 6,480. Language: English. Published: December 29, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » General
(5.00 from 4 reviews)
When Katie and her husband move to a small farm town in Wisconsin, some strange coincidences reveal an unbelievable horror.
Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor by
Price: Free! Words: 5,280. Language: English. Published: December 16, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » USA
(3.40 from 5 reviews)
Set in the 1890's, a poor European immigrant learns about the land of opportunity when he comes to work in the coalmines of Illinois.
Yesteryear by
Price: Free! Words: 2,600. Language: English. Published: November 22, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Women's fiction » General, Fiction » Historical » USA
(3.50 from 2 reviews)
A young woman wonders if it is only a dream when she suddenly finds herself in 1942, and literally walks in her Great Grandmother's shoes.
Insight by
Price: Free! Words: 930. Language: English. Published: November 13, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » General
(4.60 from 5 reviews)
Some people possess an unusual gift - whether they want it or not.
Stuck in the Middle by
Price: Free! Words: 950. Language: English. Published: November 11, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Women's fiction » General, Essay » Literature
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
While on a thousand mile healing bike ride, Mary encounters a strange turn of events which dramatically changes her outlook.