Interview with Teresa Fikes

Published 2018-03-06.
What are you working on next?
I am working on a series of Paranormal True Stories from the Wiregrass Area in which I live. I am also working on a series of cookbooks too
Who are your favorite authors?
Victoria Holt, Stephen King, Dean Knootz, Ann Rice, Paula Dean
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Fresh Brewed Coffee and the dawn of a new day with great stories to be told
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Marketing and studying history for my books and my paranormal team.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I visit online bookstores. I subscribe to authors who write about things that interest me.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, I do. Thank God it was never published, but it is locked away in a chest in the back of my closet.
What is your writing process?
Study the subject. Take notes. Form an outline with notes. Write the rough draft. Edit the rough draft. Then research for anything I missed. Then I start on the final writing of the book. Lastly, is to finely polish and double check my writing and information in the book for any mistakes.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes, I do. It was the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors from the Bible. It was a suspenseful, intriguing, disgusting and horrid story that ended with a beautiful story of forgiving, love and trust in the Lord God.
How do you approach cover design?
Imagery is key and knowing what colors should be included to bring the reader's eye to the focal point is imperative. I start out with a simple sketch on paper before using any software to design it. This allows me to make the necessary changes easily.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice- While I was taking writing classes, Anne Rice was a guest speaker. She told how she got into character and how she wrote each scene in this book. She keeps the suspense at a heightened level all the way through the book. Even the ending makes you wonder what will happen next. Making a great prelude to the next book sale.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King- This gives the reader a glimpse into the real world of Stephen King plus some great tips on writing he has mastered.

Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt- Eleanor Hibbert had many pen names in which she wrote. This particular book was one of many of her books that I read. It is laced with intrigue, romance, denial, and heated moments which add to the propelling the reader along with the plot of the story. The ending leaving you will an appetite for more.

Ball Canning Back to Basics: A Foolproof Guide to Canning Jams, Jellies, Pickles, and More- I live on a hobby farm so having a great preserving booking is the best thing to have on hand. Ball explains every detail of the methods and what might have gone wrong and how to fix it.

The Bible - The most important book I have ever read. It gives me skills, history, love, suspense, intrigue, life lessons, recipes, and so much more. I could not do without it.
What do you read for pleasure?
I read my Bible and romance stories for pleasure
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Social Media
Describe your desk
It is the kitchen table, my sofa, and sometimes my bed.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew in rural south Alabama. There wasn't much else to other than reading. This took me to far away places. My imagination was vivid and I started making up stories to entertain my younger brothers and cousins. Then in school, a teacher induced the class to writing a story correctly. I had the stories now I could write them down properly too.
When did you first start writing?
Probably about 12 years old. They were very short stories with a childish theme.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Michael the Archangel. I want to introduce the reader to the real Michael. This is the first of a series on Archangels. Many people don't even know they exist much less why they were created and for what purpose they serve.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
My husband did when I was at a low in my life. He discovered my chest of written poems and stories. He encouraged me to try to publish them. When I had one excepted in an anthology I was onboard then; Hook, line, and sinker.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords is a great platform for publishing and marketing my stories. They help to reach the readers for my books.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Being able to share my stories with others and hopefully to make a difference in someone's life even if it is to bring a distraction from the stress in their life.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean the world to me. Without my fans, I would not have anyone to write for.
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