Interview with Prints by Pepper
Published 2016-08-10.
Who are your favorite authors?
Sylvia Plath, J.K. Rowling, William Shakespeare, J.R.R. Tolkien, Glenna McReynolds
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I have a family, so I have to take care of them first. I also have a publishing business that needs attention, as well as classwork. I like to go to the beach, have fun and read every chance I get. Horseback riding has always been a favorite of mine, and discovering new music. I love dancing and making jewelry.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Usually I get recommendations from friends, but some of the best books I've read have been discovered on accident!
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The first story I ever wrote was when I attended grade school and we were asked to make a story about our family. From that point on I haven't stopped!
What is your writing process?
I try to write at the same time every day so I can channel my inspiration. I don't always right in chronological order, but it still works out in the end.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first book I remember reading was in kindergarten. I had to read a spider book as homework and I was really grossed out by all the pictures of the giant hairy tarantulas. At that moment I was focused on getting the book finished so I could trade it in for a different one.
How do you approach cover design?
I usually make the covers myself. I use a website called Canva to make all of my covers because they have a lot of free pictures and icons you can use, as well as having the ability to upload your own pictures. I try to wait until I find the perfect picture as a background, then I work from there. I try to find the best icon and fonts to go with the picture as well as the story inside. It's really fun!
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Harry Potter Series (J.K. Rowling) - because who DOESN"T love Harry Potter these days? And I love the story of J.K. Rowling's writing career before she was famous.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy (J.R.R. Tolkien) - One of my dad's favorite books and ones that I read before I understood them, but then went back to reread them and loved them
The Collective Works of William Shakespeare - I sometimes feel I was born in the wrong century and would have been better suited to Shakespeare's era because of their manner of speaking as well as their ways back then
The Chalice and the Blade (Glenna McReynolds) - A book that a Canadian friend of mine gave to me in middle school and I absolutely loved it. She knew that I loved fantasy books and gave me one of her favorites to enjoy.
The Elephants of Style (Bill Walsh) - A book my good friend and business coach gave to me so I could learn more about writing style. She wanted to help me so I could expand my business a little, ad it honestly helped me TONS!
What do you read for pleasure?
I try to read a little bit of everything, but I am a sucker for romance, fantasy, and poetry.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I don't really have a particular one I use, but I tend to do a lot of e-reading on my iPhone.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I have tried so many tactics that it isn't funny! But ones that have worked for me are:
a) give a free copy to friends or family members so they can give you online reviews.
b) book giveaways are the best way to get people excited for your books as well as getting people's email addresses for your newsletters.
c) write a thank you email to people who have bought your book and remind them to give you their reviews
d) events to sign your ebook online (on Facebook etc)
e) changing the cover picture or banner on your social media to showcase your ebook cover and where it can be bought
Describe your desk
I don't have one! Right now my office is my living room couch or the kitchen table, where you can usually find a screaming child or two or a spill in progress.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in Florida but grew up mainly in North Carolina. When I was 13 we moved to Boston, which is where I live now. I think these different places have given me a great outlook on diversity and understanding, which is shown in my writing.
When did you first start writing?
I first started physically writing when I was 4, but my storytelling career began when I was 5 in kindergarten.
What's the story behind your latest book?
This volume is a book I helped to co-author with my dad. I helped him to get everything polished and added to the book where it was needed. It is a survival guide based off my father's knowledge of the subject.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
My greatest joy is knowing that I can make a difference in someone's life, like so many authors did in mine.
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