Interview with Steph Annie

Published 2014-01-03.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
iPhone, Kindle, Laptop, tablet. Anything I have and can use, that is available :)
When did you first start writing?
At the small age of five, when I could write. I would write short stories as a kid and give a copy to all my friends and everyone would love it and say "Oh you're so precious." or "Wow, your very brilliant for a five year old", or even "Are you sure this was by you?".
I've seriously heard it all. Everyone would rave on how I should write a book, since its my passion. Ten years ago My wish to be author was just that a wish and now I can finally say I'm a published author. Something I never thought I would be. It was so shocking to write books and have such good reviews on them. I am proud I never gave up on my dream. Because thinking back from then and now. I know factly that this is something I was meant to do.
What's the story behind your latest book?
A young girl has been trained since the small age of one, to be the perfect wife, mother and spy. She's the kind of person who will kick ass then turn right around and say. "Did I hurt you I'm so sorry". Though she seems to not be clumsy. She is very smart and headstrong. She's very abnormal. She soon finds love with the young man through all odds, defying her mysterious mother and his deadly father. She is merely a pawn in a scheme so dark, she may not be able to come out of it.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Well to be quite honest, I would have loved to be picked up by major publishing companies and be represented. It would make my work load less, seeming how I'm only fifteen and its alot of work for someone as young as myself. I think the thing that peaked my interest in indie writing was all the inspirational writers out there. I started researching and reading about all the people who had come to the top being an indie author. They had been picked up by top reviewers, who by the way review the top New York Best Sellers. I was surprised at the most. I never thought I could be as motivated as before. But now that I know I can do this, motivate myself and write a good book many love. I'll recommend Indie publishing to all those who love writing. Those who can't live without writing a nice story :)
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean alot to me. Some people say " Oh gosh read my stories, and buy my book and all that crap." But me personally I love and respect my fans. I respond to my fans and love & care for them as if they were my family. Though to be quite honest I love my family a wee bit more -hehe- Back to the point My fans are everything I wouldn't be on Smashwords today if it weren't for my fans. They have been so supportive of me and or that I am so thankful. They've done nothing but help me and understand how hard its been for me. Writing, and overcoming the hardest writersblock last year. My fans stood by my side still. I know now that I'll keep at Indie writing, unless something better comes along. Though I can honestly say I may always keep to Indie writing.
What are you working on next?
My next story is kind of dark. It follows a preachers kid who has become a fallen angel. Though her family tries to steer her in the right direction she seems to slip and slip farther away from Jesus. Many people try to help her though she does not want the help. She starts taking drunks, binge drinking, partying, staying out late and damaging her image as well as her families. Finally she is to the point in her life where she doesn't want to live the life of a preachers kid and she tries to kill herself because the expectations, lies and judgement becomes to much. In all that, she finds God for herself and finally believes.
Who are your favorite authors?
Cassandra Clare, Stefanie Meyers, Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth and Brandon Alston.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The fact that I need to write! I can't go a day without writing at least 10,000 words in a book. Or finishing 5 short stories. Its my quota. 'Why put off today what you can do tomorrow?" I decide to do the opposite and do the most and best I can. I won't settle for anything If its really important, I'll settle for at least 5,00 words but no less. I am serious about my writings. I spend mostly five hours a day on my computer typing, researching places and areas. Seeing what people mostly respond to. I usually spend my time making my dreams come true little by little. Hopefully People will love my stories one day :)
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, It was very cute. I remember I went to the store with my father and saw a fish plaque I really loved. I wanted it so bad, I asked for it when I didn't get it I screamed and kicked. Throwing a huge tantrum. My parents being very liberal had said No! Because I acted so badly. Finally after a few days I decided I would apologize and act better. Soon enough I got the fish and as soon as I touched a red button I hadn't seen the first time it started moving and I screamed like a mad women. I was crying as screaming. I was so frightened. I was one at the time. So I was clearly a spoiled brat. Which makes me lenient to no judgement! My first story was based off of that. Usually what I do is I look towards the things in my life I wish I could change and make better and sometimes I do write about them and improve them. It makes me so happy to do so.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first book I ever read was a Teletubbies book. I loved it, fell in love with it. It was so funny and adorable. At the age of two I was head of everything I guess I was willed or something. Because I started talking properly and acting intelligent. After reading that book I was encouraged to be myself, say what I feel and do as I feel. I was a very bad kid.... Thanks to that barney book. It imprinted in my mind that saying what you feel is right. I would often do me and be me. It didn't take me until late last year to realize that I shouldn't care what anyone thinks. I'll do me and be me. It may have taken me 12 years to grasp the idea but I finally understand what the book means.
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