When did you know that writing is what you were called to do?
As a teenager, I thought that I would really love being a writer, but I never pursued it. Always keep a journal and because of that, I had played to start with once I started writing as more than just a hobby.
What is it about being a writer that you love the most or frustrates you the most?
I love creating lives for my characters. I’m always excited to see who they will become. I get frustrated when my thoughts don’t come through clearly. It usually happens when I’m very stressed or overwhelmed with too many other things in my brain.
Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
When I was younger I didn’t like romance novels, unless there was something more than romance going on. My ‘something’ is some disorder that causes havoc for the person and the family until it is resolved. It could be one or more of the issues physical, mental, relational, or spiritual. Normally, it’s a combination of one and spiritual. Humans don’t seem to realize how important it is to be healthy in all four areas in order to be whole. My Saved by Grace series features the Martin family. Each generation has its issues and triumphs. My Earl Grey Chronicles series is based on navy adventures, some real and some fiction. Dr. Natalee Morgan is the main character in these stories. The Swing Novelettes is a series of short stories based on family dysfunction and drama…with a little romance to spice them up. All books can be found at Amazon.com: AudreyAnn Moses: books, biography, the latest update
Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
My first three books started in 1997 as manuscript assignments for a creative writing class. Earl Grey Chronicles books are stories of life if a different road had been taken. I used my personal diary entries to create the navy background in Uninvited Memories and A State of Affairs.
Do you outline your novels?
I outline my thoughts on what I think the book should be about. I name my main characters and create a bio for each one. When I introduce a new character that is not on my main list, I add them. This way I keep up with who’s who.
How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?
It’s hard to say. I wrote a six-chapter short story in 2 weeks. The longest it took was for my last book which took two years because my brain was foggy and I had a hard time connecting what I thought my plot was and what it actually turned out to be.
What projects are you currently working on?
I just finished book 2 of Earl Grey Chronicles – A State of Affairs: Deception. It will be available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback on January 1st (hopefully). I have started formulating the plan for book 3 – A State of Affairs: Revelation. I’m also working on Part 2 of The Swing.
What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally?
I really can’t answer that. I always enjoyed reading. Until I discovered libraries, in school and locally, I would read whatever I found around the house that I was allowed to read. My favorite place was the library down the street from my house. The library knew the types of books so she would always have books at the counter for me to pick up. The worst whipping I ever got was over a book. I loved Greek mythology and I loved books with mystery and drama. I enjoyed biographies and anything written by a Black author. In the 60s and 70s Black authors were really coming into their own and I devoured as many as I was allowed.
Who is your favorite author to read?
I’m sure I read every Agatha Christy novel. The author I admire and try to immolate myself after is Sherri Reynolds. She was my creative writing professor. I love the way she writes. The way she used her words. I’m sure she has no idea how much of an effect she has on my writing.
What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far?
The fact that I actually have published books. I am always honored when someone offers me an interview to help get my name out to the public
Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
My goal for 2023 is to reserve booking and reading appointments in various cities. Since we travel often I will try to book readings wherever we land. Within the next five years I would like to have written at least five more books and have gained readers I don’t know all over America.
How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?
Well, rejection is inevitable. I feel that rejection is the road that leads to success if I channel it in the right direction. I know my books are good because I’ve read them and enjoyed them. But more importantly, my readers have told me they enjoyed them and continue to ask when the next book will be published. I worry because I have no reviews. I don’t see that as a rejection, but I have to create ways to encourage readers to leave reviews on Amazon, Good Reads, and Barnes and Noble.
What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
Take as many classes as you can. There are many free or inexpensive seminars providing valuable information which can be used to learn writing, publishing, and printing. Talk to other authors. Hire an Indie Author publisher. They know the ends and outs of the backside of writing, such as ISBNs, formatting, etc.… Don’t be afraid to step out there. The water is warmer than you think.
Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature?
YES!!!!!! Marketing and sales are not my things. I’ve never been good at it and I can’t afford a marketer. This is one of the reasons my books have not reached higher sales. So, I try to take advantage of any learning tools I can find. The business side is just as important as the writing.
How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
I’m still working on it. Surrounding myself with people that know what they are doing helps a lot!
What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?
I try to keep my facts authentic. I think the worst thing an author can do is state something as fact without verifying it; without making sure the timeline is consistent or the language fits the time period. Also, I write my feelings. My characters become my family and friends and I write them with authentic characters.
How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
I have always kept a diary/journal all of my life. It is how I get my thoughts out of my head so that I can deal with them. Writing novels also gives me an opportunity to create the world I might have had if…
How can readers find you and your books?
Links to Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Good Reads and my website (for autographed books) can be found on my link tree link: https://linktr.ee/neversaycaint
So please leave a review on Amazon on all of my books that you have read. Amazon.com: AudreyAnn Moses: books, biography, latest update.
Queenie's BookTalk and Reviews 