Zaidi Features: Interview with Abigail Owen




1.    How would you say most of your stories are conceived?

Most of my stories start with a single scene in my mind. That one scene can be inspired by a movie, a book, a character that just pops into my head, you name it. I’ll usually write that one scene first and then spend time figuring out how they got there and where they’re going. My books are very character driven, so it’s all about figuring out those characters.

2.    What 3 things would you like readers to know about you?

I love to write strong females who aren’t afraid to kick butt, and the Alpha males who are challenged by that but respect them for it.

Romance is what I love most about stories, and what I enjoy most about writing.

Interacting with readers is one of my favorite things to do as a writer. And I’m a natural introvert – so didn’t see that one coming. J

3.    Tell us about your books. Genre, titles, any favorite characters? What can we look forward to from you in the near future? WIP’s, upcoming releases?

My currently published books are paranormal romance. I started self-publishing 4 books in my Svatura series. However, they are currently unavailable because they’ve been contracted. From the Shadowcat Nation series (published by The Wild Rose Press), Andromeda’s Fall is out and Sarai’s Fortune will release May 13th. I’ve just finished the 3rd book in that series (Tieryn’s Fury) and am about to send it to my editor, and I’ll be starting the 4th book this summer. I also write contemporary romance which I’m still working to get contracted.

4.    What are some of the best social media, marketing, and publicity tips you’ve come across?

Look at what authors you like do on social media that catches your attention as their reader, or that you enjoyed or found unique, and do that too.
Keep a list of all the things you run across to try.
Try something different with each book (repeat the stuff that worked).
It’s a crap shoot on whether it’ll be effective or not, so most of all have fun with it.

5.    What are some things you know now about writing and being an author that you wish someone had told you at the very beginning?

I learn something new about my craft every day it feels like. But when I go back to look over my older books, my voice is still there. Yes there are ways to make your writing better, but figure out your voice and hold on to it.

6.    Along that same line, what are some of your favorite resources?

Huge fan of “Heroes & Heroines, Sixteen Master Archetypes” for a great starting point for my character development.
I LOVE Candace Havens’s “Book in a Month” workshop.
I also got a ton out of Angela James’s Self Editing workshop.

7.    What lifts your spirits when you’re discouraged?

I’m generally an upbeat person and it takes a lot to get me discouraged. Romance novels (I mean that.). Chocolate. Girl’s night out. My kids laughing. Just taking a break.

8.    Other than writing, what’s your passion?

Organizing. There is nothing more fun than organizing a space for optimal efficiency. If I could move regularly without the expense, I totally would, just to reorganize. J I have an organizing tips blog: www.abigailorganizes.com

9.    Not limited to writing, what do you believe are some of your greatest accomplishments so far?

My children (an ongoing effort) **grin**. My marriage (man did I pick the right guy for me). I earned an MBA while working full time and writing/self-publishing books and raising my kids.

10.What tips can you offer towards building and maintaining a strong support system as a writer?

Pay attention to writers whose style or career are along the lines of what you’re going for and check out their websites or ask them about their network. It’s worth the $ for a good editor and cover artist. Accept help where it’s offered, you never know when you’ll run into that perfect partnership. 


Abigail Owen
Love.... write. read. imagine.
author of paranormal and contemporary romance





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