Author Interviews

  Interview with Author Angie Merriam. The Neveah Series Author                                          1.) When did you start writing?
Author Angie Merriam
High School..I wrote poetry, some was kind of dark though. Then I stopped and did other things like have babies and get married..in that order...the kids are getting older though and it was time to start again so I wrote my first novel in 2010...
2.)where do you get the ideas for your books?
Author Angie Merriam
Well, my first series Neveah was imagined during my work commutes. I drive through some spectacular landscapes and thought how cool it would be to write a story using it. I also loved Twilight and some other YA's fantasy's but couldn't find one I loved with adult content so I took the scenery as inspiration and wrote a fantasy story for adults!
3.) What's the hardest thing about writing a book?
Author Angie Merriam
The editing and revising.... I'm my own worst critic so that can take me awhile sometimes
4.) Tell us about your latest book series, how did you decide on a cover?
Author Angie Merriam
Breaking the Wicked from my Neveah series is my latest release. It's the final installment of the series and was kind of bittersweet to release. I am excited about a new story I'm working on but miss the characters in Neveah. As far as covers, that's one of my favorite parts... I search the internet for hours looking for the perfect image. The one for BTW really depicts my MC's Lilly and Shep and their fight and looking toward the future.
5.) Any advice for aspiring authors?
Author Angie Merriam
Don't be afraid to fail. Write your story and put it in front of readers. Not everyone is going to love your book and that's okay....just write the best book you can. Oh, and hire and editor!!! Don't skip on that, it's so important because it's nearly impossible to edit your own work, even if you're an English scholar it's good to have an editor. Lastly...start networking early and form relationships with readers and other writers. The writing community is full of fabulous people that offer invaluable advice and encouragement.
6.) How do you get the word out about your books?
Author Angie Merriam
Well..this is where I struggle..marketing. Currently I use social networks like FB, Twitter, Linkedin and Goodreads. I try to connect with readers and writers as much as possible. I have done some FB take overs and always have good luck doing them. I'm currently trying to build a street team but it's not easy...
7.) what do you think makes a good story?
Author Angie Merriam
Well, to me a good story is one that grabs me and doesn't let go. I like everything from Twilight to Gone with the Wind. I don't think every story needs to be heavily written and have deep meaning to be a good story.
8.) what's your favorite part about the genre you write about?
Author Angie Merriam
Neveah is fantasy and I have a lot of fun describing what I think Neveah would look like. I also really enjoy writing villains. My new book is a murder/romance and I had so much fun writing a really twisted character. It's fun to step out side of my own box because I'm generally a nice, quiet person so writing characters the complete opposite of me is the best part!
9.) how do you choose the names for your characters?
Author Angie Merriam
Well..all of my MC's so far have just come to me..I built their character around the name I guess. Some of the others are people that I know, family, friends and some I Google the character description and see what comes up. In Neveah the characters Paeris, Samuel, Zack, Chloe, Maddie, Hadrian, Merrick, Nina, Alicia, James, Mike, Meme are all real people in my life. On the other hand Denali, Jax, Kelsha, Annika were names I googled and liked. Here's a little trivia fact: Akayleah was name I wanted to name a girl when I was prego with my first son...
oh nice i lover that!
10.) Any Authors that inspire you?
Author Angie Merriam
Yes..a lot but Colleen Houck was the first author that I'd heard of that self published. It was because of her that I looked into self publishing and took the plunge. I love Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling and used their way of writing fantasy as inspiration as well as Nora Roberts.
#team cullen btw lol
11.)do you ever get writers block? if so how do you get past it?
Author Angie Merriam
I had it when I finished the first 3 Neveah books. I had a hard time writing other characters so I went back and wrote 2 more short stories for Neveah and got it out of my head so to say. However, the story I was working on hit a dead end so I moved onto something else and finished it so I'll go back to the other. Sometimes just walking away for a little bit helps.
12.) what do you do when your not writing?
Author Angie Merriam
I work full time in a Dr.'s office and have 3 kids, a hubby and a dog that keep me busy. I also spend a ton of time online networking and getting to know readers! I love talking to readersl I also love to read and do that as much as possible.
13.) do you have a favorite quote from one of your books? if so what is it?
Author Angie Merriam
"Her heart was filled with love and adoration while her body was satisfied with lust and animal ism. Her life could be perfect. Would be perfect." Kelsha, Breaking the Wicked
i love that!
Author Angie Merriam
those were good I think...
14.) who's your cerlebrity crush?
just cause i wanna know :P
Author Angie Merriam
Well lol....here you go.. I love Jon bon Jovi and have since I was 10...He's my #1 but I also looove Charlie Hunnam and Johnny Depp, like a lot! I'm thinking Sam Huegen will be joining the elite list soon..
Thank you so much for taking the time for a interview and we look forward to reading your books! 

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