Book: A Grim Awakening
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi, I’m Ashley Tomlinson! I live in South Carolina with my husband and our plethora of animals. When I’m not reading or writing I’m usually binge watching tv or playing video games. I knew I wanted to be a writer in high school and I did everything I could to achieve my goal.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘A Grim Awakening’ book?
Well, I never wrote a sequel before so that alone was challenging. I had to figure how much to add from book 1 so that everyone could follow the story without ever feeling lost. When I wrote Becoming Grim I hadn’t planned on making a sequel; so I had to figure out where else I wanted to take the story. Thankfully, it was pretty easy to get back into the characters.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Oh gosh, that’s a tough one. Stephen King is a huge influence for me after I read his memoir ‘On Writing’ and because he was my Grandmas favorite author. When I read his book I feel closer to her so it makes sense that I’m so influenced by him.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Charleston, South Carolina. It’s a beautiful city that has such a rich history. My husband and like to visit there every few years or so. We would love to live there one day.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Yes, I spend weeks, sometimes months building a story before I actually start writing. I plan out character names and traits, then I have to think about the plot and setting and so much more. And sometimes everything I planned for goes right out the window when I meet the characters and they take over.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Becoming Grim’ book?
A year and a half. I feel like it could have been a lot shorter if I didn’t second guess myself so much.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
Paperbacks can be found on Amazon. Ebooks can be found in most estores. I think Google books is the only one that doesn’t have them yet, but I’m working on that.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?
I didn’t come up with the covers my very talented cover artist did that all on her own. The titles usually come to me when I’m about halfway trough writing the books. I go into it not knowing what I want to call it. The Demon in Me was the toughest one to come up with because I had so many ideas but I kept coming back to that title so it stuck.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I watch a lot of tv and read a lot. I sometimes like to make references to pop culture in the stories I write.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Most people don’t know this but Liv from Becoming Grim and A Grim Awakening is based on my sister. She has my sister’s personality. My sister actually helped me name Cru and I based him off of my sister’s husband (they just go married last year.)
Book Is Available On Amazon
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