Candy O'Donnell Interview Published on: 07, Jul 2016
Tell us about your life and your struggles.
My early years were filled with difficulties and I learned from the time I could walk that I had to fend for myself on many levels. Writing helped me cope with what I felt within and after 25 books, I actually can look back on my life and know that those struggles shaped who I am today.
How passionate are you about writing?Very passionate. I tried to stop writing many times but I just couldn't.
How long have you been writing and what inspired you to become a writer?I have been writing since I was in elementary school and I won a few writing awards. Ever since the writing bug bit, here I am.
How did you get the idea for your first book?The idea for my first book came after the birth of my first child. It was a children's book and it is in print today. "Fish Heaven".
While choosing a name for your character, what aspects do you consider that determines what you finally call them?Whatever sounds like the personality traits I am mulling over is what determines the name of my character. At times, there are a few names I look at and when I finally decide on a name, I stick with it.
Do authors in general and you in particular plan series beforehand or do they just happen?It just happens. I usually do not plan it. The Angels Reign Series was a series that was half planned.
How do you choose which stories to tell?They just come to me. They choose me.
Do you ever get writer’s block?At times. Lately, it is few and far between.
Do you have a “reader” in mind while writing?Usually no. I have no reader in mind when writing. I just write and allow it to take me on a journey.
Who is the first person to read the first draft of your books?ME!
How do you get reviews? Which was the best review you ever got?The best review I ever received was for my Psychic Perception book. A few wonderful ladies wrote them and I was very pleased they loved the book.
What does the word “story” signify for you?Story can mean any number of things. It can be short or long. It has to be entertaining. That is what us writers are: entertainers.
Do you think an author should be bound by Genre?NO WAY! I write in many genres.
Are you currently working on anything?Yes, a few books are in my head as I type this.
Do you have a special time or place for writing?I write at my desk or wherever I feel like writing. No special time or place.
How do you promote your work? How will QuotesRain help you in your book promotion and sales, would you like to refer this platform to your author friends?I promote my works on QuotesRain and a few others places on the net. Mainly through my Twitter feed because I have over 21,000 followers and I promote others too.
Would you like to share something with your readers and fans?Keep reading and I will keep writing!
