1. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Not sure of the date, but I remember writing and entering an essay contest when I was in junior high in Fresno, California. I won city-wide for that age group. I also remember entering another essay contest when I was in senior high and won that one as well. In my senior year English Class I got an “A” for my term paper on American Indian culture.
2. How long have you been writing? How many books have you written?
I suppose I have been writing since my early years although I took a hiatus of many years when my children were little. During that time I had forgotten the love of expressing my thoughts via the written word. Since that time, I have written a number of historical manuscripts and histories that have been published in local publications.
3. What made you want to self-publish?
Self-publishing seemed to me the best route to follow as I felt freer to express thoughts and events in my own words.
4. Would you recommend new authors self-publish, and would you recommend Gatekeeper Press?
Thus far, I am impressed with Gatekeeper Press; they have high ratings among the self-publishers and my dealings with everyone there has been at a very satisfactory level.
5. What do you do marketing-wise to help announce and sell your books?
When the first copies of my book were printed, I held several book signings and have referenced the book in various social media platforms. It is a history of local interest – selling at Amazon and Barnes and Noble have been the extent nation-wide. Currently, my books are being sold in our local museum and at another bookstore in a small town nearby.
6. What advice do you have for a new or fledgling author?
My advice to others considering an adventure in writing would be to research, research, research! This would pertain to either nonfiction or fiction genres. The more documentation a writer can produce – especially in nonfiction – the more readily he or she can hold a reader’s interest.
7. What social media platforms are you on?
Currently, the only social media I frequent is Facebook; especially the local history groups, as that is where my interest lies.
8. What is the one piece of advice you wish you had known when you first started out?
Use good proofing sources; if you are writing a historical book, be sure to include an exhaustive index. Without an index, it is my personal opinion that any referencing material is unsearchable.
9. What do you feel is the biggest challenge authors are facing going into 2021 (and beyond)
Keeping up with today’s ever-changing ideals and standards is difficult. Depending on the written subject, the fear of being “cancelled” is ever-present.
10. Have you won any awards or contests that you would like to mention?
See #1.
Please share your website/social media links below:
I am only on these platforms: Facebook (“Sophie Britten”) and also www.etsy.com – under “sophieab”. Etsy is where I market my handwoven and handspun yarn and garments.