Last week author and blogger Zoe Ambler was kind enough to feature an interview with me about my writing and publishing adventures.
This week I’m turning the tables and inviting Zoe into my spotlight too answer some daft questions about her work! I’m hoping this will be the first in a series of posts featuring other writers who have books already out there in the world.
Ready Zoe? First question:
When did you start writing?
I started writing fan-fiction when I was in my early twenties…and then progressed to more detailed stories by way of role-play gaming. When I had no one as a writing partner, I wrote elaborate stories for my characters to flesh them out. I can get quite wordy…>_>
What was your path to publication?
My path to publication was more like trying to trek my way through a jungle or swamp with a machete. Set back after set back. I decided, with a lot of weighing of the pros and cons, to self publish. It’s not as easy as some make it seem. I have regrets, but I’ve learned from them, and with the next book, those mistakes won’t happen!
Who was your biggest influence when you were starting out?
Out of the authors out there, I’d say Stephen King and Anne Rice. I could really connect with the characters they set out. Now, on the personal side, a great influence was my mother and older sister. NAG NAG NAG…”You need to publish that!” was screeched at me a lot. 😀
What was your favourite piece of writing advice?
Never rush things. Too many mistakes can be made. Also, write every day, whether it’s a blog entry, a gaming story, or reaching a word count on a story. If you don’t see fresh entries on my blog for a few days, you can pretty much bet that I’m working on a role play thread/story, or I’m working on my next book.
If you could send one Tweet back in time to your younger self, what would you say? And would you listen?
I’d tell myself “Slow down, you silly ass. Quit rushing.” And no, I probably wouldn’t listen. I’m a rebel like that. 😀
What’s the logline for your book?
Vampires, demons, war and voodoo. One little fierce vampire defies all that might redeem her, until finally she meets her match. Not your typical vampire story!
Do you take part in a writing circle, either online or in real life?
Hmm..not really. I mean, I role play game, that’s a little like a writing circle, but specific groups, no, I know I should. I’m shy around new people, and ooze low self esteem sometimes. I’m working on it!
and finally,
What’s the one word you always type wrong?
‘separate’ I always want to write ‘seperate’. >_<
Thanks for your honesty Zoe! Now, to learn more:
Author Bio:
Zoe Ambler hails from Enterprise, Alabama. She’s 44 years old and broke through into writing by way of role-play gaming, which she still loves to this day.
She has traveled the world, being a ‘military brat’, but always finds her way back home. Her hobbies include sketching, playing violin (badly), collecting oddities and office supplies. Zoe is often found spoiling her fat cat and obsessing over coffee and the coming zombie apocalypse.
Zoe Ambler hails from Enterprise, Alabama. She’s 44 years old and broke through into writing by way of role-play gaming, which she still loves to this day.
She has traveled the world, being a ‘military brat’, but always finds her way back home. Her hobbies include sketching, playing violin (badly), collecting oddities and office supplies. Zoe is often found spoiling her fat cat and obsessing over coffee and the coming zombie apocalypse.
Zoe’s first book is called “The Road of Darkness”. Here’s what you need to know about it:
The Road of Darkness is the story of Addison. She’s a young Southern Belle in early 1700 Louisiana with a love for Voodoo. She’s a child of privilege, but never really let it go to her head. She was always a little odd.
On an innocent outing, Addison falls prey to a supernatural predator. A vampire. He attacks and turns her, then leaves her to lost and alone with this new hunger for blood. However, unlike most, she embraces this new ‘life’. She finds delight in it. A darkness grows within her.
Like any young vampire left to fend for themselves, she stumbles in her new existence. She meets others here and there, and the world of the paranormal opens up to her.
Due in part to her thrill of bloodlust, she becomes fascinated with war. Soon she is moving from country to country, war to war. Man’s evolution and technology in the art of warfare intrigues her.
Through her time and adventures, she has fleeting bits of both happiness and sorrow. The darkness within her will only allow her so much happiness.
Her link with all things Voodoo brings her into the servitude of the Baron Semedi, demi-god of the Underworld. A deal gone bad. It only serves to deepen that darkness.
On an innocent outing, Addison falls prey to a supernatural predator. A vampire. He attacks and turns her, then leaves her to lost and alone with this new hunger for blood. However, unlike most, she embraces this new ‘life’. She finds delight in it. A darkness grows within her.
Like any young vampire left to fend for themselves, she stumbles in her new existence. She meets others here and there, and the world of the paranormal opens up to her.
Due in part to her thrill of bloodlust, she becomes fascinated with war. Soon she is moving from country to country, war to war. Man’s evolution and technology in the art of warfare intrigues her.
Through her time and adventures, she has fleeting bits of both happiness and sorrow. The darkness within her will only allow her so much happiness.
Her link with all things Voodoo brings her into the servitude of the Baron Semedi, demi-god of the Underworld. A deal gone bad. It only serves to deepen that darkness.
Where can you find “The Road of Darkness”?
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Road-Darkness-Ambler-Zoe-ebook/dp/B00QZFBV6Q/
iTunes ; https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-road-of-darkness/id951365595?mt=11
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-road-of-darkness-ambler-zoe/1120913816?ean=9780990870500
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-road-of-darkness
Scribd.: https://www.scribd.com/doc/250432277/The-Road-of-Darkness
Googleplay : https://play.google.com/store/books/details/The_Road_of_Darkness?id=58ziBQAAQBAJ&hl=en
And where can you find out more about Zoe and what she’s up to?
http://zoeambler.com
https://http://zoeambler.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoe-Ambler/435459453259782
http://zoeambler5.tumblr.com/
https://plus.google.com/+Zoeambler5/posts
https://plus.google.com/107564697850139267685/posts
https://plus.google.com/+ZoeAmbler55/posts
https://twitter.com/ZoeAmbler5
http://bublish.com/author/view/4318
https://http://zoeambler.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoe-Ambler/435459453259782
http://zoeambler5.tumblr.com/
https://plus.google.com/+Zoeambler5/posts
https://plus.google.com/107564697850139267685/posts
https://plus.google.com/+ZoeAmbler55/posts
https://twitter.com/ZoeAmbler5
http://bublish.com/author/view/4318
Best of luck with “The Road of Darkness” Zoe, and I look forward to seeing the sequel soon!
Damian Trasler's Secret Blog - Do Not Read! 
Reblogged this on Zoe Ambler – Author and commented:
ME! In the Spotlight hot-seat!!! 😀 Thank you so much Damian!!! ❤
Thank you so much for having me!! 😀
My pleasure Zoe! Look what you started!
Reblogged this on Books and More.
Heh, I also have the habit with ‘separate.’
I bet I’m not the only person who has to say “Sep AR ATE” every time I type it…. I sound like a Dalek.
And that too.
The word (and its spelling) comes from Latin, past participle, sēparāre, meaning ‘apart.’ So se-part may help too.