What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.
My most recent book is called Areal. It’s the first book in my series “The Awakening”. It’s about a young woman who gets involved with some people whose motives she is unsure of. She later finds out she is more important then she ever imagined. She could be the key to helping save the world
Tell us something about yourself.
I am originally from NM but I live in Colorado. I have been married for 13 years and we have three amazing kids. I have always been a writer. I remember being seven and making up whole worlds and writing them down. I never dreamed it would be my career one day. Not only am I an author but I’m a marketing specialist for several other authors.
What inspired you to write this book?
The need to get he story out really, I had this idea that I wanted to write about angels. I wanted to do something different with them. I really hope my vision got translated well on the page.
How did you celebrate when you finished writing the book? When it was published?
I took a break that was it. I just knew it was time to put writing down for a bit and so I took about two months off. It was published in September of 2018.
How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?
I have always loved writing and everything it involved. I knew from a young age I wanted to write. It has always been a passion for me. I got started by mainly writing for school projects. When I was in the 8th grade my English teacher told me, I was good enough to be published. She offered to talk to a friend she knew and I declined. I regret that decision now.
Are you a pantser or a plotter? (i.e., Do you outline and plan your story or do you just sit down and write?)
I’m more of a punster but I do plot sometimes. I tend to just sit down and write but when I do outline it’s really detailed.
Do you have a daily or weekly writing schedule, or do you write only when you are inspired? How many words or pages do you complete in a typical day?
I have a weekly schedule; I try to write at least 2,000 words a week. Sometimes I get less written, sometimes more.
How many drafts did you write before publishing your most recent book?
I think there was 5-6 drafts after all the writing and editing was done.
What software do you use to write? Or do you prefer to write longhand or dictate your work? What made you choose the method you use?
I use Microsoft to write my manuscripts but I use Evernote for notes and outlines when I do them.
If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would probably decide to have beta readers. I didn’t get beta readers for my first book and I feel they could have helped in the editing process.
Do you read reviews?
I do! I think they are very important and I love reading what people think.
What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?
Write! Write! Write! I’ve had many people ask me how to get started and my answer always is write. After all, if you don’t write how else are you going to get your story out there. As far as editing goes make sure to get as many rounds done as you can.
Do you have friends who are writers? How do you help each other to become better writers?
I have a few writer friends; we help by reading each other’s work and encouraging one another.
Who is the perfect reader for your book?
Someone who likes to read fiction and doesn’t mind reading about angels in a non-Bible sense.
Where can readers learn more about you and your book?
They can follow me on my social media pages. I have a Facebook page it’s called Crystal Reavis-Author. I am on Twitter @CrystalReavisAU, Pinterest I’m CrsytalRTeacheron there, and Instagram at Crystalrteacher. You can find my book on Amazon, the Barnes and Noble website, Apple Books, my publishers’ website breakingrulespublishing.com.
