Check out my interview with Awesome Gang!
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Skye and I live in Iowa. I have been writing since I was seventeen years old, and I absolutely love stories that keep me guessing. I have three rescue pets, two cats and one dog. My day job at the moment is as a paralegal at a Des Moines law firm. In my free time, I enjoy photography, playing volleyball, and spending time with family and friends. I have written seven books and just recently had my first one published October 2015 with
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book that came out in October 2015 is Donuts, Diamonds and Assorted Details. Ironically, a dream inspired a majority of this book. The rest came to me as I wrote the rough draft. There is quite a bit of personal influence in this book, so I am very excited for everyone to read it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to write the first draft of my story with pen and paper. It can’t be on my laptop, so I am constantly getting writer’s cramps in my hand. I write the best when I am multitasking, which I always thought was unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love anything Jane Austen wrote. I think her style of writing and stories influenced me to not take my writing so serious and to really dive into my characters. I also like Maya Banks and her Scottish stories and Kat Martin.
What are you working on now?
At the moment, I am writing a contemporary spy type book. I’m not sure where it came from, but I’m on my second draft right now. I’m hopeful it will be a best seller.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own website, www.skyemcneil.com, that I use to promote my book. I also use lots of social media. I have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Goodreads to name a few. I think all the websites together are my best method at promotions at this time.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to keep writing and don’t give up. Write even if the story is horrible and goes nowhere. The more experience you get while writing will turn into something great.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stand straight and smile. You can’t get back a first impression.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks. There are a few new books I want to check out from my publisher’s page.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish the book I’m writing now then focus on the series I have on the back burner. I need to edit the first book and write the third book then of course get them published!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That is very tough because there are so many good books. I would bring Kat Martin’s Sinclair Sisters trilogy then a spare notebook so I can write a book while I await rescue.