M. Homer is in the Author Spotlight Today!

I would like to welcome M. Homer into the author’s spotlight.  M. Homer signed with Eternal Press earlier this year and released her new adult novel entitled Dare to Breathe, in mid-November. 

In the few weeks since the release of this novel, readers are praising the author’s work.  Below are snippets of reviews I found for Dare to Breathe.

“As the title states...Dare to Breathe...there were moments throughout this book that I had to remind myself to breathe! An exceptionally good read…”

 “The writing has you feeling and loving each and every character in the story which makes it very hard to put the book down.”

 “Wow, this story was so compelling I just had to keep reading and finish this book in one go.”

Welcome M. Homer!  I am pleased you stepped into my spotlight. New adult is a hot, new genre.  I’m eager to learn about your novel, Dare to Breathe.

 It’s a New Adult story that focuses on two main characters: Samantha and Nathan. Sam has problems assimilating into college life when she is plagued by reoccurring nightmares. She has to leave her dorm because of these to find a home where her sleep patterns won’t disturb her flat mates.

 Her college advisor finds a home off campus with a tiny downstairs room away from all the other bedrooms. The problem is that it is a co-ed house. Sam finally relents and moves in. Here she meets Carrie, Ben, Mandy and the gorgeous Nathan.

 As Sam falls in love with Nathan, who is always there to pick her up when she is at her lowest, she discovers that her new friends are hiding a secret of their own. Between Sam’s nightmares and Nathan’s secrets, the couple needs to learn to overcome, trust each other and move on in order to have any chance of happiness together.

Problem is that the past always has a way of catching up with you.

How long did it take you to write your current novel?

Three months DAY AND NIGHT!

Did you conduct any kind of research in order to write this book (visit certain locales, etc.)?

Yes, I had to learn about chefs (what they need to study). I also had to learn heaps of Americanisms (as I am clearly not American!). You know bathrobe instead of dressing gown, that sort of thing.

Tell me about the publishing process. Was it easier or more difficult than you thought it would be?

Eternal Press was amazing. Quick to answer the emails and to get things moving.

BUT overall yes, the process is really tough. I am grateful that authors have the opportunity to submit work which has not gone through an editor, but you need patience (not so good at that part).

What tools/methods have you employed to promote your book? What advice would you give to writers regarding promotion? 

RESEARCH!! Setting up Goodread author sites, Amazon author sites, facebook and my own blog sites has been a massive learning process. I keep finding out more and more I need to be doing so all I suggest is research research research!

In previous interviews you mentioned that your cousin reads drafts of your manuscript and that she encouraged you to publish Dare to Breathe.  Let’s give her a shout-out.  What’s her name and tell us about your process of communication.

My patient cousin is Amanda Begg -- all the way from South Africa.  We communicated through frantic emails, texts and SKPYE calls.

I’d like to learn a little more about you.  I have some fun questions for you to answer.  Are you ready?

Share a pet peeve of yours (related to writing or otherwise).

Passive construction! How do I stop using it ALL the time?

Do characters invade your head the moment you stumble on a new writing idea?  If so, how long did you fear that you’d gone insane before realizing this is the norm for writers?

Yes, only realize that they are a (slight) addiction when I talk to my husband about them and he looks at me with those eyes.

What is your day job?

I am a teacher J See I have the best jobs. Author and teacher.

What would you say is the most challenging part of writing a book? 

Sticking to it. When I leave it or lose interest, the whole story falls apart. When I am focused and driven, I feel like the keyboard has a life of its own!

How did you start your writing career?

I have loved writing from when I was little. I remember my first story in school when I was twelve. I was so proud of it. A popular girl at the time, read it over my shoulder and I remember her laughing at me. This (almost) destroyed my confidence completely however, every year my New Year’s vision was to be published. And here I am now. I can finally tick it off my list!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A Vet (which in case you haven’t noticed is what Nathan is studying). When I found out that you need to be super intelligent and study hard, I sort of lost interest. However, at home we have a dog, two cats and a rabbit so I am kind of living that dream now. Right?

 What is usually your first thought in the morning?

 “Oh ***** I am late!”

 Which do you find more embarrassing to write, violence or sex?

 Sex scenes are super embarrassing. Not so much to write, but to share with family to read (for their advice).

You and I both love the same TV show.  Why don’t you tell everyone which show we have in common.

The Walking Dead (yes I know…).

Is there anything else you would like to say to your readers?

I really love receiving feedback both harsh and positive because it means that I can grow as an author and hear what it is that readers want!

Where can we find your book?

www.eternalpress.biz

www.amazon.com