Name AF Crowell
Age 34
Where are you from Charleston, South Carolina
A little about yourself? i.e. your education, family life etc.
Mom of 2 crazy boys, 11 & 7. I’ve been married for almost 11 years. We have two dogs. Dez is a 3 year old Black Labrador Retriever and Diesel is a German shepherd rescue, who we think is about 2 – 3 years old. They’re spoiled rotten.
I completed a few years of college before I had to get a job and live in the real world. I studied forensics. I work for a surgery center and have the world’s best boss! She’s awesome!
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
Book 1 in the Torn Series, Pushed was just released!
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I just started writing about six months ago. I decided to write because I always found myself wish the story would go one way or another. So I decided to write my own.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Uh, now, I guess. I don’t know that really that I do yet.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Hmm, I guess reading. I find myself wishing a book would end differently, or give me more or less of one thing or another. And one night I just decided to write a book that filled all of those.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I definitely love dual POV
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
I try to look at the main theme in the book and find a play on words or a few general words that will sum up the book.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I guess if there was a message, it would be from the lead female. Independence. Learn to take care of yourself, but remember it’s okay to ask for help.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
It’s pretty realistic for the most part. Maybe not finding a billionaire. But it’s possible to find someone who will treat you like a princess.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Nope, totally pulled it out of thin air!
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
I would say Twilight. Sounds ridiculous, but I didn’t really read until those books. I actually refused to read or watch them until my husband made me sit down and watch the first movie one night. He had seen the ending and wanted to see the beginning. He thought I would like it. I only agreed because we were snowed in. After Twilight, I started reading romance and YA. Haven’t stopped since.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Debt Inheritance by Pepper Winters. Just started it today.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Oh yeah!
LP Lovell, Marie Wathen, River Savage, Skyla Maldi, Alyssa Rae Taylor
Fiona: What are your current projects?
Book two in the Torn Series, Pulled
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Probably my best friend, Lois. She’s been my sounding board and encouraged me along the way.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
No, because if I did, it would be too much like work. And I love writing, so for me, I don’t want to label it anything.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No, I don’t think I would. But you could probably ask me that in a week and it would be a different answer. J
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
While I was reading one night I just decided I wanted to write my own book.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Pulled, the sequel to Pushed. Leila feels like she’s being pulled in two different directions. Pushed ends with her world being turned on its axis. I can’t really say too much without giving away the ending of Pushed.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
UGH, grammar. I hated English 101. Almost failed it! So for me, it’s challenging to remember all of the grammar rules. Like prepositions. Hate trying to remember all of that crap!
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
If I had to pick one and only one. I’d have to say Kristen Ashley. I love her style and the variety. And she’s funny! I love good humor with romance. Tyra and Tack’s story will always be in my mind. It’s one I won’t forget.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not yet
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Me, although I wish I had someone to do it for me!
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
EASY! Editing. I hate trying to read back over what I wrote looking for mistakes. My brain sees what it wants.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Writing is a process. It doesn’t just, poof, appear. And sometimes the characters do NOT do what you want them to do. They develop a life of their own.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Ha, no. I’m too new to have any good wisdom to impart. Well, maybe. Bloggers will be your best friends. They are awesome!!!!!
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you. Thank you for take a chance and reading me. Thank you for letting me take you on my imaginary journey.
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Judy Blume, Superfudge
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
Laugh, sarcasm and smartass remarks. Cry, damn near anything, LOL. No, just kidding. Heart break and anguish. Pain. Oh and the Budweiser commercial where the guy leaves the dog at home to go out drinking but doesn’t come home. But then he does come home and tells the dog he drank too much. That commercial gets me every time! I got toward the end and thought, “Oh no! Who’s gonna take care of this dog? What if he’s hungry?” LOL Crazy, I know. 😉
Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?
Past, Michelangelo. I would love to just watch him paint. The Sistine Chapel is amazing. I would love to see in person.
Present, easy. John Cena, the WWE wrestler. Strange, you might think. First of all, my kids ADORE him. But mostly, because of everything he does. He has granted more than 400 wishes with Make-A-Wish. No one else has even surpassed 300. I would simply want to tell him how amazing I think he is. He is a TRUE hero. He gives hope and happiness to children who are fighting for their lives. Most of which will die, way too young. He does all of this while working and traveling about 300 days a year. He still finds time to grant these wishes. He’s an inspiration.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why?
My name, DOB & DOD then Daughter, Wife, Mother …..just something generic. I don’t know what else you would put on it. It’s not something that needs to be fancy for all of the world to see. Just for the people who really loved me.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
Reading, LOL. Playing with my boys, spending time on the beach, hanging out with my family and shooting guns.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I don’t really watch a lot of TV. The only shows I watch religiously are General Hospital, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Good Wife, Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. Other than those shows, I don’t really turn the TV on. Thank goodness for DVR. I can save all of them for one day.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Food- Italian, specifically, my Nan’s ricotta gnocchi. Color- pink Music- Country, Rock
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done? If I could have done anything, probably would be a doctor.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it? Nope, nothing yet. Just Facebook, Twitter and TSU.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TR1QU0C
https://www.facebook.com/authorafcrowell
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13524356.AF_Crowell
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