Please welcome Mercy Amare to the blog today. Mercy is the author of the Kihanna Saga and the Rock Star Trilogy.
If you are interested in being a Guest Author, please check out this page.
Mercy Amare
Tell us your name, and a link to where we can find you (blog, Facebook, etc).
Website: http://mercyamare.net
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authormercyamare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MercyAmare
Instagram: http://instagram.com/mercyamare
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6464549.Mercy_Amare
How many books have you written? This can include both published and unpublished works. Describe each of them in 1-2 sentences apiece (if published, feel free to include the links as well).
I have written 20 books. I have published seven of the so far with number eight on the way.
My first published book was Don’t Tell, a novella. It’s a YA romance about first love.
You Got Me is a NA romance about a girl trying to move on after a rough past.
Jaded, Faded, and Hated (The Rock Star Trilogy) is about a girl rock star, Scarlett, who tries to have a “normal” life. She goes back to high school.
The Fab Life (The Kihanna Saga, #1) is about a girl who find out her dad is a billionaire and meets him for the first time. She is introduced to the crazy lifestyle of the rich and famous.
Char is about a girl who is forced to move in with her dad, but finds that it’s not as bad as she thought it was. She makes friends and falls in love.
Tell me a little bit about your current WIP.
I just finished writing I Hate Goodbye (Kihanna #2), which is a continuation of The Fab Life… I just started writing Stranded in Paradise (Kihanna #3).
What does writing preparation look like for you? Do you do full outlines and character profiles, or do you just start with a general idea and write?
I do outline. I used to not, but now I find it very important. Usually I come up with the main character and the world is created and revolved around her.
Editing is a challenge for many writers. Give us some of your tips for editing efficiently and well.
What helps me is not editing right away. Once you finish a manuscript don’t start revising and editing until at least two weeks have passed.
Research is another challenge writers face, but is an important part of the writing process. What are some of your research tips?
I actually write what I know. I have traveled a lot in my life, and have had the opportunity to visit many wonderful places (within the US). Anything I don’t know, I Google.
If you have been published (self or traditionally), what type of marketing did you find worked the best for you? What was the least helpful?
The number one thing is putting yourself out there. BE EVERYWHERE… Least helpful – I find that generally paid marketing isn’t as efficient.
What genre do you write in? What are some of the challenges to writing this particular genre well?
I write contemporary, romance, mystery, and drama. I’m hoping to write a fantasy soon. All my books are YA or NA… The main thing is keeping in touch with my inner teenager. I always have people tell me that my characters act very age appropriate. I strive for that.
What advice would you give to a writer who is starting out?
Just WRITE. Start a story and stick with it. If you jump from story to story you will never finish a book. Just focus on ONE. And make yourself do it.
What are your writing, editing, marketing, and research goals for 2013?
In 2014 I hope to publish six books. (By the time 2013 is over, I will have published seven). I LOVE my current editor, Laura Heritage at PS Cover Designs. I will definitely stick with her. As far as marketing, I just plan to be everywhere I can! I am starting a new series in 2014 after I finish The Kihanna Saga and it’s a fantasy. I’m super excited about that.
Pretend I am from a publishing house and you are looking for me to take on one of your books. Pitch it to me in 1-2 paragraphs.
This is a tough one for me, because I’ve never looked to get traditionally published, and I’m not sure that I would ever query. I love being self-published.
Finally, is there anything else you would like your readers to know?
Yes. Thank you all so much for your support and love. I am so grateful for every review, and all the wonderful messages and comments I get. ❤
...and then there was Sarah 
A very interesting interview and an interesting author.
looks good. I am loving the covers too.
i’m tyring to find the 2nd book from moonhills but i can’t find it please help me
Hi Erica- this interview was actually posted about four years ago, so is fairly outdated. I would suggest checking out Mercy’s website, and possibly contacting her if you’ve already tried finding it on retailers without success. Good luck to you!