The Jazzy World of E's Bookshelf has has been spotlighting author Angela Schroeder all week as part of the #FosterAnAuthor week. I also ways like knowing more about the author and their writing process. I had a chance to interview Angela, and got to know a little more about her, her books, and what we can expect to see from her next. If you haven't had a chance yet, it's time to meet Angela Schroeder.
Angela Schroeder's Biography
Angela Schroeder is a single
mother of three. She was born and raised in Iowa in a river town known for its
pearl buttons. Having four siblings, she never lacked for someone to play with.
As she grew older, she found herself pulled into books and writing more and more. Her parents are her heroes, her siblings her confidants and tormentors, and her children are a wonderful blessing.
Church is important to her children and her. They enjoy the friendships they’ve made with the people there.
Writing has always been a passion. Her first experience was in fifth grade when she went to a one-day writing conference. After that she knew it was something she wanted to pursue.
As she grew older, she found herself pulled into books and writing more and more. Her parents are her heroes, her siblings her confidants and tormentors, and her children are a wonderful blessing.
Church is important to her children and her. They enjoy the friendships they’ve made with the people there.
Writing has always been a passion. Her first experience was in fifth grade when she went to a one-day writing conference. After that she knew it was something she wanted to pursue.
An Interview with Angela Schroeder
Thanks for taking the time to interview. I read that for you the love of writing started in 5th grade after you went to a writing conference. What was it about that particular moment that made you think this is what I want to do?
I got to make my own “book” while I was there. My parents still have it somewhere. I remember coming home, going to the desk, picking up a pen to put a story into that book I made while there.
You’re an author that is not limited to one style of writing. The books you have written and released range from a contemporary romance, to young adult science fiction to a children's book. Are there other genres you want to branch out in that you haven’t written yet?
I am currently researching for a historical. I’m working on a story set around WWI.
Where do you find inspiration for your books?
Everywhere. Love Overcomes was inspired by a conversation of “what if” with my sister. The Second Life of Magnolia Mae was inspired by a short story I had written in high school. Jade came about because my daughter likes fairy tale retellings, she wanted one based of Rapunzel. Christmas at the Zoo came about because my youngest wanted to know why someone said “Happy birthday Jesus.” around Christmas.
I am working on one story that was inspired from an old photograph, another from my brother who came up with an idea and asked me to turn it into a story.
There are stories everywhere, waiting for someone to write them down.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
My all time favorites are Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Laura Ingalls Wilder (her books are the first I remember reading over and over), and Shakespeare. Then there are my new favorites. When these authors put out a new release I make sure to grab a copy: Kelly Martin, J.L. Salter, Wendy Knight, and Heather Gray.
What is your go to book not written by you?
I find myself going back to Jane Austen’s books, I have all of them.
Of your books do you have a favorite among them?
They’re all so different, I think it is hard to have a favorite. I have read my children’s book the most. Christmas at the Zoo, my youngest child and my nephew keep asking me to read it to them. That is the one that gets used the most.
Do you have a writing process that you follow for each book?
No, I don’t plan. I do not follow a routine. I tried to do that and it felt too structured, I didn’t like it. As close to a process as I get is finding music that puts me in the mood I want to write then writing. I listened to a lot of Celtic music while writing Magnolia.
What would you say is your favorite part of being an author?
I love getting to tell stories. For as long as I can remember that has been something I wanted to do. It is also nice getting to talk to people about my books.
Do you have a least favorite part?
Marketing. It is hard to market your book, I would rather pay someone else to so that.
Social media is a big part of being an Indie author, how do you like being able to getting almost instant feedback and communicating with readers?
I really enjoy this part of being an author. I have had a few aspiring writers ask for guidance. That has been fun, I enjoy helping people. I have made some great friends through social media and it all started with us connecting over a book.
If a reader is new to your work what book would you suggest they read first?
I think I would ask what they like to read before suggesting something. The YA readers might not care for Love Overcomes since that is about a single mom.
For the YA readers I would suggest The Second Life of Magnolia Mae since it is a stand-alone. Jade is the first in a series and I’m still writing the second book.
What can readers expect to see from you next?
Book 2 of the Out of the Ashes series.
I’m also working on a YA fantasy story that I’ve not titled yet.
I’m researching a WWI story, well it is set in that time period.
I’ve written several children’s stories that are waiting on illustrations but since my illustrator is in 7th grade that is on hold until he gets some free time from school work.
Is there anything you would like to say to your fans or readers new to you before you go?
I really want to say thank you for taking a chance and reading my stories. Also, feel free to message me. I’ve had a reader message about Jade’s ending. I like talking to readers.
Angela's Social Media Links
Amazon author page http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Schroeder/e/B00OVLC1T2
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/alschro/
Four Foxes One Hound blog https://fourfoxesonehound.wordpress.com/
Thank you for fostering me this past week. I enjoyed doing the interview.
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