Let's welcome this weeks Author of the Week, Sierra Glass. Sierra is is an author with several books under her belt. Taking time from her busy schedule Sierra was kind enough to take time out to answer these questions!
Hey Sierra welcome! Can we start with a list of books?
Hey Elizabeth, this is what I've published so far,
Concierge, Inc
1. Reprobate
2. Austere
3. Ill Repute (Oct 3)
Short Story via Bookfunnel (not sign up required) https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5dcsbv3h66
Thanks Sierra, so lets start with the basics, can you tell me a little about yourself?
I love in Eastern Washington State, U.S. I’m 46, married 27 years to the boy I ran off with when I was 16. I grew up in Alaska and was raised by my grandparents, who spoiled me. We drove down the Al-Can every other summer and drove all over the U.S. I got kicked out of high school and didn’t finish, but I have a MA in Criminal Justice. I have a big dog and two cats. One grown son and his girlfriend who has become part of our family.
Sounds like an exciting life! What got you into writing and do you hold another job as well?
I am a freelance editor of indie books, all genres. A year ago I had no intention of ever writing. No frustrated muse. I was glad not to be a writer because it looked like hard work. Then last August I woke up with a character in my head, and she was followed by an entire concept and friends. So I started to write. The first couple of friends I sent samples to said, “I need more!” and I kept going. My day job is half-time as a university ombudsman.
What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing?
I love getting in the zone and being so in my head watching the movie scenes play out with my characters that I’m unaware that I’m typing. I hate all the left-brain stuff that comes with writing. My account spreadsheet for websites and services has 30 entries and I’m not done.
Oh I can sympathise with you there. Who is the best character you’ve ever written, and why?
I haven’t written very many yet, but I have a couple favorites. Caroline was the first and is dear to my heart. She’s me unmedicated. I love Isaac, the hero in the book I just released, Austere. He’s just this guy who gets pulled into this crazy organization and he grounds these people who have been in the criminal world so long they forget what daylight looks like, or to just have fun that doesn’t land them in jail.
He sounds interesting! Who’s the character who gave you nightmares?
The one I’m most nervous about writing is the hero in book 3, Ill Repute, coming Oct 3. He’s a villain, a pretty awful one, and he has to come around enough to be redeemed.
Oh a bad boy indeed, what is next on your list to write/publish?
See above, book 3. I’m also working on a serial to put on Radish and release in my newsletter, as well. I’m publishing wide, which means playing a long game. Instead of focusing on release days, ranking, and a faster interval I’m building a readership that gets my quirky books and characters. So far my characters all live with challenges. Mental illness, neurodivergence, anger, attachment disorder. They aren’t fixed by meeting The One and falling in love. They find balance and manage their challenges, for the most part.
To be honest they sound great characters. Who encouraged you the most to write?
My husband kept saying I was going to write way before I knew it. He built me a little hut in our back yard, because I’ve been home with our family for over a year now, working remotely in my day job. I was going stir crazy being in my bedroom office all day, with constant interruptions. The hut saved everyone’s lives and lets me shift into writing mode when I go out there.
Catherine was the one who said, “I need more!” and Bree lives in Australia and chatted with me a lot while I brainstormed. Adelaide barters with me for formatting and other things and has become a dear friend. Bijou was the first, and went outside her comfort zone to alpha read for me. My first book wouldn’t have been what it is without all of them.
It sounds like you've had some wonderful support Sierra. Which author would you like to co author a book with and why?
I think Bijou Hunter. I know my style has been influenced by her because I’ve read and reread her books so much. We have the same philosophies about life and people and have brainstormed and problem solved together already.
What’s your favourite genre?
I love mafia the most. But not the dark stuff between the hero and heroine so much. He can be kidnappy and possessive and protective, but not cruel.
Yes I don't understand cruel heroes either. Do you listen to music when you write?
I have to have music playing. I make a playlist for each book and add or subtract songs as I go. I listen to an eclectic library of music. From Johnny Cash to Ed Sheeran to Eminem, to late 80’s hard rock. Pink, Miranda Lambert, Lady Gaga, Rihanna.
Who is your favourite author, and why?
Stephen King. I read the Stand when I was 15 and it influenced the rest of my life. His ability to get inside the heads of such a cross section of humanity meant I could too. I grew up in a very restrictive religious sect and reading his books blew my mind wide open.
I've never read him as he terrifies me but yes he's a great author. Are you as avid a reader as a writer?
I have been a high volume reader all my life. Many genres: all fiction. I didn’t write until last year. The single thing I like least about writing is it takes most of my reading time.
I'm greedy over my reading time too. I tend to read in the early morning before sitting down to write! If you could interview anyone in the world who would it be and why?
Elon Musk. I’d like to talk to him about his technology, from his space ambitions to superintelligence to what he sees happening next on Earth.
Interesting choice Sierra! Tell me a secret that none of your fans know!
I cry really easy. Like at Coke commercials and movie trailers.
Tell me what your main protagonist and antagonist would say about you!
Caroline would say I’m cool for an old lady, and I can’t give away the antagonist.
You’ve been given the chance to have a home anywhere in the world where you can write! Where and what would you pick?
A small house in Long Creek, Oregon. It is so remote. Bliss.
That does sound like heaven! What is the funniest thing you ever heard and has it influenced you?
In Joe v The Volcano one of Meg Ryan’s characters looks dumb and says, “I have no response to that.” I use it a lot and it takes people off guard.
Great quote! Lol. Quick fire round, how quick can you go!
Favourite group: Music? Lately, Johnny Cash. It was U2 for a long time. And Tom Petty.
Favourite colour: black. It’s all I wear. It makes it easy to do laundry and pick out clothes to wear.
Favourite food: pizza
Favourite film: Armageddon
Favourite actor/actress: Morgan Freeman/Cate Blanchett
Favourite season: high summer
Some wonderful choices there! Finally, any words of advice?
Rules are for people who don’t know what to do.
Thank you, for taking the time to sit and do an interview! To keep up to date with Sierra please find her at,
Author Website: sierraglassbooks.com
Author Email: sierra@sierraglassbooks.com
https://www.facebook.com/Sierra.Marie.Glass/
https://www.facebook.com/authorsierraglass
Disclaimer. The opinions and views expressed in this article are the interviewees and may differ from the interviewer/general public. The works and images published here may be subject to the Author's Copyright, please do not copy the images as your own.
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