Author Interview with DeAnna Browne

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to author DeAnna Browne.  Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Who is DeAnna Browne? What inspired you to start writing?

My name is DeAnna Browne. I have been writing on and off since I was a teenager. It was mostly poetry when I was younger. When I had my first child, I began writing stories and songs for her. It wasn’t until I was thirty did I consider making this a profession.

What’s your favorite book you’ve written and why?

Demon Rising. While it is an exciting book with romance and adventure, it also deals with serious issues of family, abuse, trust, love, and being your own person.

What are the best and worst aspects of writing?

The best part is getting lost in the creative process and falling in love with your characters and world. The worst aspect is the self-doubt and how critical I can be on my own books.

How do you balance marketing one book and writing the next?

It is truly a balance of calendars, excel spreadsheets, and never ending to-do lists. I currently even schedule in breaks of just reading, so I make sure to keep a healthy balance.

Are you an Indie Author or are you part of a publishing house?

My first book was published with a small publishing house. After a year, I decided to make the switch to Indie and haven’t looked back.

What do you enjoy most about being an author?

I love books, story-telling, and being creative. Sorry I couldn’t pick just one.

Do you read books in the genre you write?

Yes. I read in almost every genre and have favorites in each. I write in several genres as well but keep within the Science Fiction and Fantasy category.

When you’re not writing, what do you do to recharge?

Read, first off. I also love hiking and spending time in nature.

Besides being an author, do you have a second job?

As a mother of five kids, I have a few side jobs I squeeze in where possible.

What makes you laugh?

I love to laugh, and usually turn to a classic comedy like MASH, the Office, and Parks and Rec.

What (not who) would you take to a lonely island?

A book, probably poetry. Even though it’s not my favorite genre, I can always read and re-read it, finding new meaning every time.

Who would you like to invite for dinner?

Ray Bradbury

It’s time to meet one of your characters. Which book is your character from?

HOOKED, book one in my Hard Wired Trilogy.

Who are you and what is your name?

Arianna Mendez, a sixteen year old girl.

Are you a fictional or historical figure?

Fictional.

What should we know about you?

I just want to live my life, not the one set out for me. But when you’re poor, options are limited. I’ll do what the government tells me in the hopes of a better future.

Tell us about your story. When and where is your tale set?

My tale is set in the future, when virtual reality surpasses people’s wildest dreams, and many struggle to remain in the real world. One of those people, being my dad, who continues barely existing in a VR coma. My mom has to work two jobs just to keep my brother and I fed. Unfortunately, my only option to help my mom and brother escape poverty is if I study the one subject I detest: virtual reality programming.

What is your personal goal? What do you ultimately want?

To help my family get out of poverty and stay together. It would be nice to be able to choose my own path or future, but that isn’t my reality. Our government will only pay for education if we go into the field they choose.

What is standing in your way? What conflict(s) do you face?

Despite my misgivings, I went to school and end up developing a rare talent. Now I must hide my ability or risk becoming a priceless commodity that governments and corporations will fight, steal or even kill to possess. As school officials tighten the shackles around me, I rebel against my imposed future and search for a way to save my family. Yet, running proves impossible, when the government is always one click away.

DeAnna, thank you so much for spending time with my readers.  How do they get a copy of your book?

At Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/HOOKED-Book-One-Hardwired-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B079ZX2JHX/

How do my readers connect with  you?

You can find me at www.deannabrowne.com.

I also have a newsletter where I send out deals, free short stories, and other good reads.

I frequent Facebook and Instagram as well.