About Annabelle Lewis:
Annabelle Lewis, a pseudonym for the author, lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Regrettably? Perhaps. She still believes she’s a Texan even though the math no longer supports that. Nor her birthplace. Nor her residence. No offense, Minnesota. You’ve got your good points too, but only about six months of the year.
In her youth, Annabelle was a complete failure. Ask anyone who knew her. Any of her teachers and family would tell you this. High school graduation was a sad day for all when Annabelle walked proudly off the high school stage, her thoughts consumed with boys, beer, and after-parties, and later into the arms of her parents. Her father’s laughter and singular remark? “I didn’t think you’d make it. Get a job at the post office, they have a good retirement plan.”
A high bar and words to live by, but Annabelle wanted more. She needed to flunk out of college too. But damn, she sure did have a good time. Arrest records not-withstanding, it was a growth period for our girl. And if you look closely, you’ll see a bit of what was to come when she majored in criminal justice. Her lifelong aspiration was to become a judge. Hmm.
For better or worse, Annabelle didn’t graduate from college but did find gainful employment and a fulfilling career. This path ended when she became a mom. Married to her wonderful George, who to this day can hardly remember an actual proposal, Annabelle finally became a mother. She didn’t have a clue how hard she would need to work to keep those self-imposed requirements of Downey-fresh, iron-pressed sheets, home-baked meals, and mom-of-the-year awards arriving. She composed a small self-affirmation song and made her children sing it to her for money. She was a very good mom.
After clearing the largest hurdles of motherhood and regrettably, begrudgingly, and not-without-tears, launching her children onto the world, she looked around and realized she had a lot to say. Picking up a laptop, she got to work.
Annabelle spends her days continuing to tackle the challenges of motherhood, for both her humans and canines. She also writes. And reads. And cleans. And cooks. And bakes. And cleans again. She also supports her husband, George, in an administrative capacity for their small business. She’s in charge of payroll and cuts George’s checks. This leads to no marital acrimony.
In the beginning, with the blank page staring at her and possibly in a hostile mood after being literally mauled by a dog and by the world in general, she had an idea. What if she could wield a force of good upon unsuspecting evil-doers? What if she had the resources to get the job done without dealing with committee and anyone else’s whiney-ass opinions?
It was gold. It took off. Annabelle sat down and began to write and couldn’t stop. To date, having written over a million words in the Carrows Family Chronicles and her second series on the Boston Clairvoyants, several items have become quite clear. Annabelle had a lot to say. Annabelle really enjoys writing. And although she hates all things technology, she begrudgingly pounds her head on her desk daily as obstacles are thrown in her path. Almost a hero.
Since entering her world of make-believe, she has rebelled against all intrusion of real-world responsibilities. Her house is a mess, but she tries. Her family is fed, but more often than not, on takeout. She vows to shower every day, but no, it’s a vow she’ll never keep. Her friends are neglected, but not in her heart.
Read her mordacious blog! Read her books! Follow her on social platforms! Sign up for her newsletter! These are all good things. What are you waiting for? Jump into bed with Annabelle. She’s having a swell time. You should join her.
What inspires you to write?
Injustice. Love. Humor. Life. I feel compelled to champion and save the screwed-over.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
So many. C.S. Lewis made me fall in love with books. I usually read fiction – mystery, some romance, and historical fiction. Lee Child, Michael Connelly, John Sanford, Anya Seton, Margaret George . . .
Tell us about your writing process.
I outline now more than I did when I began writing. I find it helps to have the story plotted rather than to pull the story apart over and over and over while you're writing it. Of course, after I'm done, I usually have to do that anyway with an editor! Because I write mystery capers where a con is in play, theory of mind can be challenging. He knows she knows but she knows he knows, etc. It can be challenging. A complete storyboard and a separate storyboard for each character can be helpful.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I usually have a strong image of what they physically look like before I begin writing for them. I create character sketches and even shop for their clothes. Often though, the character will reveal more about themselves and surprise me as they unfold. It's truly fun to have your characters run away and take on their own lives, but it can wreck havoc on a plot! I absolutely listen to them though. It's kind of their story!
What advice would you give other writers?
Sit down and write. About anything.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to self publish because I wanted my characters and stories born. I didn't want to spend my precious time – potentially years – querying for agents and publishers hoping that during someone's 5-second glance at my work, they'd like it. Daunting and anxiety-producing efforts would take all the joy out of the creative process for me. Also, I wanted full control and rights over my work. Sometimes, publishers will purchase the rights or intellectual property, but then shelf it. The thought of that was over-whelming. Also, I've been told I would still have to do the lion's share of marketing. So whatevs.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
It's exciting. But I think it's an uphill battle for good work to be discovered.
What genres do you write?: Mystery, Caper, Romance, Suspense, Humor
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Annabelle Lewis Home Page Link
Link To Annabelle Lewis Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
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