Interview with Stella Williams

Author of Maura’s Men Trilogy

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am originally from Oakland, CA but currently reside in Washington State.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I like to explore new places and see new things. That makes it fun to move around.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I was between jobs and i figured the least I could do was finish the book everyone had always told me I should write.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are a diverse paranormal romance that will keep you engaged and leave you swooning.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

A reader that loves diverse characters and story lines.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

The most unexpected thing I learned was just how much it can cost to publish an indie title. The most surprising thing I learned is that there are still people in this world who won’t read a book simply because the person on the cover doesn’t look the way they do.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

If I could give my past self any advice, it would be to not worry so much about how writing diverse characters would be received because there is a market for everyone.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as possible.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

My biggest challenge to date has been my own tendency top procrastinate.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strength in book writing is my world-building, in publishing my commitment to diversity, and in marketing my willingness to advise and promote others.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness in all three is imposter syndrome. No matter how many books I write and publish, or new things I learn about marketing I always feel like a total newbie.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I think the real question is when am I ever not writing my next book.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self published under my own company Serpentine Creative.