Author Bio:
Chariss K. Walker, M.Msc., an award winning author, writes nonfiction and fiction books with a message. All of her books are sold worldwide and are available in eBook and paperback, many in large print. Chariss lives in Amarillo, Texas.
Nonfiction books:
Make a Joyful Noise: Searching for a Spiritual Path in a Material World (won six awards for inspiration and devotional study, including Gold in the 2009 Mom’s Choice Awards for Most Inspirational/Motivational Book of the Year).
Make a Joyful Noise Study Guide, a companion to the book
Chakra Basics: Fundamentals of Spiritual Growth
The Spiritual Gifts: Understanding for the Great Shift and Beyond
Love & Sex: A Personal Journey (co-authored with David A. Brither, M.Msc.)
Fiction books:
The Retreat
The Journey
Kaleidoscope, a paranormal thriller
For more information about this author, visit her Author Page at www.chariss.com
What inspires you to write?
When I am writing nonfiction, I write to share what I have learned over a lifetime of study and educational endeavors. For fiction books, I receive inspiration to write. Funny twist of words, but it is true. For example, when I wrote Kaleidoscope, it was inspired from my own dream. I dreamed that I was viewing images of the future through a kaleidoscope. In that childhood toy, I didn’t see pretty colored images, I saw a terrifying scene of the future, a disaster. I was awake for the rest of the night thinking about what I had seen. I began to write that book the next morning and it evolved from there.
Tell us about your writing process.
I write every day, particularly during the school year when my teenage daughter is in school. I treat my writing the same as anyone would treat their job. I go to work at a set time and I quit at a set time. I usually have a goal in mind. For example, perhaps that particular day, I set a goal for five or ten completed written pages. I write only. I might read what I have written but I refrain from editing. I just keep writing to reach my goal. The editing will come much later in my creative process. Then, as I edit, I add to what was written followed by more editing. It was obvious to me when I began my writing career that I needed to ‘know where I was going in order to get there.’ I call that mapping or outlining the direction the book will go. I might even develop chapter headings for nonfiction books. I find it helps to keep me on track and to prevent writer’s block. For fiction books, it is more of a ‘flying by the seat of my pants’ experience. I let the story take me there but I still put in the time each day the same as for nonfiction writing.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Yes, when I am writing fiction I listen to the voices of my characters. For me, it is very distinct. If they have a particular dialect or verbiage they use, I use it to help develop their character.
Who are your favorite authors?
There are far too many to list. I simply love most authors that I have read. Usually, when I find an author and like the first book that I read, I read everything they have written before moving to the next author.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
After going the route with both traditional publishers and vanity press (those publishers who charge you to self-publish — I know that is a true dichotomy, isn’t it?), I learned enough to do it myself and without the hassle of someone else telling me what was important. It was hit and miss at first and I made some mistakes that are still hanging around on the web, but I wanted my writing available in eBook as well as in print. Things were a lot different six years ago. The eBook revolution was just beginning to take off and so were Indie Authors. With Kindle, it was easy. Now that I have 15 books published, I wouldn’t have it any other way and I am proud to be an Indie Author.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
It is pretty obvious that in this electronic age, we must make the necessary changes to keep up with technology. Change is often painful, but it is necessary for progress. If traditional publishers would get on board, they might salvage their reputation and livelihood rather than letting Amazon walk away with it while they are busy bickering.
What genres do you write?
Nonfiction, body mind and spirit, inspirational, chakras, Fiction thriller, paranormal, contemporary women,
What formats are your books in?
Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Chariss K. Walker Home Page Link
Link To Chariss K. Walker Page On Amazon
Link to Author Page on other site
