Please Welcome Author Annie Brewer!

Today I am really excited to have my friend and author Annie Brewer on The Cover Contessa for an interview! I was fortunate enough to be able to read and ARC of Annie's book Back To You before it was published.

Annie Brewer(29) leads several lives. At home she's a caring mother of two with a heart of gold. Online, she's a best friend to several and puts a smile on her many fans every time she utters a word. In her own world, she's a dreamer. But the biggest part of her is made of books, books, and more books. It's not a surprise she's turned out to be such a talented young author. Some of her many hobbies include reading, drooling over Ian Somerhalder, Channing Tatum,and Christian Grey (etc.), reading, reviewing, reading, watching Vampire Diaries, reading, and last but not least WRITING like a maniac. She currently resides in Texas, where she dies of heat-strokes every few seconds, with her many books and book-boyfriends, and her two adorable little girls. Her new novel Back to You will be published in July of 2012. 

You can find Annie here: Goodreads

On the outside, 17 year old Abby Lewis has it all. She is dating the HS Football star, has a best friend anybody would kill for and a love and passion for singing that could send her to Broadway. But on the inside a storm is raging inside of her that she can no longer hide. As her life at home becomes more unbearable she turns to the only rock she has ever known, Lucas. When her father abandoned her and her sister, Lucas was there to help her pick up the pieces. And now that her dad wants back in her life, Lucas will again be her source of strength. But she isn't his and Abby can't stand the thought of being anyone else's. Will she ever be able to let go of the past? Or will she let it control her for good?


Title: Back To You

Publication Date: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Self published

Add Back To You to your TBR HERE

Buying Links: Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble

Now let's hear what Annie had to say!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I guess I've always had a passion for writing, but never thought to write for a living. I constantly had fights with the voices inside my head and I now see their reason for being there. They wanted to be set free.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Well, my first one was 4 months. But I would give an average of 6 months to write and edit before it's complete. It really depends on alot of things though-how much time and dedication I put in each week.

What do you think makes a great story?

I think great character development is one of the biggest part of a great story. Readers like to connect with some of the characters-especially the main ones. Also, the emotions that are used are important. I'm an emotional person and NEED to feel what the characters are going through as if I'm experiencing it myself. I think angst, suspense and plenty of romance are needed. I like stories that have alot of funny moments too. It can be serious all the time.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Lately, I'm writing every chance I can get. I'm almost finished with my current project, so every spare time I have, I use it for my book.

How do you balance family and writing?

Haha, well my kids are at school during the day, I'm writing. My kids are at home, I'm writing. Do you see a pattern here? But seriously, its a struggle though I do find time to spend with them, I try to write mostly after they go to sleep.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Oh my, most of my ideas come from my brain. But I've had some ideas spring up while reading a book, though it had nothing to do with it. They come to me in the shower for the most part and I get the information from the internet or other soures as needed. 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? 

That once I come up with one idea and start writing it, another one follows. So I've got notebooks for each book I plan on writing, because the ideas are endless. But it's alot of fun regardless.

How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

Well, I've finished one but started 6 not counting the one I'm working on. And I honestly have to say the one I'm writing now is my favorite and it will be a trilogy. It's been a great journey so far and it's getting more intense and emotional.

Are your characters based on anyone you know?

All of my characters possess qualities of people I know. But not one person in particular, it's more of a cluster of people. They all have their own personalities though. I like to make them unique and their own people too.

Do you have a favourite place you love to write?

My bathroom-where I can think clearly and write uninterrupted. I also like to write at a park I take my kids to play at. Being outside is great inspiration.

How hard is is to get published?

It can be tricky, they have so many rules and restrictions-that is if you plan to publish traditionally. But self-publishing is the way to go when you have a big fanbase. Then you can have blog tours for reviewers to get the word out. Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble are all easy to publish your books through. Thank God for ebooks.

What do your family and friends think about your books?

I've got the best support system. My friends are very excited and encouraging. My family are always keeping a positive attitude. My daughters are proud of me and are always talking about me being famous. One day, I tell them.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I like shopping, traveling, spending my time with my loves and of course reading. I read everyday. I love getting lost in a great book, with amazing and unforgettable characters.

Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so, what are they?

Keep your head up and stay positive. Always follow the voices in your head, they will always guide you. Write day and night, and then write some more. Make outlines,  and don't stop until you're satisfied with how the story unfolds. Always believe your writing will improve, cause it will.

 As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A vet, teacher, marine biologist(though that was short lived when I learned I had to swim in the ocean).

What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?

I have like many shelves full but okay:

Cassandra Clare-The Mortal Instruments the whole series

AL Jackson- Take this Regret and Pulled

SC Stephens

Suzanne Collins

Rachel Vincent-The Soul Screamers series

Kendare Blake-Anna Dressed in Blood

CJ Roberts-Captive in the Dark/Seduced in the Dark

Katherine Allred-Sweet Gum Tree

Jamie McGuire- Beautiful Disaster

Katie McGarry-Pushing the Limits

And the list goes on....

For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published?

Hire a professional artist to illustrate your cover. Hire a professional to edit. Read it over and over before sending it to the editor. EDIT EDIT EDIT before publishing.

What are you working on now?

It's called Choices. Its very dramatic and angsty with romance. I'm getting to the end and really excited. It's the first book in a trilogy.

Annie, thanks so much for coming here today! It's been a pleasure having you! Looking forward to more books from you in the future :)