My name is Missouri Vaun and I write romance, sci-fi and adventure novels, published by Bold Strokes Books. Each of my novels is featured on my website: missourivaun.com
What is/are the real-life story(ies) behind your book(s)?
A lot of my novels are set in the Deep South, based on my experiences growing up there. Even some of the science fiction stories feature elements and settings from the South.
What inspires/inspired your creativity?
I worked in journalism for about 12 years prior to starting to write fiction.
How do you deal with creative block?
I usually have multiple projects in process so that if I get stuck on one story I can set it aside and work on something else. Most of the time, allowing your brain to relax and refocus will restart the creative process.
Do you have tips on choosing titles and covers?
Doing a search on Amazon when you’re considering a title is a good idea. You want whatever you end up with to be unique and original. I would say the title is the hardest part because it should be alluring but at the same time a bit mysterious. Something to pull the reader into checking out your story.
How do bad reviews and negative feedback affect you and how do you deal with them?
Constructive feedback is a good thing. It’s good to pay attention if multiple reviewers are saying the same thing, then maybe that’s something to examine within your own work. But I think it’s important not to let negative reviews or reviews in general get inside your head. It’s important to find your own voice as a writer.
What were the best, worst and most surprising things you encountered during the entire process of completing your book(s)?
The best part has been how much I’ve learned and grown as a writer from working with my editor.
What are your plans for future books?
I have a new Science Fiction novel launching mid 2020 titled, The Sea Within.
Tell us some quirky facts about yourself
Missouri Vaun is a pen name. It was my great-grandmother’s name and so now she is writing novels from beyond the grave.
Twitter: @missourivaun
Facebook: facebook.com/missourivaun