Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
Hi! I’m Audrey Simmons. I write primarily write fantasy with a dash of romance and under a pen name I write steamy romantasy (though I have yet to publish under that name). I’m also an artist so when I’m not writing, I’m drawing character art and fantasy maps. I have an adorable tree frog and two fluffy kitties and all of them can be very loud at times. I’m sure they just want to help me write.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
Honestly, it largely depends on the story and which book, first or sequels, I’m working on at the time.
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
My various series being fantasy/romantasy means the whole thing is one long story following one main character and so far they’ve just naturally progressed without much worry about things getting stale. Having beta readers stick around for the whole journey also really helps though.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Don’t feel bad about taking breaks. Refilling the creative well is important. Hanging out with friends, going to a museum, watching a movie, talking a walk out in nature are all things I like to do to refill the well. Making new experiences is a great way to get inspiration.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
In theory I spend at least five hours writing but I also have focus issues so in actuality who knows.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
I absolutely love the male love interest in what will be my pen name debut but it’s not published yet so I’ll say Hemi from my Child of Prophecy series. He’s just so cheerful and laid back. He’s such a joy to write.
What is your definition of success?
At one point success was publishing a book, and then it was selling 100 copies. I’ve accomplished both now which I guess means I need a new definition. I think finishing my first series will be my next goal for success.
Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?
I’m excited to come back to Writer’s on the River. It was a ton of fun last year talking to people and sharing a love of books. If all goes according to plan, I’ll have my first actual romance book with me too.
What are your social links?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAudreyS, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoraudreysimmons/, Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/authoraudreys.bsky.social, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorAudreySimmons, Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22337899.Audrey_Simmons, Andrea Marie Johnson (pen name) Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAndiMarie, Andrea Marie Johnson (pen name) Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/authorandimarie.bsky.social
What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)
Author Home Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Audrey-Simmons/author/B09W5XSG55,
Child of the Moon universal link: https://books2read.com/u/m2QPW6,
Child of the Forest universal link: https://books2read.com/u/3Ljdp7
Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?
They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com
$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*
$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*
$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*
$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.
$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.