I recently got to interview Darragha Foster, author of Teaching Old Gods New Tricks.

Image found on Darragha’s website

Tell me a bit about yourself.

Darragha Foster enjoys the twisted and unusual. She finds inspiration all around her. Even in the cold case at the grocer…where she is no longer welcome. But that’s another story…

Why did you start writing? How long have you been writing?

The only thing I ever wanted to be was “a writer.” I wrote my first book in the fourth grade.

What type of genre do you write?

Right now I am published in paranormal romances.  I am writing an alternative inspirational (non-Christian) and a young adult book presently.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or acknowledge?

I am grateful.  Period.  To everyone—even those that force me to “learn lessons.”

Do you consider yourself a writer or an author? Why?

Authors are published and are making money. Writers write, but don’t necessary go through the birthing process of putting out a book.  I am an author.

Who’s your favorite author? What’s your favorite genre? What’s your favorite story/book? 

I always say that I am my favorite author.  I like all genres.  I mostly read non-fiction for pleasure.  My favorite books are A Wizard of Earthsea and The Phantom Tollbooth.

How did you get people to know about your stories/books? (i.e. promotion methods)

Nothing works but word of mouth.  I have done it all re:  promotions.

How do you judge if you are successful?

I’ve always known that I am a success.  There really is no way for me to fail.

Do you write on any writing sites, like Wattpad.com? If so, which and what do you think of them?

Gods, no.

Have you been published, such as self-published or through a publishing house? If so where can people find you books?

Let’s see…my publishers are or have been:

Atlantic Bridge (open but not active)

Liquid Silver Publishing (current—many books with them)

Summerhouse Press (closed)

Forevermore Books (closed)

Loose-ID (closing)

I do have a handful of “indy” books out.  My publisher published books are available everywhere.  My indy books are on Amazon, only.  I’ve decided to query agents again so that I can get a foot in the door with a “big house.”

How do you overcome writer’s block?

Never had it.

What is your proudest moment as a writer?

This morning.  Getting out of bed.

My first royalty check was great.  When one of my characters was named in the top 25 “most unusual heroes” was cool. Being recognized is cool.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Where don’t I?  Everything and anything can be a source of inspiration.

What book/story has been the most fun to write? Which was the least fun to write?

Mooncusser Cove was fun to write.  The research amused me.  The least fun is any book that my editors pick apart.

What character (yours or any other) would you want to be and/or what world would you want to live in?

Oh, now that’s an interesting question.  I did live as one of my characters.  I walked where she walked, experienced similar circumstances with descendants of the people she interacted with and became ill with the same illness.  Took me twenty years to figure all this out.  Blew my mind.  Wrote a book about it.  Thorgunna. Love’s Second Sight.

Imagine you could do anything you wanted—“in the real world” (you had enough money, time, etc), what would you do?

I’d quit my day job and stay home and write full time.  But money isn’t everything.  I have desires and deluded impulses that don’t involve money.

What advice do you have for other (or new) writers?

Write every day.

Good editors make good books.  Even if you are an indy writer, use a professional editor.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

“The urge to write has its own mind, body and force of will.  Holding it back would be like stopping a flood with a spoon.”

Thank you Darragha for your time. Good luck in your future endeavors.

You can learn more about Darragha at her website, her blog, or on Facebook.