Meet Courtney Davis
Indie Author Spotlight
Welcome to Indie Author Spotlight where I interview indie authors I’ve met through the interwebs whose online ramblings have inspired me to break down and read their books. It is truly a unique opportunity to be able to talk directly to the author about a book you’ve read. I thought I might as well share that conversation with you, reader. You’re welcome. Let’s get on with the interview, shall we?
Courtney Davis is an award-winning author of urban fantasy, urban fantasy mystery and space fantasy with a little romance and humor thrown in. This Fall she published her 10th novel and already has two set for release next year with 5 Pince Publishing. She loves creating worlds and exploring human and inhuman interactions. She grew up, and currently resides in, North Idaho along with her husband, children and pets–teaching, reading, writing and soaking up sunshine.
What do you write?
I like to write about romance and human and sometimes less than human... interactions. This most recently has all been in the urban fantasy genre however I have written contemporary stuff in the past and the last couple of things I have written (currently unpublished) have been looks at alternate futures without magic or supernatural elements involved. I don't box myself in to one thing, but write what feels good, which is also why some of my stories veer toward very spicy and some are extremely mild. I give the story what it needs without a concern for what may or may not sell best.
How did you originally get into writing fiction?
I have always loved reading fiction and when I was in middle school I was told for the first time that I had a bit of a knack for telling a story. I let that though fester in my baby brain and when I was eighteen I started writing my first book that I actually finished. I love everything about fiction and what it can do for readers, giving them an escape from reality and helping readers see a different way of life than the one they may be in.
How do you make time to write between being a full-time Kindergarten teacher and mom?
I write at night after dinner and I write on my lunch break at work. On weekends I try to write in the mornings, it tends to be my most productive time. I am determined to be a writer, so I make time. It helps that my youngest is six. I had a hard time when they were young, I took a nine year break from writing because of having young ones.
What criticism have you received as a writer that has helped you grow?
The criticism that I have taken the most to heart of my writing is that some of my earlier stories tend to jump a bit and so I try to slow transitions a bit more while still keeping up on action. I don't like when a book is long on transitions that don't add to the story, so finding the balance there is what I am striving to do now.
What do you like to read and does that influence the kind of books you write?
I love to read urban fantasy, dark romance, and the occasional other sorts of things to stretch my view. I think I am influenced somewhat by what I read, it helps me to see what I like and don't like and encourages me to keep going. I purposefully read a variety so that I have a wide view of what's out there.
Do you see yourself in any of the characters you’ve created? Which ones?
I haven't written anyone that is particularly me. But I do use some of my own experiences and feelings in my writing often. I draw on what I know to help create characters that are hopefully more believable and relatable.
You’ve written two series and several stand-alone books. Do you have a preference and how do you decide whether a story idea is series material?
I think stand alones are my favorite, because I like to write something and move on to the next thing. I have so many ideas it kills me that I can't write them all right now! However, I have written a 4 book series, the Fawn Malero mystery series, it is a cozy mystery urban fantasy series. I did start that intending it to be a series because when the idea came to me I saw it as a series. The Atlantis trilogy did start as just the one book idea but as I wrote I saw the other stories needing to be told and so before I finished the first one I knew it would be a trilogy. I am a firm believer in letting the story and characters tell me what they want and need.
Do you have a clear plan as to where your series are headed from the start or do you make it up as you go?
With Fawn's series I just knew that I wanted her solving mysteries with her group of friends, no real end in sight. And even as it is at book 4 with no more in sight, I know I could continue it. unfortunately the publisher who has that series passed away and so it's future is uncertain. With the Atlantis trilogy I had a vague idea of story, more I knew the couples I wanted to tell the story of and the rest came along as I wrote.
What are some of the benefits to working with a small press?
I don't have experience with self publishing and I don't have experience with a big 5, but I can say that I have worked with multiple publishers, both in the last few years as I have been writing these 10 books and years ago when I was young and writing only ebooks under a different name. I like working with small to mid size publishers and have no complaints other than, hey I wish I could sell more books to more people! There's no guarantee a big 5 would do me any better though. I don't have the time, knowledge, or energy to do all the editing and formatting and cover stuff my own, I respect those who can. It seems like a ton of work. So being with my publishers has been a great experience.
You do a lot of local signing events. How did you go about setting that up?
I just got out of my comfort zone and started making phone calls and emailing them. It's really easier than people think. A lot of places are more than happy to let local authors in. It just takes asking, which for me wasn't exactly easy especially at the beginning.
As an indie author it’s imperative to be on social media. What platforms are you on and what have you found to be the most useful social media strategies in growing your readership?
I am on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. I also have a website and a newsletter. I am on goodreads and bookbub as well as an author page on amazon. I think I am easy to find if anyone is looking!
I think consistency is big, make sure you are posting daily. Not just about books but you should definitely be mostly posting about writing or advertising your books so people remember what you're there for. If it's nothing but advertising it might get boring, people like to feel like they know you a bit too. I also try and advertise other books and authors, make my pages about more than just what I write so readers will interact and see more of what I post.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a space fantasy. It will be my second space fantasy, Princess of Prias was the first. It is officially a first rough draft done, and I am doing a first go through, filling in holes and such that I left out intentionally as I was drafting. It is about a woman who is a thief in space and her adventures after saving a gladiator imprisoned on a desert planet.
Where can readers find you?
Website: www.authorcourtneydavis.com
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/authorcdavis
Facebook: https://facebook.com/authorcdavis
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorcourtneydavis
Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/authorcdavis
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Thank you for doing it!
Thank you for the interview!