Author Interview: Skye McNeil

Skye McNeil is the talented author of Hearts Abroad. Today I share my exclusive author interview with Skye.  McNeil shares how she began her writing journey and her goals for the future- enjoy!

Tell us a little about yourself...
Hello! My name is Skye McNeil and I'm from Iowa. During the day, I work at a law firm as a paralegal and at night, I'm mom to an 8 year old and two cats and two dogs. I write contemporary romance and romantic suspense. I have a not so secret obsession with Scotland and hope to make it there in the next decade. 

When did you know you wanted to be a writer? I've always loved books and making up stories. I think I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was seventeen years old. I wrote a full-length, historical romance set in Scotland and knew from then on I wanted to write for the rest of my life.

Can you share your journey to becoming a published author?
My journey to becoming a published author really didn't start until 2015. I had a publisher interested in my high school novel, but I'm glad nothing became of that because it needed a complete rewrite. I had the opportunity to start my writing career with Donuts, Diamonds, and Assorted Details. Since then a total of four publishers have taken a chance on me. It wasn't easy and I have an entire email folder full of rejection emails, but the struggle only made me stronger and more determined to succeed.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge, as an author?
My biggest challenge as an author is finding time to do everything. When I get into a "story" zone, I tend to let other things in my life slip a bit. Time management was never an issue until I started working on more than one project at a time. 

What do you find most rewarding, as an author?
The most rewarding thing as an author is when a reader emails or messages me and tells me how my story helped them or even gave them a reprieve from life for a little while. I like to interact with readers and fellow writers. They all help make me a better person and writer.

Share with us a daily habit of yours, that helps you reach your goals.
One of my good habits is listening to music. It really helps me get in the writing mood and encourages me to focus. 

What is one piece of advice you would share with an aspiring author?
One piece of advice from me would be to believe in yourself. Other people won't, so you must believe that you can and you will...eventually.

Finish these sentences:

I am most grateful for... my daughter. She keeps a smile on my face no matter the situation.

If I could give my 18 year-old self one piece of advice it would be...have confidence that you can do this.

My favorite thing about being a writer is...smelling fresh paperbacks of my books.

My least favorite thing about being a writer is...editing.

My goals for the future are...to be on the Best Seller's List.

I love living a creative life because...I never know where I'll end up in five years.

The last book I read was...Isabella by Cristina Hodgson

My favorite book, ever, is...Deep Blue by Kat Martin.

Outside of writing, my favorite hobby is...photography.

The most important thing to do if you want to achieve your goals is...believe you can and never give up.

A few more questions...

Tell us about your books (genre, where we can find them, etc.)
I write romantic suspense and contemporary romance. I always include humor in my books because I love to laugh. You can find all my books on Amazon or your favorite bookseller website.  

Where can readers find you (i.e. website, social media, etc.)?
Readers can find me on several social media platforms, plus my website:
Facebook
Website
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads 
Pinterest
Amazon
Bookbub
Smashwords

Stacey Ritz is a bestselling author and award winning writer. An empathetic and compassionate storyteller, Ritz wrote for a plethora of local and national news outlets, magazines, blogs, and websites (copywriter), prior to becoming a novelist. Her book, Covered in Pet Fur  has gained attention from RIVA Media and Animal Planet. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. – a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization that has saved more than 11,000 lives (and counting). She currently resides in Ohio. Ritz is published through Rockville Publishing. You can interact with Stacey online via Stacey's Book Blog and on Pinterest,

Ritz writes the following genres:
Non-Fiction:
Motivation/Inspiration
Writing/Publishing
Animal Welfare
Fiction:
Love Stories

Click here to view Stacey's fiction books.

Click here to view Stacey's non-fiction books