We were lucky to catch up with Steve Altier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Steve, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents, Charlie and Joanne, taught me that hard work pays off. I had to work for everything I have ever had in life. Even as a child, we had to do chores to earn money to buy the things we wanted. You learn to appreciate what you have and take care of the things you worked hard for. I want also to mention my parents purchased the Dam Keepers house in 1969, and many of my stories are based on where I grew up on Lizardville Road in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for the inspiration.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I had aspirations of being a writer when I was young. As a child, I enjoyed writing my own stories. I loved the written word but had little time to read. I took a journalism course in high school. But I never followed that path. Life, however, as with most people, took me on a different journey. After high school, I joined the Air Force and spent four years serving and protecting this great country.
I raised three daughters, and I don’t regret any of the decisions I made along the way. Not too long after, my youngest went off to college. I had this crazy dream. It was late November, and a young brother and sister got an early start on writing a letter to Santa. After dropping the letter in the mail, Father came home from work telling the family that to keep his job. He would have to move the family across the country just before Christmas. The siblings panicked. How was Santa going to find them at Christmas? Father was quick on his feet and told his children that Santa had this elite group of elves, called the Family Moving Department. Better known as the FMD. They track kids moving year-round so Santa can find all the good boys and girls at Christmas. I decided it was time to follow my dream, so I started writing ‘We Can’t Move at Christmas,’ About a year later the story was published.
I’ve been writing for almost twelve years now. Last year I signed a five-year, ten-book deal with 4 Horsemen Publications. That is every writer’s dream. Today, I’m a bestselling paranormal, mystery, and suspense author. I’m known for my multi-award-winning series, The Lizardville Ghost Stories and The Ghost Hunter. I also have a fun line of middle-grade stories, The Gabby and Maddox adventure series, including ‘We Can’t Move at Christmas’ Several of my works have appeared in the national literary magazine “Story Monsters Ink.”
I have several new stories in the works. ‘Over the Falls with Gabby and Maddox’ will be released in September 2023. Along with ‘Old Man Smither’s,’ another Ghost adventure will be released in March 2024. Then later in 2024, you can expect the final chapter in the Lizardville Ghost Story Series.
Dive into my world at www.stevealtier.com
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I attend many events and have the opportunity to speak on panels. I hear aspiring authors and new writers discussing how they write to become rich and famous.
I always tell them the only people knocking on their door are their family and friends because they want a free book. My goal is to share as many stories with the world as possible. I write to leave something behind. One day I won’t be here, but my stories will live on forever. That is what drives me.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
You have to find the social media platforms that work for you and post often. It takes time, so you have to be patient. I’ve been writing for almost twelve years. I’ve learned to enjoy the journey.
Yes, I talk about my books, but the readers want more personal information. They need to know who I am. You have to be willing to talk about you and your family a little. After all, the readers are a part of your family.
I also attend many events. You have to get out in front of people and meet new readers. I love this aspect of my job. If they like my stories, I could have a reader for life.
Advice? Start your social media early. If you are an aspiring writer, don’t wait. Publishing houses look at how many people follow you on social media. Be patient and enjoy every step of the journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stevealtier.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorstevealtier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSteveAltier/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-altier-7b21b272/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevealtier1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2RlUsKSyuSzdXIBa_d4sw
- Other: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7129880.Steve_Altier Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Steve-Altier/e/B00FFLIJ3Y BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/steve-altier NewsLetter: http://eepurl.com/cMcTST