Could You Tell Us About Yourself ?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to write stories. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was 12, and now, at 27, I’m finally published. Movies and books have always been a big part of my life, and story structure was always something I was analyzing. I spent so much time writing short stories growing up it was only a matter of time before I wrote a full-length book. It isn’t perfect, but boy do I love it.

What made you write your book (s) ?

I’ve always loved the horror genre, especially horror movies and television, and I wanted to create a T.V. show of my very own. My first novel, Division X, started as a pilot script for television, but then I googled the process of getting something green lit and abandoned ship. I turned my pilot episode into the first section of Division X and continued to write my would be T.V. series as a book series.

What is the first book you remember reading ?

I think it was Go, Dog. Go! or Are You My Mother? Not the Alison Bechdel graphic novel of the same name, but I’ve read that, too.

What’s your favourite book ?

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I’ve read it more times than any other book.

Who is your favourite author and why?

R.L. Stine. I owe him my love of horror and a large chunk of my childhood.

How many hours a day do you write?

Minimum of three hours. Not that I time it or clock in or out. It just so happens that’s the minimum amount of time I type behind the computer screen.

What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

My cataracts. They make it hard for me to see the screen sometimes.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Editing. Everybody has their own idea of what my novel should sound like or read like. I feel like I can never get anything to sound right.

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose and why?

J.K. Rowling. I’d want her to introduce me to her T.V. guys.

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

Music. It helps me block out the world.

What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?

Dr. Pepper, but I mostly drink water.

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?

I drink more Dr. Pepper.

Do you listen to music while you write your book (s) ?

Always.

Where do you get your idea (s) for your book (s) ?

They just come to me while I mull about. I’m constantly taking notes. If I sit still too long, my mind goes crazy. I try to keep myself distracted.

What is / was your writing process like?

I like to write during the day and pretend it’s a real job. It is in every way, except I don’t get paid.

Do you try more to be original or rather give readers what they want?

Give readers what they want. Nothing’s original. As long as you put your spin on something, it’ll stand out.

How did publishing your (first) book go?

It was like pulling teeth. Three years of constant rejections, almost 300 queries sent out, and in the end, I feel like I’m right back where I started when looking at all the books I have yet to publish.

What kind of research do you do and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I write horror fiction, so aside from researching locations, I mostly go in blind and operate on feeling.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

I spend years drafting the story arcs, the character arcs, and the settings I want everything to take place in.

What’s your favourite and least favourite part of publishing your book (s) ?

My favorite part of publishing is finally getting it over with and having my book out in the world. The whole process is very stressful. There’s a lot of moving pieces I have to make sure are running correctly. Editing is my least favorite. I hate feeling stupid.

What part of the book was the most fun to write?

I had the most fun writing Desert Appetites in Division X. In that section, our hero finds herself captured by a town full of inbred redneck serial killers in the New Mexican desert. Lots of carnage ensues. I went wild.

 How did you come up with the title for your book (s) ?

Division X is structured like a season of X-Files or an MIB movie with multiple main villains, so I wanted a title that could hopefully convey the monstrous subject matter as quickly as possible. Division X is what I went with.

Would you and your main character get along?

Yes, definitely. We’re both writers, and we both aren’t that good at it, according to editors. We also both have siblings which drive us crazy. Our taste in movies differs, though. I love horror, but Randi hates it.

If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

I’d tell them I’m their creator, and then I’d tell them their futures.

Which of the characters in your book (s) do you relate to the most and why?

I relate to the main character the most. I feel like a vanilla person compared to most people around me, who are all more interesting. I’m really bland, but I gave my main character, Randi, a little more to work with. She’s a werewolf.

What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?

The structure. I initially didn’t have chapters, just six main sections and scene breaks within them. Throwing chapter breaks in really screwed some things up, but it helped with other things. Even though it allows the reader to take pause, it disrupts the flow of the novel in some noticeable areas.

How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?

Anyone who likes horror, creature features, and slashers will enjoy Division X. As the series goes on, I’ll have covered so many genres of horror. I really think someone who likes gore and monsters as much as I do will love this series.

What did you edit out of your book (s) ?

Some pointless conversations, and a lot of scene breaks which I think should have stayed in. The book reads the same, but a sudden P.O.V. shift will come out at you on occasion.

What was your hardest scene to write?

In the first section Bark at the Moon, Randi, the main character, and Becca, her cousin, are having a conversation outside by a former pigpen about the werewolf attack they just survived. It took almost 15 re-writes of this scene to get their characters to sound right.

How long did it take for you to write a book ?

Division X, the first in a series of four, took me less than a year. Division X 2 took me a year and a half, and so did Division X 3.

What do you hope your readers take away from your book (s) ?

I just want them to smile and enjoy themselves. If my book isn’t entertaining you, put it down.

What was the hardest part of writing your book (s) ?

Editing. I’ll plan ahead for years, write everything carefully and completely, and then be told, “Do it better.”

Did you get some negative feedback on your book ? and if so how do you deal with that ?

I did. Aside from my editors and their aforementioned feedback, the very first review I received was a DNF (did not finish). She said she stopped at page 86 citing the characters, narrative, and writing to be terrible. I didn’t get my second review for 5 days. It was a 5 star review, but those five days were long, let me tell you.

How did you feel when you first published your book (s) ? Scared ? Excited ? Nervous?

Excited. My manuscript was rejected for three years, so finally seeing it published was surreal. I almost couldn’t believe it was happening.

Where can people who are interested in your book, buy your book ?

Amazon and my publisher website. I’ll drop the amazon link here.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

Yes, I’m really close to starting Division X 4 while I’m busy editing the second and third books in the series. It’s a lot to take care of, but it keeps me busy.

After writing your book (s) what is your advice to people who want to become writers?

Write what you want to read. That way when the editors inevitably tell you how good it really is, you’ll still enjoy your book. In all honesty, just be personal with what you write. Leave your mark and worry about editing later.

What are common traps for aspiring writers and have you faced any of them ?

The get rich quick scheme applies to the writing industry as it does everywhere else. There’s no quick way to fame unless you get lucky. Just write the story you want to tell. Edit it later and publish it after that. If no publisher wants it, self-publish it. You may not make any money, but if you’re in this business to make money, you’re in the wrong place.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I read them all. I’ve heard all the good and bad things before. The way I see it, some people will like your book for what it is and others won’t. Readers want different things from you, but as long as you make your writing entertaining, you’ll find your audience.

Is there something more you want to tell us which I forgot to ask about?

My favorite color is red, thanks for asking ☹

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