Could You Tell Us About Yourself ?
I grew up on Vancouver Island then moved to Vancouver to work as a TV, film, and commercial actress. Eventually I left the industry for a quieter life on a boat, where I worked as a clothing designer for rock bands. Five years later I moved to Abbotsford to attend university where I fell in love with creative writing.
What made you write your book (s) ? Great question!
I was sitting on the sofa with Molly, my puppy and a newsflash popped up on tv about a musician who was charged with sexually assaulting young women. It made me sick and the only way I could think of to get this awful news out of my head was to write about it. That’s where I got the idea for One Take Jake.
What is the first book you remember reading ?
Dick and Jane
What’s your favourite book ?
Anything by Stephen King or David Baldacci
Who is your favourite author and why?
I love the linear way that Stephen King writes, but I’m also equally mesmerized by David Baldacci’s work. Baldacci has an almost magical way of using layers to thicken his story plots.
How many hours a day do you write?
I write 2,500 to 3,000 words a day. Sometimes I can finish my daily quota in half the day, while on other days if I’m distracted, and it can take me well into the evening to finish my quota.
What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Super question! Hmm. The only thing that comes to mind is the most important thing I could sacrifice-Time.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Distractions. Puppy needs, phone ringing, emails…life stuff.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose and why?
Wouldn’t this be wonderful? I’d say it would be a toss up between David Baldacci and Stephen King. Both for different reasons. I think Baldacci would take my brain on a journey, whereas King would be laid back and a great conversationalist.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I definitely need quiet. It’s amazing how much outside noises can interrupt the flow of your writing.
What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?
Strawberries, cheese, crackers, and water
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
Honestly, I go and buy great ingredients and make a wicked meal. Then I watch a movie. And then, I look around my house and see all of the housework I’ve neglected to do while writing the book. Lol
Do you listen to music while you wrote your book (s) ?
I just started doing this. If I have a scene where a character has to kick some major ass, I listen to heavy rock (loud). And if I’m writing a scene where there is sadness and loss, I listen to more low-key and emotional tunes.
Where do you get your idea (s) for your book (s) ?
I get my ideas primarily from reading about current social issues such as, abuse, drug addiction, sex trade, crime, etc.
What is / was your writing process like?
I try to put in an hour of writing when I first wake up. Then, I get breakfast, walk the pup, and get back to writing.
Do you try more to be original or rather give readers what they want?
I try to approach every story with originality for sure. I don’t think I’d do well if I wrote to please people. I think it may come off as being disingenuous.
How did publishing your (first) book ?
I think I queried about a hundred publishers before I signed a contract. It was nuts. No matter how good of a writer you are, getting published is like winning the lottery-slim odds. Too many writers, too few publishing houses accepting new authors.
What kind of research do you do and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I write a book in six weeks, two weeks I spend for research and outlining, and four weeks to write the novel.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
I usually start out having fairly innocent characters, that is until something happens to them that changes them significantly. I map out the skeleton of the story before I begin writing and then let my characters take me on a journey.
What’s your favourite and least favourite part of publishing your book (s) ?
Editing! Editing! Editing! I don’t mind editing someone else’s work but can’t stand doing my own. Not sure why this is. I’ve heard that a lot of authors love to edit. I can’t imagine why. Lol
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
One Take Jake was at times a blast to write because parts of it have a lot of humor. The entire book is written in musician speak, so that was fun as well.
How did you come up with the title for your book (s) ?
One Take Jake is what studio engineers call musicians who are able to record a perfect track in one take. As for the other 11 books, I think I just thought of a word that reflected the story. (Most of my book titles are one word.)
Would you and your main character get along?
(I love these questions!) I like some things about Lance, the protagonist in One Take Jake, but I don’t think I’d hang out with him. He’s too unpredictable and he’s motivated by revenge. With this in mind, I’d be nervous and would have to keep my back against the wall.
If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
In some cases, I would say, get the hell away from me. While with others, I would hug them and tell them that everything is going to be okay.
Which of the characters in your book (s) do you relate to the most and why?
In One Take Jake, I would relate to the character of Lance (protag) to some degree. He lost his baby sister after she was gang raped and then subsequently became a drug addict and overdosed. I felt his rage and understood his need for revenge. I have sisters. I can’t imagine the hate I would feel if someone hurt them.
What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?
I think the story became a lot tighter and more linear but kept the same heartbeat throughout.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
I think the perfect reader for this book would be someone who has lived a bit and has gone through some serious shit in their life. They would relate to a lot of what happens in the novel.
What did you edit out of your book (s) ?
I mostly edited grammatical errors and took out the odd sentence to keep the book flowing.
What was your hardest scene to write?
OMG! The murder scenes. Yikes! After writing two scenes in particular, I slept with the tv on. Lol
How long did it take for you to write a book ?
I write a book in six weeks. Two weeks I use to outline and do research and then I write the novel in four weeks.
What do you hope your readers take away from your book (s) ?
I hope they finish my books feeling somewhat enlightened to how people become the way they do-through circumstance and after being dealt some hard luck.
What was the hardest part of writing your book (s) ?
The beginning. Always. Incorporating all of the main characters into the story from the start is a bit like shuffling cards, they all have to fit.
Did you get some negative feedback on your book ? and if so how do you deal with that ?
When I was in university, my professors critiqued my first book. Some of their criticisms I listened to while others I kind of ignored. When it comes to critique, I am open but I definitely consider the source.
How did you feel when you first published your book (s) ? Scared ? Excited ? Nervous ?
Amelia, I freaked. I cried and jumped up and down like a weirdo. I was thrilled because at that point, I was aware of how difficult it is to get published. Woo Hoo. Party time. Lol
Where can people who are interested in your book, buy your book ?
My books are available through any reputable book seller such as Amazon, Kobo, Smash Words, etc.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
I am currently writing the sequel to One Take Jake. It’s called One Take Jake: Last Call. This book is insane. I love it! I’ve reached out to many rock stars worldwide and have gotten their permission/endorsement to appear in the novel, also, there are some surprise celebrities in this book as well. The story takes the reader on a wild ride, tons of suspense, action and yes, a few murders as well. The story is told in 1st person p.o.v for maximum impact. While writing this story, I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster.
After writing your book (s) what is your advice to people who want to become writers?
Run away. Join the circus or do anything else. But if you want to have a stress-free life, don’t become a professional author! (Just kidding, sort of) lol I was a guest speaker at a university awhile ago. I addressed a huge classroom of aspiring writers. I advised them all to be resilient and to not take rejection to heart. If you believe in yourself, it will happen for you, just don’t let anything derail you.
What are common traps for aspiring writers and have you faced any of them ?
The biggest traps I have seen are vanity presses. These companies will charge hopeful authors to publish their book. Stay away. Stay far away. It’s all bullshit! Never pay to have your book published unless you’re doing it yourself. These vanity press companies prey on your dreams.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I don’t read many reviews unless I respect the journalist/person giving their opinion. Miss Amelia is honest, bright and no bullshit! A respected interviewer.
Is it something more you want to tell us which I forgot to ask about?
Nothing to add. You asked such great/thorough questions. Thank you!
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