What genre do you write and why?
I have trouble
with this question usually because I find it hard to narrow down the genre for
the stories I write because it varies for each story. For example, my current work is a vampire
story. My last published work was an
erotic suspense thriller while my first published book was a non-fiction work
about my experiences with my son's autism diagnosis. If I had to pin down one
particular type of genre, I would say that I always wrote drama, but with
sprinkling of humour to ease seriousness of the subject.
What is your work in progress? Tell us about it.
My current work
in progress is a vampire trilogy called Scarlet Desire. Scarlet Desire started
out as a series that already had book one published and available to readers
since 2012, with book two and three
already completed with book covers and everything underneath the name
Destiny of the Vampire, ready to be published. Late last year, I felt in my
heart of hearts that the story and its characters didn't work and I didn't like
where their story was going, so I scrapped the works to start fresh. I've grown
as an author since then, learning some new things that I'm applying to this new
series. The characters are the same but the plot is different and I'm writing
in my true voice. I'm finally more comfortable and content by how this novel is
progressing.
Scarlet Desire
centres around three main characters, twin siblings Declynn and Sebastian
Sinclair and Hope Winters. During a fishing trip with their father, they
encounter a huge storm that capsizes their boat. Their father drowns but they
are sent adrift and wash ashore on a rugged deserted island. For months brother
and sister work together to survive on the island, but a confrontation between
them ends with their deaths. They 'wake' up from this fight to discover that
they were transformed into vampires by the island's secret vampire coven
leader. When Declynn breaks one of the leader's rules, she and her brother are
exiled. They manage to escape by stowing away on a boat which brings them to England
Who is
you favorite character in your book and why?
My favourite
character in this WIP has to be Declynn Sinclair. She is a bold, unapologetic,
carefree party girl who is into one night stands. Declynn is a lesbian and is
damn proud of it, often showing her affections in public. She is a extrovert in every sense of the
word, flamboyant and blunt but she has a hidden soft side. Declynn often
quarrels with her brother, Sebastian, teasing and insulting him, but she is fiercely protective and has a
deep desire to become a mother. Her intellect, skill and charm has made her a
force to be reckoned with in and out of the boardroom. I enjoy her because
Declynn is not afraid of what people think of her and I wish I could be more
like that.
Did you learn anything from writing your book that was
unexpected?
Though Scarlet
Desire is currently in first draft, I'm already learning many things from
writing it. This book is teaching me to slow down and really pay attention to
every detail of each scene, making sure it works and makes sense. In the past,
I was content with the story in my head and now I'm finding that I'm
questioning some of the scenes, the characters and plot and thinking of better
ways to improve upon it.
What marketing methods are you using
to promote your book?
I use social networking as my main means of
marketing my books through such sites as Facebook Twitter and Goodreads. I have my a blog that
features my work as well the work of other authors. I also do word of mouth
locally as the opportunities for book fairs, book signings and other events
aren't available where I live. Even if they were available, I wouldn't be able
to partake due to transportation and child care issues.
Who are your favourite authors?
I have many authors I enjoy, but I
have to say that my favourite authors are, Stephen King, Lauren Kate, Dan
Brown, L.J. Smith and any author of the suspense, thriller, paranormal/vampire
genres. I'm also a huge fan of indie authors.
What books or authors have most influenced your life?
Out of the list above, I have to say
the one author that has influenced my life is Stephen King. Stephen King
influenced me not so much for the books he wrote, but more for his life story.
I remember not long after giving birth to my eldest son, I fell into a deep
depression where I gave up everything I loved, including writing. After seeing
a documentary on his life, seeing the struggles that he went through in his
early years as a writer, it inspired me to return to my first love. Stephen
King suffered through a lot of hardships and rejections and went on to be a
very successful and well loved author. Maybe someday I could do the same. He
showed me there was still hope.
 |
| Tina Traverse |
What's the best thing about being a writer?
I always had all these stories and
dialogue dancing around in my head with no outlet. Writing is the outlet that
lets those crazy people running around in my head a chance to tell their story.
That's one thing. Another thing that is the best is that I was blessed with the
privilege to create worlds people can escape to and get lost in, characters
they can relate to and cheer and jeer and a story that can evoke real emotion
in the reader. Nothing inspires me to keep me writing more than to hear from a
reader that said that my story made them experience a wide range of emotions
and that the story will stay with them for a long time to come. That's what
makes all this worth it.
Does your family support you in your writing career? How?
Yes, my family supports my writing
career tremendously. My husband supports me by taking over the parental duties
so I can take some quiet time to write. My parents also have been a huge
support from the very beginning when having my work published was nothing more
than a dream. They are wonderful, they spread the word about my novels. I know
my family are very proud of me and I will never be able to thank them enough.
Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
People are welcome to pop by my
blog, Writers on the Wharf http://writersonthewharf.wordpress.com/
all are welcome.
author interview
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Jo Linsdell
life as a writer
Tina Traverse
writers and authors
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