What genre do you
write and why?
I write mostly in the horror/supernatural genre, but also in
dramatic fiction. I am a screenwriter and filmmaker too, which allows me the
freedom to experiment in different genres and formats of storytelling, so in
terms of creativity, I have many structures to imagine and develop stories.
Tell us about your
latest book.
‘Arkyne, Story of a Vampire’ is my debut novel and is a
supernatural tale of myth and magic. It is set mostly in Ireland on the Aran
Island of Inis Mor, where Caleb Flaherty encounters the beautiful and
mysterious French girl, Coco de Rais, only to discover that she has unwittingly
unleashed a daemon vampire, Lucius. Drawn together from vastly different lives
and finding themselves in mortal danger, the lovers must accept and utilize the
power they have each inherited through their strange and magical lineage.
Did you learn anything
from writing your book that was unexpected?
I learned a lot through the process, particularly in terms
of the amount of discipline and commitment that is necessary to apply to the
long form of novel writing. The story meandered between a screenplay and a
novel for a number of years, and eventually, to force myself to finish it, I
began to post sample chapters on my blog. I received some very helpful feedback
from supportive readers and it really spurred me on to finish it. The sheer satisfaction
and sense of accomplishment that I felt on ‘having written’ a novel was also rather
unexpected!
Who are your
favourite authors?
I have so many, so perhaps I’ll just list the ones I find
inspirational in terms of writing: Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Ann Rice,
Alice Hoffman, Susan Hill, Neil Gaiman, and lately, David Mitchell and Audrey
Niffenegger.
What's your favourite
quote about writing/for writers?
One of my favourites is from Anne Lamott: “When writers make
us shake our heads with the exactness of their prose and their truths, and even
make us laugh about ourselves or life, our buoyancy is restored. We are given a
shot at dancing with, or at least clapping along with, the absurdity of life,
instead of being squashed by it over and over again. It's like singing on a
boat during a terrible storm at sea. You can't stop the raging storm, but
singing can change the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on
that ship.” From Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.
What are your thoughts
on self-publishing versus traditional publishing?
I’m in favour of any method that enables an author to get
their work out there. I understand how difficult it is for a lot of publishing
houses, they simply don't have the resources to publish every good book that
comes their way, so authors have a right to look at alternative paths to
publishing. I think people's attitudes have changed for the better in regard to
self-publishing in the last while. Sure, there are works out there that perhaps
don't meet the standard required, but overall, I think the vast majority of
Indie Authors are sound, talented people with voices and stories that deserve a
platform. I've been a librarian for almost 20 years, so I also understand that
readers will find the works that speak to them, and whether that is fantasy,
horror, crime, dystopian, erotica, western, romance, high-brow literature,
classics or whatever else, taste is taste and there is an author out there to
meet that need. Self-publishing bridges many gap, particularly with ebooks,
supplying reading material that is cheaper and in abundance, and that means
that more books are read, and more people are reading. Who can argue with that?
What's the best thing about being a writer?
Giving yourself permission to daydream, to imagine and to
live in the fantastical worlds with the magnificent characters that exist
inside your head!
What advice do you
have for other writers?
Be brave. Write what you want to write. Write what you want
to read. Look for feedback from people you trust and admire. Take the negative
in your stride, don’t respond to it. Save your energy and embrace only the
constructive criticism. Don’t assume you are better than anyone else. Don’t
assume you are not as good as anyone else; you are unique, so strive to express
your work in your own voice. Take inspiration from your own experience. Don’t
try to imitate others. Keep at it.
Where can people find
out more about you and your writing?
I’m always delighted to connect with readers.
I have a website and blog: https://carolinefarrellwriter.com
I’m also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolineFarrellScreenwriter/
And Twitter: @CarolineAuthor
Where can a reader
purchase your book?
Links to purchase ‘Arkyne, Story of a Vampire’ can be found
here:
