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Q: What inspired you to start writing?
In third grade, we were given an assignment to write a short story based off three prompts. I wrote a story about a friendly alien trapped on Earth. At that moment, I discovered I loved telling stories and creating new worlds.
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Q: Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Well, my next book (out on October 2nd), is entitled How to Survive a Serial Killer at Summer Camp. It takes my love of old 80s/90s slashers and adds a nostalgic twist with humor, thrills, scares, and a mystery as to the identity of the killer. It's my first true slasher (without any paranormal elements).
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Q: How do you create your characters?
Honestly, many of my characters create themselves. I have ideas of the characters who will drive each story, but once I begin writing, the characters drive the story to it's end point. Also, there's a tiny bit of me (sometimes more) in every character I have created.
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Q: What does your typical writing day look like?
I don't have any real "typical" day for writing. Some days I can write several thousand words, and others I'll jot down a scene that came to me, and that is all. I do have November set aside to write the first draft of a new novel, which is something I have done now since 2022. Every day I write a chapter (or more), and the goal is to get the first draft down by November 30th. I call it "Power Novel November," and I encourage other indie authors to join in!
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Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being an indie author?
Other than seeing my books to publication, meeting other indie authors has been my favorite part. There is such a tight knit community of supportive indie authors, and they make the journey so much more fulfilling.
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Q: What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your writing journey?
Marketing is the devil! Although I cringe sometimes when it comes to the long self-editing process, marketing has always been my Achilles heel. I get hit with so much spam about advertising and marketing, that I never know what will and won't work. I'm willing to invest money but I need to know I'll get some sort of return on investment.
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Q: Do you have any favorite writing tools or apps?
I have gathered a number of editing tips over the years and put them into a document that I reference every time I dive into the self-editing. It has helped clean up my early drafts.
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Q: What advice would you give to new or aspiring indie authors?
Write what you want to write, not what others tell you or expect you to write. Only you know of the worlds living in your head, and only you can release those worlds for others to experience.
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Q: How do you handle book promotion as an indie author?
Carefully. Indie authors get regularly spammed (scammed) by emails and DMs from those who have no interest in truly helping us out. I will promote on my socials and will take other opportunities to go on podcasts and also pay to advertise with reputable outlets.
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Q: What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book?
With my next novel coming out in October, I will begin my "Power Novel November" project on November 1st. I'm finalizing the outline and I will be ready to tackle that once we hit 11/1. I am also working with my writing partner on a follow up to our short horror collection, entitled HELL'S DINER: The Second Helping which is tentatively scheduled for release in the summer of 2027.
