Hello hello!
I thought I'd publish a stop off in my rambles around the internet. The marvellous
Dan O'Brien interviewed me. After I had torn down the walls...this is what was left! The original is
here.
*****
Tell
us about your most recent release.
It is a cross genre horror
anthology called 'The Loved, The Lost, The Dreaming'. If you like madness,
fairy tales, and regret, you will love this.
It includes a full length novel, 'The Underlighters' ,
and 11 stand alone short stories. Interested in worlds where a plague of
nightmare-inducing Dust forces humanity underground? Where disembodied hands
and cannibal fairies stalk the shadows? Where scifi dystopias overlap with The
Brothers Grimm? Don't miss this one.
What
else do you have coming out?
In May I hope to have a stand-alone
released. ‘Synchronicity’ is another cross-genre book. It’s a sci-fi character
struggle with fantasy and literary coming-of-age elements.
Six university students sign up for
beta-testing a virtual reality game. They find themselves caught in a deadly
game of cat and mouse. There’s a bit of everything in this adventure, and with
smooth writing and rule-breaking plot twists, the wait for this release will be
worth it.
Is
there anything you want to make sure potential readers know?
I am going to hurt you. You will love me
for it. I may also scare you. If you hate it—let me know! Everything I write is
for you guys, and I put everything into crafting something beautifully written
and compelling.
What's
the most blatant lie you've ever told?
I try not to lie. I am struggling to
think of a blatant lie. White lies are more my thing—wait. “Yes honey, I am
washing the dishes with gloves on.” “I forgot to take the garbage out. Oops.”
“Of course I fed the cat!”
I am secretly a horrible person.
What
is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?
I used to have a problem with telling
instead of showing. However, people love me because I tend to be kind, write
beautiful prose, and keep a sense of humour about myself and others. I also
take criticism well. Also, I am a hell of a lot more humble than I sound right
now. I have yet to be really lambasted or criticized; I look forward to hearing
some more on the negative side. That stuff is useful.
How
do you react to a bad review of one of your books?
With grace and aplomb. I ask what they
think about it and if they have any suggestions. Sangfroid rules the day.
When
are you going to write your autobiography?
When I’ve done more interesting things.
My current story is interesting but could use a lot more jazz. I’m too young to
write an autobiography.
Are
the names of the characters in your novels important?
If they are, you cannot write a damned
character. I write people, not fancy names.
What
about the titles of your novels?
I try to give them appropriate and
thematic titles. They tend to fall on the poetic side of things. The most
recent release is named after the themes that tie it together; I love the way
it sounds out loud. My partner contributed it and I fell in love.
Are
there any occupational hazards to being a novelist?
Cats are definitely dangerous. Oh, and
your butt gets sore sometimes. Carpal tunnel is also a more serious hazard.
What's
your favorite fruit?
Strawberries. OM NOM NOM.
How
many people have you done away with over the course of your career?
People or characters? I have never
killed a human, but my paper bodycount is high.
Ever
dispatched someone and then regretted it?
I never kill a character unless it is
utterly necessary. No. I respect my characters and have no regrets.
Have
you ever been in trouble with the police?
ROOOOOXAAAAANE…Sometimes I sing it off
key. Otherwise, I am a happy and law-abiding citizen.
So
when were you last involved in a real-life punch-up?
Tae Kwon Do class in Grade 10, I guess.
I usually slay them with my wit rather than my fists.
If
you were going to commit the perfect murder, how would you go about it?
I would read a mystery novel and do the
exact opposite.
What
do you want to be when you grow up?
I already am what I want to be when I
grow up. Otherwise, I want to be more of a kid.
What
is your favorite bedtime drink?
I live on black tea. Mmmmm. Yum.
Do
you ever wish that you had an entirely uncreative job, like data entry or
working in a factory?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This is the most hilarious
question I’ve ever seen! Nope. I have gotten used to being weird and I prefer
it, lumps and all. I am an admin assistant in the daytime and I love the
opportunity to daydream.
Do
you believe in a deity?
Does chocolate count? I believe in all
deities and none. I’m an atheist, really, just fond of folklore. I’m the
friendly sort, though.
Do
you ever write naked?
Always. But only under my clothes.
Who
would play you in a film of your life?
Anne Hathaway. I don’t know. Hollywood
doesn’t have any plump actresses with kind smiles and Irish attitudes under the
age of 40.
What
are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Having a social life and getting away
from the keyboard. And then spending lots of time in front of it. Determination
is vital to sanity. Sanity itself is optional.
Have
you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?
Welcome to my life.
What
is the single most powerful challenge when it comes to writing a novel?
Writing it and finishing it. Serving
your story rather than your ego. Showing rather than telling. You know, the
stuff that makes it good.
What
do you consider your biggest failure?
Not publishing sooner. I almost gave up
on my dreams and then realized I was too old to waste time while I was still
young.
Do
you research your novels?
LIKE A BOSS. I try not to torture my
readers with it, though. The research is to build a realistic world, not to
show off how many hours I spent making it so.
How
much impact did your childhood have on your writing?
It was significant. I’ll let you know
precisely if I ever properly grow up.
What
was the greatest thing you learned at school?
That charm will get you everything and
that learning shit is awesome.
Do
you laugh at your own jokes?
If they’re funny enough and I can’t help
it.
Do
you admire your own work?
If I didn’t, I wouldn’t publish it.
What
are books for?
Fixing the world. Cheap holidays. Life
education. Making one think. Making one feel things. Enriching life beyond
comparison.
Are
you fun to go on vacation with?
I’m always fun. As long as I’m not
grumpy and overdrawn on ‘me time’ requirements, I enjoy whatever I’m doing.
How
do you feel about being interviewed?
Everyone loves talking about themselves.
I’m not exception there, but I hope to amuse and intrigue readers.
Why
do you think what you do matters?
Why wouldn’t I?
Have
you ever found true love?
He’s sitting next to me, playing
Guildwars and listening to a game cast.
How
many times a day do you think about death?
Depends on the day. Usually a couple.
Death doesn’t bother me.
Are
you jealous of other writers?
Sure. I don’t let it hold me back,
though; I admire them honestly and try to emulate and appreciate their success.
What
makes you cry?
Onions, sad shit, and heartbreak.
What
makes you laugh?
Almost everything. A funny joke, remembering
a funny line…I laugh pretty easily, though I try not to do so when it’s
idiotic.
What
are you ashamed of?
Taking so long to talk about what I love
and what I’m good at. And, one time in eleventh grade, I insulted a guy for
liking Steinbeck because hating Steinbeck was cool. I still feel awful about
the crushed look on his face.
What's
the loveliest thing you have ever seen?
…I don’t know. I have a precious
collection of beautiful moments and it’s too varied to single out only one
from. I savour beauty whenever I find it and hold onto the small moments.
That said, Banff National Park is pretty
stunning, and I could stare at the Prairies for hours. I often do, on car
rides.
*****
Thanks for dropping by the nest once again. Don't miss any of the good kind of crazy. Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and on Tumblr. More interviews and witty commentaries are coming. Keep checking back to see those surprise posts, too. This is your darling SciFiMagpie, over and out!
