Where were you born?
Peterborough, England
During childhood, how many hours in a day did you read?
I would often read a couple of hours every day and loved reading, as much as possible!
What it was like to study Russian in Manchester University?
Studying Russian was an interesting - and often difficult - topic. However, I enjoyed the language and the challenge. The degree ensured I learnt the language, but we also studied the history, culture, and politics of the country. We even watched old Russian films and read the books, so you really understood a lot of the culture. Manchester itself is a second home to me, and I loved being there in a city with so much to do and genuine people around. I don't live in the UK anymore, and being in New Zealand you can't get much further away! I would love to get back to Manchester one day.
Have you ever been to Russia? Do you speak Russian?
I have been to Russia a couple of times. My first trip was around 25 years ago, and I suspect things have changed a little since then. I've spent time in Moscow and St.Petersburg. It is probably no surprise to know that when I went it was snowing and very cold! I can still speak some Russian and so that definitely helped getting around. There are some fascinating things to see in Russia, but knowing some basics of the language will help you get the most out of a trip.
What makes a good horror story writer different from other writers in general?
There are certain expectations fro mhorror writers - you have to scare people, know how to do a 'set-up,' and engage the audience with themes or plots that can often be quite dark. You have to be able to get the reader caring about your characters, yet in horror they might get 'bumped off' quickly or act in an evil way. I feel there is a bit more pressure writing horror in that regard, and it is not always given the respect it deserves.
What are some ways a writer can create fear and horror in a story or novel?
There are the usual tropes of characters who are evil or nasty and therefore create fear and horror, however the setting and location is equally important. A gothic church lends itself openly to a scary setting, yet a suburban house or office can be just as unsettling if written in the correct way. The language you use not only tells a story but puts ideas and thoughts into a reader's head, so choose wisely. I have learnt over time that less is more, and you don't need to add endlessly descriptive passages to create the horror for your story. A few choice words can suffice and create the atmosphere you are aiming for. I am also a big fan of gore, so sometimes a straightforward 'blood-and-guts' scene will do the trick!
Did you have any nightmares while writing your novel, ZOMBIE EMPIRE?
I can honestly say I do not suffer from nightmares from my writing. However, I often have nightmares between books and use them for inspiration. I don't find dreaming about zombies or monsters unsettling, I enjoy them!
What does the title, Adrenal7n mean?
There are Seven powerful demons in lore and one of those features in the book. The story itself is fast-paced and exciting, and set in central London. When deciding on a title for a book I often go through several different thoughts, but this one made sense as it linked the theme of the plot to what was on offer.
What method did you use to plot your novel, Megalodon Riptide? Are you a 'pantser' or 'plotter' or something in-between?
I am 100% a plotter, not just for Megalodon Riptide, but all my books. I plan everything from start to end: characters, setting, and plot points. I cannot write without knowing where I am going, or how I am going to get there, so plot every last detail. Whilst there is often a thought or kernel of an idea to a novel, I spend a lot of time researching before I begin writing. I haven't necessarily been to all the places I write about, so how do you know what the weather is like, or the city streets? What work could a character do in the town you are writing about? What sort of trees grow in the park there? Kudos to those who can just sit down and write, but I am very methodical in my work. I could not wing it and do justice to a story, so when I'm writing Google is my best friend!
How do you write characters that stick with your readers?
Some work better than others, but I always try to make them honest to themselves, whether they are essentially good or bad, and believable. All my characters are based in reality, with a reason to their actions, a history, and even a future - no matter how short that may be! It comes back to planning before starting to write, so that you have fully rounded characters, right down to knowing what colour their hair is, and you can work with them over the course of the novel. hopefully a reader can believe in them as a genuine person, even if they don't like them.
As a writer, how did you get comfortable with people's criticism of your work?
You do get used to it and have to understand not everyone is going to like your work. You can't please everyone, and there is no point trying. I find it amusing when people don't like the gore I put in - don't you expect that in a zombie novel? Just be honest to yourself, do your best, and when you're finished, move on to the next book. Don't dwell. By all means, read the criticism, and you might find yourself agreeing with some of it. Ultimately, art is always an individual preference, so criticism just has to flow over you in the same way the good reviews do. If you let it go to you, or you start thinking all your work is amazing, you can lose sight of what you are trying to achieve.
What makes a writer good at writing dialogue? Are you naturally good at it? If not, what did you work on first in order to be better at it?
Dialogue can certainly be tricky, and I only have my characters say what I think is natural in the situation. You do improve over time, but I can only say, put yourself in the characters shoes. If it sounds stilted or forced, then change it. I enjoy writing arguments for some reason. I find it flows better and somehow is easier to write than a regular conversation. Dialogue also has to have a point, otherwise it's just filler. Keep it simple and it should work.
What are some of the most common mistakes made by new writers when writing novels that have elements of suspense and/or horror in them?
I'm not sure I feel qualified to give advice on this as I still feel like a new writer myself, even though I've been doing it for a decade! All I can say is avoid the easy. Avoid the cliches. If you're going to do a jump-scare, don't have a cat jump out of a closet. If you want a scary scene, and it's set in a moonlit graveyard, how is it different to the thousand other scenes like that your reader has already read? If your novel or horror scene doesn't feel fresh to you, then scrap it, as your audience will turn off too.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?
I prefer to avoid sequels and series and have not done many. My next book is a stand-alone and a work in progress. I think many authors will tell you finding time to write is the hardest part of the process. So, all I can say is I hope it will be released this year, that there will be plenty of horror and scenes not for the squeamish!
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
I like the professionalism of AllAuthor and the options they have to support you. I am happy to be associated with AllAuthor and hope to grow as a writer and continue working with them for a long time. I would recommend them to authors who want support in their career.
