The Next Big Thing?

There's a "blog hop" going on in the horror writing community right now where authors tag each other to answer questions about upcoming projects. Some very popular authors have been tagged, and I was included by Tony Tremblay at Horror World.

I didn't think I'd have anything of substance to contribute, but it turns out I do! I may not be on the New York Times Best Seller List, but I like to think I'm carving a little space for myself in this genre.

What is the working title of your book or story?

I wasn’t sure I’d actually have anything to say about this, but I’m actually putting together a collection of my flash and short stories to be published next year. No title yet; I’m terrible at coming up with titles for my stuff!

Where did the idea come from for the book or story?

Actually, I didn’t come up with the idea – fellow writer Janet J. Holden did when we were on a flash fiction/poetry panel at the NECon convention this past July. I’ve won NECon E-book’s monthly flash fiction contest many times since my first submission in August 2010. Janet suggested I approach Matt Bechtel at NECon E-books about putting my stories in one place. I was nervous, but did so, and Matt was all for the idea!

What genre does your book fall under?

Horror mostly, but I’m sure there are a few stories that aren’t really horror in the common sense.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I haven’t really pictured anybody famous portraying any of my characters – they’re all just “regular” people.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book or story?

Little bits of horror from a suburban mom’s point of view.

Will your book or story be self-published or represented by an agency?

NECon E-books will be publishing my collection.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Some of the stories date back to the late 1990s/early 2000s. The flash is relatively recent; I wrote my first flash fiction story for NECon E-book’s first contest in August 2010.

What other books or stories would you compare this story to within your genre?

I don’t compare myself or my writing to anybody else’s – I just hope people enjoy the stories.

Who or What inspired you to write this book or story?

Like I said, Janet encouraged me to put the collection together. But the stories themselves have been inspired by many facets of my life – wife, mother, daughter, friend. Also, flash fiction got me back into writing - I had stopped writing to take care of my daughters when they were little. Once they were older and able to fend for themselves, I realized I wanted to write again. I don't remember how, but I happened upon NECon's first flash fiction contest, and was inspired right away. That story was one of several that won the contest. I got that acceptance rush again, and decided to keep on.

What else about your book or story might pique the reader’s interest?

People who know me know I’m pretty quiet and shy. But a different part of me comes out when I write. You’d be surprised as some of the stuff my brain has conjured.

Thanks for reading!