Hello everyone!
I'm really excited to bring you an
interview with Erin Eveland, the author of Darkness. Darkness is a dark-fantasy
novel that was recently published on July 1st of this year and let me tell you, it's really good! I had the privilege
to read an advanced ready copy and I really enjoyed it. In case you missed the
review I published, you can either click here or click the link I will provide
at the bottom of the page.
What's even more exciting is that Erin has provided
me with a physical copy for a giveaway, which will be posted below the
interview. So lets get to it, good luck and happy reading!
1. What made you start writing?
It was one of those freak mornings when I thought,
“Well today I should write a story.” Really, that’s how it happened. Thirty
years old and had zero clue. Not afraid to admit it. I didn’t know what I was
going to write, where to begin, and no idea how to get there. I should have had
that little voice of reasoning saying, “You know what dear, don’t think about
writing, just go make some pancakes or something…” Instead, I must have had the
shark in the kitchen sink talking me into it.
Writing is mean.
I’ve told people before I had to learn how to
write, which is true. It takes time. Time. But the honesty that goes into
sleepless nights, sacrificing and destroying everything you worked on to do it
again, and again, yep and again – it’s all a part of the process. Then, for all
the work, you get that suspenseful moment where you ask someone to read it. I
swear it’s like running around with a trench coat, flashing people and asking
them if they like it or not. Some do, some don’t.
The very first “critique” I received was, “Show me,
don’t tell me.” That was it, end of story. At the time, I didn’t exactly know
what they meant, but I knew whatever I was writing was not working. Disclaimer:
that phrase is used widely and should be put out of its misery.
But I guess, it’s not the how I started writing,
but why I continued. Not only was I hooked, but I was fascinated by an art I
always took it for granted. When you’re a writer, it’s something that
continually grows inside, changes and sometimes just spits itself out.
I'm really impressed with
the preservation and outcome, because Darkness was extremely well
written.
2. What are your favorite books to read and did you
draw any inspiration from these?
Being I love fantasy, it’s honestly strange for me
to think that before I started writing, I spent the past years mostly reading
how-to-books and biographies. Life stories intrigue me like education or a
hands on skill. I strayed from novels because time is a luxury, life is busy, and
I can’t seem to put a book down even if I’m not emotionally invested. I will
admit I managed a few books a year in reading gluttony, but when I started
writing and wondering what stuck with me all these years, I had to revisit my
top favorite author all over again. That was Clive Barker. I love horror – not
necessarily the tent-camping, bikini-slashin’, screaming blood in your face
terror – but the kind of fear that won’t let you feel safe when you lock your
doors at night. It’s the kind of story which snuggles you into bed and gives
you a cold kiss. To be fair, Barker is more a fantasy writer than horror. As a
master storyteller of the worlds and characters he weaves into them, he can
create horrific creatures that can be good in nature, aside deadly goddesses.
I’m sure I’ve taken something of him with me. Be leery of what’s on the inside
– not the out.
I haven't read any of Clive Barker's books, but
from what you described I can certainly see some resemblance. By the way,
the "cold kiss" stories are the ones that really freak me out, much
more so than normal horror!
3. Why Darkness?
In that blissful morning when I thought about
writing a story for the first time, I wondered what the hell I was going to
write about. I loved horror, but I started dissecting what that word meant to
me. What drove me to like fear and its adrenaline spike? I’m driven for
creative monsters and normal people with warped minds. But ultimately, I
thought a true fear everyone understands, the fear of the unknown. It’s like
the dark. It keeps us in suspense wondering what’s in the shadows even as we
have one eye closed.
For some reason, the simple word darkness was
spawned. I thought, “What if darkness was like an element – something known but
unknown and yet could be wielded. Ok, well, what do I do with it?” As the idea
developed, I needed a tool, a world and character to center this idea around,
and Catherine was born.
I love reading a good warped-mind story, who
doesn't? To me it's really neat how you took something like fear, which like
you said is fundamental to everyone, and turned it into a really good
story.
4. Why write an interactive novel?
Maybe because writing is such an emotional beast,
it draws the tendency of inspiration through other creative arts that writers
want to share. Some authors do this by reciting lines of music, poetry and adding
artwork into their stories. After writing Darkness, I thought about the idea of
incorporating art and music into the chapters. The Quick Response code was my
best solution. Not only did I want the reader to see or listen to the artist,
but I wanted the biography and information of the artist available to them. I’m
so honored by the people who have allowed me to share their work and for their
faith that I would represent them well.
It wasn't until after we talked that I was able to
experience the interactive part of Darkness, but after I figured a way to do
so, I was really impressed with the simplicity and creativity of
its incorporation. The QR codes were not compatible with my Kindle
Keyboard (it simply expanded the image), but the Kindle reading applications on
my computer and iPhone did the trick.
5. Given the opportunity, would you accept an
apprenticeship from of a master of Darkness? Why or why not?
Maybe I’m twisted but I’ll say yes. I think it’s
only human for one to think they could manipulate this dark supernatural power.
I am human – I would be one of them. Even though Darkness is an unseen natural
element, it’s not exactly evil or malevolent. It would be like someone offering
you power over water, but guess what…you might just create a tsunami.
I would SOOOO become an apprentice. Maybe we're both a little twisted.
6. Who do you side with, Jorgen
or Artros? Why?
I
love this question, but for me it’s like asking a mother which son she likes
better. They both come from different backgrounds and more of their history and
reasoning is revealed in the next book, Shadows. I feel for Jorgen’s internal
struggle and his return from solitude, but I also love a true villain, Artros,
one we might learn to understand.
Come on!! Even a mother has
a favorite, right!? Just kidding, I guess I’ll have to wait for Shadows, but
for now I’m definitely siding with Jorgen.
7. Can you give any hints about
what’s to come in the next installation of Darkness?
I
set the stage and the characters roll by themselves. That happened with Nathan
and Artros. Even Esa wasn’t supposed to appear in Darkness, but there she was,
walking down the street. In Shadows, we leave the town behind, meet new
characters and even have a certain infamous woman resurface. The world becomes
lighter, as the internal grows darker, and the characters are the ones who drive
Shadows into its hair puling finish. I’m glad. Without their stubbornness, I
wouldn’t be so excited.
Oooooooh
my gosh that sounds awesome! My guess would be Kathy, but I’m not even sure she’s
gone. So, I guess I’ll just have to wait and see :D!
Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email notification. Failure to do so will result in an automatic forfeit and another winner will be drawn.
More Information:
Stacking the Shelves
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