Elegantly Chasing - A Conversation with Melissa Foster & A Look At Chasing Amanda.

I am really excited to be featuring the sublimely talented author Melissa Foster this week. Having just turned the final page on her latest release "Chasing Amanda", I wanted to feature Melissa here writ large because it is not often that one has the pleasure to read a story that is so engaging as well as being intellectually challenging and - put simply - a reading experience, rather than being just a good read. So let me begin by giving you my take on Chasing Amanda.

Chasing Amanda by Melissa Foster My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nine years ago, Molly Tanner witnessed a young girl's abduction in the busy city of Philadelphia, shifting her occasional clairvoyance into overdrive. Two days later, the girl's body was found, and Molly's life fell apart. Consumed by guilt for not acting upon her visions, and on the brink of losing her family, Molly escaped the torturous reminders in the city, fleeing to the safety of the close-knit rural community of Boyds, Maryland. 


Molly's life is back on track, her son has begun college, and she and her husband have finally rekindled their relationship. Their fresh start is shattered when a seven-year-old girl disappears from a local park near Molly's home. Unable to turn her back on another child and troubled by memories of the past, Molly sets out to find her, jeopardizing the marriage she'd fought so hard to hold together. While unearthing clues and struggling to decipher her visions, Molly discovers another side of Boyds, where the residents--and the land itself--hold potentially lethal secrets, and exposes another side of her husband, one that threatens to tear them apart.

I tweeted recently that upon completing Melissa Foster's "Chasing Amanda" I declare that this is one of the most intelligent, engaging and luminous books of it's genre in 2011, so it is with much pleasure that I elaborate on those descriptors here and now.

Chasing Amanda transcends the conventional "who-dunnit" styled thriller yarn by introducing multiple potential antagonists into the narrative early that have you, the reader, thinking right from the get go. And just when you think that you might have figured the mystery out early, Melissa Foster throws in the most elegant curve ball that totally knocks you off balance and has you scrambling to revisit the clue-set once more in an attempt to regain the upper hand in the story experience. It is an intelligent mystery that is certainly the most unique I've read and it's definitely the most challenging - and I mean that in a good way.

We are witness to an unnerving tale - set in Boyd's, an 'every-town' in rural Maryland, USA. Through the eyes of Molly Tanner, an engaging woman who presents an attractive dichotomy of hardened determination underneath a vulnerable exterior, we journey through a complex narrative which has at it's center, a missing young girl for whom time is fast running out.

Molly's unique gift for clairvoyance - which is both a blessing and a curse, becomes a vital tool in the search for the missing child but it puts her at odds with the town's folk, the authorities and even her husband. It is here, in the relationship with her husband Cole that we are able to access the roots of Molly's "Knowing" and how it has impacted on her and her family.

Author, Melissa Foster, paints in several key back stories that serve as powerful drivers of the central plot and she handles them with an almost surgical grace, integrating them into the narrative so that they become a natural extension of it.

Her attention to characterization too, is a joy to read and none of the actors in Chasing Amanda, are there to simply be. The relationships are fully realized and they are sometimes painful to bare witness to. Motivations are defined cleverly and are revealed as they need to be. This is, once again, the genius of Foster's prose. Each of her characters serve the story wonderfully and it makes for a very satisfying reading experience.
 
The sense of mystery, tension and atmosphere are imbued deftly into the narrative and like Kwei Quartey - who I reviewed last week - Melissa Foster's style is sensorial - visual, aural and tactile. If you let it "Chasing Amanda" is a story that you can experience rather than just simply observe.

Upon completing "Chasing Amanda" I sat back and said aloud, "Wow...just Wow". I was exhausted but exhilarated, knowing that I had read a novel that had been written with consummate care and respect for the genre in which it resides.

Melissa Foster is a stand out author. "Chasing Amanda" is a stand out novel.

Now here's the real treat for you. Melissa Foster has kindly agreed to sit down in the luxurious DFA pad today to talk a little about Chasing Amanda and her writing journey and I began by asking her to fill me and you guys in on how that journey began.

Melissa Foster - welcome to my little patch of ground and thank you for taking the time to sit down with me today. You have certainly blazed quite a trail across the writing world with two brilliant publications "Megan's Way" - which I note, is being adapted into a screenplay - & "Chasing Amanda". Could you tell me a little about your writing journey and your background that has lead you towards Melissa Foster, Author?

Hi Dean, thank you so much for featuring me on your site.  I don’t know about blazing a trail, but I’m doing what I can to make my mark and help others along the way. I have six children, and I waited about fifteen years to be able to write full time. I think it’s for that reason that I savor every second of my writing day. I’ve just started a blog series about my road to publication and beyond, so I won’t bore you with those details, but I would be happy to share a bit of my path with you.

Like many other aspiring authors, I went the traditional querying route with Megan’s Way back in 2009. The economy was bad and the publishing industry seemed to be on the cusp of many changes and experiencing lay offs.  I was told by several agents that they liked Megan’s Way, but could not sell as story that was not upbeat. That was all it took. Tell me that something can’t be done, and I will find a way to prove you wrong. I decided to put Megan’s Way into the hands of readers and use it as a test of my writing abilities.  I quickly found out that readers enjoyed my writing, and found inspiration through Megan’s journey.

My next release, Chasing Amanda, was picked up (via referral) by a publisher the day after they read the book. That, too, proved to be an eye-opening experience. There are  benefits to using a small publisher and benefits to self-publishing. I’ve decided to query literary agents for my third book, since I have yet to go that route. Publishing  has been a learning experience. I really owe my readers a tremendous amount of gratitude. Without their encouragement, the process of being turned down when querying could be overwhelming. Thank you, readers!

Readers certainly are our target after all and I know, in my own experience, they are more important to me than any of the 'middle men' I have dealt with in my own journey. With "Chasing Amanda" you have crafted an exceptional story that is quite visceral - that is to say - we as the reader, are given the opportunity to go deep into the psyches of the central characters. It makes for a gripping reading experience and I know that, at times, I was certainly having to remind myself to breathe. Was it a challenge for you to explore those psyches - in particular those of the darker characters in the story? Did you find yourself exhausted by those explorations?

That’s a great question, Dean. I tend to climb into the heads of characters and remain there while writing from their perspectives. What I found was that I was continuously looking for the likable trait, the one thing that would salvage my attachment to them. It made me dig deeper into who they were and why they each did what they did. I enjoyed that level of writing. I wasn't exhausted by it, but rather energized by the process. I learned a lot about where characters could be taken.

That is some great insight Melissa and certainly encouraging for those of us who value character as drivers of plot. How much of your central character, Molly Tanner's experience in the story was informed by your own life experience? For example, there is a strong parental theme running through the narrative. How much of your own experience as a parent influenced Molly's characterization?

I always want to be able to say that the female characters are not at all like me, but honestly, some of those traits that you see in Molly, the way she interacts with Erik, the determination, that is partially drawn from my own life. I am not as brave as Molly, though. I’m not sure I could have done what she did at the end of the book. I won’t reveal it here, but I can only strive to be that brave.

I will note that in my next book, Come Back To Me, I am nothing like the main characters. I worked very hard to make sure that connection was not made.

Ahhh, you've already got me intrigued! Clairvoyance features strongly in "Chasing Amanda". What attracts you to this gift and how did you develop it conceptually for the story? What research did you undertake on the faculty of clairvoyance?

I’m drawn to the supernatural because of personal experiences. Some shy away from controversial topics, and I tried to do that, but I was unable to change that aspect. I finally decided that some people would enjoy that aspect of the story, while others might poo-poo it in general, and that was something I was willing to accept. I spoke to people who have many different “gifts” of clairvoyance, and the research was the most interesting I’ve done to date.

Those supernatural elements are definitely some of the most intriguing to me. How did you approach the story construction for "Chasing Amanda"? Did you structure a refined plot right from the beginning whereby everything was known to you or did you take a more organic approach that allowed the story to flow and for you to make the discoveries that we as the reader make?

I am a total panzer. I knew that Molly was going to look for Tracey, and I knew who had Tracey, the rest developed as I wrote. I feel confined by organized writing.  Outlines stifle my creativity, so while it makes for more work later (my editor ALWAYS wants an outline), it works for me.

Panzers everywhere just did a little happy dance of excitement Melissa! How did you feel upon completing work on "Chasing Amanda"? To me it was a roller coaster ride of intense imagery and narrative and I reluctantly closed the final page feeling quite exhausted - and I mean that in a good way! Did the experience of writing such a rich and cracking story leave you feeling the same way?

Thank you for the compliment, Dean. I began writing Chasing Amanda in 2006, when it was titled The Knowing. After the first draft, I set it aside and wrote Megan’s Way. When I returned to Chasing Amanda a year and a half later, the storyline had begun changing. The ride of writing Chasing Amanda was exciting, the ending elated me. When I figured out the best way to bring closure to Tracey’s situation, I remember a smile that would not fade. I practically screamed from the rooftop, and was excited to send the manuscript off to my beta readers.

Awesome! You have a strong and impressive presence across the social media landscape and your ethos towards the support and promotion of fellow authors is a lovely quality. What has been your experience in developing your promotional platform and how successful do you think it has been?

Wow, thank you. I don’t think of myself as having anything very impressive, besides The Women’s Nest, which, to me, is impressive due to the members and their caring nature, rather than what I’ve done to create it.

In social media, while I have to use it to market my books (don’t we all), I also see it as a way to remind people to be kind. I decided a few months ago that I was going to let my own personality come through, so you’ll see many posts about kids, kindness, peace, and promoting others. I gain great pleasure from helping people stop and smell the roses, and helping their days be a little bit brighter. If I could have an ideal job, it would probably be to walk around and give people compliments, help them to smile, hold doors open, etc. Sometimes I see people with such long faces, like life has just beaten them down, and I try to do something that will help them see the brighter side of life. Friendship goes a long way.

I think my nature has drawn people to me, and I’m thankful, because I’ve met some of the kindest, most giving and interesting people through social networks.

You certainly have attracted a lot of people to you and I must say, in my own experience, you are truly a joy to know. I look forward to your Tweets! Now, there seems to be some exciting developments happening in your world, most notably with your other work "Megan's Way". How is the development of the book as a screenplay progressing and what new projects are you looking towards?

There’s been a big change in that arena—including a change in directors. Megan’s Way is now gearing up to be a major motion picture instead of heading for film festivals. It’s quite exciting. I’m not at liberty to disclose much more than that until I’m given the go-ahead, but it’s very exciting indeed!

I’m hoping to have my next release, Come Back To Me, published soon, and in September I’ll get back to writing Shades of Gray, a YA/women’s fiction crossover.

Lastly, I will be launching the WoMen’s Literary Café in a few weeks, bridging the gap between readers and authors, and bringing author services and cross promotions under one easily navigable venue. This will be the ultimate give-back to the writing community, and the goal is to teach authors how to promote and cross promote without associate costs. There are several authors who are partnering with me in this venture, and together we hope to help everyone gain a solid platform and name recognition.

Thank you so much, Dean, for giving me the opportunity to be a guest on your blog. The Women’s Nest Book Club is reading Hambledown Dream in September, and we are all looking forward to discussing it with you later in the month. 

I am so excited for you Melissa and I sooo hope that this wonderful opportunity comes off in a big way. Melissa it has been a true pleasure talking to you and I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to drop by and have a chat. And I especially want to thank you for supporting me. I am so looking forward to chatting with your readers over at The Women's Nest. 

Read more about Melissa Foster over at her official site Melissa Foster Dot Com.

DFA.

View all my Goodreads reviews

(Dean purchased the Kindle edition of "Chasing Amanda").

Train Wreck In Sarasota - There Need Be No Other Title.

Continuing on my journey of musical discovery, this week I'd like to share with you the music of Rob McCann whose acoustic project "Trainwreck in Sarasota" is turning heads - and ears - in all the right ways.


McCann's newly released EP "The Narrow Escape" has just landed through McCann's label Basement Session Records as a follow up to the 2010 release "Something To Call Your Own" and both releases herald a unique take on the trident of singer/songwriter/guitarist that is all at once refreshing and familiar but never stagnant. So it's worthy to explore both pieces as a way of showcasing McCann in his entirety.   


Upon first listen to "The Narrow Escape" I was greeted with the most satisfying of acoustics and I imagined the performer having set himself in some sort of disused apartment building or warehouse with high ceilings, exposed double brick walls and solid timber floors - tall windows along one side, letting in fractured light through dusty glass. Such environments lend themselves to a raw and organic sound that takes you into them - they are tactile and sensual - something that can oft be missed from the crispness of the studio. I often talk about good music's ability to evoke vivid imagery and Trainwreck in Sarasota achieves this handsomely.

Cover art for "The Narrow Escape" (2011 Basement Session Records).

McCann's playing is intricate and complex and by this I mean he doesn't simply stick to safe chord progressions nor labor on one particular rhythm. His instrumental pieces are in and of themselves a dance where the guitar itself is the vocalist and he achieves an almost classical flourish to what is otherwise indie/experimental folk and blues. This is what impresses me most about the performances on both releases - though I tend to favor "The Narrow Escape's" depth of musicality, which is merely a personal preference and in no way diminishes "Something To Call Your Own. As an artist - be it a musical or a literary one - we tend to pride ourselves on our first productions.  


Trainwreck in Sarasota' songs are lyrically appealing and McCann is a songwriter and lyricist of considerable talent. His songs on both releases range through the territory of deep emotional reflection, dealing with such abstracts as depression, substance abuse, fear and loathing as well as soul searching, love and absolution. As vocalist, McCann has a range and a rawness that suits the folk/blues sound of his guitar. It is honest and passionate, reflective and melodious. Most important of all - it is unquestionably individual, which is so refreshing to find in among the dearth of manufactured music that has swamped the mainstream in recent times.

Trainwreck in Sarasota's Rob McCann.

I don't like to compare musicians with one another because I think it can sometimes be unhelpful but McCann himself does cite as musical influences the likes of The Decemberists, Jeff Martin, Hawksley Workman and The Weepies. I myself, was reminded a little of Colin Hay, Chris Whitley and even Seasick Steve. The quality of Trainwreck in Sarasota's sound, combined with McCann's vocal presence, song writing smarts and guitarmanship make him worthy of being mentioned in the same breath. If there were any criticisms at all to make of Rob and his music, it would be to simply say that his sound is crying out for the addition of a session band and some additional harmonies.


"The Narrow Escape" and "Something To Call Your Own" are both available through McCann's official site and, while both recordings are free, I would encourage prospective listeners to kick in with a donation. Both works are highly deserving given the care and attention that has gone into them. 


The final word on Trainwreck in Sarasota, to me, is luminous. Go get yourself some.


DFA.

Swear & Shake - There Need Be No Other Title.

Every now and then, I happen across absolute gems in terms of music. As you know, if you've read my book or my writings here, I am influenced by music. It feeds into my writing and helps me to visualize and draw both character, scene and setting. So I am very much a connoisseur of music, if you will and I will seek out music from just about anywhere. 


But I don't just seek out music for my creative impulses. There is nothing more satisfying to me than discovering something that I can put on the stereo in my work shed on a cold Saturday afternoon, light the fire pot in the back garden and either knock the top off a few beers or pull the cork on a bottle of red and sit and relax in the splendor of my little domain. 


Recently, I happened across a totally legitimate free download from an indie/folk outfit from New York - a quartet with the name "Swear & Shake". The EP, aptly titled "Extended Play" is the first release from the band and it has created a considerable buzz since it's release late last year. Though it comprises only six tracks, "Extended Play" is one of those sit up and take notice the moment you put it on kind of albums. Where does one begin with describing them? Their sound is smooth and smoky, their vocals and harmonies soulful and languid, their lyrics infused with story and poignancy. They add untold depths to the flavor of a glass of wine. They warm your already warm belly with their honest and unrefined acoustics and they deliver a satisfying aural experience that you just don't hear enough of any more.

The band comprises Tom Elefante on Drums, Kari Spieler on Vocals & Guitar, Adam McHeffey on Vocals & Guitar, Shaun Savage on Bass. As an outfit, of relative youth, their sound reflects a maturity and grace that one might associate with an band of many years standing. Their discipline as a live touring band is also impressive and they are a regular fixture in live venues in and around New York and Manhattan. Their success thus far will see them spreading their wings further and I have had a tip off just recently that a tour down under in the next 18 months is not out of the question.        

Presently, "Extended Play" is available as a free download under the Creative Commons attribution for artistic works which means that you can download their EP "Extended Play" completely free and completely legitimately. However, I would encourage you to drop by the band's store and consider parting with $7USD for the physical CD or the $5USD digital download. While there, check out their other merch items including a T-Shirt and Baseball tee which is a favorite of mine.

In addition to their online store, "Swear & Shake" have also embarked on a fund raising venture via the Kickstarter capital raising platform, in the hope of being able to raise enough money to produce their first LP which is titled 'The Maple Ridge'. By pledging as little as $20USD to the project, you can make yourself eligible for a number of incentives/rewards from the band - some of which are quite attractive. It is definitely a worthy project to contribute to given the sublime talent of this quartet.

If you're in the mood for losing yourself in the loveliness of an acoustic sound that is refreshingly honest and as smooth and smoky as an open fire and a glass of wine, then treat yourself to "Swear & Shake". You will not be disappointed. 


DFA.    

The Tunnel - Dare To Enter...

I received a tip earlier this week on a new movie release that you won't actually catch in the cinemas, but it's threatening to become an almighty blockbuster nonetheless. 

"The Tunnel", a new Australian film directed by Enzo Tedeschi and Julian Harvey, is being hailed as something akin to a revolution in movie making as it has been released onto the web entirely free and entirely legally.

The guff on the film is thus;

In 2007 the New South Wales government suddenly scrapped a plan to utilise the water in the disused underground train tunnels beneath Sydney. In 2008, chasing rumours of a government cover-up and urban legends surrounding the sudden backflip, investigative journalist Natasha Warner led a crew of four into the underground labyrinth. They went down into the tunnels looking for a story - until the story found them.

This is the film of their harrowing ordeal. With unprecedented access to the recently declassified tapes they shot in the claustrophobic subway tunnels, as well as a series of candid interviews with the survivors, we come face to face with the terrifying truth.

This never before seen footage takes us deep inside the tunnels bringing the darkness to life and capturing the raw fear that threatens to tear the crew apart, leaving each one of them fighting for their lives.

Stylistically, "The Tunnel" immediately reminds one of "The Blair Witch Project" and "Cloverfield" - even "Paranormal Activity" but the camera work is so cleverly balanced between being a part of the story as well as telling, the jerkiness of the cinematography is kept to a minimum. And unlike those aforementioned Hollywood block busters, this film goes much further emotionally. There is an unnerving tension right from the beginning, due in large part to the essentially unknown cast, who each deliver outstanding performances. It's 'interview' styled doco is paced brilliantly and you frequently experience moments of breathlesness. The underground settings are haunting in their presentation and the dark that both the characters and we, the audience, experience borders on the truly terrifying. It's a marvelous achievement and one that is significant in changing the landscape in how we watch and appreciate media.

Once I downloaded the movie and put it onto a DVD, I sat down in my lounge and enjoyed it in the punchy 6.1 splendour of my own home theater system. I had to peel myself from the ceiling by the time the end credits rolled.

Distracted Media was established in 2010 by Tedeschi and Harvey in order to create exciting projects for new media such as the web. After years of working on various projects, the pair came together to collaborate on their ideas and give birth to a cutting edge Australian production company.

"The Tunnel" is their first feature film, produced under "The 135K Project". The project was founded on the belief that if we stop fighting the peer to peer networks, they could become the biggest revolution we've ever witnessed in the way we share entertainment and information.

After years of being frustrated by what they saw as the movie industry's short-sighted and conventional outlook towards the online community, they decided to act and actively change the landscape upon which projects like "The Tunnel" are given life.

And they are capturing the attention of some heavy hitters in the industry who, it would seem, are now scrambling to catch up with this innovative duo and their exceptionally good film.

Seeing the film for yourself is simply a click away and all it requires of you is perhaps the motivation to spread the word about the project or even donate to their fledgling outfit.

"The Tunnel" is a totally mind blowing experience which will not disappoint. 

DFA.

Planting The Seed - First Look At "Seed" by Ania Ahlborn.

This week I am particularly buzzed to be presenting Ania Ahlborn, a totally rockin' it indie author from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ania is going to be one of the standout new talents of 2011 - I just have a particular feeling about her. Ania has already established an engaging platform as an author, has garnered a dedicated an loyal following via her blog "21st Century Author" and is about to launch onto the world stage with her debut novel "Seed" - an inventive and refreshingly original horror novel - which hits June 1st across a number of platforms.

So here's the guff on "Seed"

Jack Winter has a secret...he's spent his entire life running from something no one can see.

After two decades, he's sure he's escaped the shadow that haunted his childhood. That is, until his youngest daughter, Charlie, begins to change.

After a sudden highway accident and a flash of soulless eyes, Jack has no choice but to watch his little girl drown in what he's sure is a family curse.

Jack begins to realize that he never outran the darkness. It's just been hiding, waiting for the perfect moment to make a reappearance...

But this time, it hasn't come only for Jack. This time, it wants them all.

Now, I've had the chance, to preview a copy of "Seed" and I have got to say, this is one seriously fine and spine chillingly effective literary work.

Ania has a very visual style of writing - that is to say - I found myself immersing myself in the the imagery and the atmosphere of her story right from the first page. Her hook was sharp, cinematic even and I have to say, from the outset, "Seed" seriously scared the shite out of me - in a totally good way. The novel is resplendent with some good old fashioned psychological tension that will have you closing the doors, making sure they're locked and making that last two...or three checks of the curtains just to make sure the darkness from outside doesn't get inside. "Seed" is described as being in the spirit of Stephen King and Joe Hill but I think there is a freshness Ania brings to the genre that is very original and thus attractive. Make no mistake, Ania Ahlborn is already right the way up there.

In the lead-up to the June 1st release of "Seed", I got to sit down with Ania and talk a little bit about her writing journey, the genesis of Seed and her blog "21st Century Author" where she compels her readers to think outside of the box...and invites some pretty passionate discussions 

1. It's a real pleasure to be able to have a chat with you Ania. Tell me a little bit about your writing journey with "Seed"?

Hi, Dean. First off, thanks for having me. My journey with “Seed”… lets see. I’ve always been fascinated by demonic possession. Does it really exist? Is it just some made-up phenomenon?  It’s something that truly scares me. The concept of losing free will, let alone to something that’s less than human… it’s a terrifying concept. Of course, my weird attraction to squirmy little girls led me to watching movie after endless possession movie, and quite frankly, I was disappointed every time. They normally start out great, but quickly spiral into cheesy horror, and that always gets me; it gets me to the point of making me mad. The concept has such potential for terror, but these movies… the books, they all crap out in the end, like they’re afraid to truly explore the ‘what if’ of the situation. What if demons are real? What if they could take over our bodies? Would we honestly think we could beat them with some chanting and a splash of holy water?

With “Seed”, I wanted to explore that what if, but I wanted to push it further. Not everyone believes in Heaven and Hell, but everyone believes in the innocence of children. I took those two concepts and mashed them together… and refused to let a Priest anywhere near it.

2. I certainly can't argue with that. You are described as someone who enjoys the spookier things in life. What kinds of things or experiences have fuelled your penchant for the spooky?

This is actually kind of funny at how relevant it is to “Seed”. I’ve always been a bit of a ‘weirdo’. One of the houses my parents and I occupied when I was around five or six was a creepy-looking A-frame in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The place is tiny… just a village, and I wasn’t exactly the type of kid to have a lot of friends, so I spent a good amount of time amusing myself. Our house was right next door to Forest Lawn cemetery—nothing but a chain-link fence separating the two properties. Leave it to me to find a hole in that fence and crawl through it every day. And leave it to that experience to make a grand appearance in “Seed” itself.

Also creepily relevant: the first time I was truly terrified. I think I was nine or ten, and it was New Years Eve. My parents decided they were going to attend a New Years Eve party, which left me and my cousin (only one year my elder) alone in the house for an entire night. Earlier that day my mom took us to a video rental place. At the time my parents had only been in the States for a handful of years and weren’t fluent in English, nor were they too good at reading and writing; I say this because I highly doubt my mother would have ever approved The Exorcist otherwise. I mean, if the cover had had a picture of a sickly grinning demon girl on it, my mom would have flipped. But it didn’t. It had a silhouette of a Priest walking up some steps. It must be a Bible story, right?

That was the first time, and the last time for about two decades, that I saw The Exorcist. You’d think an experience like that would sway me from having anything to do with horror again. Of course, it didn’t.

3. I still have to peel myself off the ceiling when ever I watch the Exorcist. In "Seed", you have a richly drawn cast of characters. Was there one character in particular you found yourself drawn to specifically/more than the others? Why?

As a writer yourself, you know as well as I do that there’s a little piece of us in every character we write. I threw the terror I felt that New Years night into Jack, the main character. I put my smart-assed personality into six-year-old Charlie, party for comic relief, partly for creep factor. I was a really quiet kid, so I put that into Charlie’s sister, Abigail. And I’m sure if you ask my husband, I’m a handful to deal with at times, so I put my tendency to overreact in Aimee.

As far as being drawn to a particular character, it’s a close tie between Jack as a kid and Charlie. There’s something about the spirit of those two that I caught that really resonates with me.

4. They are two fascinating characters indeed and I enjoyed observing them in the story Ania. The novel has a taut story line and you have balanced the tension factor brilliantly. What is your "method" for constructing your stories? Are you compelled to have a detailed plan before you write or do you let the story guide you?

I didn’t really have a set plan for “Seed” when I sat down to write it. The only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted two stories running parallel to one another. I’m a big fan of stories within stories. It keeps the narrative fresh and interesting, and that was my ultimate goal. The second thing I knew I wanted to incorporate was the South. I have a ridiculous love for Louisiana. Those who have been there understand the magic that buzzes through the air. I wanted to capture that to give the story a gritty down-home feel—almost a sense of warmth despite the horror that would occur. Otherwise, there was no plan. I knew the characters, I knew the end result, and that was it. I’m a believer of allowing the story to tell itself.

5. Oh - I could kiss you right now - I love it!!  Now, you have really captured my imagination with your blog, 21st Century Author, and you make some fearless observations about the state of the writing/author social network, which I applaud. What drives those observations?

My uncontrollable snark.

But seriously… the world is getting weird. People are afraid to say what they mean; they’re self-conscious of their own opinions, and while a level of ‘filtering’ is definitely required, people have gotten scared to speak their mind. I think its bullshit. I mean, hell, if everyone was scared of everyone else and what other people think, I would have never written “Seed”, because who wants to piss off the God-fearing church-goers of the world? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t stir the pot on purpose. It isn’t like I sit at my computer and think ‘well, today I’m going to write an outrageous post that will piss off a lot of people.’ That takes way too much planning and energy. I write my blog posts on the fly. Sometimes they’re decently agreeable. Sometimes I spout off whatever’s on my mind and they become a bit hilarious. Sometimes, yeah, they piss people off… but whatever. Being passionate about what you believe reminds you that you’re alive, and I’m definitely alive.

6. Tou-fricken-che! I say! So, what are your hopes for "Seed"? Do you have in mind some sort of bench mark that you'd like to achieve with the novel or are you taking more of a wait and see approach?

Do I have hopes for “Seed”? Absolutely. I shouldn’t be in this game if I don’t. Do I want it to be wildly successful? Yes. Do I want to be in the top 100 Kindle books? Um, yes please. Do I think it’s going to happen overnight? A girl can dream, can’t she; but no. I know these things take time, and I know my patience will be tested. Now, rather than waiting for rejection slips I’ll be waiting for daily sales counts. But I’d rather be waiting on sales counts than for some overstuffed NYC agent to send me a scrap of paper telling me I’m not good enough. In my mind, I’ve already succeeded. I’ve written a book that, personally, I think is damn good. I have a killer cover and I’ve already built a pretty solid platform for myself, even before the book’s release. For a debut novel with nobody but myself to rely on, I think I’ve done a bang-up job. Will that translate into sales? God, I hope so. Will it stop me if it doesn’t? Not a chance. I’m as relentless as I am opinionated. I’ve wanted this to be my career for a long time, and now that I have a chance… I’d be stupid to let it slip through my fingers.

Ania, this has been an absolute blast! Congratulations on the upcoming release of "Seed" and I sincerely hope that we will be seeing more of you in the near future.  

So there you have it. "Seed" will hit the shelves this coming June the 1st and I highly recommend you purchase the book and visit Ania's blog to keep abreast of all her happenings in the meantime.

As I said earlier, watch out for this girl - she is definitely one of my #authorsyoushouldknow.

DFA.