This week, we’re talking with Sue Rovens about her book, Buried
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
Snakes and public speaking don't bother me (no legs with either), but I can't drive under a bridge (as a passenger, I'm okay, but I'll still duck).
Why do you write?
To entertain. To share the stories in my head.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I thought up a character (Weston) who was so full of anger and despair and I wanted to “see what he would do and how far he would go.” My books take “real” people and place them in difficult situations. Not paranormal, per se (although Track 9 goes there a little bit), but up against the harsh realities of the world.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Suspense? The darkness. The possibilities. The underbelly of society.
How would you describe your writing process?
Well, I normally use NanoWriMo to write a first draft. That's how Badfish, Track 9, Buried, and now Rage had all begun. I'll put the manuscript away for a few months and then come back to do the second draft. Again, I put that one away for another month, and do more revision and editing in round #3. I usually end up with 6 or 7 revisions before I feel it's ready for publication.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Connections. Getting their work in front of more eyeballs than was normally possible. It might not lead into more sales (that's yet to be seen at this point), but at least it raises awareness of the products and the author.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Edit. Read your stuff out loud. Have someone else take a look at what you've written and ask them to be honest. Edit. Don't force it – I don't think you have to write every day (I guess unless you're under a contract and have to answer to someone else. As an indie writer, I don't have pressing deadlines). Oh, and edit.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
The titles come to me. I know this sounds a little “floofy answer-ish”, but it's true. Sometime during the first draft, I'll just suddenly know. As for covers? By the time I'm doing the third or fourth round of revisions, I'll “see” the cover in my mind, or what I think might be good, and talk it over with the person who actually draws it up.
What's your next step?
To finish Rage and put it out this year. I'm currently waiting for my Beta Readers to complete their thoughts and suggestions and send them back to me. After that, I'll do revision #6, write the back blurb, add the acknowledgements page, author bio – and hopefully, have it “publish ready” sometime before August '21.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Cake. Maybe a happy dance.
