It's been quite a while since I've done the author interview segment of this blog. Almost a year, in fact. If you couldn't tell, my last post I gave 11 writing tips I've learned along the way and provided a link for the book that inspired the tips written by the writer of Sky Blue, 40, Isolation and Ghostwriter. Well today we have Travis Thrasher. A very prolific author who doesn't believe in being boxed in by any one genre. And his work definitely shows his flexibility. Here's a bit about the author himself from his own Goodreads page.
Few authors have shown such diversity as Travis Thrasher. From starting his career with sweet and moving love stories, Travis has navigated through various genres including suspense, adventure, and most recently supernatural thrillers. At the core of each of his stories lie flawed characters in search of redemption. He loves surprising his readers, not only with a different style of writing in each book but also with amazing twists in each story. The author of eighteen critically-acclaimed works of fiction, Travis lives with his wife and three daughters in a suburb of Chicago.
And now, let's have a chat with Travis Thrasher about his series known as The Solitary Tales.
#1 Tell us about the first book you wrote.
I wrote and completed my first novel in ninth grade. It was called The Adventurer though it's really just a revenge story about a man who avenges his wife's death and kills about 100 mobsters. It was pretty awful but I did manage to finish it, proving I could possibly do it again.
#2 What''s your writing schedule like?
I've been a full-time writer for four and a half years. It's taken a while to build up writing stamina. Currently I'll arrive at my office (which is away from my home) usually by nine and will write until noon. I usually go through emails and Facebook and all that before diving in. I'm back at my desk a little after one and will write until 4:30 or so. The afternoon writing is difficult because that's when you want to just sleep. I usually will work on one project in the morning and another in the afternoon. Lately I've also been writing late at night--adding a few more words to whatever project I'm immersed in.
#3 When did you decide to become a writer?
I've wanted to be a writer since third grade.
#4 How did it feel to have your first book in print?
It was a dream come true. My first book was called The Promise Remains and it's a sweet little love story. But it was a beautiful hardcover, so I was very excited. It never gets old seeing a newly printed book.
#5 What inspired you to write Solitary Tales?
I've always wanted to write a teen series. I tried and failed several times. I took two genres that I'd already written in--my first which was basically a teen romance and my most recent at the time which was horror. I blended the two to make my version of Twilight (minus the vampires).
#6 Jocelyn is such a vivid character. Was she based on anyone you knew growing up?
Yes and no. There are bits and pieces of real people that go into all my characters. But that's the starting point. Jocelyn in particular was someone who I made up and isn't based on one particular person.
#7 How many books are going to be in the series?
Four. It's funny because when the first book, Solitary, was given away for free a couple of years ago, a lot of readers were angry it ends the way it does. I kept thinking It's a series! Answers are going to come! That's why it's called The Solitary TALES!
#8 Does Chris Buckley''s father make an appearance in later books?
You have to read Temptation (book three).
#9 The ending was totally surprising. Was it difficult to choose that ending?
I always knew I wanted it to end like that. That was one of the first things about the story I thought of. I hoped the publisher (if I found one for this series) would go for it. Thankfully they did. I think it sets a great tone that all bets are off and this series can go in a million directions.
#10 What''s your main advice for aspiring writers?
Never give up. Finish what you start. Pick a story (if you write fiction) that you're dying to write and just write it. Writing is practice, so writing a few novels without getting published is perfectly fine. It took me seven complete novels before my first got published. Believe in yourself but also take feedback. Be proactive and persistent. And never give up (did I mention that).
Thanks for the opportunity, Rob! Here's a link to my latest blog talking about the free giveaway and the Kindle Fire contest.
Take care.
