Around The Globe With C. Evenfall

This morning, I pick this week's featured author who gives me simple instructions. "Interview me while we're enjoying a campfire." 

So, I set the controls for a place I haven't visited in many years, Lake Keomah, a few miles from Oskaloosa, Iowa. I used to go out there on summer (and sometimes winter) nights, build a campfire, listen to an audio book, and enjoy being outside.

With Ms. Evenfall's assistance, we're soon sitting next to a crackling fire, adding wood chunks whenever we feel like it.

1. Who are you and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?

My name is C. Evenfall and I am a collector of tales passed down for generations.

2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people would be surprised to know that I believe in ghosts!

3. What interested you to become a writer rather than something else such as rock star?

I loved books so much my entire life, I think that I always knew that I wanted to write.

4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?

I would love to have dinner with Anne Rice! Her ability to humanize the vampire without making him the good guy was brilliant!

5. If I were stranded on a deserted island or suffering from a four hour layover at the airport, why would your book(s) be great company?

The engrossing suspense would pull you in so deeply that you would completely forget the severity the circumstance or your surroundings.

6. Share your process of writing in regards to: plot and character development, story outline, research (do you Google or visit places/people, or make it up on the spot), writing schedule, editing and number of rewrites.

I always start with a very rough synopsis.

When I know “what” will happen and in “what” order I begin work on my characters. Sometimes I will have several notebook pages about one character. Once the “people” have become real personalities to me, the story unfolds.

I do use the internet and other sources to research certain historical facts about my setting. Because I work full time running a small business, it is difficult for me to make a writing schedule, so I keep a notebook with me all the time. When I get ideas, I jot them down because I think about the story constantly. This helps me to maximize my productivity when I do sit down to write.

7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don't know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”

I think that methods vary from writer to writer. I think the most important thing anyone can do is to write down every thought and never beat yourself up when the ideas are not flowing. We are more creative some days than others.

8. I saw an amusing T-shirt the other day which read, “Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?

Some of my best ideas started out completely different than the finished project. . .my philosophy is never give up and never be afraid to rewrite your story!

9. Please tell me you're not going to stop writing? What's next for you?

I am currently working on my next novel. It will be historical fiction with the paranormal suspense element and I hope to release it in the spring of 2016.

10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?

I invite folks to find me on Twitter @CEvenfall2

And the following links:

Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CEvenfall

Author’s Blog: http://cevenfall.wordpress.com/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/C.-Evenfall/e/B00MSV6YT0

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8508982.C_Evenfall

BAA Author’s Page: http://booksauthorsandartists.com/authors/c-evenfall/