Today, I am interviewing Becca Campbell, author of "Foreign Identity," "Not the Norm," and "Unmasked Alloy."
1.
Why do
you write?
I write because I believe that good fiction inspires, expands the imagination, and enriches lives. I write because I want to touch others. I write because I believe that good books can change the world.
I write because I believe that good fiction inspires, expands the imagination, and enriches lives. I write because I want to touch others. I write because I believe that good books can change the world.
2.
What
do you do to prepare before you actually begin writing? Music, tea, coffee,
etc.?
I put all the kids to bed (I have three of them), grab a snack (usually something sweet and a beverage), and enter my cave (which is really just a corner of my bedroom with my desk).
For writing, I typically prefer silence unless I’m in the hard-core zone of NaNoWriMo or JuNoWriMo and then I’ll put on my Pandora Writing Music station which consists of mostly Apocalyptica and the Vitamin String Quartet.
When I remember, I pray before I begin my writing session. It really helps.
I put all the kids to bed (I have three of them), grab a snack (usually something sweet and a beverage), and enter my cave (which is really just a corner of my bedroom with my desk).
For writing, I typically prefer silence unless I’m in the hard-core zone of NaNoWriMo or JuNoWriMo and then I’ll put on my Pandora Writing Music station which consists of mostly Apocalyptica and the Vitamin String Quartet.
When I remember, I pray before I begin my writing session. It really helps.
3.
Do you
have a writing routine/schedule?
I write in the evenings after my kids go to bed because I’m a night owl and I’m busy all day long. I also go to Starbucks regularly so I can get a long writing session in once or twice a week. Those bursts of productivity when I’m sequestered from my family really help my progress.
I write in the evenings after my kids go to bed because I’m a night owl and I’m busy all day long. I also go to Starbucks regularly so I can get a long writing session in once or twice a week. Those bursts of productivity when I’m sequestered from my family really help my progress.
4.
What’s
your favorite part of the creative process?
I love the initial burst of inspiration, whether it happens spontaneously or in a deliberate brainstorming session. I really enjoy plotting out a novel, that “dating” pre-commitment phase of the author/story relationship that’s thrilling and seductive. I love it when an idea woos me and I can’t let it go.
My second favorite part is the first read-through of draft one. I typically let my drafts sit anywhere between six weeks and two years before I go back through them (with no peeking in the meantime!). Of course I find errors, plot holes, and other expected flaws when I revisit the manuscript. But that is the moment when it’s most like reading someone else’s story, because I’ve had enough time away for two things to happen. First, I’ve forgotten enough of the plot or details that it feels new and fresh, and second, I can actually see the beauty in what I’ve written and truly appreciate my own creation.
I love the initial burst of inspiration, whether it happens spontaneously or in a deliberate brainstorming session. I really enjoy plotting out a novel, that “dating” pre-commitment phase of the author/story relationship that’s thrilling and seductive. I love it when an idea woos me and I can’t let it go.
My second favorite part is the first read-through of draft one. I typically let my drafts sit anywhere between six weeks and two years before I go back through them (with no peeking in the meantime!). Of course I find errors, plot holes, and other expected flaws when I revisit the manuscript. But that is the moment when it’s most like reading someone else’s story, because I’ve had enough time away for two things to happen. First, I’ve forgotten enough of the plot or details that it feels new and fresh, and second, I can actually see the beauty in what I’ve written and truly appreciate my own creation.
5.
What is/are
the book(s) that you are promoting?
Foreign Identity – A science fiction romance about two individuals who wake to find themselves trapped in a room with no memories of who they are or why they are there. You can enter the giveaway to win a copy here.
I also have two short stories in the Sub-Normal series: Not the Norm (#1) and Unmasked Alloy (#2). These stories are set in a dystopian reality where genetically enhanced humans populate earth, and the few who have refused superpower-style enhancements and chosen to stay genetically “pure” are labeled sub-normal and exterminated by the government.
You can pick up Not the Norm for free on Amazon Feb. 7th – 8th. I’m also running a giveaway of Unmasked Alloy. Go here to enter for a free copy.
Foreign Identity – A science fiction romance about two individuals who wake to find themselves trapped in a room with no memories of who they are or why they are there. You can enter the giveaway to win a copy here.
I also have two short stories in the Sub-Normal series: Not the Norm (#1) and Unmasked Alloy (#2). These stories are set in a dystopian reality where genetically enhanced humans populate earth, and the few who have refused superpower-style enhancements and chosen to stay genetically “pure” are labeled sub-normal and exterminated by the government.
You can pick up Not the Norm for free on Amazon Feb. 7th – 8th. I’m also running a giveaway of Unmasked Alloy. Go here to enter for a free copy.
6.
Who
is your favorite character from one of your novel(s)?
I don’t know if I should play favorites (you know how sensitive characters are), but the main character from my most recent manuscript was really enjoyable to write.
Her name is Eva Coderre and she has this really annoying tendency of accidentally turning invisible whenever she gets really nervous. Eva has her share of quirks, but the uncontrollable disappearing is by far her biggest flaw, especially considering the ten-year stint she was gone and couldn’t interact with people, but could only watch their lives play out all around her.
She has a dark side that few people are aware of, but she’s also a hopeless romantic. She’s had a difficult time letting go of her last boyfriend, case in point: it’s been ten years, and the mystery of why he broke it off is still eating away at her.
I don’t know if I should play favorites (you know how sensitive characters are), but the main character from my most recent manuscript was really enjoyable to write.
Her name is Eva Coderre and she has this really annoying tendency of accidentally turning invisible whenever she gets really nervous. Eva has her share of quirks, but the uncontrollable disappearing is by far her biggest flaw, especially considering the ten-year stint she was gone and couldn’t interact with people, but could only watch their lives play out all around her.
She has a dark side that few people are aware of, but she’s also a hopeless romantic. She’s had a difficult time letting go of her last boyfriend, case in point: it’s been ten years, and the mystery of why he broke it off is still eating away at her.
7.
Any
advice for aspiring authors who would like to be published?
1) Write as much as you possibly can.
2) Find other experienced, talented authors to mentor you.
3) Accept critiques and feedback humbly, and use them for the powerful tools they are, to help make your story better.
1) Write as much as you possibly can.
2) Find other experienced, talented authors to mentor you.
3) Accept critiques and feedback humbly, and use them for the powerful tools they are, to help make your story better.
8.
Is there
anything that you are working on currently that we can be expecting?
I’m glad you asked. :)
My next novel, Gateway to Reality, will be released in March. It’s a mash-up of science fiction and urban fantasy, and has plot elements similar to The Matrix and Inception with a little romance thrown in for good measure. Here’s the blurb to whet your appetite:
Talented artists shouldn’t be waiting tables, scraping by, and living mediocre lives. But that’s exactly what art school graduate Wes Teague is doing.
Then he wakes from a bizarre dream, haunted by the sense that his life isn't real. A harrowing truth presents itself--the real world lies in his dreams, not when he's wide awake.
The dream world he enters each night is rich and vibrant. Chicago appears the same on the surface, but chaos runs rampant as gravity, physics, and other laws of nature become fluid, changing unexpectedly. There, Wes's parents, brother, and sister are strangers. His girlfriend Emily doesn’t recognize him. Suddenly Wes longs to return, to unlearn the truth about his dual reality.
Wes would sacrifice almost anything to get back to blissful ignorance in a false world.
But now he has feelings for the real Emily.
I’m glad you asked. :)
My next novel, Gateway to Reality, will be released in March. It’s a mash-up of science fiction and urban fantasy, and has plot elements similar to The Matrix and Inception with a little romance thrown in for good measure. Here’s the blurb to whet your appetite:
Talented artists shouldn’t be waiting tables, scraping by, and living mediocre lives. But that’s exactly what art school graduate Wes Teague is doing.
Then he wakes from a bizarre dream, haunted by the sense that his life isn't real. A harrowing truth presents itself--the real world lies in his dreams, not when he's wide awake.
The dream world he enters each night is rich and vibrant. Chicago appears the same on the surface, but chaos runs rampant as gravity, physics, and other laws of nature become fluid, changing unexpectedly. There, Wes's parents, brother, and sister are strangers. His girlfriend Emily doesn’t recognize him. Suddenly Wes longs to return, to unlearn the truth about his dual reality.
Wes would sacrifice almost anything to get back to blissful ignorance in a false world.
But now he has feelings for the real Emily.
9.
If you
stranded on an island and you can only bring 3 books and one CD, what would you
bring and why?
Books: the Bible for daily strength and encouragement, On Writing by Stephen King for writing motivation and tips, and something classic and slightly romantic to soothe my heart during the lonely moments. I’m not totally decided on the last one, but possibly either Jane Eyre or Magnificent Obsession. Those are both great stories.
Music: I’d probably pick something from my writing music station or a Death Cab for Cutie album.
Books: the Bible for daily strength and encouragement, On Writing by Stephen King for writing motivation and tips, and something classic and slightly romantic to soothe my heart during the lonely moments. I’m not totally decided on the last one, but possibly either Jane Eyre or Magnificent Obsession. Those are both great stories.
Music: I’d probably pick something from my writing music station or a Death Cab for Cutie album.
Quick Fire Questions:
1. McDonalds or Burger King?
Neither. I
hate burgers. If I have to choose, I guess McDonald’s has better salads.
2.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
3. Book or Kindle?
Kindle. I’ve been known to
“tap” words while I’m reading a book, expecting the automatic dictionary to pop
up.
4. Romance or Thriller?
Thriller, but if it has a
little romance, too, I’ll be the happiest.
5. Favorite book?
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
6. Favorite movie?
The Island
7. Favorite author?
It’s a tossup between Ted
Dekker and Hugh Howey. I’m a major fan girl of both.
8. iPhone or Android?
iPhone
9. Favorite color?
Green
10. Salty or Sweet?
Usually
sweet, but I like to alternate between the two.
Where can we find you?
Where can we buy your beautiful book(s)?
 |
| Becca Campbell |
An avid lover of
stories that tiptoe the line between fantasy and reality (even when they plunge
off one side or the other), Becca J. Campbell looks for new angles on bridging
the gap between the two. She holds a special place in her heart for any story
that involves superpowers or time travel. Her passion is defying the limits of
her own creativity.
Becca’s journey
into writing began as many of her other creative endeavors do – by daring
herself to try something new. The question “what if I wrote a novel?” and some
hastily scribbled notes on a church handout were the inspirations that
jump-started her first book. Since then, she has written half a dozen
additional novels and several shorter works.
As the wife of a
musician and mother of three young boys, Becca’s life is never dull. Whether it
is writing, painting or knitting, she enjoys making stuff that wasn’t there
before.
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