Time for another interview, Readers! I don’t often host horror writers, but once you meet today’s guests, dynamic duo Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross, you’ll know why I did. So please stick around and meet them!
Can you start by telling us a little about yourselves?
Tamara has been selling horror novels since the early 90’s and has the wrinkles to prove it. Alistair is still somewhat fresh-faced but is working hard on some crow’s feet and a permanently down-turned mouth to go with the many books we have upcoming, both collaborative and solo. Alistair enjoys cheese and pie, and little else. Tamara likes short walks in the rain, strawberry pasta, and snorting catnip.
Where does writing fit into your busy lives, and what keeps you motivated/inspired when discouragement sets in?
Writing is our lives. We put in 8-10 hours a day six days a week. We connect on Skype each morning and write together in the cloud, even if we are working on different projects. Our virtual office is motivation in itself. We also make use of whips and unseemly jokes, often at our cats’ expense.
As a reader, what do you think makes a good story? What have you learned to never do in your own writing?
A good story must have great characters and excellent editing. A plot is nice, too. As for our own work: Alistair avoids putting smokers in books because it puts him back into withdrawal. Tamara doesn’t like to include characters who wear too much perfume because it gives her a headache.
When it comes to reviews, do you have thick skins? How do you handle negative feedback?
We don’t read reviews. If they’re good, our heads swell, and if they’re bad, we get annoyed. We both feel it’s best to be true to ourselves and our own visions.
What draws you to write horror novels? Why do you think it’s so popular?
We like to be scared, and believe that horror speaks to the darker corners of human psychology. People enjoy having a safe way to face their fears.
Can you tell us about your books? What other projects are you working on?
With the release of THE CLIFFHOUSE HAUNTING, we’re returning to a previous novel, GRANDMA’S RACK, a tale of witches and mayhem, due out later this year. We will also continue releasing installments of THE GHOSTS OF RAVENCREST, a serialized Gothic novel about an old manor with a history of scandal and violence. Alistair is currently working on a solo vampire novel, which is set in the same universe as THE CLIFFHOUSE HAUNTING. After that, we’re beginning a new collaboration, a psychological thriller, that we’re both very excited about.
What advice would you give to new writers, especially those looking to break into the horror genre? Advice on marketing and selling?
Read lots, write lots, and avoid taking advice from other writers unless they’re successful. As for marketing, it’s part of the gig and when a writer isn’t writing, it’s important that he or she be working on promoting their work through interviews, reviews, social media, and whatever other outlets are available.
How can readers get into contact with you?
Our websites have all the information readers need to find us. alistaircross.com and tamarathorne.com
Many thanks to Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross for stopping by today. Readers, please do them the honour of leaving them a message below and also checking out their contact links.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
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