Celebrating the Release of “A Darker Slice of Life” – Author Interview

I am so exited about the release of my new book “A Darker Slice of Life”, and wanted to share with you the Smashwords’ Author Interview today.

SW: When did you first start writing?

I began writing relatively early in life, first re-writing my favorite novels into scripts at 11, than writing for screenplays for our drama club.Since then, I have been writing in both English and German, for my blogs, various publications as well as for my personal pleasure.

SW: What is the story behind your latest book release?

I began to write flash fiction as a form of personal challenge. I wanted to see if I could write a complete story within such a small space, and to my surprise I fell in love with this format. While I do still and always will enjoy the freedom to write longer stories and novels, I find the shortness of Flash Fiction freeing, and a wonderful exercise crafting a theme down to its essence.. It never stops to amaze me to read the depth of stories written in such small space.

SW: What motivated you to become an indie author?

One of the most important lessons I learned as a writer, is to know when to let go off a project. It was important for me to move from holding on to the stories I love, to sharing them with its intended audience. Being able to use smashwords as a vehicle to do so, was a freeing experience. While I am not against working with agents and publishing houses – to the contrary – I consider it a privilege to be a part of a growing community of Authors who considered the freedom of indie publishing as their home.

SW: What are you working on next?

My next projects are two of completely different format and subject matter. The first project is a horror script focusing on psychological terror rather than the gory kind, and a the stand alone novel I am currently working on is called “The Farm”, and is a paranormal suspense romance.

SW: Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors are Heather Graham, Kay Hooper, Dean Koontz, and Neil Gaiman. I am hooked on Kay’s paranormal series, which center around an FBI Unit with special abilities.

SW: When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

When I am not writing, I am assisting my husband with running our growing business, as well as homeschooling our children. Of course, I can not forget to mention the rescued members of the household, two wonderful dogs, and a very patient cat.

( A Darker Slice of Life is available on Smashwords for only 99 cents! Buy it here now!)

Self-Determination – A Haiku

Self-Determination

no faith in the stars
destiny of our own make
creators of dreams

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

 

The last two days where were asked by Daily Prompt to write about Horoscope, first to create one, then to write our own from the past month. Which brought me to write the above Haiku, as well as the “horoscope” below:

Scorpio – Monthly Horoscope for the Month of October (and every month from now on)

This is a good month to do what every you choose to do. Make decisions based on your intuition and what feels right for your family. Be kind and considerate, show gratitude, and believe in your own dreams. If you follow this advice, you never have to read another horoscope again. You determine your life. Now stop reading horoscopes and follow your passion. You determine your future, not the stars.

That would be the horoscope I would write. 

Now go out there and live your dreams!

P.S. Two more days until the release of my Flash Fiction collection “A Darker Slice of Life”! I am so exited! Group hug to everyone who has been congratulating me all over social media, and to all of you whom have commented and read my flash fiction. You guys are awesome!