Welcome Emerald! Thank you for joining us!
Tell us a little about yourself
Do you work another job when you are not writing?
No. I’m currently trying to make my way as a writer which proves more difficult than it needs to be. If anyone needs a writer, send them my way. ;)
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t writing? I love to spend time with my nieces and nephew, and when I’m not with them, I’m either reading or watching Doctor Who re-runs.
What is your favorite color? Why? As ironic as it is, green. When I first started college, I started wearing more green, specifically my green jacket with a 4-leaf clover on it, and soon, it became my color. I’m, however, very fond of purple, so I usually switch between the two.
What is your favorite season? Why?
I can easily say, autumn. There’s nothing like driving down the road while yellow, red, and orange leaves swirl in the air as I drive by. The cool air is refreshing, and I believe I could live outside during the fall season if it wasn’t for the insects.
If you could live anyplace on earth, where would it be? Why?
Ireland. My ancestors were Irish, and I’ve always wanted to get in touch with my Irish roots, and judging by the photos I’ve seen, Ireland looks like a beautiful place to live.
If you could have any car, what would it be?
A 2011 green Camaro. I love sporty cars, and I’ve always been fond of Camaros. The newest ones are, however, my absolute favorite.
Tell us about your writing:
How long have your been writing? Was it a dream, a goal or is it just a hobby?
I’ve been writing since I was a small child. I’ve always had an uncontrollable need to buy stationary products and carry them around with me to write anything down when inspiration struck. My need to write a story really struck home with me when I first started high school back in 2001 though. I wrote part of a novel when I was in the eleventh grade but stopped. As soon as I started college in 2005, I picked writing back up, took writing courses, and decided that I would make writing not only a hobby but a dream come true.
How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?
I devote as much free time as possible to my writing. I don’t really have a routine, but I try to write at least 100 words a day which usually turns into between 1500-2000 words spread out throughout the day when I’m not doing laundry, cooking and other household duties.
Is there some place special you like to be when you write? I like to be surrounded by my family in the living room while sitting in my recliner. I like the quiet, but when I’m in complete silence, I don’t know what to do with it. I thrive on chaos apparently.
Do you listen to music or do you need a quiet place to write? I usually don’t listen to music unless I’m stressed while trying to write. It usually calms my nerves, but with my current WIP, I have a playlist of songs that remind me of my novel, and it helps me get in the mood of my WIP.
Tell us about your book:
What is the name of it and is it part of a series or a stand alone novel?
I'm proud to say that there will be a sequel to Piercing Through the Darkness. A lot of my readers wanted more, so I listened to my public and hopefully it will be ready by middle to end of next year.
Where did the idea come from? The novella originated from a short story I wrote in my first creative writing class in college. I was taking Psychology at the time, and we were studying hypnotism and repressed memories. I had this idea of a woman being chased by a man out for revenge for an accident she didn’t remember, and the story blossomed from that idea.
How long did it take to write? It didn’t take too long to write. It took about a month to write it and a lot longer than that to edit.What is it about?
Piercing Through the Darkness follows three characters who are in the dark metaphorically. Kandi has repressed the memories of a tragic accident, and the memories start surfacing through dreams. She doesn’t know that they’re actually memories. All she knows is that the dreams are too much to handle.
Jimmy is her best friend. He tries his hardest to protect her from the memories, but while she’s away at college, he can’t get to her. He knows what will happen if the memories return, and he doesn’t know whether to tell her the truth or continue to let her think they’re only dreams.
Jonathan Chandler lives his life as zombie. He’s as much of a victim of the accident as the others. When Kandi turns up in his classroom, he doesn’t know what to do. Eventually, his hurt and anger turn into the need for vengeance.
Your other work:
Do you have any upcoming projects in the works or other books that have been published?
I’m currently in the process of editing one novel. It’s actually out to a few beta readers at the moment, and while I’m waiting for their responses, I’m working on the first book of a paranormal YA series which is something very new for me. I’m hoping to have it out by next year if it all goes as planned.
Where can readers connect with you?
Readers can connect with me through my Facebook fan page, my blog, Twitter, Goodreads, and Google+.
Where can we buy your books?
My book is available through Amazon in e-book and paperback. It’s also available on Smashwords in e-book format and CreateSpace in paperback.
Links:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/emeraldbarnes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/emerald_barnes
Amazon links: www.amazon.com/Piercing-Through-the-Darkness-ebook/dp/B004P1IYLW/ ; http://www.amazon.com/Piercing-Through-Darkness-Emerald-Barnes/dp/1463752601/
Createspace link: https://www.createspace.com/3658289
Great interview! Now I'm curious to what the accident was!! Good luck with your writing and I hope you don't have to go back to a day job;))
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tonya!
ReplyDeleteI especially responded to how you used to carry around stationary products to write down story ideas--I did the exact same thing (carried tiny note pads) throughout my childhood. I was always afraid that I'd let a good idea slip away!
ReplyDeleteI echo Tonya I so want to know what the accident was! Great interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Carrie, I know! I still do that to this day. I have a notebook and pen in my purse at ALL times or I use the Evernote app on my phone. ;) Ah, technology. :)
Great Interview!
ReplyDeleteEmerald, I'm jealous of your daily word count! Don't know how you do it!
Congrats on all your success!
Peter
Writing as AR Silverberry
http://www.arsilverberry.com
Hi Emerald,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of your characters all being in the dark in one way or another! That's amazing how long you've been writing--I'm so glad you made it your life! Thanks for all you do.
Thanks, Peter and Kathie.
ReplyDeletePeter, it takes determination for sure. (And a lot of ignoring my family! Just kidding!) But it seems as if it's getting harder and harder to keep up that word count. Especially since NaNoWriMo is right around the corner. ;)