AUTHOR INTERVIEW - REBEKKAH FORD

What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?

Rebekkah Ford. I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and now live in rural North Dakota.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be? 

Yes.

When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"? 

When I finished my first book.

Did it take a long time to get your first book published? 

No, because I decided to publish it myself. I could have taken the traditional route, but chose to go indie instead.

Do you work another job as well as your writing work? 

Yes, I have a day job.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say? 

My latest book that’s published is called, Dark Spirits. It’s the second book in a YA paranormal trilogy. To summarise it in less than 20 words, I’d say magic, immortality, betrayal, evil spirits, and possible genocide.

Who is your publisher? or do you self publish? 

I self-publish

Do you have a "lucky charm" or "lucky routine" you follow when waiting for your book to be accepted by a publisher? 

No.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it? 

3-6 months. If I didn’t have a day job, it would be sooner.

Which of your books were easier/harder to write than the others? 

The first one in this trilogy was the easiest.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre? 

More books in the same genre for a while, and then I plan on writing in different genres.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series? 

Yes and yes. I do  have plans for another book and this book is part of a trilogy. The third one in this trilogy (The Devil’s Third) will be published this fall.

What genre would you place your books into? 

YA paranormal

What made you decide to write that genre of book? 

I’m fascinated with the paranormal world.

Do you have a favourite out of the books you have written? If so why is it your favourite? 

No, I don’t have a favorite. Not yet.

Do you have a favourite character from your books? and why are they your favourite? No, that would be like choosing which one of your kids is your favorite.

If you had to choose to be one of your characters in your book/books which would you be? and why? 

Paige, because I can identify with her the most. Not to mention, she has awesome powers.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I’ve been writing most of my life. I think Anne Rice’s books were a great influence on me while growing up.

Where do you get your book plot ideas from?What/Who is your inspiration? 

The Universe. It just comes from somewhere else. Something greater than me. It’s awesome really.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair? 

I try to write before work in the morning, and then I write in the evenings and on weekends. Every chance I get, I write.

Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release them?ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewers you know?

 Yes, I do. I have other authors read them and of course my wonderful editor is always kind enough to do a review for me.

Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?

 Yes, I do.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books? 

Yes.

What was the toughest/best review you have ever had? 

The toughest review was a one star review. The reader slammed my book pretty hard. However, some fans of mine got involved on their own accord and defended my book, which was cool.

Would you ever ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive about your book/books? 

No.

How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books?Who designed the Cover of your books?

 I flush out ideas for the title and the cover. The cover designer is Stephanie Flint. She’s awesome.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

I choose a title first.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books? 

I think long and hard about it and sometimes do research on names and places.

Are character names and place names decided after their creation? or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

 I pick the name and places first.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along? 

Before I write the book, although, sometimes the characters surprise me, and then I modify their traits a little more

Do you basic plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing it out? Or do you let the writing flow and see where it takes the story? 

I do both, that way I’m not stifling the creative process.

How do you market/promote your books? 

I do blog tours and a lot of social media.

What do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller ?

The story and writing.

Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"? 

Yes, I have. I walk away and read for a while. Reading another book always helps me unplug the creative blockage in my own work.

What do you do to unwind and relax?Do you have a hobby?

 I read, take walks with my husband, watch The Vampire Diaries or a movie, or I go out to eat with my husband and some friends.

Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to you? 

Yes to both.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

 Yes.

Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing? 

Anne Rice.

Which format of book do you prefer, ebook,hardback, or paperback? 

Paperback.

What is your favourite book and Why?  

Have you read it more than once?I have more than one. Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice, 1984 by George Orwell, The Stand by Stephen King, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. And yes, I have read all of them more than once.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst  book to movie transfer? 

The book is always better than the movie. My favorite book to movie is Interview With the Vampire. That movie was awesome, although Billy Idol should have played Lestat, not Tom Cruise. However, Tom did a pretty good job playing the role.

What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)

 The Immortal Rules. I’m not really digging it right now.

Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books?

 No, not entirely. I think there will always be printed books, but not as popular.They’ll be more of a nostalgic item than anything else.

Do you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to read? and/or do Imaginative writing? 

No, but I’m not sure if I’m the right person to answer that question. I don’t have kids, so I can’t give a conclusive answer.

Did you read a lot at school and write lots of stories or is being a writer something newer in your life? 

Yes, I’ve always read books, and I’ve been writing stories since I was a child.

Did you have a favourite author as a child? 

Judy Blume.

Do you have a treasured book from your childhood? If yes, what is it?

Judy Blume-Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.

Do you have a favourite genre of book?

Paranormal.

Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one you tried to read but just couldn't finish? 

Yes, I know of some books I’d never read.

Are there any New Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for? and Why should we watch out for them? 

I know quite a few because their stories and writing is good: J.A. Huss, E.D. Brady. Rysa Walker, Felicia Tatum, and Regina Morris.

Is there anything in your book/books you would change now if you could and what would it be? 

Yes, I would have made Paige’s and Nathan’s relationship develop at a much slower pace. However, there is a reason why they fell for each other so fast and hard . . . so maybe not.

What do you think about book trailers? 

I think they’re cool. I created one for my first book in this trilogy (Beyond the Eyes). I need to do the same for Dark Spirits and The Devil’s Third, but I haven’t had time to do it yet.

What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

Read and write a lot. Don’t follow trends. Write what you’re passionate about. Also, get the story out. Don’t worry about edits as you write the rough draft. You’re building the shell of a house. You’ll have plenty of time to drywall it and fix it up after you get the story built.

Do you or would you ever use a pen name? 

Yes, I would.

If you could invite three favourite writers to dinner, who would you invite and enjoy chatting with? 

Stephen King, Anne Rice, and J.K. Rowling.

Where can readers follow you?

Your Blog Details? http://themusingwriter.blogspot.com

Your Facebook Page? http://www.Facebook.com/RebekkahFord2012

Your Goodreads Author Page? http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6180865.Rebekkah_Ford

Your Twitter Details? https//twitter.com/RebekkahFord

And any other information you wish to supply?

 I just like to thank my fans and future readers. Thanks for reading my books. I appreciate your support, and I think you guys rock!