An Unconventional Meeting (AUM) is your first published book. How long did it take you to write it and how far along is Book 2 of The Fangirl Series?
From concept to delivery it was about two years—I have a very time demanding day job! But when I finally sat down to write, it took about four months. I wanted to ensure that it was relatable to fellow fangirls and that I did us justice.
Book 2 is about halfway finished. Book 1 was so well received that I’m feeling the pressure to make sure this is just as good, if not better than the first!
What do you think makes a good story?
You have to be able to imagine being in the story. Can you picture yourself either as one of the protagonists or standing there beside them as they go through their story? I feel that good stories are ones that just come to life in your mind; you can connect with something within the tale, be swept away by one of the characters, or scream and rage that they shouldn’t do that!
If a story makes you passionate in some way, shape or form, it’s a winner.
Which writers/books inspired you when writing An Unconventional Meeting?
I have quite an eclectic taste in things, from books to music to films and everything else. I don’t prefer one thing over another; I like a bit of everything. So I wouldn’t say any particular writer inspired me when creating the universe for AUM. Instead, I drew on my own fan experiences and the conventions that I’ve attended—although sadly, it is not autobiographical!
I wanted a story that connected with me and if it was able to connect with others, then that was a bonus. Writing for oneself should be the first priority; if you don’t enjoy what you’re writing, no one else will.
What are your ambitions for your writing career? Full time? Part time?
I’d love to be able to write full time. I don’t want to be world-famous or the next JK Rowling or EL James. I’d just like to be able to provide for myself and my husband through my tales that I enjoy telling so much.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I’ve loved writing since I was a child. One of my first memories is sitting listening to my grandmother reading me a story she had written. It was the first time I realised that regular people could write books.
I remember corresponding with an aunt when I was about seven or eight years old and telling her that I wanted to be a writer like Roald Dahl. I still chuckle at her reply that she couldn’t wait for that to happen as she already had my autograph!
When writing An Unconventional Meeting did anything stand out as particularly challenging?
Trying to ensure that Tyler, the deaf son of the hero, was believable was the most difficult thing. Sure, he was cute, but was his signing believable? Was his vocal communication right? Was it weird to have a relationship blooming with a child in such close quarters? But at the same time, Tyler was someone that I also loved writing. I felt I could write those Aww moments from his side and get away with it!
What do you like to do when not writing?
When I’m not behind the keyboard, I’m usually binge watching a TV show snuggled on the couch, cuddling with my dog, Jabba, a South African Mastiff. I just adore him. We rescued him back in March 2015 and he completed our family.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers can visit any of my social media sites below:
Website: www.evdarcy.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EvieDarcy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/evdarcy/
Or, sign up to my newsletter for direct to your inbox updates: http://eepurl.com/ccP7z5
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