Indie Author Interview with Stacy Green - Author of the Romantic Suspense Novel Into the Devil’s Underground.
Stacy Green, a full-time author, juggles her time between her demanding characters and supportive family. She loves reading, cooking, and the occasional gardening excursion. Stacy Green earned degrees in journalism and sociology from Drake University.
Interview with Stacy Green
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| Author Stacy Green |
Stacy Green: I have a degree in journalism from Drake University. I originally intended to write for magazines, but I ended up getting sidetracked into advertising for several years. I wrote for Drake Magazine and several Iowa newspapers several years ago, but I shelved writing for many years before diving back into fiction.
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite books, and who or what are your writing influences?
I always say Anne Rice because it was Interview With A Vampire that inspired me to want to be a writer. I was fascinated by the world and history she created. Silence of the Lambs' Hannibal Lecter is still my very favorite villain, and I'm currently a big fan of Lisa Gardner and Lisa Unger. Both are masters at psychological suspense and twisted plots.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
I've written stories since I was very young, and I always wanted to be a published writer. In college, my adviser told me to go into magazine journalism because it was for writers who would never be published novelists. I allowed that to derail my fiction writing for many years, but I think everything happens for a reason and now is an amazing time to be a writer.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes. It was about a celebrity who shall not be named. I was about 10, I think.
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
I'm a stay at home mom of an eight year old, which means the school year is my bread and butter. I try to write 4-5 hours during the week, depending on what stage I'm in. Generally, that means a couple of hours in the morning and a couple in the afternoon. In the summer, things are much more in flux, but I try to write an hour or two during the day and then again in the evening. I'm a plotter, and if I have a strong plot with the scenes developed, I can usually crank them out fairly quickly.
Please, describe your desk/workplace.
A mess right now, lol! I used to write in our living room, where there is a lot of natural light. We recently converted our spare bedroom into my office, thought, and I love it. It's got neutral colors and some beautiful plants. I use whiteboards to keep track of various things, and I'm a big believer in index cards, so I've got quite a few of them in piles. And there's always a cup of coffee or a glass of water.
"[...] the hardest thing is simply getting started every day."
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
For me, the hardest thing is simply getting started every day. I'm a procrastinator and a mood writer, but that doesn't work when you're running a business. Some days I've got to force myself to get to work and focus on just the book. The easiest thing for me is self editing. I love going through the rough draft and slashing the bad and bulking up the good. My second drafts are 100% easier to get motivated for.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Hearing from readers about how the story or characters affected them, how they felt like they were a part of the story. It's an incredible feeling to know something you wrote had an impact on someone.
"It's an incredible feeling to know something you wrote had an impact on someone."
Stacy, please tell us a little about your Romantic Suspense Novel Into the Devil’s Underground.
It was originally published by a small press as Into the Dark, and it was my debut novel. I've improved a lot as a writer and a plotter since then, and when I got my rights back, I gave it to my awesome editor. We tore it apart and came up with a much better plot and stronger characters.
Into the Devil's Underground features the infamous Las Vegas tunnels. Emilie Davis isn't aware of her stalker until he stages a bank robbery in an attempt to kidnap her. When things go sour, she's got to figure out who the man is and why he's after her. Hostage negotiator Nathan Madigan forges a connection with Emilie during the robbery, and he's drawn into her life despite all the reasons he should walk away. The book is about how the past affects our future choices and how dwelling on it can strange us, and all three characters - Emilie, Nathan, and the stalker - all suffer from the weight of the pasts. How they choose to deal with it is what makes for a great story.
AI.jpg "Into the Devil’s Underground (Stacy Green)") |
| Click to Read an Excerpt |
What inspired you to write the book?
I'd wanted to write about a stalker in Las Vegas, and I was searching for an escape route, thinking maybe there were stories about the mob. I Googled "Las Vegas tunnels" and was shocked to find out about the people living in the storm drains. I knew they needed to be the backdrop for the story, and the idea of the stalker weaving through the storm drains captivated me.
Who do you see as your target audience and where can we buy the book?
I think readers of Lisa Jackson, Allison Brennan, and Lisa Gardner will like this book. It's more thriller than romance, but there is a love story as well. You can find the book on all digital retails and in print.
What makes your book special?
Using the storm drains as a plot device and the unique way all three characters are tied together makes the book stand out.
How would you describe the success of your book so far?
The re-release has been really well received. I offered anyone who'd read the original version a free copy of Into the Devil's Underground for review, and they have all loved the changes and felt it was an even stronger book.
How long did it take it to write the book?
Since it was originally my first full length novel, it took about 9 months. The heavy editing we just did took about two. Now, once I have a book plotted, I can usually write a draft in 2-3 months.
"Write every day, write what you love."
Can you give some advice for other Authors regarding the writing process?
Write every day, write what you love. If you're having trouble getting into the story, that's your brain's way of telling you something isn't right. Readers won't love a story if you don't. That shines through in your writing. That doesn't mean it should come easy every day - writing is hard. But you've got to love the idea.
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
Yes! I'm going to be launching a five book series late this summer.
Beginning with Twisted Fear, The LUCY KENDALL SERIES is a six part series with two separate story arcs. The first three books focus on the theme of fear as Lucy will have to face her own and navigate through the world she’s created for herself. The second arc centers on the theme of consequences, as Lucy is stripped of nearly everything she values and will have to fight for her freedom.
"I do think bookstores will survive[...]"
Where do you see the book market in 5 or 10 years? Will there be only eBooks and will book stores disappear like record stores disappeared?
That is a really tough question. I do think book stores will continue to downsize, because we are living in a technological age, and the younger generations are very tech dependent. I do think bookstores will survive, but they will be smaller and more independent/localized and cater to a specific group. But I do think the use of e-readers will continue to grow because that's the nature of our society. Think about all the twenty-somethings out there - they grew up with the convenience of technology being a normal thing. Instant gratification is very important in our society now, and that is what e-readers provide.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I've got a Kindle Paperwhite and love it. I'm a mood reader, and if I want to read a book, it's right now. I don't want to go to the store and buy it. The Paperwhite is great in all light, Amazon has more books, and it's very lightweight.
Do you write full-time or do you have a day job? When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I'm lucky enough to write full time. When I'm not writing, life revolves around family. We've got an 8 year old who swims and plays soccer, so she keeps us very busy. I try to focus on her when she's home because time goes so fast and they are only young once!
How can readers connect with you?
Readers can find me everywhere online!
Website: www.stacygreen.net
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Stacy Green, Author
Twitter @StacyGreen26
Thank you so much for having me! I'm looking forward to meeting your readers.
Thank you very much for the Interview, Stacy.
About the Book Into the Devil’s Underground
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
Laugh lines appeared at the corners of the man’s eyes. “You don’t know, Miss Emilie?”
Her heart skidded to a stop. How does he know my name? Throat constricted, she shook her head.
“For you, Miss Emilie. I’m here for you.”
For Emilie Davis, it was business as usual in her job as bank manager of WestOne until two men storm in demanding cash. However, it doesn't take long before Emilie learns one of the men isn't there for money—he's convinced they have a connection and has come to claim her. And he won't give up.
When hostage negotiator Nathan Madigan and Las Vegas SWAT enter the bank on a rescue mission, Emilie's captor makes a shocking escape into the abyss that lies beneath the city: the Las Vegas storm drains, a refuge for the downtrodden and the desperate.
Through the darkness of the Devil's Underground and secrets from her past, Emilie finds there is no escape from her stalker. She turns to Nathan, who is determined to save her no matter what it takes.
But will it be enough?
- "I was drawn in from the very first page. The storyline was a very fascinating, suspenseful, read. The characters were both well liked & well defined. I started this book & could not stop reading it until the end. A very good read for romantic suspense fans." - Reader Review
Links to the Book
Link to the Paperback Into the Devil’s Underground with Excerpt on Amazon
Link to the eBook Into the Devil’s Underground with Excerpt on Amazon
