Indie Author Interview with Skye Callahan - Author of the New Adult Romantic Suspense The Redline Series.
Skye Callahan is the bestselling author of Irrevocable, a dark romance that ran away with her emotions and led her on a whole new writing journey. She enjoys exploring the darker sides of life through her fiction, whether through paranormal creatures or the depraved underbelly of human nature.
Her other works include the follow up to Irrevocable, Bend Don’t Break, The Fractured Legacy Series, and Bound and Unbroken.
Interview with Skye Callahan
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| Author Skye Callahan |
Skye Callahan: I’ve been fascinated with fiction since I was a kid. If I didn’t have my nose stuck in a book, I was probably scribbling down my own story or creating characters and having conversations with them. I took imaginary friends to a whole new level! I studied history in college because I’m also intrigued by how everything comes together to change societies and cultures. After nearly six years of writing academic papers and presenting at historical conferences and feeling like there was something missing in my life, I sat down and started writing fiction again. Every night until I finally had something I wanted to publish in 2013—a paranormal urban fantasy, Fractured Legacy. The following year, I wrote a BDSM novel, and then a dark romance, Irrevocable, that climbed the charts to be my first bestseller.
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite books, and who or what are your writing influences?
As a child I fell in love with the work of R.L. Stine, Christopher Pike, and Stephen King. There’s something about fear that I’ve always been drawn to and find particularly thrilling. I was a voracious reader so I also poured through series like The Boxcar Children and The Babysitters Club. I still find myself very drawn to paranormal works; Deborah Harkness (whose All Souls Trilogy saved my sanity) and Chloe Neill are two of my favorites. When I’m in the mood for a good romance, my first choice is Corrine Michaels, her books Consolation and Conviction are two of my favorite novels ever.
"That moment made a huge impact in my life [...]"
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
Looking back, it’s hard to believe there was ever a time when I didn’t want to be a writer, but there were a few major milestones that cemented my desire. As a kid, I wanted to spend all of my free time either at the library, curled up with a book, or outside living some kind of imaginary life (chasing convicts as a bounty hunter or tracking down ghosts, you know, normal kid hobbies). By the time I reached middle school, I was utterly convinced I’d spend my life lost in fiction and writing stories. Fortunately, my seventh grade English teacher took an interest in my talent, encouraging me to enter writing competitions and write stories for the younger students. At the end of the year, she gave me a writing journal inscribed with a long message telling me to never lose my love of writing and to never give it up, because one day I’d be the published author I dreamed of being. That moment made a huge impact in my life—one that still gets me emotional after all these years.
By college, however, life had taken a detour. I love learning and took every opportunity to explore all of the subjects that peaked my interest—Japanese, Geology, Linguistics, I could have studies forever, but I started running out of credit hours and finished up a degree in History. Followed by an MA in History, and along the way, I somehow forgot my love of fiction until the summer right before I graduated. A friend recommend that I pick up A Discovery of Witches, and reading the book was like being slammed in the face with a brick wall. Suddenly, I wasn’t sure how I’d ever walked away from fiction, and realized why I’d been struggling emotionally. With fiction back in my life and my desire to write at full throttle, I spent the next several months writing my first complete novel. And I never second guessed writing again.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I don’t really remember my first story ever, but the early story that stick out the most is one I wrote in Third Grade about a teenage boy who somehow ended up dating a ghost and she tried to kill him because she was bitter about her own death. I guess things haven’t really changed much in my head. The story did, however, win me third place in our class writing competition.
"I write, and write some more [...]"
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
I write, and write some more, and edit, and read, and rewrite. I wish I could define it as a process or routine, but often, it’s utter chaos. I have a OneNote Notebook that I use to organize all of my characters, blurbs, locations, and names from across all of my works and I have some zip-lock bags filled with note-cards where I jot down scenes and plot ideas. But mainly, I sit at my computer, staring off into space while my characters lead me on a journey and my fingers fly across the keyboard or I mindlessly ramble into a microphone. The more I try to take control and organize a book, the longer it takes to finish, so I’ve given up and let the characters have their way.
Please, describe your desk/workplace.
I just got a brand new desk to go with my new office—a fantastic little secretary desk that folds out and has tons of storage space—but I rarely write at it. Usually I’m curled up writing on a small mattress I have in the sun room (especially if I’m dictating) or sitting on the front porch. I love being outdoors to write! I find being outdoors relaxing and the most conducive to my imagination and concentration. So, I have a little tote filled with everything I need—my pens, notebooks, planner, portable mouse, so I can set up a workplace wherever inspiration hits.
"It’s a lot of pressure to know all of that [...]"
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
The easiest part is sitting around all day daydreaming, and then sitting down at the computer to finally bring characters to life who may have been living in my mind for more than a year. I love building that world and searching for all of the pieces that make it work.
The hardest part is writing a sequel or the final book in a series. The first book is easy. No one knows the characters, they don’t have a ton of expectations or investment when they first start reading, but coming to the end of a long series like The Redline Series, it’s very clear that every reader has something in mind that they’d like to see come to fruition in the end. Not all of those desires are compatible, but after a five-book series, readers are invested. They’ve already pictured the ending they want. They’ve played out scenarios in their own minds. It’s a lot of pressure to know all of that, and yet sit down and let the characters continue to have their way.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Being able to write a character that is nothing like me and experience the world through his/her eyes.
Skye, please tell us a little about your New Adult Romantic Suspense The Complete Redline Series.
The Redline Series is an explosive journey of suspense, angst, exploitation, and raw adrenaline-fueled flips and turns that all begins with a car thief meets a stripper he just can’t help but chase. Aubrey had simple goals when she moved to the city—find a job, a place to live, and her independence. She didn’t bank on a hotel job dropping her right into the hands of the city’s second biggest conman. Devlin drags her deeper and deeper into his world until the only way she can pay off her mounting debt is by agreeing to work in his private club—as a stripper. On her first night, as everything goes terribly wrong, she meets Colt. Little does she know that Colt is a car thief, looking for any kind of high he can get—especially the kind he gets by screwing with his half-brother, Devlin. Aubrey gets to make one final choice: Devlin or Colt. Which man is going to drive her over the edge? And is it possible she might just find love in the most destitute of situations?
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
What inspired you to write the book?
The first spark came from a dream, and as soon as Colt was born, he controlled every aspect of the book. I knew it’d work best in a serial, because it’s a very episodic story with five major parts, but that vague outline is all I went in with. I wasn’t even sure Colt would cooperate long enough to make it through the series—in fact, just as I started to wrap up book 3, he refused to go any farther until I gave him the chance to boost another car. Which, of course, added on an additional four of five chapters I hadn’t planned on.
Who do you see as your target audience?
Women who enjoy falling for the deliciously dark, sexy, bad-mouthed, street-hardened bad boy.
"It’s intense, twisted, and unapologetic [...]"
What makes your book special?
It’s intense, twisted, and unapologetic—and so are the characters. At times, the story will make you uncomfortable and force you to question your own ideas of right and wrong, but for readers who enjoy a roller-coaster of emotions, it’ll definitely take you for a long, hot, ride.
"[...] writing what I love."
How would you describe the success of your self-published books so far?
I’m happy, doing what I love, writing what I love, and making a living off of it. What can be more successful than that?
Can you give some advice for other Authors regarding the writing process?
Write for yourself; what makes you happy and excited to pick up your pen or sit over a keyboard every day. Your own desires are your biggest tool. Writing is a long and emotional process, but if you wake up every morning with a passion that needs to be written down, it’ll happen. You won’t stop until you make it happen.
"Writing is a long and emotional process."
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
I am! And I haven’t told anyone yet, but it involves a certain character who appeared in both The Irrevocable Duet and The Redline Series. He’s about to get his own twisted love story when he gets wrapped up with a She Devil.
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?
I think the book market will be booming. We have so many independent authors who are honing their craft and cranking out excellent work, so I think the wealth of fiction out there is going to continue growing. And it’s amazing that we can take our books with us everywhere, often with thousands of titles in the palm of our hand with reading apps on smart phones, tablets, computers, and of course ereaders. But I don’t think paperbacks or bookstores are going anywhere. Over the last few years, the number of bookstores actually increased. Many people are embracing both print and ebooks, and print will always have a place on the bookshelves of many booklovers—especially those who love collecting autographed copies. I think books also have a certain artistic display appeal, people flock to beautifully designed covers to grace their bookshelves and make a point to show off their favorites. While album art could be seen the same way, a shelf full of CDs or records doesn’t hold the same visual appeal of the colors and artwork of books
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle Paperwhite! I’m still crossing my fingers that one day Apple releases a non-backlit reading device because I have a bunch of iBooks, too. But right now, my Kindle Paperwhite is my best friend.
"I also edit, proofread, and format for other authors"
Do you write full-time or do you have a day job? When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Writing is my main job, but I tend to pick up odd jobs from time to time because I enjoy some variety from time to time. I also edit, proofread, and format for other authors, so I spend a good bit of time doing that. When I’m not writing, I’m usually relaxing with Sir (my beyond-supportive husband) and hanging with our two cats, fixing up my house or garden, running (in preparation for a zombie attack) or hiking through the forest in search of Bigfoot.
How can readers connect with you?
You can find me on Facebook /SkyeCallahan, Twitter /Skye_Callahan, Instagram /authorskyecallahan, or in my special group of Darklings, Facebook /groups/SkyesReadingHangout. And if you want to be sure to get all of my news, you can sign up for my mailing list, http://skyecallahan.com/mailing-list/, and pick a free eBook to get started!
Thank you very much for the Interview, Skye.
About the Book The Redline Series
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
Their struggle ignited when she woke in his bed and agreed to his offer. Two strangers forced deeper into a twisted game of drugs, sex, and exploitation, until one man overstepped the lines, leaving a trail of broken shards that once resembled tattered lives. Temptation destroyed hope, and addiction exhausted any chance of escape...
The Redline has been crossed, and there's no way out unless Colt and Aubrey can find a way to battle their inner demons and put a final end to the feud threatening the fate of the entire city.
- "It is definitely not a hearts and flowers romance. It’s dark, erotic, gritty and wonderfully twisted." - Reader Review
Link to the Book
Link to the Paperback Azaleas Don't Bloom Here on Amazon
Link to the eBook Azaleas Don't Bloom Here on Amazon
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