Indie Author Interview: Welcome Rebekah Campbell!

Welcome to Author Interview Thursday hosted by Never Too Old for Y.A. & N.A. Books group on Goodreads.

Today welcome author Rebekah Campbell!

 Experiences can make us or break us and it's no different for sixteen-year-old, Emily. 

Living under the roof of her abusive Uncle, Emily is brutally attacked by a gang and wakes up from a coma with no recollection of the accident.

As the amnesia starts to clear, Emily realises that her memory is not the only thing coming back to her from the accident. There's also a wild, angry power that she has to control before it destroys her and everyone else. 

So the question remains: Will Experience make her or break her?

So, looks good, right? Let's hear what Rebekah has to say!

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else? 

I had a pretty wild imagination as a kid so I wanted to be a veterinarian-singing-acting-writer. What can I say, it’s a niche market!

How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish?

That’s a difficult question. Every project is different to be honest. Living in the Dark took about three months give or take a month but the sequel is taking me about nine months so far. I tend to take a bit longer because I work full-time and run my book blog as well.

How do you come up with themes for your stories?

I don’t necessarily go out of my way to add in a theme, they just tend to appear. But if there’s a certain kind of attitude that I don’t agree with I tend to draw it out of a character. Ultimately, it depends on the story.

Do you have a schedule of when you write? 

I am NOT a morning person so I tend to squeeze my writing in straight after work before my flat mate comes home. I get pretty easily distracted so it’s important that I get the uninterrupted time with my characters 

How are you able to balance other aspects of your life with your writing?

With great difficulty haha! I have quite a few beta reads and review books on the go at one time so to stop burning myself out I’ll beta read, then read a review book, do some of my own writing and then read a book from my own TBR pile. It keeps everything fresh and means I don’t drown under everything and continue to enjoy what I do.

What elements do you think make a great story line? 

I love strong characters that truly stand for what they believe in and humour is an absolute must. For me, you need those funny moments to brighten up the dark parts. I’m a giant Science Fiction nerd so any of those elements pretty much guarantee I’ll love the story line.

What was the hardest thing about writing a book?

Writing it. Yeah I know, bit obvious! But sitting down and writing when you really don’t want to or you’re tired is the most difficult thing I’ve come across. If that happens, I just make myself push through a couple of hundred words and then try again the next day. One word is always better than none and you might find that it inspires you when you go back to it.

How many books have you written so far? Do you have a favorite? 

I’ve written about twenty stories and the majority of them are just fun little books that will never see the light of day but I love them anyway. I’d have to say that my favourite is a YA Science Fiction that I’m currently writing with a working title of Icarus. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever written but it’s so much fun!

Do you have a favorite character?

In the sequel to Living in the Dark, I’ve introduced a new character called Wallis. It’s probably wrong to be in love with your own character but I can’t help it. He’s witty, he’s charming and he’ll call you out on everything you do. I just. Oh, Wallis, if only you were real…

Where do you write?  

Normally at my computer, which is crammed into the corner of the living room but to change things up, I’ll take my notepad and write somewhere else like beside the river because it helps to get out of the house!

When deciding on how to publish, what directed you to the route you took? 

Living in the Dark is very much a book that is so personal to me and I wanted to publish it myself because I felt it would give me more freedom. I’m so glad that I chose self-publishing because I’ve met so many fantastic authors that I’m proud to call my friends.

Have you gotten feedback from family about your book(s)? What do they think?

I have actually, I was unbelievably about letting them read my book because I didn’t know if it would shock them or not. I mean, it’s pretty dark! But they loved it, including my cousin who doesn’t really read very much and they’re all cheering me on to write more. I’m quite lucky to have such a supportive family 

What kinds of things do you like to do outside of writing?

Read! Haha! But I also love to bake and hang out with my friends. Weekend road trips and movie duvet days are normally the standard for me when I get the time.

What kinds of advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing? 

I’d say not to get too bogged down by your own self-doubt and write the story that YOU want to write. Writing is a refuge in a lot of ways and I think everyone has a whole library inside of them waiting to be written so give it your all.

What is your favorite book? favorite author? Do you have an author that inspired/inspires you to write? 

Favourite book? That is so cruel! I don’t think I could pick a single one and the same goes for authors. I’d have to say though that Victoria Schwab is a massive inspiration for me. She’s so awesome and the way she writes is just beautiful. Her “voice” is like art and it kicks me in the gut every time. Neil Gaiman is also an inspiration for me, he’s wonderful and so down to earth. The imagery he creates is breathtaking.

Do you have any go to people when writing a book that help you with your story lines as well as editing, beta reading and such? 

YES! I don’t know where I’d be without my critique partners. The five of us all met on Twitter and they’re invaluable when it comes to editing and brainstorming through problems. I also have my flatmate who always offers advice and ice cream. Stephanie Judice and Amber Garr (epic authors!) regularly beta read for me and the things they pick up are always spot on.

Are you working on anything now? 

I’m currently halfway through the sequel of Living in the Dark and finally got over the difficult writing slump that slowed down my progress. Also have Icarus waiting for me when I finish that and a Post-Apocalyptic story after THAT so you could say I’m a busy bee….

Thank you so much for having me, Brooke! I absolutely love your blog and everything you do for the writing community. YOU’RE an inspiration :D

Thanks so much for stopping by today, Rebekah! It was so great having you here!

In between working two different jobs and confusing myself about which job I should be at, I'm also a proud Indie Author. My debut, Living in the Dark, will be released in November 2012. Once I've stopped squealing and jumping in circles, I'll continue working on the rest of the Darkness Through the Light Series.

When I'm not tapping away at my computer, you'll find me busting some moves to my favourite bands or setting up on the Beach to have a bonfire with the best group of friend's I could ask for.

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