This entry was posted on Monday, May 11th, 2009 at 7:58 pm and is filed under Blogging, Books, Horror, Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
A Chat With South African Horror Author Joan De La Haye
This week, as part of her summer blog tour to promote her new e-novel Shadows South African horror author Joan De La Haye was nice enough to answer a few questions for the Eternal Vigilance website…
Please tell us a little about yourself…
I write horror. So I invariably wake up my husband in the middle of the night, because I’ve figured out yet another twisted way to mess with my already screwed-up characters.
I’m interested in anything weird or supernatural. That’s probably also one of the reasons I write horror. I’m deep, dark and seriously twisted. But no-one seems to take me seriously when I say that. I’m hoping that one day someone will believe me.
What drives you to write?
Writing is a compulsion. I have about twenty different stories running around my head at any given time. I have to put them down or go completely off my rocker. I can’t imagine myself not writing.
What do you consider to be your most significant accomplishment?
Right now, just the fact that I managed to finish a book, edit it and then publish it, is pretty damn amazing. Getting Shadows out is by far the most significant thing I’ve done – to date.
How would you describe your muse?
My muse is nasty little demon called Jack who likes to whisper evil stories in my ear in the middle of the night. He’s a harsh taskmaster.
What would you say is the best cure for “writer’s block”?
A stiff drink or three. Doing something completely different for a bit. Then rereading what you’ve written. Usually once I’ve read it, I get a new perspective and can get back into it. Discipline is also a good way to go. Setting a goal of how many words you want to write a day. When I’ve got a very bad case of writer’s block I set that goal at a minimum of a hundred words. It’s not a lot, but it is a manageable amount, and those hundred words add up.
Outside of writing, what are your other passions/interests?
I paint. Not very well, but it’s fun. I also scuba dive and do yoga.
What is your advice to young writers/first time authors?
Read a LOT!
Take a writing course.
Join a writing group – Live or online.
Don’t compare yourself to other writers. You have your own unique style – work with it.
Most importantly, don’t give up!
What do you want the world to remember you for the most?
Good question. I’ve never really thought about that. My immediate reaction is to say for being a great writer of course, but that just seems to be too obvious. If I think about it, I want to be remembered for doing things my way and doing them well. For standing up for what I believe in. But I guess only time will tell what I really will be remembered for. I hope it’s something good.
More information about Joan De La Haye can be found on the following websites:
http://www.rebelepublishers.com/
http://joandelahaye.wordpress.com/
http://www.myspace.com/joandelahaye
May 11th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
[...] Nine of Shadows blog book tour Today I’m at Gabrielle Faust’s blog for an interview. Please pop in and let me know what you [...]
May 12th, 2009 at 3:46 am
“My muse is nasty little demon called Jack who likes to whisper evil stories in my ear in the middle of the night. He’s a harsh taskmaster.”
LOL – whew! Now THAT’s a mighty muse, Joan!
Thoroughly enjoyed the interview and post. I haven’t hit ALL the stops on this tour, but none of them I’ve visited have disappointed. Nice job.
May 12th, 2009 at 6:04 am
I’m not a horror fan but I’m definitely into psychic phenomena and the supernatural. I think you’re brave to tell the world that you’re twisted.
May 12th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Thanks Marvin!
Glad you’re enjoying the tour.
Hi Jean! I quite enjoy being twisted
May 12th, 2009 at 6:59 am
I had to stop by, Gabrielle who is my friend on myspace and Joan on facebook, two awesome writers. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading Gabrielle’s or Joan’s books yet, but they are on my to buy list.
Great interview Gabrielle and I like the way Joan’s muse works, wicked.
May 12th, 2009 at 8:01 am
“I’m deep, dark and seriously twisted. But no-one seems to take me seriously when I say that. I’m hoping that one day someone will believe me.”
No one will ever believe Joan because she is a kind and giving person – who happens to write really twisted and amazing stories. Loving the blog tour. Keep writing!!
May 12th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Thank you everyone for stopping by! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview with Joan!
May 12th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I like your cure for writer’s block, Joan! Enjoyed the interview.
Jane Kennedy Sutton
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/
May 12th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I love your advice to young writers, Joan.
These were some interesting questions and answers. It’s nice to learn more about you.
Best,
Angel…
May 13th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
mm. nice, thanks for posting
May 13th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Hi everybody! Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m really happy you enjoyed the interview.
July 13th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Greetings. I am a freelance journalist with a lifelong Gothic/Romantic bent who – having been more or less coerced into reading the whole Twilight series by my obessed teenage daughter, and having watched the not-that-sexy movie version – has decided that the curious, deadly sexuality of vampires throughout history would make a really fascinating article, especially for a big national publication. Apart from thorough research, I would like to add fuel and excitement to my piece by interviewing (in person, via e-mail or telephonically) one or two S.A. vampires. A photo session would be an enhancement, but is not essential. Real names are only used if desired by die-hard exhibitionists. A former TV producer, my writing credentials are exemplary, and I guarantee an excellently-penned and sensitively-handled piece. I would be much obliged if someone out there would put me in touch with a self-styled contemporary creature of the night. Thanks … in anticipation. Maggie. P.S. Plain old Goths need not apply. I need something I can sink my teeth into!