Interview with Stephen Craig
Published 2013-11-27.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
When I'm not writing? Well, then I start reading - there are so many authors out there (established and new) that you can never be short of stories. To wind down I play the guitar or just take the dog for a long walk.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Social media is helpful for getting suggestions - but searching the main sites for catagories is a safe place to start - some will email recommendations to you. It really is a pick 'n' mix out there depending on your mood. Long or short - some good some...not so good!
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
It was a fantasy story (not whips but elves) that I wrote back in secondary school. I can't remember the title now (and I didn't keep the note book) - but I seem to recall it was a quest for a magic sword (highly original lol).
What is your writing process?
It can vary.Sometimes I get a title or a picture and then I construct a story as I am going. Other times I have a clear idea as to what the story will be about (and how it will end) and then it is just about finding a way from A to B!
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
In the (later) years of primary school - we used to read out chapters aloud - and that was The Hobbit - and from there my love for those types of stories grew.The idea that words can create such strong imagery in the mind. At some point I will write my own fantasy story...
How do you approach cover design?
The picture first. It has to be distinct and relate to the story. Once that is in place comes spacing out the title - the words need to stand out. When you write it is easy to fall in love with your own story but find that it does not sell - the cover is key, there are so many stories out there how do you get the readers attention? You want them to see the cover and think 'that looks interesting'!
What do you read for pleasure?
Fantasy, murder mysteries (I am a big Agatha Christie fan) and detective thrillers.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I have a number of readers so can get work on Kindle, Nook, Kobo etc. I like to do that so I can double check my own stories and check how the different readers show them. It sounds strange but there can be slight differences.
Describe your desk
It's made of wood and is buried under paper with scribbled words and ideas. There is a space for my laptop to sit!
What's the story behind your latest book?
Which one? I have so many stories in my head that I am working on that things get delayed. My last published novella was The Drowning of The Innocents - which is a horror at heart - it is set around a solar eclipse.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I have always had stories in my head but I suppose did not have the confidence to open the cage and let them out. I would say now that once you release a story, take good reviews on board but prepare yourself for (in some cases) strong criticism.
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Books by This Author
Who Killed Bob?
by Stephen Craig
(4.33 from 3 reviews)
Bob is dead. He appears to have died in his study, alone and with the doors locked. On his desk are a pen and a photograph of his family - which are usually there.
What are not usually there, are the ice pick, claw hammer, kitchen knife and bottle of prussic acid which have been arranged on his desk. A lot of questions need to be answered. The main one is WHO KILLED BOB?
