Interview with R. M. Grace

Published 2014-08-28.
What do you read for pleasure?
For pleasure I tend to read horror or sci-fi novels. I love reading physics books as well.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing as a child, but most of my stories back then never saw paper as they were all in my head!
What's the story behind your latest book?
The novel I am working on at the moment 'STWOAS' is a psychological horror/sci-fi book about aliens. The story behind it actually came from a children's book I started writing, which will be featured in the novel.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
The idea of being in full control of what I write, the cover art and how the book is marketed.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The greatest joy has to be creating different 'worlds' in which the characters are thrown into. I love putting the characters I create into difficult situations and finding out how they will get themselves out of it and how they will each react to certain events and obstacles. The characters, in a way, create themselves and guide me to write on their behalf.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans are the most important people in writing books because they are the ones who buy my books and support me all the way.
What are you working on next?
After 'STWOAS' (my fourth book) I am working on a currently untitled novel with a much treasured poet. It will be a pyschological horror survival story in many ways.
Who are your favorite authors?
Arthur C. Clarke and Adam Nevill.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My children inspire me not only to get out of bed (they really leave me no option on that) but to do the best in everything that I do. Also, the thought of getting further on a book I am working on or to finish one up does, it's exciting stuff!
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I spend any free time with my children, drawing or killing zombies on the computer!
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I don't remember the first, but in my teenage years I wrote one about my favourite band at the time having to stay in a haunted house for a night. I'm sure that would be embarrassing to read now!
What is your writing process?
I always write out the scenes first (which I don't stick to all the time as I let the story tell itself) then I write out the first draft out on paper. The second draft goes onto the laptop and I make changes as I go. Next, I order my proof copy to read through and make the changes. I then read through a final time and make sure all is complete before publishing.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first 'grown-up' book I ever read was The Tesseract by Alex Garland and I absolutely loved it. I was determined then that I had to write novels.
How do you approach cover design?
I have an image in my mind as I am writing a novel. Mainly, I can take photographs to suit my needs, but with my fourth I have had to design it further on the computer, which needed a lot of patience!
What are your five favorite books, and why?
My favorite books have to be Arthur C. Clarke's Rama series and Stephen King's The Dark Tower series. Book series have shaped my imagination and beliefs and there simply are no better books!
What was your favorite book as a child?
I loved (and still do) Richard Adam's Watership Down. It gave me nightmares, but it was brilliant. I got to re-read it when it came to story time with my kids and they both loved it too, and I have to say I enjoyed it more the second time around!
Describe your desk
I have a simple black desk with a poster of my first novel above it to drive me on to write more and Bobby Bear from that novel sitting on top.
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