Interview with Krystyna Priscina Whitlomb

Published 2013-09-11.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
When I was little, the bookshelf was kept in my room. It had a lot of dimestore paperback novels, the horror kind. I don't recall the authors very well. I did read V.C. Andrews at too early an age, that's for sure! The flair for the dramatic that these books gave me, the twists and wickedness, I definitely held on to.
What is your writing process?
I am not a plotter, typically. I am a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants. I don't always have an ending in mind, and I don't always know who is going to be in a story. I'm the sort that hears voices from the ether and follows their lead. Sometimes they nudge me to change something, sometimes I have to nudge them to allow for them to be expressed properly. I did three drafts for Methuselah. Writing her took about a few months. Editing took two years ;)
How do you approach cover design?
I sometimes make my own art of the 3D variety. Methuselah has a cover that was actually commissioned by a friend of mine on my behalf. I want my name big enough for people to see me, but really I'd rather the title be standing out the most.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
I'm more of a writer than a reader. I've loved reading the Dune series, by both father and son. And I love old Stephen King. Isaac Asimov's robot and Foundation series were also good. And I love some of Greg Bear's work!
What do you read for pleasure?
Greg Bear is my favourite to turn to on the bookstore shelves.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I'm still learning how to market effectively. Methuselah will teach me much.
Describe your desk
My desk contains a PC tower on the side, near the legs of a black soft top card table ;) There is a printer that my flat screen monitor sits on, there is a glittery mouse, and there are speakers. Everything is in black that I can get in black.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Ontario, spending time in both north west and south east. I lived in the country, then the deep bush. Deep enough that the buses didn't take us to school in the winter if it snowed too hard.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing when I was a child. I wrote a lot of poetry when I was a teenager. Then I got into erotica when I was a young adult.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Methuselah is about vampires. Vampires that really bite. And hard. To me, people have watered down vampires and fallen in love with them for all the wrong reasons. You should love a vampire like you love sharks - with respect, from a distance. They shouldn't be in your bedroom, holding the flashlight while you write in your diary under the covers.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
It felt like this was the right time. I've always wanted to ONLY be an author. Now, the opportunity is here and I'm taking it!
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords' style guide has been fabulous. It helped me turn other stories into a format that all other sites accept! I also love this little interview feature!
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I feel the most gratitude when I write something good. I feel the next degree down when someone else agrees with me.
What do your fans mean to you?
Lots of people say not to care what other people think. That's inhuman, really. We're a social pack animal. We've got 'society' and 'culture'. We're meant to care what others think. And I really do. I think fans have the potential to influence a writer's direction and where they take their gift.
What are you working on next?
I have some artwork obligations to finish, as well as some adult stories I've committed to writing. Once that's done, I will finish working on my science fiction book, Out There. I also have a whole vampire series I've committed myself to. These voices want to be heard!
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Books by This Author

Methuselah
Price: $6.66 USD. Words: 73,650. Language: English. Published: September 11, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » Undead, Fiction » Horror » General
Vampires should bite, and they should bite hard. An ancient vampire called a 'methuselah' entertains a younger vampire curious about the history of the clan she comes from. But does the ancient one she speaks with have any answers for her at all? Or is this all a mad game of cat and mouse?