Vanessa Perry Interview
The Indie Book Butler Interview.
Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.
Vanessa Perry: I’m Vanessa, the author of the upcoming horror novel Wildflowers. I am an Army veteran and military spouse. I reside in El Paso, Texas with my husband, son, and doggo. I am a lover of all things horror– books, movies, games, etc. In my free time, I like to paint, draw, and read.
IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book(s). What would you say?
VP: If you like ghosts, demons, and witches, and you love to be scared, you will love Wildflowers.
IBB: Where do you like to write?
VP: I love to write at home on my couch. It’s probably not the best for my back but it’s where I get in the zone.
IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?
VP: A quiet living room and a large iced coffee with cream and Splenda from Dunkin!
IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?
VP: As a person, Furiously Happily by Jenny Lawson changed my life. I suffer from depression and anxiety and I just really appreciated the book’s humorous take on dealing with such. Also, House of Salt and Sorrows showed me what it’s like to trult create a magical atmosphere when writing.
IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?
VP: Reading. I learn so much about writing through reading. Also, my friends and family have been so supportive, and that has really helped my confidence as an author.
IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?
VP: I want to scare people, of course! If I scare my readers, I will consider it a success!
IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?
VP: My son told me that he wishes my book was a horror movie after I read him a scary scene. That is the best review I will ever receive!
IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?
VP: Editing has been a struggle! I call it the editing abyss. Your writing will never be perfect. You can always find edits to make.
IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?
VP: I don’t think I do anything different from other authors. One thing is that if I am writing an emotional scene, I will rewrite if I’m not feeling said emotion in my bones when I reread it.
IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?
VP: The ideal relationship between editor and author is one that involves trust. As an author, you have to trust that your editor believes in and cares about your book baby as much as you do. Also, I think editors need to be able to trust that authors can handle the tough-love of editing suggestions.
IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?
VP: Regardless, I would say that I am incredibly thankful that they took the time and the chance to read my novel.
IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
VP: Don’t wait for outside validation. If you have an idea, then write!
IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?
VP: Wildflowers is set to publish in September. And I am already getting started on the sequel. I am also hoping to publish a set of short horror stories just in time for spooky season.
IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?
VP: I wanted my cover to embody one of the scenes in my novel. As soon as I came up with the idea, I contacted my favorite artist, Mintisau, and she got to work! I already had her in mind before I even established the idea.
IBB: How often do you read? What genre?
VP: How often I read varies. There are times I will go days without reading and times I will read for days. I love many different genres, but horror and YA fantasy are my favorites.
IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…
VP: Erin A. Craig, author of House of Salt and Sorrows and upcoming Small Favors. I cannot tell you how that book left such a great impression on me. It is single-handedly the book that convinced me YA is worth reading.
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.
For more on Vanessa and her writing, please do visit her at:
