Interview With Author M. C. Ryder
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for as long as I could put pen to paper. Been waiting for the right story to come along and the right means to publish. Not only has the right story come along in The Darkest Side of the Moon, but the right time. I took a risk publishing my debut in second-person narrative and, so far, has been receiving positive feedback. It’s the first in The Dark series in which A Dance Between Light and Darkness is the second in the series, written in third-person narrative, and All I See Are Dark Clouds will soon be published sometime this summer, which is written in first-person narrative. In the meantime, readers can enjoy three short stories in A Darker Demise that ties in with the first two books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, A Darker Demise: A Compilation of Dark Shorts, is three short stories that tie-in with The Darkest Side of the Moon and A Dance Between Light and Darkness. What inspired me to write three short stories was to take minor characters from my stories and give them more of a voice.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
That is a loaded question. A better question is what unusual writing habits don’t I have? The creative process comes at random times. I could be out walking on a trail and scenes pop into my mind or driving and a song inspires a scene. What I learned from The Darkest Side of the Moon, at least for me, is not to jump ahead in the story. It’s best to pace.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many great authors and books out there. It’s hard to narrow down the field. I like a variety of genres. I’m a fan of Iris Johansen, Chevy Stevens, Kristin Hannah, Rachel Caine, and Carlene Thompson to name a few. Some books that influenced me, well Twilight helped influence The Darkest Side of the Moon, however it’s not another Twilight. I enjoy books that are powerful with meaning, which I incorporated into my own. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is one of those. Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys is another.
What are you working on now?
Currently working on publishing my next 3 books. Two are part of The Dark series and the other one is a separate project that I wrote in about a month that wasn’t planned, but necessary for everyone on bullying.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s still a work-in-progress finding the best websites to get the world out, but I find I enjoy Instagram the best as it gives me the creative element to my crafts.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think outside of the box and never give up. Keep on writing. It’s a lot of hard work, but never give up on that tiny thread of hope that one day it will all be worth it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Aim high and use a tagline.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently not reading anything at the moment. Debating on what I want to devour next. I’m leaning towards Colleen Hoover’s Verity. One of the last things I read was Yours in Ink by Deborah Noel.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The sky is the limit! I have additional stories to publish in The Dark series. Wrote the whole series back to back to back during COVID. I have additional works as well to publish in the future and there is always a story in my mind that wants to be written.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
This question is totally unfair. How is one to pick 3 or 4? I’m going to be a little bias here, I would take All I See Are Dark Clouds, my own as I consider that my masterpiece and has a little bit of everything in it. As for a few others, The Bible since it’s long and I would have plenty of time to read it! Let’s see, what else… Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah as it takes me back to my own childhood memories. And for the fourth, how about a book on survival? Let me go research…
Author Websites and Profiles
M. C. Ryder’s Social Media Links