Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a dark fantasy and horror author, and for as long as I can remember, I always have been. I knew it was something I wanted to do at a very early age. Once I got settled in my career, marriage, role as mommy, etc., I was able to finally dedicate myself to “writing as a lifestyle” rather than “writing as a hobby.” I’ve written 9 books since 2010 – four are published (The Coal Elf, The Rise of Sturd, Above the Ash, The Altered), and the rest are “waiting in the wings”!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE ALTERED is my newest release (Solstice Publishing, Jan. 2020). It’s a YA Psychological Horror about a viral outbreak that essentially turns people into zombies, but a cure is found, and the infected go back to being quasi-normal. Altered.
There used to be two things in this life that scared me the most : tornadoes and zombies. Writing this book was therapeutic for me because, in a way, I was able to conquer that fear (of zombies… I’m still petrified of tornadoes.) I’m a horror movie freak, so I’m always looking for that next “adrenaline high” in the scare department.
One of my favorite novels of all time is THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. Hinton. It was the book that really put the desire in me to become an author. When I wrote the main character for THE ALTERED, I drew a lot of inspiration from The Outsiders.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
But, of course! I don’t think I know an author who doesn’t! Mine? Every chapter I write needs to be outlined in bullet points the day before in a leather bound notebook. And I only write in the summer months (June – August).
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like I said before, S.E. Hinton’s THE OUTSIDERS. And definitely the greats – King, Rice, Clive Barker.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m focused on promoting THE ALTERED in new and creative ways. My first series (THE COAL ELF CHRONICLES) definitely taught me a lot about the business in general.
As far as writing goes, I have some ideas brewing (hint hint, nudge nudge) and a preliminary synopsis ready to go for a new story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is always a fan favorite, but these days I’ve been utilizing Instagram more and more. I teach middle school, so my kiddos keep me young and hip. 🙂 My newest venture is TIKTOK! It’s actually a lot of fun to use!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
THICK. SKIN.
KEEP. WRITING.
DON’T. RELY. ON. YOUR. FAMILY/FRIENDS. IF. YOU. WANT. SERIOUS. FEEDBACK.
KEEP. WRITING.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
see above…
What are you reading now?
Grrrrr…. this is going to sound horrible for a Language Arts teacher and author to say, but currently… nothing. 🙁 I’m in promoting mode right now. As soon as I get a break in the action, I want to read about the Jon-Benet Ramsey case, so I’ll do some true crime stuff.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. 🙂 As the Mandalorians say, “This is the way.” I’m excited for the summer, as I’ll be venturing into a topic that is near and dear to my heart – witches! I’ll see where the story takes me and how it develops. I still haven’t figured out if I want it to be a stand-alone, or do another trilogy. Trilogies are hard!
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?
Lord of the Flies
A Christmas Carol
There’s a Wocket in My Pocket
Author Websites and Profiles
Maria DeVivo Website
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