Interview With Author R.C. Dickens
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Juniper and I’m a ghostwriter and author from the boondocks of western NC. I’ve written several books but only published one so far, my debut queer YA novel Crown of Blooms. On top of that, I also write screenplays and short stories. I’ve written literary fiction, fantasy, horror and romance. When I’m not writing (which is rarely) I love cosplay, dancing, anime and horror movies that are illegal in some countries.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Crown of Blooms is a coming-of-age story about a 15 year old pastor’s son who falls for one of the boys in his youth group. It was actually inspired by a short story I wrote nearly 10 years ago about a young man protesting a gay pride event who sees his ex lover on the other side. That conflict of spirituality vs desire, of social pressure vs freedom, it really resonated with me so I expanded on it and kept expanding and eventually Crown of Blooms happened.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write every first draft by hand. Every single one. I think better with that tactile element so I prefer it when I’m telling myself the story. Once I’ve told myself the story, then I can type it up and that necessarily builds in an extra edit as I’m translating my work from page to screen.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was heavily inspired by Ellen Hopkins. She’s one of my favorite authors of all time. She writes these incredibly provocative, often disturbing YA novels that take a really blunt, realistic, empathetic, boundary pushing approach towards the genre that absolutely changed my brain chemistry as a kid. Crown of Blooms was also influenced by American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar. It’s a wonderful coming of age novel and that way he approaches the struggles and ugliness of adolescence played a major part in how I wrote Crown of Blooms.
What are you working on now?
I’m publishing a M/M romance on the Radish fiction app called The Prince and the Gladiator. The title mostly speaks for itself Season 3 is coming soon, I promise!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Instagram and TikTok mostly. I’ll be so honest, marketing is not my strong suit. I have had a lot of success with virtual book tours though. It takes a lot of the difficulty out of social media marketing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Everything you write doesn’t have to be the next American novel. Write the silly thing. Write the stupid thing. Follow your passion even when that passion takes you somewhere ridiculous. If you have strong literary fundamentals, you can make even the craziest concept work but you have to really love what you’re writing. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put in hard work doing commissions or ghostwriting or other projects that aren’t necessarily your passion but pays the bills. Just always give yourself some space to pursue what makes you happy, no matter what.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I was in college, I would write these really weird, provocative, uncomfortable pieces for class and then I would come into class and be embarrassed to read it out loud. My professor told me that was a virtue because it meant I wasn’t self editing. I was writing what what resonated with me, even if it put me in uncomfortable situations. I really internalized that and I try really hard to push past that shame and embarrassment. I don’t want to stop myself from writing something just because I’m afraid of judgement.
What are you reading now?
I’m gonna be honest. A lot of fanfiction. One day I’ll start reading real grownup literature but right now, it’s just Hurt/Comfort one shots.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on the sequel to Crown of Blooms, Crown of Thorns. I’m actually looking for beta readers so if you’re interested in getting a free copy of both books and helping out an indie author, check out my linktree.
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?
Paingod and Other Delusions by Harlan Ellison, Let the Dead Bury Their Dead by Allison Epstein, She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb and Identical by Ellen Hopkins.
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