Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lifelong resident of Kansas where I currently reside with the youngest two of three children and three cats. I attribute life experiences, which includes a ride in the back of a hearse when I was four years old, to my writing style. Self described writer of vivid horror, dreamer of death, talented hater of poetry and a darn good cook.
I have written three books. The first two are part of a series. Kickshaw Candies and The Plague Son.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Grue Tales was inspired by my love for all things horror. I enjoy a good short story that is different from the norm. In writing Grue Tales I was able to bring to life what is inside my imagination.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I never outline or makes notes. Everything stays right in my imagination
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Clive Barker, Stephen King
What are you working on now?
Writing the third book of my series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://roxanmurray.wixsite.com/rkfinnell
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I get my eye rolling exercises every time I read of hear the words “show don’t tell”. This is usually said by those who haven’t really written anything but think they are experts on the subject. My rule is show what you should and tell when it is necessary. Showing sets the scene while telling moves the story along.
You have to write and rewrite a story. No you don’t. You stop when the story is good enough. You run the risk of rewriting your voice right out of your own writing.
You must get critiqued so you’ll know if your story is any good. This can be both good and bad advice. Too many writing sites have members who love to critique but have no clue on the right way to do it. I am reminded of the person who became absolutely livid over a character’s name I was using. She accused me of stealing it from another author and refused to continue reading. I later found out the author I “stole” it from also lifted the name from The Legend of King Arthur. Using a character name from another book is not stealing or plagiarism.
I can edit my own book. You know, there’s a reason doctors don’t operate on themselves and the same applies to writers. We’re too close to the story and it needs fresh eyes to find the mistakes, etc. Can’t afford an editor? Neither can I but I find a way to pay for one.
You have to continually write. For some this is true. For me, personally, I can take a big break and get back into writing without missing a beat.
Of course there are those rules that must be followed. Grammar, punctuation and such but don’t be afraid to break the rules of writing whenever you can.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing
What are you reading now?
While I’m writing I have a rule of not reading another author’s work. I don’t want it to influence me in any way.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my series and write a sequel to Grue Tales
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?
To Kill a Mockingbird
The Elementals by Michael McDowell
If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries What Am I Doing in the Pits by Erma Bombeck
Author Websites and Profiles
R. K. Finnell Website
R. K. Finnell Amazon Profil
R. K. Finnell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account