Today's Author Spotlight is author April A. Taylor!
Read on for the full interview.
Can you start out by telling us a little about your latest work? *
Evil Eye is a classic slasher with a modern twist.
Where did you get the inspiration to write this story?
Evil Eye was inspired by three things: I Call Upon Thee by Ania Ahlborn and the movies Halloween (1978) and Crawl (2019).
When you developed the characters, did you already know who they were before you began writing or did they develop organically?
For the most part, I knew who the characters were and would be. There were a few surprises, though.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
My first published novel went through so many rewrites that I almost ruined it. Now, as long as the story works, I go with it.
Do you read your book reviews? What do you consider "good" /"bad"?
I read professional reviews and the first 10 or so fan reviews. After that, I let it be whatever it's going to be. As far as good and bad reviews, I don't tend to look at them like that. As long as the person actually read the book, their feedback is valid, at least for them.
What led you to start writing?
I've been writing since grade school. I don't remember there being any one thing that led me to writing. It simply felt natural, like breathing air.
What attracted you to the genre(s) you write in?
I've been a fan of the horror genre ever since I saw Michael Jackson's Thriller video at the age of six. I write in other genres sometimes, but I always end up putting in at least a hint of horror.
What is one of your favorite words? OR Is there a word you find yourself using too often?
My favorite word is blustery. Unfortunately, it hasn't fit into most of my books.
What are you currently reading?
Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
What are a couple of your favorite movies to kick back with to relax?
I love watching horror movies. Everything from Midsommar to Halloween (
1978) is fair game!
Would you rather live in a haunted mansion or a cottage surrounded by fairytale creatures?
Haunted mansion!
Are you on social media and can your readers interact with you? What are your links?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aprilataylor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilataylorwriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilataylorwriter/
What advice would you like to pass on to aspiring writers that is unconventional but true?
You don't have to write every single day to be a good author. In fact, taking time off is a critical part of the writing process.
Do you have a WIP? If so, can you tell us anything about it?
I do! Isnashi is a creature feature set in the Brazilian rainforest.
April A. Taylor is an award-winning, multi-genre author. Her latest novel, Evil Eye: A Slasher Story, introduces readers to characters they'll love to root for, along with two they can hate. Her previous horror books include Sinkhole and The Haunting of Cabin Green. April has also written the Alexa Bentley Paranormal Mysteries Series, the thriller Corvo Hollows, and the Midnight Myths and Fairy Tales Series. She's a proud member of the Horror Writers Association. Visit her online at aprilataylor.net.