Ask the Author: Bella Dean Joyner
Answered Questions (7)
Bella Dean Joyner
Everything! Actually, I'm looking for anything that has a title and a cover that stick with me. I'll give it a try! That's how I've come across some of the best books that I've read this year. If you know one that you think I should try, please feel free to suggest it!
Bella Dean Joyner
The best thing about being a writer is having others read my novels. For many years, that was what terrified me the most. As a writer, you're putting so much of your soul on those pages. Opening yourself up to criticism of the deepest part of your mind isn't an easy thing to do. It took a very long time for me to work up the courage to take that leap the first time. But when I did, realizing that others were experiencing the same highs I feel as a reader when they are enjoying my novels is amazing. It's become an addiction. This is my world now, and I intend on making the most of it.
Bella Dean Joyner
I read...a lot. I run a blog where I review a new or obscure horror author weekly. But when I'm experiencing writer's block, I ramp it up. I'll put my own work aside, and I'll pick up one of my favorite authors (usually Ambrose Ibsen, Darcy Coates, Amy Cross, Carrie Bates, Michaelbrent Collings). Being able to reconnect with the part of me that just loves this genre and the feelings I get from reading a good book really centers me and allows me to focus again.
Bella Dean Joyner
Oddly enough, a chair in an empty field outside of my villa here in South Korea where my husband is stationed. When "Whispering" is released, you'll see why!
Bella Dean Joyner
My dreams. I was always told to write what you know. I truly hope that isn't what most horror authors do. Personally, I have a very wild imagination which lends itself to vivid dreams that I am blessed enough to remember. Sometimes they are full story lines. Other times they are just snippets that I am able to evolve into larger plots.
Bella Dean Joyner
Keep writing. Even when you get that first low review, even when someone tells you they didn't like your work, even on the days that you have low sales, keep writing. You have stories inside you that the world needs to read and you deserve to be heard. What you have to say has incredible worth. It will never be everyone's preference because pleasing everyone is just impossible. But there will be those readers who get excited about your new releases, who put your book down after that last page and say "Wow". They are who you write for, every day. Keep your head up.
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