Writer’s World Interview with H. S. Cook

Hello and welcome to another Writer’s World feature.  Please give a warm welcome to H. S. Cook.

Bio: 

Working in a world of logic and reason, while dreaming of one filled with magic, H.S. Cook lives between her scientific research and her fantasy writings. A molecular biologist by day, she finds ways to inject the magic of her worlds into daily life, making time to write. She is currently working on an epic fantasy series: The Blood King Chronicles.

So glad to have you, H. S.  What’s your views on social media with regard to writing?

It’s an interesting tool. Many writers use it to market and build a following. I mainly find sites, such a Twitter, a really good way of connecting with other writers as well as potential readers. I can then find support or advice along with encouragement to keep writing.

Having so much support from fellow writers online is such a great thing.  Do you write alone, or in public?

I write here, there and everywhere, though even in a public setting, I feel I am writing alone. I block out the world around me so that I can focus on my writing without having conversations. I prefer my own space, where I can move into whatever position I like. Some places, such as trains, are hard to use bottled ink on and so are poor places when working on my first draft.

I can imagine, but it’s fascinating that you write you first drafts in ink.  Is being a writer a gift or a curse?

It is a bit of both. I love writing and could never wish to be anything else – where else are you able to play god, creating wonderful worlds. However, it has a price. I struggle to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, and if I don’t write for an extended period of time, it affects the rest of my life.

It really is a double-edged sword, and a lot more stressful than many people realize.  What would the main character in your book think about you?

In a way, my characters have a life of their own. Raic hates me with a passion and blames me for disrupting his life and taking away his choices. He was comparatively happy the way things were. Tarsin, however, thanks me for helping him to be himself when surrounded by pressure to meet his father’s and brother’s expectations. If only he knew…

It’s wonderful when characters come to life that way, especially to the point where they hate you.  So do you listen to music? Or do you prefer to write in silence?

If I could do anything with silence, my life would be far simpler. I generally listen to music while I write, though I sometimes have TV shows on a binge-watch as background noise. Currently, The Mentalist is playing. It allows me to watch when I pause for thought, but is not overly distracting.

 

The need for background noise the bane of my writing existence J   What is your favourite motivational phrase?

From a fortune cookie: ‘Trust in your own imagination; it will serve you well.’

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.

By the Blood, may the Fates show mercy.

H.S. Cook

Thank you so much for joining us on Word by Word.  Check out the links below to connect with H. S. Cook on her website, Twitter and Facebook, and read about the Blood King Chronicles.  That series title gives me chills!

http://www.bloodkingchronicles.com/

@BloodKingChrons (http://www.twitter.com/BloodKingChrons)

http://www.facebook.com/hscook/