Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is Scott Carruba, and I am 48.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Houston, Texas

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I went to the University of Texas, where I achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. I loved Austin, but I ended up back in Houston with family and friends. I am fortunate to have a close family who all enjoy each other’s company.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I just got back from a two week trip to Germany. This was my first time to Europe, and as the main setting of my two urban fantasy books is in Central Europe, this was a real eye-opener. I am working on the third book in the series, but it takes place in different areas.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began in elementary school when I received an extra credit assignment to write a newspaper from another planet. Once that seed was planted, that was it, and I began creative expression (mainly through writing) in earnest.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It may sound simplified, but I considered myself one when I started as noted above. I used to spend loads of my free time ticking away on my mother’s old typewriter. None of this was published, of course, but it was all well received. I still have some of those original stories.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

It was a combination of a dream, a conversation I had with my son, and the helpful input of a dear friend.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title is actually an Easter Egg, so once you read the book and crack the egg, it seems fairly obvious. Also, since this is a series, each of the titles follow a pattern.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I do have a style, though I have actually worked to minimize it some. I tend to get into lengthy, run-on sentences in some areas, and I can be too liberal with commas and hard returns, especially when dialogue is involved. I try to write in a somewhat poetic, descriptive fashion, and I tend to prefer present tense. I don’t really find it challenging. The more challenging aspect is to not let it run away too much as I write, because then it can become confusing.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

A great deal of it. Many of the characters are all based on people I know in real life. Some of the events are based on actual happenings. This is all woven into a deeper tapestry that is decidedly fiction.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

No, though I wish I had. As mentioned earlier, I just returned from Europe. I probably would not change much of my books even with this new knowledge, but I would likely be able to add some touches here and there to increase authenticity.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I came up with the basic concepts, and an artist I know through social media did a rough drawing. A graphic artist in the employ of my publisher did the final work.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Quite possibly, but I will not say what that is. I deliberately crafted a world where many different conclusions could be drawn. Moral ambiguities and ethics clashes are core to the concept.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

A new author for me is Tim Powers. I am devouring his book, Last Call. It is a great urban fantasy tale that does not fit the usual mold. I am not sure who my favorite writer is, but I do thoroughly enjoy most of the work of China Miéville.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

The friend of mine who helped with the inspiration that I noted above. She interacted with me throughout the writing and editing of the two books. They would not have been as they are without her.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, though at this point, it is not. I wish I could make a living solely off of my creative writing.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I might go back and add some subtle points to improve the authenticity of the setting, but that’s about it.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I think I always learn something when writing. I have learned a great deal about editing, brevity, and marketing since becoming published. I also tend to do a good deal of research even for the seemingly smallest things. It seems the learning never ends.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

I honestly don’t know. I have been asked this before, and I really have no one in mind for that role. I’d leave it to others more qualified than myself to make such a decision.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Discipline, persistence, courage, confidence.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you so much for reading my books. I encourage and desire feedback. I love interacting with my readers.

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Last Call by Tim Powers.

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No. I have been reading since a very early age, so I don’t recall the first.

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

A lot of things. I can be particularly sentimental about seeing people helping others.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Jackie Earle Haley. I’d like to speak to someone who is in show business and has been so for many years, and for some reason, I feel like I’d like to have that conversation with him.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Besides writing and reading? 😉 I spend some of free time exercising, but I am not sure that is a “hobby”. I enjoy playing games (video, board, card) when I can find the time and fellow participants. I also dabble in music with guitar and keyboards.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I am not much of a TV fan. I have enjoyed Game of Thrones, Hannibal, Penny Dreadful, and Sherlock. I like an array of films, but I do tend to go for darker themes, science fiction, etc.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Sushi, black, industrial metal.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Compose and play music.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

I’d need to be with my family.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

“Don’t Read This.”

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

https://scottcarruba.com/

http://smarturl.it/lqugi7 – link to my Amazon Author Page

http://smarturl.it/6akkil – link to my first book

http://smarturl.it/SotBPre – link to my second book