Gayle Brown is a first-time author with a terrific book out, A Deadly Game. Like me, she writes in the thriller-suspense genre, and her book is published by the same publisher I have, Black Rose Writing. There are other similarities, that I will let you discover for yourself as you read the interviewer. But there is one I have to mention, because it made me laugh out loud.
Do you remember the old fashion ditto machines? As teachers, we’d struggle with the possibility of having ink all over your fingers for days, along with having clothes ruined. But, oh the smell? Right? Name a kid who is now advanced in age who didn’t shut the eyes and inhale deeply!
Okay, enough of that. I hope you enjoy Gayle’s interview.
What was it that made you decide you had a story to tell and to become an author?
Since I could hold a crayon in my hand, words and stories have flooded my brain, even using the walls as my paper, much to my parents’ dismay! My first clear memory of loving writing was in third grade when my teacher handed us a fresh-off-the-press ditto with a small picture in the right-hand corner. She told us to use that picture as a prompt. I filled the front and back of that paper (after inhaling the ink scent) and never looked back from there. Whenever given the chance to write, I wrote, including for my high school newspaper. In my forties, I wrote a children’s book, but a novel continued to poke at me. Finally, a few years ago, I tried my hand at writing my first novel. With so many stories to tell, I could no longer ignore the calling.
As an author or writer, what sets you apart from others?
My unique voice sets me apart from other writers and authors. I tend to use dry humor even in the darkest of situations. Also, my personal experiences add to my uniqueness. No one else has lived my life, so I draw from those experiences in my writing.
How do ideas for your stories present themselves? How do you know what story lines to follow and which to ignore?
Ideas are all around me. Every day, I observe people and places, drawing from what I see and hear. Often, I think about what if? That question tends to spark an idea and sets my storyline in motion. I follow whatever storylines flow from my mind to the page. I let the story tell me what needs to be written. It isn’t until revision that I see what needs to stay and what needs to go.
What genre do you write, and why?
I write thriller/mystery/suspense because I love books with twists and turns. I like it when an author keeps me on my toes guessing, only to be shocked by the ending. I want to create that same element of surprise for my readers.
Besides writing and telling a good story, do you have any other talents?
My kids would tell you I am a good mom. (I asked them what other talents I have, and this was a direct quote!) But I’d say I’m also good at teaching!
If you were to name one or two books that you deem unforgettable and that had a major impact on you, what would they be, and why?
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo blew me out of the water! It was so well written, and the way Taylor Jenkins Reid tied the (she shocked me with the connection) story together was phenomenal, and it was such an emotional read. I read it in a day. I also loved The Guest List by Lucy Foley. She writes twists and suspense beautifully. I like to read hers for inspiration on how to weave in suspense, red herrings, and plot twists.
What authors do you read regularly? Why?
Lucy Foley, Emily Henry, Elle Cosimano, and Taylor Jenkins-Reid are among my favorite authors to read and learn from. I take notes about their styles and use them to learn my craft (a good writer never stops learning) and to read for enjoyment.
If you were to have dinner with 5 individuals living or dead, who would they be and why?
I would have dinner with my deceased paternal grandmother since I never had the chance to meet her. I’ve heard amazing stories about her, and it saddens me I never knew her. Another person would be Malala Yousafzai because she is a trailblazer, almost losing her life to be educated in a society that looks down upon women gaining knowledge. She is genuinely one of the bravest people I’ve learned about. Three more people: 1. Queen Elizabeth II, I mean, who wouldn’t want to have dinner with such a powerful matriarch?! 2. Martin Luther King, Jr. because I admire his tenacity and courage, and 3. Charles Schultz because I’m a huge Peanuts fan.
What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead or are you a “pantser”?
When working on a manuscript, I try to write at least two hours a day for at least five days a week. Of course, life gets in the way, and I don’t always stick to that routine, but that’s the goal. I am 100% a pantser. I’ve attempted outlines with two novels, but they sat underneath a notebook on the corner of my desk. I started the novel with what the outline proposed, but as I wrote, the story went off in a different direction. I love watching it unfold on the page. Since I don’t follow where I think it’ll go, the story surprises me, and I love that!
When writing, how much do you read? Do you read in or out of your genre?
I read a book a week, on average, in all genres. I’ve recently discovered historical fiction and have found myself loving it, much to my surprise. The only genre I tend not to read is fantasy. Other than that, I’m pretty open to anything. I read certain books for enjoyment and others for craft purposes, but I never combine one book for the two purposes.
Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (In writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time?)
Outlining! I spent days outlining a book and didn’t use it at all. Somehow, I managed to do the same thing again, thinking it would be different this time. Nope. Same outcome. But here’s what I learned: outlining helps me settle my mind––it’s like a security blanket, giving me the confidence to know I have enough material to write an entire novel from start to finish.
What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?
Listen to your gut. Trust your instincts. Love what you do. And never stop learning your craft.
How did you “teach” yourself to write or did it just come naturally? What lessons would you pass on to others?
Writing comes naturally to me, but the one piece of advice that I would say to myself and to anyone else out there is to write, write, write. The more you practice, the more proficient you will be. Like anything else in life, it takes time. The 10,000-hour rule applies here as well. I’d also suggest hiring a writing coach or joining a group (not necessarily one that gives feedback, but one that will support you in your endeavors) because writing is a solitary activity. You need others to ping ideas off of and to be surrounded by a community of people who get what you’re going through.
How do you handle a negative critique?
I handle a negative critique by initially allowing myself the visceral emotional reaction, then setting it aside for a week. With that emotional distance, I can look at it objectively. Often, it isn’t as harsh as it felt at first. But if it is, I consider the source. If it’s an internet troll, then I disregard it. If it’s someone I trust, I use that to guide me in my next writing.
Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?
I haven’t attempted fantasy because I think creating a whole new world would be difficult. It would be hard to explain how everything works in a made-up world. I admire any fantasy writer for being able to do that, plus for writing lengthy novels.
How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?
Character, setting, and atmosphere are essential to a story. Without these elements, you don’t have one. However, the hero’s emotional journey draws in the reader. If the character is unlikeable or doesn’t change in some way, the story tends to fall flat, and the reader can’t connect with the character. We read to feel.
Do you see yourself in any of the characters you create? How/Why?
Yes! The way my characters see their worlds, approach their problems, and attempt to solve them are very much like mine. Also, their internal thoughts mimic my own at times. In my debut novel, I relate to Nicole’s quandary about wanting to protect her child at all costs. As a mother, or for any parent, it’s a precarious situation to be put in. Would I be willing to go to jail for my child? I say yes, but what would I really do when push comes to shove? I hope I never have to answer that question!
Is there an unforgettable or memorable character that will not leave your head, either of your own creation or from a book you’ve read?
Yes, Nicole in A DEADLY GAME, my debut novel, because being a mom is such an emotional journey, and I feel badly for the position she’s put in. I often have this discussion with other moms, asking how far they are willing to go to protect their children. In theory, we’re all willing to do whatever, but what if you doubt your child’s innocence? What if that means going to jail for your child? Difficult topics to think about.
Tell us about your most recent book. How did you come up with the concept? How did you come up with the title? From your book, who is your favorite character? Who is your least favorite character? Why?
I came up with A Deadly Game after watching the show Your Honor with Brian Cranston. As I watched him break rules and laws to protect his son, I asked myself, “How far would I go to protect my child?” My son was about to go to college, and I thought, “What if he does something wrong? Would I protect him? Would I lie for him? Break the law? At first, I thought there was no way, but then I thought, would I really want him to go to jail? And what if I didn’t believe my child? Then what? All these questions led me to write the novel. I picked the title because it captures the book’s theme and is a play on words since it has a double meaning. My favorite character is Phil because he’s quirky and loyal. I love his personality. Without giving away any spoilers, I can’t say who my least favorite character is, but I’m sure we can agree on the same person after you read the book!
I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did. But more than that, I hope you check out her book A Deadly Game. It has earned terrific reviews so far, and I can guarantee I’m getting a copy.
Thanks for following along on my writing journey. I’d like to hear your comments on this interview. Please use the section below. And until next time …
Author contact info:
Gayle Brown email:
For media inquiries, please contact Cindy Bullard of Birch Literary: www.birchliterary.com
Book link for Amazon:
Book Link for B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-deadly-game-gayle-brown/1144321339?ean=9781685133320
Author Website:
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