Author Interview with Hadena James
I’m interviewing Hadena James today, author of horror “Elysium Dreams”. Welcome to my blog!
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I’m not sure, exactly. Writing was just something I did. It was as natural to me as breathing or blinking. To publish is kind of a fantasy goal of everyone that writes. I had some contract offers when I was younger, but I never signed any of them. Then one day, my friend told me about self-publishing becoming a big thing and four years later, I’m an indie author making enough to write full time. I’m not even sure I consider myself an author now, despite getting ready to publish my 20th book.
What inspired you to write Elysium Dreams?
A morbid fascination with serial killers. My main character is a female sociopath. Elysium started as just another serial killer book and then I decided I wanted to put some contrast between Aislinn Cain and the serial killers, so I added “Killer Chapters”. Their psychopathology allowed me to show readers why Aislinn was both a good and bad.
What is your editing process like?
Normally, I finish writing the book, sit down and read it. If it holds my attention cover to cover, it goes to the Alpha reader to find out if it makes sense. They comment and come back to me, I make some changes. I send it to my editor, Frankie, she makes some more suggestions, and does some proofreading. Then it goes to the Beta readers, who give me their input, which I accept or reject. Finally, I publish it.
Who is your favorite character from your book?
I can’t pick a favorite from the Dreams & Reality books. While it would be natural to say my main character, Aislinn Cain, the truth is, each of them offers something different and I appreciate all of them, even the ones I kill off.
Did you set any writing goals for 2016? If so, what are they?
Write more. Interestingly, my 2016 goals in response to a 2017 challenge. A fellow author friend has decided to publish a book a month in 2016. I agreed to take up the challenge in 2017. So, I need to get all my 2016 works written (I have four books slated to publish) to ensure that I can get a head start on my 2017 books for publication. I’m excited and terrified at the same time.
Are you working on something now?
I’ve just finished Mutilated Dreams, Dreams & Reality book 10 and made it available for pre-order. I immediately jumped into Fortified Dreams, book 11. Normally, I switch it up and write in different genres, but the story line for Mutilated just made it easy to start Fortified. I’m a little over half done with book 11. I hope to have it to the editor by the middle of February.
About the Book
Title: Elysium Dreams
Author: Hadena James
Genre: Horror
He skins his victims alive, taking pleasure from their pain.
In the cold, dark nights of Alaska, a hunter is stalking his prey. Once found, he takes them into the woods and skins them alive, prolonging the experience as much as he can, but the satisfaction always wanes.
Aislinn Cain and the Serial Crimes Tracking Unit have just finished up another case when they get the call. Now they are packing their bags and heading for Alaska in March. The team must overcome the hostile locals and harsh climate to catch a killer before he strikes again.
Author Bio
Hadena James began writing at the age of eight. By the time she graduated high school, she had published a couple of short stories in literary magazines. She completed writing her first novel at seventeen. Hadena began college as an English major, but quickly changed to a history major. However, she continued to write and took several extra classes in creative writing.
College showed her that while she could write short stories, novel writing was truly where her heart lay. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in European History with minors in German and Russian Studies. During this time, she received a couple of contract offers from publishing houses, but ultimately turned them all down.
In August 2012, she self-published her first novel. In retrospect, she is appreciative of the contracts offers she received when she was younger, but believes she made the right decision with self-publishing.
When she isn’t busy writing, Hadena enjoys playing in a steel-tip dart league. She loves to travel throughout North America and Europe. Her favorite cities to visit are Chicago, Illinois and Berlin, Germany. She is an avid reader, with her favorites being classic literature; Edgar Allen Poe, HP Lovecraft, Gaston LeRoux, and Jane Austen; modern favorites include Clive Barker, James Patterson, Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams. Her favorite book is “Good Omens” by Neil Gaimen and Terry Pratchett. She writes all of her books while listening to music and the bands tend to get “honorable mentions” within the pages. Some of her favorite bands are Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, Rammstein, U2, Marilyn Manson, Oomph!, and Rob Zombie.
http://www.facebook.com/hadenajames
@hadenajames
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6618804.Hadena_James
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