Donna Burgess Interview

1: What is the most productive time of the day for you to write?

I feel more like writing in the evenings, but am making an effort to write in the mornings—first thing. Saving my writing time until the end of the day tends to cut it a bit short.

2: Do you start your projects writing with paper and pen or is it all on the computer?

I always start with a felt tip pen & spiral notebook. I’m sort of picky in that regard.

3: What do you draw inspiration from?

I would love to say I draw inspiration from just living life. But as a horror writer, that really isn’t the case. I listen to a lot of music, watch a lot of movies and read all the time. I suppose those things inspire me. Often, the news is quite scary, also. But I cannot compete with real life horror.

4: Do you set goals for yourself when you sit down to write such as word count?

I usually try to complete a scene, so the word length varies from day to day.

5: Are you a published or a self published author and how do you come up with your cover art?

I am self-published. I usually have an idea in my head. My daughter is a graphic arts & web design student, so I usually have her work up my covers based on a few suggestions. She gives me a break on commission rates.

6: What drives you to choose the career of being a writer?

I just love to write. I’ve written since I was about seven years old. I like the act of getting the story out. I’m also a Realtor, but I only do enough to maintain my license. I’m terrible at dealing with people face-to-face. It’s just annoying.

7: Do you own an ebook reading device?

Yes. I have a Kindle. Like most people, I never thought I’d love anything other than real, paper and ink books. Now, I’m all about my “device.”

8: Who are some of your favorite authors and What are you reading now?

I adore Conrad Williams, Joel Lane, John Ajvide Lindqvist, Caitlin Kiernan and Stephen King, of course. Right now, I am reading Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright. I’m getting geared up for the Gary Oldman flick.

9: What do you think of book trailers and do you have any plans to have any?

I enjoy watching them. I’ve done a couple. There are not great, but I had fun making them. I’m not exactly sure much impact a trailer has on book sales, however.

10: How did you come up with the title of your latest book?

“Darklands.” I loved the Jesus & Mary Chain album.

11: What are you working on now that you can talk about?

I have an apocalyptic/vampire novel I am really getting deep into. Also, I have a dark comedy/zombie novel for young adults I am planning with my daughter.