I write hard and fast; I sometimes write fast whilst hard. But for all our sakes, I won’t describe my process any further.
Tom Conrad – 13 August 2015
The Back Flap
Frankie, the ellipsis radical, and Abbey, the semicolon stickler, are love’s young dream. In this light and dark romance, we follow the loved-up pair “twirting” around the fanciful fringes of London town – having a right ole time of it. Indeed, Frankie couldn’t be happier, finally having met a girl far curvier than even the most desirable of punctuation marks.
Cue the eponymous semicolon; a winky blighter destined to royally mess things up; in fact, the semicolon seems intent to mark its territory; all too soon representing much more than the lovers’ stance on punctuation alone.
That Semicolon Bitch Had to Die is a wild and errant love story featuring a most unlikely of threesomes: one where punctuation threatens to become a character itself … or, to put it another way, when two writers fall in and out of love, punctuation is bound to spill! … ?!?! 😉
About the book
What is the book about?
It’s about Life, Love, and Everything in-between … or to put it another way it’s about two writers falling in and out of love.
When did you start writing the book?
Over three years ago. I’ve just released the 2nd edition, which is essentially a new work – with new cover, thirteen additional chapters, and an alternative ending.
How long did it take you to write it?
First time round, 3-6 months.
Where did you get the idea from?
Well some reviewers on Amazon seem to think That Semicolon Bitch had to Die is autobiographical, which I take as a tremendous compliment. Part of writing fiction is convincing the reader your story is plausible, and so I take their comments as confirmation they found my fiction believable (the central premise, and much of the plot, is wholly invented and fictional, though).
With that said, elements of the story are definitely based on my own opinions and life experiences, and the actual inspiration for having “semicolons” as one of the stumbling blocks in Abbey and Frankie’s relationship came about as a result of a conversation with another writer; the writer suggested I could do with using more semicolons in one of my short stories (annoyingly she was right).
From that starting point, I wondered what it would be like to date another writer (I never have), and what pressures it might put on both your writing and relationship.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The beginning, the middle and the end. If writing doesn’t hurt, you’re perhaps doing something very wrong (or very right). I struggle for my art – sweating over every comma and full stop.
What came easily?
I find ideas come easily; as does the pacing. Usually it’s finding the discipline to get a story finished I truly struggle with.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
As I outlined above, there’s a lot of me in this book. Also when I talk about “love” I’m drawing on various experiences with various past flames.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
As varied as Tim Lott to Ben Elton, Julian Barnes to John Twelve Hawks. I think you learn from everything you read. And that can be what to do, and what not to do.
In particular, I learnt from Tim Lott how to mix depth with lightness; Ben Elton, how to write a good nob gag.
Do you have a target reader?
You! Read my books, they will literally change your life.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I write hard and fast; I sometimes write fast whilst hard. But for all our sakes, I won’t describe my process any further.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I tackle different works in different ways. I’ve extensively outlined my new novel, and have been making notes for several months. Kind of collecting ideas, scribbling down paragraphs and chapter headings. I’m feeling especially excited about this new project.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I go, which I can see both the merits and pitfalls for.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No. I am a paid Copywriter and Editor, so I tend to do it myself. I do have friends (well educated friends) who check for glaring typos.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No, though I think I will submit my next novel. I’ve been building up to it, finding my feet, and working out what genre I want to step into.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Gradual. A friend suggested it back in 2012. I’d not heard of self-publishing on Kindle before she did.
I’d say what I like most about it, is being in complete creative control, and the possibility (no matter how small) I may wake up one morning and discover one of my books has gone viral and I’m an overnight success (overnight and 3 years in the making).
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I design all my covers, though I have professionals turn my ideas into reality.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’m on a wing and a prayer,” like a featherless bird in a sky so absurd”.
I find marketing the hardest aspect of self-publishing.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Do.
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of That Semicolon Bitch had to Die from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
