IndieView with Trey Everett, author of Beneath The Surface

If you have the story that is eating away at you, put those words on paper. You’ll never regret doing it.

Trey Everett – 13 September 2021

The Back Flap

Micah has done the research and all but proven his theory. He’s confident he can single handedly solve the world’s devastating water crisis — he just needs the funding. After a shocking financial setback to his own non-profit’s crucial fundraising attempt, Micah takes the world’s fate into his own hands. Convinced his discovery of a freshwater well deep within the Pacific Ocean is the solution to the world’s depleting water sources, Micah receipts his wife, a scientist and philanthropist in her own right, two professional acquaintances and one stranger to help him achieve his goal. The unconventional team sets out to accomplish the impossible, hopefully convincing a key investor to fund their full expedition in the process. As the team gets closer to successfully fulfilling their mission, they begin to discover that some things lurking in the deep of the ocean should be left beneath the surface.

About the book

What is the book about?

Beneath the Surface is a suspense / horror novel about how pride and the need for success can drive people to the brink of their own morality. It plays on the different point of views between a husband and wife as they navigate an impossible task together. The secrets they keep, the lengths they go to achieve their goal, and the danger they ultimately put themselves in bubble to the surface in what I hope is a truly creepy, and moving story.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the first draft in December of 2018.

How long did it take you to write it?

I wrote the first draft in about 4 weeks, actually. But I then spent the following two years working and reworking it before I began submitting it for potential publishing.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was working with a “thinktank” of like-minded and creative friends, when I came up with this particular concept back in 2013-2014. I wrote the idea as a horror feature film script, then just sat on it for years. I finally decided to write it in novel form, and I was shocked at how quickly the words came

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Definitely writing authentically from a female’s perspective gave me great pause. Not only am I not a woman, but I am not trying to assume the female point of view. I wanted to be really gentle putting words into another gender’s mind. Thankfully, my older sister gave me the stamp of approval.

What came easily?

The flow of the story came really easily. I knew exactly what I wanted to happen, and how I wanted to get there.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

My characters are entirely fictitious. Their voices are likely in the tone of some people I know, but the characters themselves are totally made up.

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?

I’m a huge Tana French fan. All of her works are just spectacular. Ruth Ware and Josh Malerman also come to mind as inspirations, definitely. Then all of the classics, of course.

Do you have a target reader?

Honestly, I think any reader and lover of suspense should be able to find something they like about my work. I hope so, anyway!

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I think my process is to just write as often as possible. Scheduling my writing has never worked for me, or my creativity. I try to take the opportunity as it comes. Five minutes here, twenty minutes there, etc.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I approach any work with a general outline. My newest novel I fully outlined, though, and it’s proven one of the easiest first drafts I have ever written, so I should maybe rethink my strategy!

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I usually try to get the first draft completely down before I start revising. A bad book written is still better than a great book left in your mind.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I am thankful to have brilliant people in my life that believe in me enough to offer to edit work I create. My publisher also has an editing team that did some small clean up work here and there as well.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I love to listen to film scores. That might sound cliche, but there is nothing better in my opinion, especially if I’m trying to capture a particular mood.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did submit my manuscript to dozens of agents, and publishers of all calibers. I definitely never wanted that process to inhibit me from being able to get my work published. I didn’t get any bites from any agencies, but I was able to find my indie publisher that I’ve had an amazing experience with.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I knew without representation that getting a major publisher was likely not on the table, so that is ultimately what led me to pursue indie publishers. I am so happy I did though, I’ve had a tremendous experience with my team.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

My publisher’s design team created my cover, and I absolutely love it.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

This is my first published title, so I am leaning a little heavily on my publishers marketing team. I have also been somewhat savvy with marketing though, so I will do some on my own in conjunction with their team.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Do it. If you have the story that is eating away at you, put those words on paper. You’ll never regret doing it.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Houston, TX. Technically Pasadena, TX, about 20 minutes outside of the city.

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Los Angeles, CA.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I just love this art form. I have such a passion for telling stories, the fact that I am having a book published is so exciting. And that I hope readers enjoy my work!

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on my second novel, and several feature film spec scripts. Still hoping to snag that agent soon.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Beneath The Surface from Amazon US or Amazon UK.