Interview with dark fiction author Sue Rovens

Dark fiction author Sue Rovens is here today and we’re chatting about her new suspense/horror novel, Track 9.

                                               

Bio:

Sue Rovens is a suspense/horror indie author who is an active member of the Chicago Writers Association. Her two novels, Badfish and Track 9, are available in both paperback and Kindle formats. A third novel is being processed in her head - the hope that this year's NaNoWriMo (2017) will see the first draft of this tale.

When not working on writing, Sue collects antique advertising, clocks, and radios. She likes to watch movies, read, and indulge in the occasional piece of cheese. She also runs, slowly. Geese have been known to out-lap her.

In order to pay the bills, Sue works in Milner Library at Illinois State University. She has been there for just over 26 years.

Please tell us about your current release.

Track 9 is a hit-the-ground-running story about a couple trapped in a haunted train station in Rain, Germany. It’s a character-driven examination focused on the “underbelly” of people – what happens to individuals when they encounter the unknown, from both a mental and physical standpoint. It’s a suspense story with swaths of horror mixed in.

Each of the four main characters deals with serious flaws. In order to survive, they have to overcome or outrun these issues. That’s where things get sticky and where the tension builds. When people have to face challenging situations head-on, they can be their own worst enemy. It’s all about what happens next that drives the story.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was in Germany about 11-12 years ago and was really taken by the enormity of the train stations. To an outsider, they were so daunting and overwhelming. I used that feeling and created a story around it.

What exciting story are you working on next?

For this year’s NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month – which takes place in November), I am going to start work on a story about a hoarder who lives next to a funeral home. I have the basic concept in mind, including the other main and supporting characters, but when I actually start writing, anything can happen.

It will be in the suspense/horror genre along with my other two novels (Badfish and Track 9).

I am also in the process of revising my second book of short stories – In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 2. I put it out initially in 2013, but have decided to take it off the market and re-do it. I’ve pulled three of the original stories and put in three newer ones. Once it’s finished, it’s going to be much better, cleaner, and more professional.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Probably in 2012, when my first book of short horror stories was published. I would love to do it full time, but until my sales can pay my bills, it’s a part-time activity.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

No, it’s part-time. Other than writing, I run two to three times a week and lift weights twice a week. I also spend time reading (an important aspect of being a writer).

Finding time to write is difficult. I assume that most writers who have full-time jobs would say the same thing. When I am working on revisions, a short story, or a novel, I would say I set aside two evenings a week and at least one weekend day to focus on writing.

I’m not one that can write EVERY day (except during NaNoWriMo). It feels too forced and I end up just “filling space on the page”.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have to have a game open on the computer at the same time as I am writing. I go to it once in a while, just to give my mind a breather. It’s not something that takes away from my work. It’s the perfect mindless activity I can do at the computer while I’m thinking through scenes or dialogue.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Yes! I would encourage your readers to experience my “style” of suspense/horror. I don’t write gore for gore sake. My writing is more psychological/character driven with plots that move forward at a consistent pace. To read the first chapter of Track 9, visit my blog – suerovens.com.

Links:

Website | Amazon

Thank you for being here today, Sue!