Questions and Answers What are you currently working on? Book 2 in the Possessions series. It's the follow up to Unfinished Business. Who or what has been a major influence on your writing and why? Stephen King. I've always read King because along with many great reads, I've learned so much about writing. He's helped me develop my own style and voice. His book On Writing, is the greatest gift to writers everywhere, regardless of which genre they write. Who (Fact or Fiction) would you most like to meet, and what would you ask them? Again, I'd have to say Stephen King, and I'd probably ask him what scares him. Is writing your full time occupation, if not what is? I have a nursing background, but writing is definitely my full time occupation and I hope to be able to continue that way. If you could give one piece of advice to a would-be author, what would it be? Characterization, characterization, characterization. If you know your characters well, the story will unfold before your eyes. They always tell me the story. When did you first decide that you wanted to be an author? I've always written, but I started taking it seriously about thirteen years ago. I found that I was miserable when I wasn't in the middle of a book, or short story, so I took it as a sign that I was meant to write. When did you first feel that you were an author? When I was invited to do workshops in an elementary school. It was so inspiring to share with the writers of tomorrow. Are you a music fan? If so, what? I'm absolutely passionate about music. I play keyboard and love to sing (when no one is around). Rock is my favorite. I love Aerosmith, Metallica, Rob Zombie--the list is endless. Do you enjoy book signings/conventions? Yes. I love meeting people and of course buying books! What is the scariest story you have read? I'd have to say, 'The Raft' by Stephen King. (Believe it or not, I do read other authors). But The Raft is the short story that made me curl my toes and never want to swim in a lake again! What gives you nightmares? The unknown. Hitchcock used this technique and it works. He always seemed to leave the ending hanging so the viewer had to more or less create their own ending. Imagination can be a frightening thing. Do you always know a story's ending when you begin writing? I might have a general idea where I'm heading, but my characters usually take me elsewhere. It's a good thing, because their endings are far more creative than mine! Many Thanks, Scarlett Relevant Links Scarlett Dean Main Bibliography Scarlett Dean's Website