Questions and Answers What are you currently working on? Currently, I'm working on a novel in progress called Risen, and a short collection for Cyberpulp books which will be titled, Beyond the Silhouette. The collection is due out in 2004. The novel, well, that will depend on when I get it finished. Also Other projects include my site, which is a constant work in progress: http://www.nevermoremag.com/demonalissa/ and Nevermore Magazine, where I run the horror section and do interviews with authors: http://www.nevermoremag.com As a reader do you prefer Science Fiction, Fantasy or Horror? Fantasy and Horror for the most part. The darker the better too. I am a lover of the Horror genre as a hole, so I tend to go for Horror first. Though I don't only read dark stuff. I do love High Fantasy at times,and there is the odd Sf that intrigues me. I'm just drawn to the dark side for the most part. What was your first professional sale? How did it feel when you received the acceptance? My first sale of anything was a poem called Soulless. I was happier then a kid with a new toy. I think I squealed if I remember correctly. Who is you favourite author? I have quite a few favourites actually. At the top are Clive Barker, Neil Gaiman, Nancy Baker, Gemma Files, Brutal Dreamer, and well, Hertzan Chimera of course! If you could give one piece of advice to a would-be author, what would it be? RUN WHILE YOU STILL CAN!! Seriouly though, don't ever give up. No matter how many rejections, how many people tell you to quit, do it because you love it. Read, write and create. If you want to write, then you write, its that simple. The creation of the work is the hard part. When did you first decide that you wanted to be an author? I'd have to say I was about 12 when I decided I wanted to write, after reading Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire. It just hit something inside, and I thought to myself, "I want to make people feel like that...I want to write". When I first decided to aim for professional, I was about 19. I told myself I would do it, and I have not looked back. When did you first feel that you were an author? Recently, when I got my e-books published. I mean, I wrote stuff, but I didn't feel like a WRITER. I just felt like a dreamer, longing for her moment. And now I have it, I want more!!! MORE BLOOD! Are you for or against e-books? Very much for, that's why I keep creating them. I understand with any new technology people are sceptical, but I think e-books are helping writers. It gives them more ways to reach readers, which is what writing is about. There are issues with piracy, but damn, if someone wants to rip off my book, I'd feel honoured. At least they are reading the damn thing. Are you a music fan? If so, what? I love music. I have a crazy, eclectic collection. I like stuff ranging from dance, to hip hop, to goth, to industrial. I like just about everything... other then some pop, country and some rap. If it moves me and sticks in my soul, I love it. Have you ever used real life horrors for inspiration? Most of the time I do. I have seen many things in my short life. (I'm only 22) But those things have left their mark and deep.Writing helpes me work throught stuff too. I am still haunted by nightmare's of my past and things that scare the crap out of me. But I don't always write about my real life horrors. It is a good source to tap into though. What book are you reading at the moment? Clive Barker's Books of Blood. I got the first few books lent to me by a dear friend. I have been dying to get my hands on them for some time. Plug away - what do you have coming out? Behind the Bull's Eyes just recently came out. You can download the e-book here for a buck! http://bizarrebooks.com/title_detail.cfm?bid=33 Chim and Her should be out soon as well at Cyberpulp books. It's a collaboration collection of 9 women and one Chimera. Hertzan picked a great group of ladies to write with, and I am proud to be one of them. Next year Chimeraworld comes out, also from Cyberpulp books. I have a story in that as well called 'Strange Breed'. And lastly, Beyond the Silhouette, which will be a collection of short dark fiction by yours truly. That will be in 2004, also from Cyberpulp. Thanks for your time and for doing this with me. ~ Queenie Many thanks Queenie Relevant Links Queenie Tirone's Website Nevermore Magazine