Interview with C. A. Verstraete
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I’m
a journalist, freelance writer, author, miniaturist and dog lover. Did I leave
anything out?
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
Lizzie
Borden, Zombie Hunter releases Sept. 13 in print and for Kindle. It
answers the question that everyone asks, did she or didn’t she? My answer? What
if Lizzie did it… because she had no other choice?
About the book:
Every family has its secrets…
One hot August morning in 1892, Lizzie Borden picked up an axe and murdered her father and stepmother. Newspapers claim she did it for the oldest of reasons: family conflicts, jealousy and greed. But what if her parents were already dead? What if Lizzie slaughtered them because they’d become zombies?
Thrust into a horrific world where the walking dead are part of a shocking conspiracy to infect not only Fall River, Massachusetts, but also the world beyond, Lizzie battles to protect her sister, Emma, and her hometown from nightmarish ghouls and the evil forces controlling them.
One hot August morning in 1892, Lizzie Borden picked up an axe and murdered her father and stepmother. Newspapers claim she did it for the oldest of reasons: family conflicts, jealousy and greed. But what if her parents were already dead? What if Lizzie slaughtered them because they’d become zombies?
Thrust into a horrific world where the walking dead are part of a shocking conspiracy to infect not only Fall River, Massachusetts, but also the world beyond, Lizzie battles to protect her sister, Emma, and her hometown from nightmarish ghouls and the evil forces controlling them.
Why did you decide to write in the zombie/horror genre?
I’ve
always been a fan of Stephen King and enjoy a good scare, so I guess it’s
natural I began writing what I like to read. And once I started watching The
Walking Dead, I was hooked. I found it was yes, fun, to write about zombies.
Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?
I’ve enjoyed reading more historical fiction, but when it comes to
writing, I like mixing it up with horror so adding zombies in became a perfect
way to do both. Once I looked at the Lizzie Borden autopsy photos, I realized
I’d found the perfect fictional explanation to the crime. I’m surprised no one
else took that approach.
What did you enjoy most about writing your book?
It might sound strange, but I enjoyed writing the zombie fighting
scenes. Some may seem a bit humorous even in a sordid way. I can’t help it.
Besides, there are only so many ways you can have people fighting so you have
to have some fun with it.
What did you find most challenging about writing your book?
Matching the real dates of Lizzie Borden’s trial and the fictional
outline I had for my story. I had to fit things in but move the story along. I had
to speed the story up given the trial wasn’t held until June, 1893 following
Lizzie’s arrest in August, 1892. Even then, the wheels of justice moved slowly.
Plus, I had certain fictional elements to fit in between the trial and her
release. Yeah, complicated. Ha!
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
It might be destiny. I have a favorite baby photo of myself
showing me with a newspaper and a pencil behind my ear. I ended up being a
newspaper reporter. I always thought that was interesting. But I was a big
reader as a kid and always found words fascinating.
How do you
research your books?
Lots of reading and note-taking. The fun is finding things you
never knew or something that you think can be fit into the story idea you have.
What advice would you give beginning writers?
Never give up. Writing can be rewarding, but it can also be
challenging and offer some heartbreak, too. No matter what anyone says,
rejections can hurt. You have to keep going, keep trying and keep believing in
your project. There will be others who see the same value in your story as you
do.
What do you like
to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
It’s a contrast, I admit. I kill zombies in fiction and
create/decorate dollhouses when I’m not. But it’s another creative outlet which
I love doing. I have some photos of my work on my website, http://cverstraete.com.
Are you working on another book?
I am outlining a sequel to Lizzie
Borden, Zombie Hunter. There are questions that still need to be answered
and I’m not quite ready to give up on Lizzie yet. I’ve come to like her a lot.
Follow the blog tour and be sure
to get your copy of Lizzie
Borden, Zombie Hunter in print and Kindle Sept. 13!
Add it on Goodreads:
You can find C. A. Verstraete at these sites:
Yes,
there is a contest to win 1 of 10 Kindle copies (ends 9/14.). Entrants MUST enter an email as a blog comment or on the rafflecopter to
be sent a gift copy if they win. Sorry, no time to hunt you down. No email, no
chance to win.
Think
you know Lizzie Borden? Read on!
The blog tour schedule is:
Mon. Sept 5 - GirlZombieAuthors – Introduction – A Little About Lizzie
Tues. Sept. 6 - Jaime Johnesee blog – 12 Questions for Lizzie Borden
Weds. Sept. 7 - Jean Rabe's blog – Lizzie Borden… Dog Lover?
Tues.
Sept. 13 - RELEASE DAY!!!
Zombies and Toys Review!
Join the FB Release Party - prizes, guest authors, zombie fun!! (See info posted on my Facebook page and website.)
This
isn't the end! Get your copy. Share a review. And come back to the GirlZombieAuthors blog
or the author website for
info on another blog tour starting Sept. 26 with Bewitching Book Tours.
Thanks for hosting me! Lizzie Borden, Zombie Hunter
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