I formulated the idea in January 2013 after a trip to Jamaica. There, I stayed at a small resort next to where author Ian Fleming of James Bond fame once owned a property. A place where such a prolific writer lived and wrote obviously inspired me.

Eden Baylee – 25 September, 2014

The Back Flap

Vacation can be a killer.

Dr. Kate Hampton, a respected psychiatrist, gathers with a group of strangers at her favorite travel spot, Sunset Villa in Jamaica. Included in the mix are friends of the owners, a businessman with dubious credentials, and a couple who won the trip from a TV game show. 

It is January 2013, following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The luxury resort is struggling, not from the storm, but due to a scathing review from caustic travel writer, Matthew Kane. The owners have invited him back with hopes he will pen a more favorable review to restore their reputation. 

Even though she is haunted by her own demons, Kate feels compelled to help. She sets out to discover the motivation behind Kane’s vitriol. Used to getting what he wants, has the reviewer met his match in Kate? Or has she met hers?

Stranger at Sunset is a slow-burning mystery/thriller as seen through the eyes of different narrators, each with their own murky sense of justice. As Kate’s own psychological past begins to unravel, a mysterious stranger at Sunset may be the only one who can save her.

About the book

What is the book about?

Stranger at Sunset is a psychological mystery/thriller. The story takes place over a week’s time at a holiday resort in Jamaica. Twelve guests, including the owners of the small hotel and their staff make up the characters of the book. A scathing review from a travel writer has put the place in jeopardy. What happens during the week is an intricate play of events, mind games, and of course—murder.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing it March 2013, but had been toying with the plot a couple of months earlier.

How long did it take you to write it?

It was completed May 2014 and released June 30^th, so all told, it took almost a year and a half from start to finish.

Where did you get the idea from?

I formulated the idea in January 2013 after a trip to Jamaica. There, I stayed at a small resort next to where author Ian Fleming of James Bond fame once owned a property. A place where such a prolific writer lived and wrote obviously inspired me.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes, in the end with the editing, which took longer than I expected. My patient and wonderful editor helped me through it, but it was painful.

What came easily?

Writing my protagonist, Dr. Kate Hampton. I adore her, and it’s much easier to write about someone you can relate to and like.

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

I’ve borrowed bits and parts of people, but no character is 100% true to anyone I know. Part of writing fiction is the fun of expanding on certain traits, but there were a couple of characters I had to tone down from real world people I knew. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!

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?

What has influenced me the most is reading a cross section of books – from fiction to non-fiction. I read to see how language evolves and I read many indie authors. I’m a fan of the Time, Blood and Karma series by indie author, John Dolan. It’s in the noirish mystery/thriller genre. Few people can turn a phrase as beautifully as he can.

I love reading him because his books inspire me to be a better writer.

Do you have a target reader?

Adult. My books are not suitable for under 18, but there is no ceiling age. My previous books were erotic fiction, and both men and women read them. I haven’t noticed that this has changed with my current offering in Stranger at Sunset.

About Writing

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

Unfortunately, being an indie writer is never just about the writing. There are many things that need to be done to spread the word of the book before and after it’s written. I do social media in the morning. That encompasses reading/commenting on blogs, tweeting, Facebook. I write for the remainder of the day, which can include writing for my blog, guest posts, interviews such as this, and my WIP(s). In between that, I take a break to eat, get outside, and read for pleasure. I usually go to bed after 1 a.m. and wake up around 7 a.m. when it all starts again.

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

When I wrote Stranger at Sunset, I attempted an outline. It was the first time I had ever tried it. I planned scenes and made character sketches. What I learned from it was this: I’m horrible at it, which was not a complete surprise. I should have taken longer to do the outline. I know I rushed it just to get to the writing, because I’m the type who just wants to DO IT!

I paid for it in the final edits when some chapters had to be moved around, others deleted, new ones added. A bit more planning at the start could have prevented this … or maybe not.

For my next books, I will try to do a better outline and hope it makes my life easier at the end.

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

I edit as I go. I shouldn’t, but I do. It’s an old habit I need to break.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I’m a firm believer that writers cannot edit their own work. As many times as you go over a manuscript, it’s not possible to see your own mistakes. I use editor, Annetta Ribken, and she’s terrific. We have a wonderful relationship because our egos are not engaged. We both want what’s best for the story. It’s not to say that it doesn’t hurt when I have to cut words or make changes. It still hurts, but the book is SO much better for it.

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

No, I need complete silence, or as quiet as possible. Even the sound of my nails on the keyboard bothers me so my nails are always cut short.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No.

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’ve been writing full-time since January 2010, so there’s been a lot of learning since then. I loved the idea of having my book traditionally published when I started, but the more I researched it, the less feasible it became. Over and above that, it was not a good business model for me.

Being indie is where I have the most freedom, can make the most money, and create a product that will be available to readers in a timely fashion after it’s written.

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

All my book covers and media are designed professionally by JB Graphics in Toronto. His work is clean, spare, and appeals to my sense of aesthetics. I don’t like overly “busy” covers, and he has a way of ensuring the cover sets a mood for the book. I’m a visual person, and I love color, images, and fonts. They all need to blend together well to create a good cover.

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

I wouldn’t say I have a specific plan, but I’m not winging it either. I’m soliciting reviews in as many places as I can and trying to spread the word on all my networks. Exposure of my book on your site is part of the plan. Of course, there really is only one thing that can sell the book, and that’s writing the next book, so I always need to make room for that.

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

Don’t get caught up in the minutiae of social media. It’s important, but never forget that to improve the craft of writing, one needs to actually write. Make sure to do it everyday, whether you’re inspired or not.

About You

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my next book with Dr. Kate Hampton called A Fragile Truce. There is an excerpt of it at the end of Stranger at Sunset.

Thank you, Indie View for all you do to connect indie authors to readers. I really appreciate this opportunity to talk to you.

End of Interview:

For more from Eden, visit her website and blog, follow her on Twitter, and like her Facebook page.

Get your copy of Stranger at Sunset from Amazon US or Amazon UK.