The notion of writing a novel came very easy, however the execution was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

Suzanne Cowles – 15 May 2014

The Back Flap

A high school senior with a love for photography, living in the shadow of his controlling narcissistic Bassmaster father is torn between running from the generational backwoods or facing the cult’s black magic urban legend before the Creepler swamp monster massacres the nearby town of Stray Oaks killing the future of humanity.

About the book

What is the book about?

Relationships are the hallmark of this story, the manipulation of a teenage boy and how he takes charge of his life knowing that the consequences of his actions will anger his family.

When did you start writing the book?

It all started in the beginning of October 2013.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took six months to write and edit. I started with a detailed outline so that I could stay on target. There was very little in the end that was discarded, because I write tight from being a screenwriter.

Where did you get the idea from?

I started with the tagline – Something is eating the competition. I knew the monster would live in the swampy woods and needed a way to get people into its environment naturally. Therefore, I created a professional fishing tournament, so that man and monster could cross paths.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I have limited experience fishing, so I researched the professional Bassmaster circuit. My goal was to sound credible and make the no-contact sport interesting. It wasn’t really a struggle, just more of a challenge.

What came easily?

The notion of writing a novel came very easy, however the execution was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. In addition, writing the book was just one small part of a very large undertaking.

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

Of course they’re not real, hence the disclaimer on the copyright page. I’m sure people who know me will invariably find bits of themselves in the manuscript, but my intention is for people to relate, empathize or gain some personal understanding toward the characters.

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?

My favorite authors are the Bronte sisters because of their lyrical writing about dark twisted subjects. Their command of sentence structure and choice of words are as complex as a famous painting. I strive to write well and am a sucker for a good dialogue line in a film. Sometimes it’s a philosophical statement and other times it’s a quick comeback. For me it’s the power behind the words, like a fist punch.

Do you have a target reader?

The story is written in third person omniscient as if watching a movie. Although the subjects are mature and crafted for adult readers, the Protagonist is a high school senior so it could be considered young adult. I intentionally do not use foul language, gratuitous sex or unnecessary violence so that teenagers and up can read it. I’m hoping that librarians and grandmothers will deem the books as appropriate for minors.

About Writing

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

I first select a genre and then think about interesting subjects that would be entertaining in a story format. After doing some internet research to see if the idea has already been done, I form a concept and theme. The theme is what I want to convey about the subject, similar to a story moral. Then I create the main characters by looking at actor photographs. This helps me visualize real people playing a role. There are eight main characters in pairs of two that act as opposites. An example would be the Protagonist and Antagonist relationship. I actually write the story with pen on loose-leaf paper, dating each page. Then I type it into a Microsoft Word document.

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

I plan the story in a three-act structure, comprised of eight scenes. Each scene defines a chapter in book form, but is made up of mini scenes usually totaling 50. Because I’ve worked in visual arts my entire career, I have a cork-covered wall used to storyboard colored index cards. This helps me organize the action, and later write the movie script.

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

I wrote the first chapter and edited it because it set the tone. Then I wrote 75% and stopped to edit. I already knew the ending, but needed to align and check all of the details. The story has 42 characters since it’s an entire town. Once everything made plot sense and the seeds were planted for the sequel, I pushed myself to finish the last act in six weeks. Then another month of editing.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Pragmatic Press reviewed my work, but I submitted a next to perfect manuscript.

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

Absolutely, music is a great way to set the mood. I prefer low volume of mostly instrumental songs. I loop the song so that it becomes background noise, so that my mind can concentrate on writing.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, it’s a rite of passage to being an author.

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 always planned to submit to publishers, if I did not get an agent.

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

As an artist with much experience in photography and computer graphics, I do my own covers in Adobe Photoshop. I employ the tried and true methods of topography and well established book cover design principles. A printed cover has more versatility with small text than an eBook cover, which needs to be readable as a thumbnail image. Nevertheless, I prefer clarity and less is always more.

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

The publishing industry is in a state of flux. I researched the business end early on and created a plan for marketing and started to develop my author platform.

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

No matter what road you choose, know that it’s going to be very hard. Since art is subjective, selling art is based on the opinions of others. I think the biggest rookie mistake I see is people thinking that all they have to do is write something and stick it on Amazon. That strategy works for about 1% of the billion authors out there.

About You

What would you like readers to know about you?

Suzanne Cowles was born and raised in New Orleans and now lives in Florida with her husband and dachshund. She graduated from Florida State University in Interior Design and holds a Masters of Fine Art from the Academy of Art University.

What are you working on now?

The second book in the trilogy is already outlined, titled: Incipient.

End of Interview:

For more, visit Suzanne’s website or check out her page on Goodreads. You might also follow her on twitter or like her page on Facebook.

Get your copy of Shallow Basin from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords.