I have always been fascinated with the theme of “evil twins,” and wanted to try exploring some dark subject matter in the psychological thriller genre. The more taboo and twisted, the better.

Jess C Scott – 22 May 2014

The Back Flap

THE WILDE TWINS in a twisted tale of love and loyalty. . .

As kids, Tania and Trevor’s unsupervised play time offers a lifeline to sanity amidst the chaos of family dysfunction. When danger threatens Tania, Trevor isn’t willing to stand by and watch his sister get hurt. The instinct for survival is only rivaled by the killer instincts the Wilde siblings encourage in each other. Instincts that turn into a deadly game igniting their first taste for blood.

Book #1 in The Wilde Twins: a psychological thriller about an “evil twins” serial killing team–and their slow descent into amoral mayhem.

About the book

What is the book about?

Plyamates is the first installment in The Wilde Twins trilogy. It takes a look at the Wilde twins’ childhood (while the second and third installments follow them into their teenage and adult years). I guess the whole project is an intimate exploration (through fiction) of what goes on in the mental and emotional realm of serial killers in-the-making. That the two lead characters are biological twins emphasizes their unbreakable bond.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing it in mid-2013. I first started thinking about it and doing some outlines almost a whole year before that.

How long did it take you to write it?

I spent about an equal amount of time on writing and editing, but the idea was planted in my mind from a long time ago. I have always been fascinated with the theme of “evil twins,” and wanted to try exploring some dark subject matter in the psychological thriller genre. The more taboo and twisted, the better.

Where did you get the idea from?

Some  of it was inspired by my favorite crime documentaries and crime dramas. Some of it was inspired by my own imaginings about what might have happened in a worst case scenario, if I did have a twin brother with whom I grew up with under less-than-desirable circumstances.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

It was surprisingly cathartic to write and therefore not too much of a struggle. I did have a bit of trouble with the end of the series (in the third book), but the first book was lovely to work on, as the two young characters sought to find a semblance of sanity amidst a life of family chaos and dysfunction.

What came easily?

The plot came very easily because it was a story I really wanted to write. It was also a story I needed to write because I had to find a new genre to work in (I initially started off in the “taboo erotica” niche, which became unfeasible as more retailers sought to block and ban material they deemed to be offensive). It was a very interesting exercise for me to switch genres while still maintaining certain things that are mainstays of my writing endeavors (combining substance and entertainment; originality; authenticity).

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

They are usually always a combination of fact and fiction. I have heard several times from various individuals that “real life is more bizarre than fiction.” I can’t say I disagree!

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?

Most certainly! All of the writers I admire influence me (there are so many that I’ve listed some of them on my website’s bio page). It doesn’t matter what genre they write in, as long as the story and characters have depth and show me something new.

Do you have a target reader?

With this particular series, my target reader is someone who’s into dark psychological thrillers, psychological horror, and psychological suspense. In terms of sub-genres, I’m also targeting readers who enjoy serial killer and crime fiction (with a strong ‘psychological’ component).

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I submitted my earlier projects to agents, though my early material was not exactly commercially categorizable. I am not totally opposed to traditional publishing, but I do like how indie publishing offers writers the opportunity to reach their readers. The option is there and up to a writer’s decision-making skills and entrepreneurial spirit to make the most of it.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was always a gradual process interrupted now and then with certain developments. I was in discussions with a YA editor for my first book (a blog novel), till he left for another publishing house which handled different material. That’s when I ventured into self-publishing. There have been lots of ups and downs as a result of that decision—I have no complaints! I always try to learn from my own (or others’) mistakes in order to keep improving.

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

I did this book cover by myself. I had a clear idea of the type of mood and font I wanted to use. In my late teens I would often zone out during lessons and start doodling. I like art and design, but I like writing more…

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

Combination of the two. There is always something popping up that I did not anticipate, so I leave some room for error as I continue to do better with each step.

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

Spend some time thinking about the genre in which you write, and the book cover design, because those two factors contribute largely to proper exposure for your work. Seek out like-minded authors, and remember not to neglect your personal non-writing life too.

About You

What would you like readers to know about you?

I have a Lilith Gemini in the 3rd house (astrologically, a very “twins” or duality-oriented personality when it comes to writing).

What are you working on now?

I have to make up my mind between a contemporary YA series, cyberpunk elven series, and my second psychological thriller series. I do some socio-political blogging when I’m not in the indie publishing scene. Regardless of genre, I will always be passionate about social themes and issues.

End of Interview:

For more from Jess, visit her website, her blog, or her page on Goodreads. Follow Jess on twitter or like her Facebook page.

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