I had not slept and I must have briefly drifted off during the conversation we were having in class. During this time, I day dreamed about the shapeshifters and what they looked like. 

Morgan Douglas – 28 April 2022

The Back Flap

Out of nowhere, a mass shapeshifting event happened around the world. Human beings were instantly transformed into indistinguishable blank figures and trapped inside their bodies. The challenge of changing them all back rests on just the few who were left.

About the book

What is the book about?

It is a book about humans that shapeshift into indistinguishable blank figures that look like human symbols on signs such as walk signs. There is a group of people spared from this fate that seek answers and uncover a plan devised by two government officials. From there it is about the fallout of the mass shapeshifting event and what happens to the group members when they go back home.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing this story in January of 2019 during my last semester of college.

How long did it take you to write it?

This took me two years.

Where did you get the idea from?

It’s kind of a weird story. I had been awake all night because I had been in the hospital for someone else. There was a final discussion taking the place of a final exam for a class I was taking the next day. I had not slept and I must have briefly drifted off during the conversation we were having in class. During this time, I day dreamed about the shapeshifters and what they looked like. They came up through the floor and appeared in a desk chair. Later I wouldn’t have the shapeshifters do this but it started the idea.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Towards the middle of the book, it was a little hard to write because I knew how I wanted the story to start and how I wanted it to end but the in-between was a little fuzzy at first.

What came easily?

Describing the visual scenery.

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

I would say they are entirely fictitious.

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?

I have read some of Stephen King’s novels and that has influenced me. I also found the House of Night series by P.C. to be influential.

Do you have a target reader?

Readers who like Science Fiction, Suspense, and Dystopian genres.

About Writing

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

Mainly it is just to sit down and write. I do also write randomly on sticky notes and they are all over the place.

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

I did briefly outline well after I started writing this book but I completely went in a different direction. I used a couple of bullet pointed sentences with headings.

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

Here and there I do but I was advised that just getting it on the page and editing later is a better tactic.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I hired a freelance editor.

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

I do sometimes. I like a variety, Symphonic Metal, Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, Jazz.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not, I wanted to try it out on my own and maybe look into the traditional route in the future.

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 learned it was a fast option and I thought it would let me do it on my terms.

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

Yes, I did get it professionally done.

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

I learn as I go.

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

Plan out marketing beforehand. Just don’t give up, you can finish on your own time.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Portland, Oregon, USA

Where do you live now?

Same place.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am a Clinical Researcher; I like to volunteer and play the ukulele.

What are you working on now?

I just finished the sequel and it will be published soon and now I am working on the third book in the series.

End of Interview:

For more from Morgan Douglas visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Get your copy of Distorted Purposes from Amazon US or Amazon UK.