This novel is for 12-18 year olds. Most of my readers have been adults, like myself, that love YA.

Vanessa Dunn – 31 July 2022

The Back Flap

Sebastian is an outsider bullied by everyone because he is very different than us. There has always been something off about him. His best friend is his overprotective mother, Samantha. She is all the family that he has, or so he thought. At the age of 13, he witnesses a gruesome murder by a supernatural being that no one else can see, but him. That night he learns of his abilities, about what he really is, and about his mother’s lies. As his world crumbles, Sebastian’s newfound gift quickly becomes a curse, when he realizes that he can’t control his growing powers. Especially when he almost kills his mother. Now he doesn’t know who to trust, especially himself, which forces him into hiding with a stranger, who is the only one that understands him, but has an evil past of her own. Sebastian realizes that he must evolve from a shy, newly angry outcast to a fierce warrior–or die trying. As an old enemy stays close in the shadows to exterminate him, and everyone in his bloodline. Everyone that is an In-Between.

About the book

What is the book about?

It is about a 13-year-old boy who finds out that he is from a cursed family. He can see supernatural beings that no one else can see. He has to learn how to use his powers before the evil entity that is trying to kill him and his kind wins.

When did you start writing the book?

It started as my thesis back in 2014. I decided to make it a novel in 2016.

How long did it take you to write it?

It was published in March 2020, so it took 6 years.

Where did you get the idea from?

It just came to me as I was working on another project.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The beginning…where to start.

What came easily?

Once I started writing and got past the prologue it came easy.

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

They are fictitious, but I did use real world situations or personalities from people I know. For example, the mom in the book has some qualities like my mom.

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?

Right now I am in love with Sabaa Tahir and Stephanie Garber’s series. Honestly the author that made me want to write was Beatrix Potter, Stephen King, and Harlequin Romance novels. I read them a lot when I was younger.

Do you have a target reader?

This novel is for 12-18 year olds. Most of my readers have been adults, like myself, that love YA.

About Writing

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

I just write as the thoughts come to me.

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

I do not outline. I probably should and I see the benefits of it, but I didn’t for this novel.

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

I edit as I go, and then I go back once I finish the manuscript and I edit again.

Did you hire a professional editor?

For this novel, I did hire a professional editor, and I had avid readers that I know read it and give me feedback.

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

I listen to music only when I am writing a love scene, or if I need to ignore what’s going on outside.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes.

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 decided to self-publish because my husband suggested it. I was sending my manuscript to agents for about 2 years, and he said I should just self-publish. So, I decided to go that route.

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

My husband actually did my covers.

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

Honestly, I am just winging it. I will do conferences next year with this book, and the second book to this series.

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

Make sure you are writing because you love it and not for the money. Also, not everyone will like what you wrote, but your book isn’t for everyone. Doesn’t mean it isn’t good.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Boston, Massachusetts.

Where do you live now?

San Antonio, Texas.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I have the craziest sense of humor, and I really love reading YA. I love watching horror, action, comedies, and reality TV.

What are you working on now?

I am working on book two of the Sebastian series. It is taking me a while to finish it because of some things that were going on in my life, so I had to take a hiatus.

End of Interview:

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Get your copy of Sebastian The In-Between from Amazon US or Amazon UK.