Eva Mackenzie is an author who enjoys twisty, emotionally engrossing tales. Her debut novel has been a work in progress for over a decade. Under the urging of a loved one, it’s finally finished.
She is a wife and mother living on the east coast. When she isn’t writing, she is spending time with her family, training for her next marathon or reading stacks of suspense novels. Some of her favorite authors are Minka Kent, Dean Koontz, Tami Hoag, and Lisa Jackson.
Her latest book is BURIED IN MY PAST.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS
Website → http://evamackenzie.com
Goodreads → http://goodreads.com/evamackenzie
Facebook → http://facebook.com/eva.mackenzie.3762
INTERVIEW
Would you call yourself a born writer?
I would say I am a born storyteller. I am still working on my craft, as all writers need to. The way stories are told is fluid and constantly changing. This is true for the genre you write in. I enjoy reading all kinds of genres for this reason. I also dabble in the classics to read how they would tell stories for their audience.
What was your inspiration for Buried in My Past?
It’s a story I kicked around for a long time (over a decade) and it’s changed a lot. I would say the original inspiration was a memorable experience at a summer camp in my youth. I try to understand why some people do what they do and this extra thought helped bring the story to the finish. It’s not always the case that bad people do bad things or vice versa. I enjoy pulling apart the layers and allowing the reader to identify with the villain. Maybe not love the hero all the time. Pulling at these emotions and digging deeper.
How long did it take you to complete the novel?
I honestly don’t know. It took me over ten years to write the first draft. After that it took me two years to rewrite, work with my editors, work with cover designers and get it ready. So, in short, a very long time.
Are you disciplined? Describe a typical writing day.
I am disciplined within the confines of my limited time. I get up at 5 am to write in the morning before I get the kids up. My best time of day to write is in the morning, when my mind is fresh. During nap times on my days off (I work part time), I will usual edit or do marketing projects. And if I work after the kids go to bed it is usually edits. I also read often—so I may take a break and read in the evening.
What did you find most challenging about writing this book?
Making the plot come together exactly how I saw it in my mind. You may have a great story idea, but unless you can lay them out to be subtle and entertaining, what’s the point of having a great idea? It’s a balance and maintaining that balance always takes skill and hard work and guidance from the editors is a big help, too.
What do you love most about being an author?
I love being a storyteller. I have a spark of an idea that after a while gains a life of its own through thought and craft. I want to give people a map that leads them on a journey where they don’t know what they will find until they get there. I like to make people feel emotions; sad, happy, sexy, angry. That is what I love about telling stories.
Did you go with a traditional publisher, small press, or did you self publish? What was the process like and are you happy with your decision?
I have never tried to go the traditional publishing route. I like having full creative control and I love hiring other professionals to make the books great. I am blessed to have a supportive husband who encourages me and the path I have chosen. Don’t get me wrong, it is a TON of work, but that’s part of the reason I love it. I love to be engaged and working toward a goal. After every book I finish I am still left with, ‘I just did that’, and it’s an amazing feeling to have.
About the Book
She’s desperate to stop the panic attacks. But the truth won’t set her free…
Jamie Kendal sees life through the bottom of a bottle. After surviving assault and betrayal, she is forced back to her hometown to care for her mother. Not long after her return, she’s plagued by terrifying slivers of memories from the night her twin brother disappeared forever…
Unearthing new evidence, she’s shocked to learn she’d been found wandering in the woods that same night—covered in blood. More than one person from her past hid the haunting truth that’s bubbling to the surface. The deeper she digs into the horrors from her past, the more she fears almost anyone could be a killer, including Jamie herself.
Can Jamie expose what happened that night, or will she join her missing brother?
Order Your Copy
Buy Link: http://evamackenzie.com/buy-now/
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