Story Title: "Blood is Thicker Than Scotland (Until We Leap)."
1. How did you hear about Blood Is Thicker, and what convinced you to spend days (weeks? months?) crafting a story about the attempted murder of a character by a member of their family on leap day?
The opening sentence intrigued so much I had to know where the story would lead me. It was a burst of what, really, and why? I simply needed to know the answers, and so I set out to find a scenario which answered all of these questions. My main character, James Wilson, explains to readers why his life is in peril every February 29th.
2. What was the writing process like? Did your story come out with a bang, or did you struggle to make something of the premise?
Initially, I began with research, as that is my process. First, I focused on the superstitions around those with leap birthdays or leapers, as some call themselves. From there, the folklore around fairies emerged, and my main character and setting appeared. Once I finished my research, the opening sentence made complete sense. However, I should note, the role Brexit plays in my story caught me off guard.
3. How long have you been writing, and what are some of your writing goals and/or successes so far?
"Blood is Thicker than Scotland (Until We Leap)" is my first published piece. I am both honoured and humbled to have it included in the Blood Is Thicker anthology published by Iguana Books and The Canadian Authors Association. Currently, I am querying a domestic suspense novel.
4. What’s your favourite line or passage in your submission, and why?
“Mark me a man who has always believed fairies and etchings have the power to keep evil at bay.”
This line is the basis for my main character, the superstitions behind his leap day birthday guide him to embrace things that can potentially protect him.
5. What’s your writing routine?
My writing routine may seem unconventional to many readers. For me, the early morning hours are almost magical. The quietness is inspiring. I am a loyal member of the #5amwritersclub. Many ask, really? How do you do it? It simply works for me. I can write later in the day as well, but those early hours are free from the busyness and obligations of life.
6. What do you do for a living (or if you’re retired, what did you do), and what do you do for fun?
Too boring to mention. No one wants to hear about taxes! I’ll pull myself out of this question, lol.
7. What’s a favourite book that you’ve read in the past five years? Notice we didn’t ask you to name your ultimate favourite. We’re not monsters!
There are far too many favourites to mention. I’ll answer with my latest, favourite, Canadian book, which would be The Neighbors by Hannah Mary McKinnon. I love suspense novels and that feeling one gets when you must keep going — where not turning the page just isn’t an option. That element of "I must know everything — now," is something I strive for in my writing.
8. What else should readers know about you?
In addition to writing, I am also an avid gardener. I feel the two fit very nicely together. While planting, weeding, or merely enjoying my efforts in the garden, ideas are flowing. Again, it’s a time where ideas can be mulled over, scrapped or tweaked to flourish, much like writing.