Dead Book Interview: E. J. Stevens (She Smells The Dead)

 

 

Today I have E.J. Stevens, author of She Smells The Dead, here on mu blog! She was so nice as to do an interview for my Dead Books celebration, so everyone enjoy the interview!
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Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a novelist and poet with a lifelong love of the paranormal, fascination with cryptozoology, Edgar Allan Poe obsession, and a wardrobe that has been deeply entrenched in the goth aesthetic since 1987. The upside to all of this is that my friends and family always know where to come for a chilling story, I am prepared to identify and classify a Wendigo, though admittedly he will likely eat me before I can reveal my discovery to the public in which case I will exist nevermore, and it is very easy to sort my closet by color.

How did you get into writing?

I grew up in a family of eccentric storytellers. Throughout my childhood we would sit together and tell stories, many times taking turns and picking up where the other left off. We were always competing to tell the most frightening or most entertaining tale. Writing became a later extension of my love for storytelling.

Where did you get inspiration for your book?

The idea for She Smells the Dead came to me as I was walking my corgi past an overgrown graveyard. A sudden breeze carried a strong, pungent smell and I suddenly wondered what it would be like to sense the dead through smell rather than by sight or sound.

What do you think makes a perfect horror/fantasy novel?

I feel strongly that a novel must have strong characters in order to be a truly wonderful, engaging read. Fantasy characters should be believable with at least some core characteristics derived from the real world. While my characters may have supernatural abilities, may not even be human, their physical reactions and emotional responses are based on my own experiences and observations. It is my hope that these characters seem tangible and relatable to readers.

If you could write a novel with any other author in the world who would it be?

I do believe I mentioned a bit of an obsession with E.A. Poe? I never entirely outgrew my affinity for this amazing master of the macabre. I am afraid that we would have to employ the services of a voodoo priest to resurrect Mr. Poe. Sorry dear, a bit too messy? Perhaps a medium could assist Mr. Poe in speaking beyond the grave, though I had been looking forward to working on our novel over tea.

So I hear you have plans for complete world domination. Do tell.

Now how, pray tell, did you learn of my plans? Oh dear, I do believe I have some minions to punish. Mwahahahaha!

What’s one of your greatest Halloween memories?

Halloween is my favorite time of year. I have so many wonderful memories. Many years ago, I was strolling through Salem just before Halloween and a group approached me asking when the tour began. Tour? They had mistaken me for one of the Haunted Salem tour guides. I was tempted to give them a bit of misdirection, my Halloween trick for the day, but ended up admitting that I was not a tour guide. I’m still not sure if it was my long black cape, bustle skirt, or make-up that led to their assumption, but it was all very amusing.

What are some books you have recently read and/or recommend?

As some of you may know, I have a book blog with a paranormal focus. My review pile is absolutely towering at the moment (just how I like it!). I recently read and would highly recommend Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton, and The Hollow by Jessica Verday. I also recommend the Vampire Academy, Iron Fey, and Mortal Instruments series to YA paranormal and urban fantasy fans.

Thank you so much for doing this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thank you for having me here today at the Scarrlet Reader!

Please visit me at my blog (http://www.FromTheShadows.info). Want to learn more about She Smells the Dead? Stop by the official Spirit Guide series website (http://spiritguideseries.blogspot.com)where you’ll find links to reviews, giveaways, and more!

~E.J
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Thanks again so much to E.J.! Hope you all enjoyed the interview and look out for a chance to win a copy of She Smells The Dead tomorrow ;D

Also check out my review for She Smells The Dead HERE.

Where to find E.J.
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Website     Blog