Hello, readers. Welcome back to the guest blog. In this month’s blog, I will interview Naomi McCullough, an indie author of two books. She and I met online. She and I had similar interests in the fiction genre, movies, art, and love for historical periods. I thought it would be fun to ask questions about her writing journey and become an author of her work. Before we begin, please tell us about yourself.
Naomi: “Well, I’m a homeschool graduate living in the countryside down a winding road. I have five siblings and several nieces and nephews; family gatherings are quite crowded but in a good way. I like to call us The Clan! I work part-time and do a lot of writing and adventuring in the other half. On the outside, I can come across as rather quiet, but I love nothing better than to have a cup of tea and a good chat about books, history, or flights of fancy!”
I live on a farm in the countryside, too. LOL. Yes, I get what you mean about having a family gathering. When did you start writing?
Naomi: “It is difficult to pick an exact time. I can remember barely forming words and trying to keep a journal in a floral notebook one of my sisters' gave me. The first short story I remember putting together was sometime in the 4th grade. I wrote a funny tale about one of my sisters and a cow that kept jumping fences. From there, it moved on. I began writing more earnestly in my teens because I had to get the words out! The more I did, the more I enjoyed meeting new characters, but I didn’t know where it would go. At that point, I made a dear friend who had self-published, and the idea that I could do the same really fanned the flame of my dream into a full fire.”
Hey, a short story is a great way to start. I fell in love with writing as a teenager because of my older sister. We have to start somewhere. Independent publishing is a fantastic way to get your stories out there. I know you published your debut novel, The Nutcracker Spell; what got you started, Hidden Currents?
Naomi: “Hidden Currents was born from my love for Hardy Boy mysteries and vintage boy's adventures. It was a dark, rainy night in spring, and this story kept running through my head until I had to get a pad of paper and write it down. It was the image of a boy running through dark woods in the rain, trying to escape someone. I had no idea why he was, but after I scribbled it down, I began to ask myself that question, and Derek just jumped to life. I kept altering the story and eventually transferred it to a computer where I wrote, edited, and finished it over ten years or so.”
Ah, yes. That sounds like an interesting concept. Ten years is a long time, but I get it. When You Returned was a similar way. The story started nine years ago (off an on-project) till I published it last year. Based on your projects and the books you published, why historical fiction?
Naomi: “I enjoy learning about people from long ago and how history unfolded. Most of my books are historical fiction or adventure set in the past, but there is still a little room for fairy tales, and I have some stories planned out for that genre as well.”
You are right. There is plenty of room to expand into different genres. I am the same way. I like to dabble and see what it is like. What hobbies do you want to do when you aren't writing?
Naomi: “My hobbies include reading, playing the violin, watercolor painting, sketching, baking, and going to museums.”
Oo, nice! I like sketching, baking (when I can), and reading. Also, listen to music. LOL. What is your favorite part of the writing process and self-publishing?
Naomi: “The first draft is honestly my favorite. But oddly enough, I enjoy editing as well. Each layer reveals a different side to the characters and adds more flavor. My favorite part of the publication process is getting the cover design back. Seeing the image makes the book begin to feel real!
For me, it is a revision process. You get to do more brainstorming and create new scenes that you may never have considered. Regarding self-publishing, I like the formatting process and when the book is officially out. Speaking of publishing, will there be more books about Derek and the couple from Hidden Currents or The Nutcracker Spell? And any future projects in the work?
Naomi: “Sadly, no. Hidden Currents is a stand-alone, and I do not have plans for more of Derek's story unless I create another book with him as a side character :) I am always open to those opportunities! When I first wrote The Nutcracker Spell, I had no plans of doing a sequel. But after being asked about writing more, an idea has begun to come together, and there is the possibility that the Stahlbaums and Drosselmeyers might someday show up in another spin-off. The plot is at the simmering stage in my head at this time. I would love to write about them further, honestly! Yes! My cousin and I have co-written the first book in a ya western series titled Blood Heritage. We hope to publish it sometime this Summer if not early Autumn. It is quite an exciting adventure, and we are thrilled to be nearing the last stages of editing.”
I understand. I like reading stand-alone. So, your answers are valid. How exciting the upcoming Western series is. I can’t wait to read them. Before we end the interview, I have one last question. What is your advice if a new writer wants to write a mystery novel?
Naomi: “Read mysteries--a lot! Nothing is better than to immerse yourself in the genre you're working on and take notes on the pacing and style you want to write. I grew up on Hardy Boys and random adventure books, which helped me to set myself in the era and storyline.”
I enjoyed getting to know you and listening to your journey of becoming a writer and author. I wish you all the best on your series and future projects.
Naomi: “Thank you, Havelah.”
You can find her books Hidden Currents on Amazon and The Nutcracker Spell on her website https://naomimcculloughauthoress5.weebly.com/. You can find her on Instagram @naomi.writes5.
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