„When dreams become books….“
The last interview took us to the USA and we stay there for a bit longer. This time I‘m happy to introduce to you author Scott Carruba from Texas. He started writing at a very early age when asked in elementary school to write a newspaper from another planet. Since then he has written poetry, short stories and book length dark urban fantasy tales like Dance of the Butterfly. His writing style can best be described as poetic and descriptive. Scott, I‘m able to relate to that, but not to your preferences in food like sushi. 😉 Nevertheless, it‘s now your turn to tell us more about yourself and your works.
- Please introduce yourself in 3-5 sentences.
My name is Scott Carruba, and I write books in the urban fantasy genre. I also have some horror short stories published. I have been creative writing since elementary school.
- What is the title of your current book? In which genre does it play and what is the story about?
Dance of the Butterfly and Sword of the Butterfly. They comprise a dark urban fantasy series about two powerful, rival families who fight to thwart a very real threat that most of humanity is not even aware of.
- How did you get into writing?
I received an assignment when in elementary school to write a newspaper from another planet. This sparked a serious creative urge that has not since abated.
- What can you learn about writing and what can you not learn?
I feel that writing represents communication which is key to relationships and interactions. We may use writing to tell a story, to illustrate thoughts, or in many other ways. Through this, you may learn a great deal from that person. However, writing is an exercise in making the abstract concrete; thus we may lose something in the translation, so to speak.
- What is your favourite task in the writing process and what do you not like about it (like writing blurbs for example)?
I most enjoy the beginning. There is something alluring to me, as if taking the initial steps into an entirely new world. Marketing is my least favorite aspect, though there are even parts of that I enjoy.
- Is there something that drives you crazy regarding the writing/ publishing process?
One thing that gets me is the continued missed mistakes even after multiple edits and sometimes by different people. I also do not care for the various requirements depending on publishing platform. It would be nice to have a standard.
- Where do you get the ideas for your books?
The main source of inspiration for my ideas comes from my dreams.
- Which of your written books is your own favorite?
I only have two published, so I will consider those. That is still a tough decision. I would probably choose Dance of the Butterfly. Again, it is a beginning, and I find those times the most enjoyable.
- Who reads your manuscripts first?
That is usually a toss-up between a close friend of mine and my publisher.
- How long do you revise your manuscript before you say, “Now I can share it with others?”
I probably go over my manuscript at least three times before the initial sharing. It then goes through more editing, beta feedback, etc., before publication. I do a great deal of self-editing and small changes to tweak things before I feel satisfied.
- In which genre would you like to write but haven’t dared yet? And in which genre would you never write?
I really enjoy science fiction. It may be the genre I turn to most for my own reading. I have written some unfinished works in that genre, so I suppose I have dared, but nothing I feel is ready for consideration for publication.
As far as never, well, I hate to say ‚never‘, but I feel no interest in writing romance.
- Are there writers you admire?
Plenty. H.P. Lovecraft is a huge influence of mine. For contemporary writers, I greatly admire China Miéville. His imagination never fails to enthrall and impress me.
- What is a successful author in your opinion?
One that is able to make a living primarily from creative writing.
- Regarding your books: Would you do it all over again in the same way? What would you change, if you could?
I would probably want to edit more, but then, I never feel there is enough editing.
- What do you say about the competition among authors, especially about the fact that some authors deliberately give bad ratings to others to spite them? Have you ever experienced something like this yourself?
I am very much against it, and I have made posts on my blog and other avenues of social media in regards to this. I do not consider other authors to be my competition, and I deplore underhanded and dishonest tactics. Thankfully, I have yet to experience anything like this towards me, but therein may lie hints to my relative obscurity.
- What was the worst, most annoying, least beautiful thing that has happened to you as an author and what was the most beautiful thing?
I’d say the most annoying was some criticism I received due to some sexual parts of my stories. The most beautiful was most definitely seeing the physical copy of my first published book.
- How do you motivate yourself when things don’t go the way you want them to?
Creativity is often its own reward, so regardless of how things go, I will always create. I also just continue pushing, keeping up with the things I do and searching for new methods. I see no reason to stop, so I might as well try, try, and try some more.
- Why do you think some authors make it in the book industry and others don’t? Do you have any advice?
I think some make it due to obvious talent and deservedly so. There is also a lot of work required. This does not come easy. Some, though, seem to succeed due to luck or some marketing method. I don’t feel I am in much of a place to give advice, but I would say to at least embrace persistence and discipline.
- Many authors are reserved and shy, especially when it comes to readings and book fair appearances. You got any advice for them?
My approach is that there is no need to feel you may fail and end yourself as a writer. I also like to think of these things as something to be done to have fun. A lot of the pressure is self-imposed. And if you are approached for readings and appearances, it generally means they want you there. Take comfort in that and just do your best.
- Which authors and books do you think deserve more attention?
I have difficulty with this as I honestly don’t give out a lot of recommendations. I do reviews on my blog and other social media, and if people read those and feel it gives them reason to read a book, then all the better. A few authors I might recommend looking into are Carmilla Voiez, Marie Kammerer Franke, and Nicolajayne Taylor.
- Which books do you like to read yourself? Which ones would you never read?
I read all sorts of fiction and non-fiction. I particularly like Weird Fiction. I probably would not read romance.
- What are you dreaming of as a writer? Is there a wish you would share with us?
I dream of being successful enough to make a living as a writer. I’d also love to see my writing portrayed in other forms of media such as a graphic novel or animated series.
Thank you for the interview, Nadja!
Dance of the Butterfly 