The 7Q Interview: Theresa Braun
AUTHOR BIO
Theresa Braun was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and has carried some of that hardiness with her to South Florida where she currently resides. She has an M.A. in English literature and has been teaching for over twenty years. Traveling, ghost hunting, and all things dark are her passions. Her work appears in The Horror Zine, Sirens Call, and Hardened Hearts, among others.Her novel Fountain Dead will be released later this year by Unnerving Magazine. Follow her on Twitter: @tbraun_author.
QUESTIONS
#1. Looking back, what’s one fiction book that you feel truly made an impact on your writing? Do you still gravitate towards that author?
#1. This question really stumps me because I’ve been reading books my entire life—so many amazing novels and short stories to choose from. I’d have to say that dystopian novels have made a strong impact on me. Books like 1984, Brave New World, and The Handmaid’s Tale have such powerful messages that are timeless, and are particularly relevant today. That really moves me. I’m also highly influenced by monster stories likeFrankenstein, for example. What an inspirational backstory about Mary Shelley and her ability to pave the way for future generations of writers, especially women. And, I am very attracted to the entire genre of Gothic literature, including pieces like Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray. I’d have to say that most of my work echoes my admiration for these authors. It’s not always something I consciously notice, but I’m sure it’s happening on a subconscious level, for sure. As far as more recent works, I’m keeping an eye on Kelly Link. Her story The Prospectors wowed me—specifically in terms of her craft. Right now in my genre, there are too many authors that I admire to mention here. There’s a ton of talent out there.
#2. How do you feel about the use of sub-genres in the industry? How do you describe your work overall?
#2. I LOVE the fact that there are sub-genres because it gives both writers and readers a place to gravitate. That said, I feel that genres need to be mixed and matched. I enjoy it when authors are willing to pave the way with new hybrids. At the same time, I understand that readers often want to know what they are getting into when they pick up a book. So that whole mix and match idea can get frustrating. Nonetheless, I say bring it on. As far as me, I’m not sure I’ve compiled a big enough body of work yet to categorize myself. A few of my stories deal with supernatural subject matter such as hauntings or demonic spirits, but I also like to tackle aliens and time travel, and all kinds of other topics. I think a common thread would be my interest in my characters and how they perceive reality. Psychological horror really fascinates me.
#3. What about your writing process do you think is unique or quirky? What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received?
#3. I’m not sure I do anything in my writing process that’s particularly quirky. I seem to be more productive with a fuzzy critter sitting by my side (in the form of one of my cats). Usually I’m propped up on a mountain of pillows, struggling to stay off the internet. My ideas usually come to me on long drives or in the shower. When I get stuck with an idea, I try to remind myself of that. Or, I get up and look into a refrigerator with almost empty pickle jars and a sea of condiments. Nonetheless, I take a stroll and open the door, thinking something may have magically stocked itself when I wasn’t looking. Mostly, it’s the blast of cool air that wakes up my senses. Then it’s back to the mountain of pillows.
The worst writing advice? I’ve met writers who don’t believe in editing or revision. That is lunacy. You can’t just put your first draft out there for the world to see—yeesh! I’m sure there are exceptions to this rule—like writers who’ve been at it for fifty years and have numerous awards on the mantel. But, I’d be willing to bet they didn’t get where they are today on first drafts. Call me crazy. As far as general advice, I’ve learned that you need to stick to your own guns when it comes to your creative process and the final outcome of your story. Being true to yourself and what you want to stand behind is a huge lesson. Sometimes that means taking risks and waiting for the right audience to appreciate what you’re trying to do. In the end, you can’t take all advice to heart. You need to pick and choose what resonates with you. That’s my free advice.
#4. How does music and media factor into your writing? Do you feel it plays as much an inspirational role as literature?
#4. That’s a great question. I immerse myself in lots of music and tons of movies and television shows—probably more than I should admit to. But I find that they’re a great way to tap into the mass consciousness, which can be quite inspirational. I learn something new about what I want to do, and what I don’t want to do, by dissecting another person’s art. I’d be willing to bet a lot of creative minds do that—absorb whatever they can like a sponge. And then, when you wring yourself out, you hope you have something new to offer. Literature can do a similar thing for me, but it’s not as easy to digest. Reading and analyzing words on the page has its value, for sure. And I get great satisfaction from that, but not always after a long shift at the day job. I want some fast food. And I often want it in small bites.
#5. As an author, how much do you engage in social media? Do you feel it is more for your own entertainment, or for marketing and networking?
#5. Ah, the black hole of social media. To be honest, it serves multiple functions for me. Sometimes I just scroll around to give my mind a break from serious thinking. I can stay abreast with my online friends without a set time commitment. So, in that sense, it’s entertaining. In addition, I do see the value in networking with other writers and creative minds. It keeps me pumped to see what those people are up to. And, it’s fun to be able to give them a boost with their current projects or to see what unique thoughts they send out. Furthermore, I think more and more social media is a necessary evil when it comes to marketing. I say evil because if it feels like a chore or an obligation, it can start to become this monster in one’s creative life. I think it’s important to keep the time spent online in check. Moderation is key. Or, for me, I begin losing my mind—or losing time that I should be using to write.
#6. Where do you see the future of horror fiction heading? In turn, what changes would you love to see, either socially or technologically?
#6. I think the future of horror involves more diverse voices. It makes me happy to see new submission calls that emphasize this. And, I think more diverse people are taking out those word processors and throwing words down. On another note, when I notice clichés and tropes being tossed on their ears, or new genres being experimented with, it makes me excited. Furthermore, there are so many social and technological issues and ideas that need exploration. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s coming down the pike next as far as that goes. Sometimes it can be depressing to turn on the news and get caught up in negativity. However, a new wind fills my sails when I see writers tackling tough subjects and telling stories that need to be told, whether uplifting or otherwise. Books should either provide us with an escape from real life, or make us question and change our world. I love it all…
#7. What can you tell us about any forthcoming projects? What titles would you like to promote now?
#7. My current novel is a haunted house story called Fountain Dead. A boy living in the 1980s crosses paths with a kindred spirit from the 1800s. The evil force lording over the property severs their romantic connection and threatens to destroy the boy’s entire family. I wrestle with a few social issues and themes along the way. Watch for the release in November from Unnerving Magazine.
AUTHOR PIC
