A Tree Born Crooked question

Interview with Author Steph Post
Hosted By Accredited Author Ken Donaldson

1.I am sure many other readers are familiar with you from the indie-publishing forums- give us a little insight into your background as a writer.
I have been working on fiction since I first attended Davidson College on the Patricia Cornwell Creative Writing Scholarship many years ago. I’ve also written academically quite a bit, but creative writing is my passion. I’ve had many short stories published, but A TREE BORN CROOKED is my first novel to hit the scene.


2.Tell me what other authors do you enjoy, who inspired you or influenced you the most to become a writer?
There are so many authors and books who have helped to shape the writer I have become, but I’m going to stick with the most current authors I’m in love with: Smith Henderson, Daniel Woodrell, and, of course, Cormac McCarthy. I’ve also really been enjoying some contemporary short story writers lately such as Sheldon Lee Compton, Taylor Brown and Schuler Benson. There are so many incredible authors and books out in the world right now… It stresses me out that I’ll never have enough time to enjoy them all!


3.What made you decide upon the genre you are currently pursuing?
I’m not sure there was ever a conscious decision. I wasn’t even sure what genre I was writing in until after I finished my first manuscript. Then I realized, ‘oh wow- I’m a Southern grit lit writer- huh, that’s pretty cool.’ I think genres, like stories, pick the author.


4.What is special about how you write. Do you have any set routine of method you follow?
It took me a while to figure out a routine, but once I did, it was a life saver. I’m a high school teacher during the day and for a while there I was trying to write in the evenings and I was getting nowhere. Now I devote one day of the weekend to writing, even if it’s only for a few hours. But it’s every single weekend, no matter what…

5.What are the future plans for your writing?
There is another novel waiting in the wings after A TREE BORN CROOKED and I’m currently hard at work in the research phase for my third. I don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon.


6.Do you have any brief thoughts in passing you would like to share with the readers?
Authors are people, too. I use to read a book and think how awesome it would be to be able to talk to that author and ask him/her questions. Then I realized that you really can. (as long as they’re still alive…) Most authors love to interact with their readers- they wrote their books to be read, obviously- so don’t be afraid to contact your favorite and engage with them. You might not always get a response, but you then you might as well…. And always, always, write a review. Even if it’s only a few words, reviews are what authors live for- they’re human beings and need love just as much as anyone…

I do wish you all the best in the future. Certainly has been a real pleasure Talk with you Steph. That is where we conclude this Interview.