Scarberryfields:
Can you tell us a little about your nationality?
Steve:
I was born in Mexbrough, South Yorkshire-
a small town in the north of the UK, 33 years ago.
Scarberryfields:
When you finish writing a story, do you miss the characters?
Steve:
Not really, as my books are all following
Nathan Garrett and his life, and as I’m currently writing book 3. Nate is
always with, me in one way or another. I’ve missed a few characters I killed
off though. Not enough to bring them back from the dead or anything.
Scarberryfields:
While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you
turn?
Steve: I have some fantastic crit partners in D.B. Reynolds and Michelle Muto,
who are incredibly helpful in pointing out all of my books flaws. In addition,
I use an editor to make sure the book is as free of spelling/grammar problems
as possible.
Scarberryfields:
With the number of hours spent writing, do family members support you or
complain about the time spent away from them?
Steve:
They’re okay with it. I think my wife has
accepted that if I don’t write, I get a little moody, so it’s better for
everyone if I’m not a grumpy git. My 3 daughters are probably too young to care
one way or the other at the moment. Although Keira, my eldest, is quite proud
that her daddy is a writer.
Scarberryfields:
Do you travel to places you mention in your stories for research sake?
Steve:
Crimes Against Magic takes place in both
the UK and France. I’ve been to both places, although not for research
purposes. Part of the second book, Born of Hatred, takes place in 1890s
Montana, and as I’ve never been to Montana I had to do research from photos and
use the internet for most of my research. Google is my friend in that regard.
Scarberryfields:
When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?
Steve:
In theory, yes. However, if I get an
e-mail or message, I’ll probably stop and check it. I’m a bit of a
procrastinator when it gets right down to it, so I try to avoid all contact
with the outside world when writing.
Scarberryfields:
Did you use any family members as Beta readers for your stories?
Steve:
No. It’s probably a bad idea. I belong to
a fantastic writing group and have met some excellent crit partners through it.
And as they’re writers themselves, they’re more likely to tell me what does and
doesn’t work.
Scarberryfields:
Do you feel social networking as a marketing tool, is beneficial?
Steve:
I feel it has its uses. Facebook and Twitter
have certainly allowed me to get in contact with more people than I could have
done without, and it’s allowed people to get in contact with me if they wanted
to ask about the next book. It’s a crucial tool, but it’s also a massive time
sink if you let it.
Scarberryfields:
What is the last book called that you completed and published?
Steve:
It’s called Crimes Against Magic. And is
book 1 of the Hellequin Chronicles. The sequel of which, Born of Hatred, should
be out within the next few weeks.
Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your books?
Steve:
You can find my books on Amazon
And you can
find me:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StevejMchugh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hiddenrealmspublishing
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