Interview with Kerry E.B. Black Interview with Kerry E.B. Black

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I grew up in a little suburb of Pittsburgh, PA, USA, and now, I currently live about 7 miles from my childhood home. It’s an area of steely determination, northern pragmatism, and zombies.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I lived in the country for a long time. Cows and sheep were my nearest neighbors, but I moved closer to my folks when my girls were tiny and I found myself cast in the role of single parent.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve published many of my short stories and articles, yet I was dismissed by many I admired. I was told I wasn’t a “real writer” since I hadn’t a novel. So, this writer of flash, shorts, and super shorts buckled down and expanded an idea.

Novel writing was freeing and yet terrifying. I had so many words and concepts at my disposal, and much more time with the characters. Freeing and terrifying, indeed!

I’ll always write shorts and flash fiction. I enjoy their structured, encapsulated challenges. However, now that I’ve opened myself the broader world of novel writing, I’m hooked.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

In Season of Secrets, Casey Adams and a group of fellow students at Old Nor’Eastern U inadvertently free some sort of ancient force when they participate in an autumn equinox ceremony. Although they all change as a result of the experience, Casey and her closest friends realize there may be deadly repercussions as well. Season of Secrets is a YA paranormal adventure.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone who’s felt like an outcast should feel kinship with Casey Adams, the protagonist in Season of Secrets. She overcomes many obstacles and faces real terrors to succeed.

My short stories are eclectic, and I hope the published short story collections contain something to reach most everyone.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

As writers, we get in our own way. When stymied in a project, I write a bit of related flash fiction, drabbles, or poetry to refocus. In this way I can explore the project from other angles. Sometimes the shift in perspective helps release the emotional bottleneck.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

Be patient. Writing is a process, and neglecting steps can result in an inferior project. Nobody wants an inferior project.

Listen to trusted readers. The advice of fellow writers is invaluable, and yes, opening up to critique is terrifying but a necessary part of the process of producing a worthwhile and readable story. (I’ve found some of the best critique partners in writing groups.)

Along those lines, there’s nothing as important as the help of a good editor.

However, remember, not everyone will like what you’ve written. Tastes vary, and that’s why there’s such diversity in the literary world. If someone takes the time to not only read a work, but also to review it, that’s a gift. Even literary greats faced criticism and rejection. (By the way, I don’t look at a work I’ve sent out as rejected so much as it’s still “looking for a home.” If it isn’t right for a particular publication at that time, I give it a re-read and possible polish and check around for another place to publish.)

To be cliche, don’t bite off more than you can chew. (In my enthusiasm, I tend to do this.) Yes, set goals, but be realistic. Don’t expect your output to remain unaltered by life, and thus don’t sweat the missed opportunities. There will be others. Wasn’t it Douglas Adams who said, “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing sound they make as they go by.” (Something like that.)

And of course have fun. Your attitude toward your writing sets the tone for the completed projects.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

All the people, of course! haha!

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Sometimes, it feels like writers send their work into a void. Does anyone read it? Is it liked? Reviled? I’ve written hundreds of short stories, tons of essays and articles, published one novel, and I’m waiting on the publication of a second. However, I hear little about how they are received by readers. That’s why having a group of fellow writers is invaluable. We’re all in the same, sort-of lonely situation. I’ll always try to support my fellow writers and value their feedback.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a. Writing. I’ve a passion for writing. Or is it for having written? It depends on where I am in the process. However, I set a goal to write every day, even if it’s something small. Otherwise, I feel unlike myself, off-kilter, incomplete, and grumpy. Thus, my output is good.

b. publishing. Finding good publishers takes time. It is sort of like the Prince looking for Cinderella. He tries the shoe on a lot of feet before he finds his princess.

c. marketing. My marital partner is my marketing strength. His faith in me is unwavering, and he gifted me with all of the promotional materials I take to book fairs, signings, and the like. He’s great, and I don’t know what I’d do without him.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a. I have so many ideas that sometimes, in my zeal, I lose track of them all. I must force myself to concentrate on one project and not find myself pixie-led from my original purpose.

b. Patience. Oh, how I want to see the finished product, to hold it in my hands and smell the fresh ink perfume the air! However, publishing takes time. So much time!

c. I don’t enjoy talking about myself. I struggle with self-promotion. It seems so strange to draw attention to me. The only way I can do it is to “psych myself up.” However, I gush about my fellow writers and their work. haha!

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I have my second “Seasons” book in the hands of my editor at Rhetoric Askew. Thus begins the revision stage of the process. However, I’ve two other “Seasons” in my mind. I’ll wait to write them, though, until this second novel is completed and in print.

My editor at Tree Shadow Press has the copy for my next compilation of short stories. It’s to be a collection of fairy tales and myths, and I’m excited to see it in print.

That said, I continue writing and sending out short stories to journals and magazines.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I’ve used two wonderful hybrid publishers, Rhetoric Askew and Tree Shadow Press, and both have been wonderful.

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