I’m interviewing Stan Schatt today, author of “Hello Again”. Thank you for answering my questions, and welcome to my blog.
- How long have you been writing?
I started writing when I was twelve. At that time I was looking for a certain type of science fiction book but couldn’t find it in the library. I published dozens of non-fiction books while working full-time. When I finally had time to write fiction, I dove in. I now have published eight novels.
- What is your favorite genre to write?
I’ve written in several genres including mystery, adventure, and science fiction. I’ve gravitated toward the paranormal mystery genre.
- Which genre have you never tried before, but would you like to try out?
I’ve thought seriously about writing a romance novel but haven’t done so. It might be something I try in the future. If I do, it would be a middle-aged couple since most romances deal with people a good deal younger.
- Please tell us about your book.
Hello Again is the story of a nice guy who looks for love at a speed dating event and finds the woman of his dreams. Those dreams turn into his worst nightmare when she begins texting him AFTER her untimely death. The novel then turns into a mystery in which a detective seeks to find the answer using conventional police procedures while a tabloid reporter who has psychic powers tries to use those powers to solve the mystery.
- Which character was your favorite, and why? Which character was your least favorite, and why?
The main character is my favorite because he’s everyman – a nice guy who tries to do right by everyone, someone who loves his family, cares about his employees, and even wants to help the homeless. He’s just lonely. My least favorite character probably is a Homeland Security agent who interrogates my main character.
- What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Well, with any mystery the hardest part is usually working out the plot and all the key points on which the plot turns as well as planting enough clues and red herrings so that readers want to read the book again to find the clues they missed.
- What is your writing routine? Are there things you absolutely need to start writing?
My writing routine is generally to sit down at the computer and begin by reading over what I already have written; that helps me generate new material.
- How long did it take you to write your book from start to finish?
Generally it takes me three to four months to write and revise a novel.
- Can you tell us about your editing process?
My editing process consists of reading over my material again and again and again. I find this to be the best part of writing for me. I look for words I use too much, awkward phrases, and dialogue that needs sharpening. There is immense satisfaction in seeing the improvement that takes place through editing.
- Is this book part of a series? If so, how many installments do you have planned?
Actually the detectives in this novel are part of the Frankie and Josh paranormal mystery series. I have published Silent Partner and a Bullet for the Ghost Whisperer with Pen-L Press. I have signed a contract to write the third book in the series, Death and Donuts. Hello Again is not really a part of this series.
- Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
The hardest part of writing is probably facing the blank page. I try to plot out a number of key scenes. I use those as the basis of my first draft although I frequently will add chapters that contains scenes that have not been plotted.
- Why should everyone read your book?
Reviewers have said the book is a good read and fun to read because it keeps them guessing. I think the paranormal element gives the book an interesting edge.
- If you could meet three authors, dead or alive, which authors would you choose?
I would enjoy talking with Michael Connelly since I’ve written a book about his novels. The same goes for Daniel Silva. I also would like to meet with Kurt Vonnegut since I had the opportunity to write a book about his writings and correspond with him but never meet him in person.
- What inspired you to write your book?
I believe it is based on a news story I read about someone who was receiving text messages from a dead person.
- Are you working on something at the moment? If so, can you tell us more about it?
I am in the process of writing Death and Donuts, the third book in the Frankie and Josh series.
About the Book
A dead lover wants company. Meanwhile, a no-nonsense detective who doesn’t believe in ghosts teams up with a psychic who fears something very evil is stalking its prey. A scientist finds that modern science can’t explain what he’s experiencing.
Bill met the woman of his dreams, but now she’s become his worst nightmare as her text messages become more demanding and threatening. How can he avoid her when she seems to know every step he takes? When high-tech equipment fails to explain the mystery, he finds the only solution might be to meet her face-to-face.
Hello Again combines the spine-tingling tension of a paranormal mystery and the descent into madness of a psychological thriller with a good detective story’s step-by-step approach to finding a killer.
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