Body Farm Z by Deborah Sheldon #Horror #blogtour #Guestpost @severedpress

What makes a good story?

Emotional honesty: the writer trusting themselves enough to express their own worldview and internal landscape, rather than writing what they believe will sell or appeal to the marketplace.

And a satisfying ending. It doesn’t have to tie up every loose end – in fact, I dislike stories that tick all the boxes – but the ending has to answer the central question posed in the first few chapters. Did the character get or achieve what they wanted, or not? Beyond that, I’m happy with ambiguity. As a reader, I prefer it. Let me make up my own mind.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

Most things I do to relax are story- or word-oriented. I guess it’s how my brain is wired. I don’t watch much television, so when I do, I prefer dramatic films or shows that will hopefully challenge me intellectually and make me cry at some point. (The TV series Hannibal is a terrific example of that. If you haven’t seen it: oh, come on, what the hell are you waiting for?) I’m a big fan of comedy TV shows too. Schitt’s Creek is a giggle.

I enjoy cryptic crosswords, although I seem to be better at them when I’m tired. Perhaps mental exhaustion allows greater leaps of association?

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

Probably in mental and emotional paralysis. Getting drunk would spring to mind…on ludicrously expensive chardonnay

Describe yourself in five words or less!

Perfectionist. Neurotic. Private. Opinionated. Loyal.

As a writer, what would you choose as your spirit animal?

The budgerigar. Our pet budgie, Zeus, shares a lot of my traits, such as intense periods of frantic activity interspersed with naps, eating and talking to himself!

What are you currently reading?

Guys and Dolls and Other Writings by Damon Runyon. I’m fond of early- to mid-twentieth century American crime fiction – from hard-boiled to noir – and this collection is wonderfully irreverent. I’m loving the slang!