Author Interview: Garden Summerland

A little about Garden:

I am kind of shy, and quiet. I enjoy reading, cooking & surfing the net~oh and also writing! I like to keep to myself, and early on I discovered that writing is an excellent retreat from the "real world". When I was about 10 years old, I wrote a science fiction story that got rave reviews in school, and I was hooked! And I've been writing ever since!

You are the author of Flash Fiction Addiction which is comprised of 22 Short Short Stories! Can you tell my readers genres and types of stories we can expect from your range of short short stories?

I think there is something for everyone is this collection. There is a little romance, crime, paranormal, some light horror~ a nice mix of odd scenarios & true to life situations all with a twist.

How does it feel to have your first novel published?

It feels fantastic! And I am so very grateful that I have had the opportunity to do this through self-publishing. I wouldn't have it any other way. And I have been so impressed by the self-publishing community, they are an awesome group of people. It has been a real pleasure to surround myself with the support and encouragement that Indie authors provide for each other.

What is it about Flash Fiction that you like and makes you want to write in this way, rather than say writing a full length novel or a series of books?

Flash fiction is extremely diverse and challenging. It is fast paced and exciting & I never have a chance to get bored with my characters! And it gives me the opportunity to stretch my writers imagination in so many different directions, all in one book!

I know you like all genres, but is there any particular genre that sticks out for you, either one you love writing or reading?

That is a difficult question! I tend to be drawn towards "darker" themes, for reading, as well as for writing. Possibly mystery/crime/horror? Can we make that one genre?

I know you are currently working on a second anthology, however are there any other projects you are working on at the moment, and are there any future plans for a full length novel or series?

I am actually working on a full length novel, entitled "Sister Sugar"~ based on a short story of the same name that can be found on my blog.

 Random question: I know you like cooking in your spare time! Can you recommend a favourite dish of your's to my readers?

Oh, mercy~ the questions are getting harder!! I love a dish called "haluski". It is a cabbage, bacon, egg noodle concoction that is just divine! I recommend Kelly O'Conner's version, http://www.food.com/recipe/haluski-407129

Garden's Book History

Favourite book as a child and why?

Bedknobs & Broomsticks by Mary Norton. I suppose I loved it because it was witchy! I remember writing my own spells in the front of the book. Wish I still had it!

Favourite book as a teenager and why?

My favourite book of all time is Tanith Lee's "Dark Dance". Exquisite imagery in this book, and it is definitely "dark"!  I have been enamoured with this book for years.

Favourite book you have read this year and why?

I read Island by Jane Rogers earlier this year, and it has stayed with me. It too is a dark tale, in subject matter as well as descriptives. Full of disturbing and yet beautiful imagery, it too is now one of my all time faves. It was made into a movie, which I have yet to see;  I am a little fearful that the movie will not do the book justice.

A book that has taught you a lesson and why?

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne~ whilst seemingly just a bunch of  "new age" platitudes, there are some very accurate, hard hitting truths contained within. What I took away from it, was the reminder to have an "attitude of gratitude" in everything I do. I don't always accomplish that, but now I am fully aware of the need for it!

An author you would recommend my readers to check out?

Caolán Murray, a very gifted young writer, who has his first novel due for release in 2012. Everyone should check out his blog "Moments" http://caolanmurray.wordpress.com/

Flash Fiction Addiction: 22 short short stories by Garden Summerland is available now via Smashwords , Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Check out:

Garden's blog:http://gardensummerland.blogspot.com/

Garden's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missgardensummerland

Garden's Website:http://www.gardensummerland.com/

Follow Garden on twitter:http://twitter.com/#%21/MissSummerland