Monday, February 02, 2015

Indy Lights Book Parade - Stacy Claflin



Indie Lights Book Parade – Stacy Claflin, author


Macy Mercer only wants a little independence. Eager to prove herself grown up, she goes to a dark, secluded park. She’s supposed to meet the boy of her dreams who she met online. But the cute fifteen year old was a fantasy, his pictures fake. She finds herself face to face with Chester Woodran, a man capable of murder.
Distraught over his own missing daughter, Chester insists that Macy replace his lost girl. He locks Macy up, withholds food, and roughs her up, demanding that she call him dad. Under duress from his constant threats and mind games, her hold on reality starts to slip. Clinging to her memories is the only way of holding onto her true identity, not believing that she is Chester’s daughter. Otherwise she may never see her family again.






Author Bio
I love writing and reading a variety of genres. I've been writing and telling stories as long as I can remember. As a kid, my story telling would get me into trouble when I would try to convince other kids that my stories were real.
When I'm not busy writing, I spend a lot of time with my family. I run a preschool from home and homeschool my kids.
You can find me at: http://stacyclaflin.com/
Connect with Stacy
Book Updates/Newsletter: http://bit.ly/10NrfMw


Author Interview
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes. In Gone, the main character is a teenager who sneaks off to meet a boy she met online. After she meets him, Macy realizes that he isn’t who he pretended to be. It’s too late though, because she can’t get away.
She’s ripped away from her family and everything she loves. Though she struggles to get away, her captor has thought everything out thoroughly.
The message I want readers to get is that you should never meet with someone you met online alone. Be safe and smart about it. I also want parents who read this to realize how important it is to know what their kids are doing online.
How much of the book is realistic?
I tried to make it as realistic as possible. I read about several true kidnappings so that I had a good idea about what the captors did and how the kids felt. Even though it’s completely fictitious, I believe the events could happen in real life.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
It was somewhat emotionally traumatic writing about a girl being kidnapped. I actually had to take a month or two break from writing it because I was experience physical and emotional stress from writing and researching.
After my break, I was able to finish without any more issues. It’s a sensitive subject, so it makes sense that being so close to the subject matter would be upsetting. I think it would have been more concerning if I hadn’t reacted in some way.
What are your current projects?
I always have multiple projects going at any given time. I’m writing a story that is an offshoot of the Gone books. This one is about a side character who discovers that her life is in danger.
I’m also editing a book from another series. It’s a paranormal romance – quite different from my suspense novels!
Do you have any advice for other writers?
I have a lot because I’ve learned so much as an author. A few of my top tips:
-Learn from successful authors. Follow their blogs, listen to their podcasts, join online groups, and do anything else you can to find out their secrets.
-Always educate yourself on the craft of writing. Ask for constructive criticism, read blogs and books on the topic, join critique groups…use your imagination!
-Treat it like a profession even if you have a day job. If you act like it’s only a hobby, that’s all it will ever be. I consider it my second job, and treat it as such.
What book are you reading now?
I just finished reading The Fault In Our Stars. It’s time to pick up something from my large to-be-read pile!
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2 comments:

  1. I bet that was a tough story to write. Congratulations, Stacy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was, but also quite rewarding. Thank you, Alex!

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