Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc

Author Pen Name: Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc
None…what you see is what you get. ;)

CA: How did you choose your pen name?

ADVS: I don’t, never have and never will write under a pen name. It’s just my opinion that I honestly see no use in them. People are smart enough to realize that I write in many genres and they can judge accordingly what they wish to read. I like to have a variety of works available to people on all levels, so no pen name for me. Makes it too hard for people to keep up with what name you use for what genre.

At least as I reader, that is how I see it. Just give me your name…I’m smart enough to do my own research and decide what books of yours I want to read.

Just my two cents.

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

ADVS: I write Horror Sinisteria (and in case anyone is wondering…no, I did not invent the genre. That is a common misconception) Occult, Macabre Erotica and I even dabble in kid’s books.

Horror and the Noir are particular favorites of mine. Always have been, always will be.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

ADVS: I didn’t realize that I wanted to be a writer. It was as natural to me as breathing. I just started doing it when I was a child and here I am today!

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

ADVS: Nothing and no one. Sometimes a storm will inspire a mood for a story and then it writes itself, but no one made me want to write and nothing inspired me except my own twisted mind.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

ADVS: 8 hours a day, five days a week. I may take a break now and then but that is pretty much my schedule.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

ADVS: Even though I am a bestseller and multi time award winner and the act of being published is something I am used to…that experience in the industry as a professional only goes so far. I still get giddy and excited when I am about to release a book. Oh, sorry, that was two words.

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

ADVS: I have never had a challenge…except my novel The Legacy – The Grounds of Nachmasheeghan. I was never happy with it. I worked on it, changed things, edited, deleted, etc and almost drove myself insane before I agreed to let it go. It took me 14 years but it is now on the market.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

ADVS: Gravestone epitaphography, antique shopping, yard sales, thrift shops and cemetery photography.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

ADVS: I have 9 books out on the market and many more on the way. I don’t really have a favorite any longer, although I will say that Legacy is my pride and joy.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

ADVS: Both. People I hate in real life get theirs in my books.

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

ADVS: SELF PUBLISH FIRST! If you have tried to get a big publishing house to look at your work and they won’t, I can tell you why. You have nothing to offer them. Big houses are in the market to make money and unless your work is so phenomenally awesomely fantastic that they can’t live without it, why should they take a chance on you?

Self Publish, work you ass off, get a fan base and then when you get ready to release your second book, you will have some hard data to take to that big house publisher. They may be more receptive if you can show sales, appearances and book signings rather than “Here I am…I have nothing to offer you and can’t guarantee you I’ll make you money, but here I am!”

Now bear in mind that self publishing and making a name for yourself doesn’t guarantee being picked up by that big publishing house, but it may open up a door or two for you, even if it is with a small press publisher.

Look at it from your own standpoint. Do you just jump into things if money is involved, knowing that you may lose it if the investment is bad?

Hopefully not, because that is what an author is to a publisher…a monetary investment.

Now myself personally, I have been on both sides of the fence and though I have spent a few years with traditional publishing houses, I am returning to self-publishing.

I am no longer willing to put my fate in the hands of anyone other than myself and when you self publish, you control everything. That is how I like it.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

ADVS: My books are available on Amazon…Search: Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc

In some major bookstores and via my online bookstore Thorn Hollow: http://thornhollow.ecrater.com/

My personal website is: http://thelosttheforgottenthedamned.com/

My MySpace is: http://www.myspace.com/gothicscrybe

CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

ADVS: A HUGE thank you to my fans domestic and abroad. I am what I am because of you…

I love you all…