Dragon Soul Press had the opportunity to sit down and interview the busy and prolific Author Zoey Xolton! She also dabbles in drabbles over at Blood Song Books.

 

Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

I’m a married mother of two, whom I am raising to conquer the world. My spirit animals are black cats, wolves and ravens. I love coffee, rum and wine in equal measures, but unfortunately don’t get to indulge in the latter two as often as I would like! My favourite colours are purple, blood red, and black. When I die, I want to be cremated because I am illogically terrified of being buried alive. I have a fear of confined spaces, but I love heights.

What made you want to become a writer?

Like so many other writers, I’ve always loved stories, and writing from an early age. Feedback from my teachers, my parents, as well as a few published authors inspired me to follow my passion! Outside of that? Honestly? A great deal of credit goes to R. L. Stine, Terry Brooks and Anne Rice, reading their books in my formative years ignited a fire that I couldn’t quench- even if I had wanted to.

What tactics do you have when writing? (For example: outline or just write)

I am a Panster, through and through. I define that word! I have no need to plot when it’s all in my head. Writing it down seems to me, a great waste of time, when I could just get to writing the actual story! I don’t need music, peace, sleep, or the right mood to write. I just write. I have trained myself into being able to at any time I need, or desire. I used to believe in ‘the muse’, but I’ve since learned that concept is nothing more than a tool of procrastination. You can make yourself write, you just need to be disciplined enough; especially if you intend writing to be your career, and not merely a past-time. 

What have you put most of your effort into regarding writing?

At this point in time? Anthologies. I love novels, but little ones tend to break one’s concentration like clockwork! I came to appreciate short form fiction with the birth of my first. I could belt out a short story, one handed, late at night, while my baby nursed to sleep in my lap. Recently, my husband challenged me to be published in 100 anthologies by mid 2021; so I’m working hard to make that a reality, because I don’t believe in failure. 

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

Back in my teens I had Stephen King’s famous “The road to Hell is paved with adverbs” quoted at me. I found that hard to swallow because I don’t believe it to be true or relevant across all genres. I write primarily Dark Fantasy with Paranormal Romance and Horror elements, and I believe these genres lend themselves to the poetry of the written word. I think this quote says it best: “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” – Anton Chekhov

Who is your favorite author?

I don’t have ONE. Ok, I might- sort of. At gunpoint, I’d have to say Anne Bishop, author of The Black Jewels Trilogy among other tales. However, I seriously love Terry Brooks, Holly Black, Jaqueline Carey, George R. R. Martin, Wilbur Smith and of course, the Master of All Fantasy (as far as I’m concerned- anyway) Mr. J. R. R. Tolkien!

What is the most amusing thing that has ever happened to you?

There’s no doubt many… but most recently? My nearly-two-year-old daughter was nursing in the waiting room of our local doctor’s practice, when out of nowhere, she makes this loud slurping noise and announces to everyone present: “Mmm! Yummy boobie!” I want to say I was mortified, or embarrassed- but I totally wasn’t. I thought it was adorable and hilarious, and still do! 

What do you love most about the writing process?

The freedom to express my most inner self. Words are literally freedom to me. As long as I have them, life makes sense. I love being able to share myself through them, in ways I cannot otherwise do. I love that like scattered petals on the wind, there is a little piece of you left in everything you write. Words flow from my mind and fingers, like blood from the vein. Writing is cathartic. Its release. Its need. It’s truly my greatest love outside of my family, and I love that.

Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?

I do like the idea, but I’m not sure how I’d manage it, realistically. I remember when I first discovered that David and Leigh Eddings wrote together; I thought that was amazing! I can’t imagine anything more intensely romantic than a husband and wife team writing a book together! Perhaps throw in some roses and wine, or some metal and rum… but you get the idea! It’s definitely on my ‘Maybe List’ of things to achieve as an author! 

Where can we find you online?

My website and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon.