1. Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?
I am primarily a horror and thriller author from he UK (although I do have a published YA romance). My debut novel - SWISH - is a YA paranormal romance but since writing that all of my work has been of a darker tone for adults. I read across a lot of genres and do like to write across them as well.
My next publish book was The House of Whispers which is a horror about a writer returning to his home town to deal with the trauma of his past. I also have The Doctor Will See You Now which is publishing in October and is a Serial Killer Thriller about a detective hunting a killer known as The Doctor. All of these are published by Rowan Prose Publishing.
Outside of novels I also write feature length screenplays, four of which have been produced into feature films and are available on multiple streaming platforms.
2. Where did the inspiration/idea come for this project?
Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. The House of Whispers started its life as much more of a supernatural horror dealing heavily with Exorcisms. The story just didn’t go that way as I was writing. I don’t plot so I never really knew where the story was going and the characters led me where they wanted to go.
With The Doctor Will See You Now I wanted to create a series where a detective is hunting unhinged but theatrical serial killers - much like the work of Chris Carter. My detective in that book, Detective Paula Gibbs will appear in several more upcoming novels of mine. She also has a little cameo in The House of Whispers.
3. What does the writing process look like for you?
Nine times out of ten all of my ideas start with a specific character - in the case of The House of Whispers, Jimmy. I then spend some time figuring out that character and what they’re going through or trying to overcome.
Then I will sit on it for a while before writing. I go on long walks and just think the story through before writing anything. I don’t have notebooks or outlines.
Once I feel I have enough to start, a beginning or first chapter at the very least, I will sit and write and just pray it works itself out and I know what comes next. So far, That has worked.
4. How do you handle writer’s block?
I don’t know really as I have never really had it in a way that I have heard other writers describe. I read from a writer that once said writer’s block doesn’t exist, just a fear of writing bad stuff.
I agree with that from a personal point of view. When I sit to write I never not know what I want to write or feel ‘blocked’ in any way. I just worry I won’t be able to convert what’s in my head.
I have never sat down and not been able to write. Thankfully.
5. How do you feed your creativity when feeling drained?
Read. Watch some films. Simple as that. Watch or read work by other creatives and hopefully get inspired or spark some form of creativity. Also, it’s good to take a break.
6. What advice would you give writers who feel stuck or uninspired?
I would pass on the Stephen King quote that I think is the best advice. “When you are consumed by thoughts, write. When you are uninspired. Read.”
7. Have you ever thought about giving up writing? If so, what pulled you back?
Sometimes in the darker moments. When I sit and realise that the chances of this becoming a full time career for me are slim and fitting writing around a full time job is hard and draining. Those thoughts have crossed my mind for sure.
But it always comes back to the fact that I love it. So I continue.
8. What do you wish more people understood about the creative process?
I’m not sure about the creative process in general, but for writing. It is hard. It’s hard to write a book. It’s even harder to write a good one. It’s then hard to get that in front of readers. The whole process is hard. Enjoyable as all hell, but difficult.
9. What is the most honest thing you’ve ever written - and did it scare you?
There’s a scene in The House of Whispers where Jimmy is looking form his childhood bedroom window at a large cemetery. He mentions how it used to give him nightmares but had since learned... “The dead can’t hurt you. It’s the living you have to worry about.”
It’s true and sadly, yes, a scary thought.
Where can my audience find you and your work?
I’m on Facebook and Instagram as @tomcarterauthor. Most of my time is spend there. And my books are available from wherever you buy books.