The GRIMmest Interview & Giveaway You'll Ever Read

Raynetta Stocks, author of The Grim, stopped by to chat with me about her book which debuted in May of this year.  I read it and loved it!  Read the review here.

I loved the book so much I wanted to share it with a lucky winner -- hopefully, it's YOU.  This way, you can take a journey with Jaycee, Maddy & Tony to see how deep and grim this particular rabbit hole is! (Sorry, couldn't help myself! Tee-hee.)  Oh, did I mention this is a 5-star rated Amazon book??

So, after reading what inspired Raynetta to write The Grim enter the raffle today!!

~~ ~~ ~~

If you don't win, buy it on Amazon

What inspired you to write The Grim?

The Grim is semi-autobiographical since I struggled with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) myself some years ago.  As I began writing the novel, I realized that I struggled to complete the portions where I was subconsciously having Jaycee confront issues I hadn't dealt with myself.  But, the writing was therapeutic in that way.

Do you have training in psychiatry or in the field of mental health?

I do actually.  I've worked with an outpatient mental health clinic for seven (7) years now.

How did you go about researching for this book?

I did still do a great deal of research for the novel.  I visited several inpatient psych wards to investigate what real ward living was like and procedure that is taken daily by the caregivers to those patients.  It was very insightful.

If The Grim were made into a movie, who would you want to play the main characters? Jaycee, Maddy, Tony & Tina?

I would love to have Jaycee and Aaron played by Zoe Saldana and Channing Tatum.  I think that would be a brilliant on-screen match!  Maddy would best be played by Dakota Fanning; she has a great combination of innocence and depth.  Jay Hernandez would be an incredible Tony and Tina...well, I can't think of one person in Hollywood, at present, with the youth and depth of Tina.  Perhaps an unknown would best fill those shoes.

When did you first begin writing?

I've always written, since I first learned how.  I was given my first journal at six years old, and I haven't stopped since.

Was there a pivotal moment/experience that let you know this was your passion?

I've always loved to write, but it was not always my primary passion.  Initially, I wanted to be a lounge singer, and that was the dream I pursued.  When I realized I was selling more lyrics than gigs I decided to let writing take the driver's seat.

Why did you choose the indie route to publish as opposed to the traditional route?

The best part of indie publishing is creative freedom.  I can say and write what I feel without all the political parameters.  Some of the topics I discuss in The Grim would have been vetoed by a traditional publisher, especially for a new author.

Will there be a follow-up/sequel to The Grim?

We'll see...

Tell us what makes you happy, mad and/or sad beyond belief? Why?

My family makes me happy beyond belief.  They are my happy place, the safe haven I run to when angry or sad.  What makes me mad/sad beyond belief is hearing the injustices, neglect, and pain inflicted upon children.  I can't stand it.

 

~~ ~~ ~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway