Interview Ayn Hunt
by
Mariah Legrand
1 How long have you been writing?
I wrote my first novel at 12, which fortunately has been lost. Then I wrote for the school paper throughout high school and on into college. Then I wrote articles and a few short stories for 20 years, and in 2001, started writing what I've always wanted to--novels.
2. What made you finally write your first complete novel?
When our daughter moved into her own place, I had the time to devote to writing novels.
3. How do you get your ideas for plots?
I see a picture in my mind of a character, then focus in on that character. Then I play the "what-if?" game. If I can answer enough "what-if's?" I know I have the central character for a novel, and it evolves from there.
4. Do you have a set schedule for your writing?
Yes. My muse strikes early, so I usually get up around 4 am and write until noon.
5. Do you usually write from an outline or are you a seat of the pants type of writer.
I'm a pantzer. Although I take a lot of notes for timelines and basic ideas, I like my characters to surprise me.
6. How long does it take you to write a complete novel?
It takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the amount of research I have to do before hand. I'm a stickler for the illusion realism :)
7. Your new book sounds very interesting. Can you give us some more information about it?
Thank you. THE HAUNTING is about two women stranded in a haunted house which is about to be destroyed. Unknown to them, there's also a killer hiding there and five ghosts, one of whom wants to insert itself into the younger woman's body in an attempt to reclaim life. But rather than concentrate on the physical gore, I focus on the psychological trauma of the women. I love putting ordinary people into extraordinary situations.
8. What made you submit to Wings ePress (a publisher with a heart?)
Lorraine Stephens. She took time out of her busy schedule to write me personally with suggestions how to make THE HAUNTING better. I owe her a debt of gratitude.
9. Is there one author that you really like and influenced you in your own writing?
I like a lot of writers, but if I have to narrow it down, it would be Dean Koontz and Sir Author Conon Doyle.
10. Do you write in any other genre?
No. I do write nonfiction about ghosts, but that's my niche writing.