10 Questions With Author Bailey Black
I just chatted (through the digital waves) with indie author Bailey Black to get the inside scoop on her new release, her writing process, and more.
1. You have a new book releasing soon. Tell us a bit about it? What is the release date? What formats will it be released in?
2. How do you come up with the names for your characters? What about the titles of your books?
For me personally, it is different for each character. There are some characters where I selected the name because it aligned with how I perceive their personality. But there are a handful of characters where I look specifically at the names' deeper meaning (hint hint). The title of the book took me longer than the characters' names, I won't lie. There were several other titles I had in mind, but I found that the one I wanted to go with was very similar to another book that had already been published, so I went another route, landing on Ascension of the Seven.
3. What real-life experiences or relationships have influenced your writing?
All my writing comes from personal experiences, whether it be my own, or a loved one of mine. I think it's important as a writer to include these in books, because no one likes the "perfect" character or a "perfect" situation. Stories need conflict, trauma, bad luck, and on the flip side also redemption, hope, and love. I don't say this so that others would have a pity party for me, but I have definitely been through my fair share of traumatic events. I'd unfortunately say that I have been exposed to death (starting at a young age) more than most. This has obviously shaped me, and the way I view a lot of things. I use this to fuel my inspiration for writing!
4. How do you approach character development, especially in romance where chemistry is so important?
5. What initially drew you to writing romance novels?
I'm a hopeless romantic. I love, love! And I love being able to write and hopefully make the reader FEEL the love between characters, whether it be romantic love or platonic, friendship love.
6. What kind of message or feeling do you hope readers take away from your stories?
7. What real-life experiences or relationships have influenced your writing?
Editors note: I really dug this question, so I felt the need to ask it twice!
8. Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what's your favorite?
ABSOLUTELY! I have different playlists for different scenes I am writing. I have more sensual music for ~romance and spicy~ scenes. My MMC loves metal music, so during specific scenes where music is involved, I listen to a lot of Sleep Token. I also follow along with immersive writing playlists on YouTube! The one I use the most for my writing sprints is Abbie Emmons' Writing A Crime Scene on a Rainy Night video. Definitely check her out!
9. What do you do to get inside your character's heads?
I have a HUGE packet of a character workbook that I have filled out extensively! It is complete with character traits, physical description, backstory, how other characters view them, how they view themselves, deepest fears, mannerisms, etc. When I was first starting to write after outlining, I had to sit and reread my workbook every time. It's so easy to put your own emotions and wants onto a character and I really strive not to do that. Once I knew their backgrounds and all the ins and outs of what made my characters unique, it became much easier to get in their head and simply know how they would react and what they would say in dialogues.
10. And, finally, if you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
Ah, this question makes me more emotional than I thought I'd react. I would tell Willow to stop carrying the weight of shame and regret on her shoulders. She is much more than her career, and she is allowed to express emotions and outwardly care for others. To Warren, therapy would do you wonders. Also, please loosen up.
About the author:
Bailey Black is a paranormal romance and mystery author from Tennessee, who has always been drawn to dark, immersive stories. With a degree in criminal justice, she weaves crime and supernatural elements together into her story. When she's not writing, she is spending time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs--Merlin and Loki.