Last year, I read some really grand slam horror books: Polyphemus by Zachary Ashford, Blender Babies by Jon Athan, Pilgrim by Mitchell Lüthi, Teddy by Matt Duchossoy, Feeders by Caleb Stephens…the list goes on. Another of those, and one that really stuck with me, was Theme Music by T. Marie Vandelly. It had me on a ride from being super creepy to having me in tears, and it was something really special. She effortlessly transported me into the world of her characters, and I wish so badly that I could read this for the first time again!
T. Marie Vandelly has been at the top of my list since I read her debut, and I’m so happy that she agreed to have this interview with me!
Q: Who has been your biggest supporter(s) throughout your writing career?
A: I have a wonderful group of friends and family who have championed me throughout my career, but I could not have realized my dream of being a professional author without the unwavering support of my mother. Her reaction when she realized that I had dedicated my first novel to her is a moment I will cherish forever.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from in your work?
A: Mostly from reading. I love to see how authors develop characters and navigate plotlines. Every novel is a master class in creative writing. You just have to recognize the lesson it’s offering. Even if it’s what not to do. Thankfully, that is rarely the case. I always find something of value that will improve my skillset as a writer. If I don’t. that’s on me. I should have paid better attention.
Q: What does it mean to you to be an author?
A: Being an author was always my dream job. To finally be what I always wanted to be is like landing on the moon. I still can’t believe I made it.
Q: What is your writing process like? Do you listen to certain music, snack, make loads of phone notes when inspiration randomly strikes, etc.?
A: I tend to be more creative in the afternoon, so I usually start by editing what I wrote the day before. This allows me to find my footing and get in step with my characters. If I get stuck on a scene, I’ll pull a book at random off my shelf and spend a few minutes in another world. Reading some delicious sentences always gets my juices flowing.
Inspiration usually strikes when I least expect it – mainly when I’m up to my elbows in something else – so I write myself a lot of notes. My desk is littered with some magnificent Post-It notes. Now if I could only read my own handwriting.
Q: Is there a genre or subgenre that you want to explore that you haven’t yet? Conversely, are there any that you’ll never write?
A: I would love to write something with a science fiction undertone to it, but I’m a little intimidated by the science part of it. I would never try my hand at romance. My lovebirds would end up killing each other. Probably because I refused to write on sex scene for them.
Q: What has been the hardest part of your career as an author so far?
A: Honestly, none of it has been particularly easy. I started this second chapter of my life with absolutely nothing going for me. I hadn’t published one thing. I had no fan base. No complete manuscript. And no idea how to go about any of it. My debut novel, Theme Music, was actually the third novel I wrote. I thought it would be easy street after that. Turns out, it’s just as challenging to get second novel published as it is the first. But you have to pay your dues. And then some. And then some more. It’s a grueling process. Fraught with disappointment. Which makes it all the more rewarding when your hard work finally pays off.
Q: What do you consider to be your greatest strength and weakness as an author?
A: Oddly, my greatest strength and my greatest weakness are one in the same. Tenacity. It’s a strength because I never give up. On anything. But that can also be a weakness. I can waste an entire day rewriting one sentence. You have to know when to say good enough. I have a hard time doing that. But being tenacious is what ultimately got me published, so I’m glad that I have that personality trait. Sometimes beating a dead horse can actually revive it.
Q: Who is on your radar as someone you’d love to work with?
A: I’ve never collaborated on a project before, but hopefully one day I will get the chance to work with a screenplay writer on a film adaptation of one of my novels. I really don’t have anyone in mind, but would absolutely lose my mind if their last name happened to be Wan, Roth, or Raimi.
Q: At some point in our lives, we’ve all heard the negative comments: “You’re not good enough.” “You’ll never make it.” “This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen.” “You don’t belong.” How do you move forward when faced with negativity?
A: Luckily, most of the negative comments I’ve received have been constructive. And very appreciated. They must have seen something positive in my work to want to see it improved upon. But nothing motivates me more than telling me I can’t. A good put down will lift me right the hell up.
Q: What advice would you give to women who are wanting to write, especially if it’s something others might perceive as “outside of the norm”?
A: Be the new norm. Swim against the mainstream so you don’t get lost in it. I’ve read a lot of cookie cutter authors and can’t remember any of their names. The only way to make a name for yourself is by staying true to yourself.
Vandelly’s second novel, An Evil Premise, will be released next summer! A demonic manuscript possess any who tries to write or contribute to it, and it finds its next victim in a pair of author sisters. With her more successful sister in a coma, it’s up to the main character to pick up the manuscript and chase the glory that she’s always strived for, no matter who gets hurt in the process.
At this point, I’d honestly read her grocery list, that’s how much I love T. Marie Vandelly’s writing! I’m really excited for this new release and will be counting the weeks until release, if anyone needs me. If you want to keep updated on this and other exciting news, follow her on Facebook and Instagram. And if you’re looking for your next great read, try What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher! Vandelly thought it was absolutely brilliant, and you just might too!
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