I met Myria Candies as a fan. I read her very first draft then the draft of her first published novel prior to it’s publication and not only did I fall head over heels for the book, but I instantly became enthralled by her as a person. Black Hollow – her first genuinely debut professionally published work is probably one of the most – if not the most fantastical mystery novels of this year! I’m not just boasting and bloating this introduction because I consider a friend, but because I do sincerely consider one the most prolific authors that came out this year.
Here storytelling is that equally devastatingly beautiful and grotesque as Stephen King. You never know where she is going, like with Alfred Hitchcock, you think he will go left and he instead makes a complete u-turn. I am not going into details because I want you to go and buy her book to read it for yourselves. But, once you pick it up, I swear to ya’ll won’t want to put it down.
Now, let’s hear from the author herself.
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I first realized I wanted to be a writer on Wattpad. A lot of people enjoyed the stories I put out there and I realized I had so much more to tell.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
It really depends on the book. Normally my ideas steam from dreams and I have to have all of the pieces for the book to be complete.
3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
My work schedule is usually 12-14 hours a day, 5 days a week! I try to take it seriously like a full-time job.
4. What would you say is your unique writing quirk?
My unique writing quirk would be staring off into distance while writing. It freaks my husband out for sure because he thinks I'm staring at him but I promise I am just thinking.
5. Whether it be traditional, self, or story book apps. How do you find the publishing process?
I am self-published so I felt like it was a bit of a harder journey. My first time publishing was a pain to be honest. I had so many issues interwoven with the publishing ones. The second time around is different and I would say it is definitely easier.
6. How much of your writing process involves research in your subject matter or plot?
I tend to do quite a bit of research. To be honest with you, I researched Black Hollow for about two to three years before finishing writing it. I really wanted the Victorian era to shine in this novel.
7. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book when I was 16, but it did not get completed until I was 21, and published when I was 22. Black Hollow debuted July 31st, 2020!
8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Read. Though to be honest, I'm rarely not writing. I have an addiction to it.
9. What does your family think of your writing?
My family is honestly surprised. My writing is not very traditional and they find it to be more interesting than anything.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself in creating your books (characters, location, plot)?
I learned that my process is more complicated than I thought. When I explain it to others, I feel like I'm talking about physics or something. haha.
11. What is it you particularly like about the genre you write?
I write all genres but I love that I always sprinkle a touch of horror throughout it. Horror is my go to when writing.
12. Do you have any suggestions to help others become writers? If so, what are they?
Keep at it, don't give up, and DON'T go back. Write that first draft no matter how terrible it is. The magic is in editing.
13. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do! I actually just heard from a mass of my fandom today! They claim that I'm on my way to becoming the next Stephen King which is my goal in life. haha. To be serious, they are very receiving and are a pleasure to talk to. Everyone gets a different message with Black Hollow which I adore.
14. Do you like to create books for your target audience?
Hm, weird question for me. I am not sure what my target audience is perhaps horror and new adult? Each book that I write tends to lean more so toward that audience.
15. What do you think makes a good story?
A driving plot, thrilling dialogue, and beautiful metaphors.
16. How do you handle writers' blocks and what do you tell other aspiring authors who may be fighting or fearful about hitting that wall?
Write out an outline. It really does help keep yourself on track so that pesky writer's block doesn't knock at your door. Personally, if I am stuck, I usually work on another story (kind of a side project to the main one) and write that until something pops up again!
Author Bio:
Myria Candies is a self-published and rising author. She is a horror novelist who enjoys writing all genres while putting her own dark twist onto each one. Myria's dreams are what brings her hauntings to life, and her writing shares the tales with the readers. She is currently working on 100+ titles and is a stay at home wife.
Myria prides herself in her debut novel, "Black Hollow", which is available in Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Myria is currently working on her next book, "The Bitter Taste", and plans to release it to the public next year.