Dream Weaver Novels by Su Williams: AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR DAWN HUSTED

Introducing Indie Author Dawn Husted (AKA D.L. Husted)

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

My most recent book currently at the editors – SAFE, release date: August 2013

I love science fiction and finally wrote a novel set in a post-apocalyptic time period. It has vaccines, guns, bombs, young love, and genetics. Need I say more?

Tell us a little about yourself and your writing.

I’ve been writing since 2008 and published a few stories here and there. All the while working on my language as a writer, discovering my own technique while still fitting within the perimeters of what’s accepted by readers. I love the impact I can have upon a reader with the words I use. The substitutions I make or how I can direct the speed of an action scene by the placing of punctuation.

My writing always has a hidden message, but more so, I want to tell my character’s stories within their worlds. I desire for my books to seem as real as possible, believable.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

My current novel is, “SAFE.” It centers around an eighteen year old, Penny, who’s grown up on an island after the world has ended. On this island, most of the people live in a place called the Colony. All of the residents live permanently with a genetically enhanced state; an outcome to a vaccination their great-grandparents received upon settling the land. Her world is normal, she’s smart, not physically strong, and works as a lab assistant. One day, Penny and her boyfriend are forced to run, evading capture, ultimately trying to survive.

Any websites you've found to be particularly helpful to indie authors?

Goodreads is a great place for independent authors, and if you’re a writer I’m sure you’ve heard of it. There are a bunch of sites that will list your book for free, and others charge a small fee. Some of these sites are: Free Booksy, Pixel of Ink, Bargain Ebook Hunter, Orangeberry Book Tours, and BookLOADS FUN.

What book is on your nightstand right now?

HAHA. On my physical nightstand is the book, “Hunger Games.” I love re-reading books that I’ve enjoyed, they help inspire me and get me in the mood to write.

On my eNightstand (my phone), I’m reading, “Live and Let Live” by Carla Sherman (indie author). It’s the first book I’ve read by her, and so far I really like it. Recently, I was at the gym and had to stop reading because that book is a tear jerker! Afterwards I’m reading, “In Fraction” by Annie Oldham (indie author) and, “Hidden” by Shalini Boland (indie author), and then I’ll be reading, “World War Z.” I can’t wait for this one!

Name your favorite traditionally published authors (award-winning/best-selling)

Oh Lord, to be honest, I never enjoyed reading when I was younger. I was just too wrapped up in a fast-paced life. Now that I’m older I like….Patrick Ness (awesome scifi writer), Stephanie Meyer (of course), Suzanne Collins, J.K. Rowling, Nicholas Sparks, Oscar Scott Card (his how-to-write books). Honestly, I read more indie books than I do traditionally published ones.

It's a dark and stormy night...you're alone in the house...there's a knock at the door...you open it, look out, and proceed to scream like a little girl. What's on the doorstep?

Simple! A lizard. The knock was fictitious. Those grimy things scare the crap out of me. I know they can’t hurt me, but they are so fast, and their beety little legs creep me out! (MS word is informing me that ‘beety’ is not a word and that I use the word ‘creep’ in the wrong tense. Who cares computer?!)

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters? Feel free to add pics.

SAFE: They are a tad older than my characters, but Penny, James and Finnick remind me of these three individuals.