Interview with YA/Horror Author Claudia Lefeve

WbtR author Claudia  Lefeve talks about her passion for writing young adult literature (YA), science fiction (Sci-Fi).

1. What kind of YA and horror do you write?

I generally refer to myself as a speculative fiction writer, as sci-fi and horror fall under the speculative umbrella. I currently have two books out in my Travelers Series (YA Sci-Fi) and most of my short stories are horror. My sci-fi novels are nowhere near what I consider sci-fi (no aliens, spaceships, or space operas), but center on alternate realities and time travel. My horror stories are more subdued (no blood and guts), relying on imaginative twists as a literary device.

2. Why did you pick these genres?

I kind of fell into writing YA. The voice was there for a teenage heroine and as for YA sci-fi, the genre came after I wrote the first book in the series. I had ever intention of writing a paranormal romance, but someone it fits somewhere in-between. As for horror, it will always be my favorite genre, both in media and print. I grew up reading Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury and H.P. Lovecraft, as well as watching shows like The Twilight Zone (I'm watching that now as I'm typing!), Tales from the Darkside, and The Outer Limits. I am forever grateful for my parents who never censored what I read or watched on TV growing up! 

3. What advice do you have for writers who want to pursue YA and/or horror?

Learn it, love it, live it! Basically, read your genre. I generally read 2-3 books a week, when I'm not on a deadline, and I generally split it between YA and horror. In the last two weeks, I've read Alice in Deadland by Mainak Dhar, Troll or Derby by Red Tash, and ARC of Pines by Blake Crouch, Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn, and Initiation by Imogen Rose. The best advice for writers is best said in the loosely paraphrased words of Stephen King, "Write everyday and read a lot." 

And for a little shameless self-promotion, my collection of short stories, unDead Dixie Debs, is now available in eBook format on Amazon and Barnes and Noble! Print version to follow... 

Thanks for having me! 

_____________________________

Claudia Lefeve was born and raised in the Gulf Coast border town of Brownsville, Texas, a curious place where folks see curanderas in lieu of shrinks, tortillas are served at every meal, and even gringos speak Spanish.  She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two pugs.  Find out more at www.claudialefeve.com.