Denise Unland

Posted On March 12, 2020

• What lead you to write?

An asthmatic childhood that kept me inside reading a wide variety of books and a vivid imagination that conjured up my own stories.

• Was there a particular person that influenced you to pursue writing?

Not exactly. But a sixth-grade teacher (who used to post magazine photos on bulletins for story prompts) once told my parents, “She has talent. You should nurture it.” And my mother decided I should study journalism in college because I liked writing so much.

• What is your preferred genre to write?

As a features writer for a daily publication (The Herald-News in Joliet), I like people-driven stories. As a fiction author, I like character-driven stories with supernatural elements.

• What is your favorite genre to read?

Gothic, horror, pre-20^th century vampires, literature, and any genre with great writing, characters, and story.

• What are your favorite activities or hobbies outside of work/writing?

I’m the mother of six adult children whom I homeschooled, three adult stepchildren, and more than fourteen grandchildren. This keeps me busy enough. I also like to walk about ten miles a day, lift light weights and do yoga.

• Who is your favorite author and what do you enjoy about their writing style?

Too many too narrow it down.

• What is one major struggle you have with writing?

Typos. Can’t seem to eliminate them.

• Out of all of your stories, which one did you most enjoy writing?

My favorite story is always the one in progress.

• What projects are you currently working on?

I’m always working on stories for The Herald-News. Novel-wise, I’ve started a new trilogy for the BryonySeries and a standalone werewolf story, also for the BryonySeries.

• What has been one of your strongest inspirations for a story?

Reading Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” over and over again in the eighth grade. Its story, structure, and plot enthralled me, even though I felt character development was two-dimensional.

• Do you place any of your life experiences into your stories?

I think all stories have tiny elements of those, but I haven’t written anything directly taken from my life. A new concept is much more interesting to me.

• If your story could be made into a play or movie, what actor/actress do you think would be the perfect fit to play your mc?

I would leave that to the casting directors.

• If you had enough money to travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Anywhere my family is. They mean the world to me.

• What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Walk in praise.

• What is your dream car?

Anything larger than a car that has four-wheel drive.

• What part of your writing is the most complimented?

That my characters are visceral.

• What part of your writing, do you feel, needs strengthening?

The ability to spot typos.

• What is your favorite mixed drink?

I actually drink nothing except water and dark roast coffee.

• What is one of your most cherished items in your writing space?

The computer my oldest son built for me a couple Christmases ago. It glows blue and purple, my two favorite colors.

• What is one thing in anything you’ve read that stood out to you? (Could be meaning or even just sentence structure.)

“What if…?”

• What advice would you give to someone trying to start building their platform and market their work?

Be prepared to play the long game. Unless you’re writing romance or in another popular genre, you will most likely not find instant success. Count the small wins.

• What is your favorite food?

Homemade bread with melted Cheddar cheese on top.

• What is your favorite show/movie?

I don’t watch much of either, until one of my kids says, “You have to watch this!” and then we sit down together. I’m a very social watcher. I like to pause the program or movie and discuss it.

For instance, my youngest daughter has introduced me to Asian dramas, and some of those are quite good, with very twisty plots, multiple subplots, and good character development.

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Website: bryonyseries.com

Facebook: facebook.com/BryonySeries

Twitter: @Denise_Unland61

Instagram: @BryonySeries

Goodread:goodreads.com/author/show/4912291.Denise_M_Baran_Unland

Amazon Page: amazon.com/Denise-M.-Baran-Unland/e/B007IUGFXQ

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/denise-m-baran-unland-b2157817/

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