E. N. Chanting

I write romantic suspense and horror. I live in a haunted house on the central Florida coast, with my high school sweetheart husband and three crazy Australian Shepherds.

How much research do you do for your books? 

Much of the research involves questioning friends and family. As for the rest, I may be on a list somewhere because of my search history. 

What is your favorite genre to write and why? 

I love suspense, horror, and romance. I combine them to some degree in my books. I grew up loving scary movies and mystery books, by 10th grade I was a huge Stephen King fan, I use my loves of those genres to craft my stories. 

Describe yourself in one word? 

Mystifying 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? 

Writing the book is the easy part, it’s figuring out how to tell people it exists that's difficult. I had no idea.

Does writing energize or exhaust you? 

It energizes me, I get excited about the characters and their stories. 

How do you handle writer's block? 

Thankfully I haven't had much experience with it. Aside from when I was hospitalized and grieving the loss of a loved one, I haven't stopped writing since I started. 

Favorite 90's or early 00's song? 

Bodies -by Drowning Pool

Where do you draw inspiration from? 

Life, mostly my own.

How do you handle criticism? 

I take it in the spirit it’s given. Anyone offering constructive criticism is appreciated. Anyone just being an asshole is ignored. 

You're on death row, what's your last meal? 

I asked my husband this question and he said a mermaid steak with unicorn sauce. I was just going to say spaghetti, but his request seems like it may delay the execution while mine would hasten my end, he may be smarter than I thought.

How do you prioritize your tasks? 

I’m a fly by the seat of my pants person so I have a vague list I try to complete in a day, but it may get derailed by a new story idea or a puppy.

What inspired you to write? 

As a lifelong avid reader I’ve always dreamed of writing, one day I just did it and I'm happy I did. 

How important are book reviews? 

So important for other readers to find the books they might like to read next.

What is your writing routine? 

I often write late at night on my kindle. I love when I finish a chapter a day, but I don't always stick to that sometimes it's much more or a little less. I also love to listen to very heavy rock music while I write and our oldest dog is usually at my feet. I wouldn't call anything I do routine.

If you could be any animal, what would you choose and why? 

A whale. I want to swim across the oceans and dive deep without drowning. They are my favorite animals because they sing and love their families.

What is your favorite motivational phrase? 

Carpe Diem roughly translates to “seize the day.” We only have so many days in this life make the most of them.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 

You can do it! Stalk author groups, start your social media first, research and learn so you know what to do, hire a professional cover artist and editor.

What have been the most rewarding and challenging aspects of self-publishing, and how have you navigated these challenges? 

The choice to self publish was one I debated and  researched thoroughly before choosing. I'm a closet anarchist and I hate being told what to do. Because of this mindset I knew I didn't want to answer to a traditional publisher. If a small publishing house who allows author freedom and autonomy made me an offer I would consider it, but I would most likely remain an indie author. I love being an independent author and I plan to do it until I'm dead.