Author interview with Colleen M. Story (Author of The Beached Ones)

Book Details: ‘

Book Title:  The Beached Ones by Colleen M. Story
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  354 pages
Genre: Paranormal, Literary, Ghost, Fantasy
Publisher:  CamCat Books
Release date:  June 14, 2022
Format available for review:  print (USA only) & ebook (MOBI FILE (FOR KINDLE), EPUB, Book Funnel download)
Tour dates: June 14 to July 11, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: The book does explore suicide, and there is one scene indicating potential sexual abuse (that is stopped before it starts). There is the occasional swear word, but they are not frequent.

How long have you been writing? 

I started writing seriously in the mid-1990s. I got my first official writing job in 1997. I went freelance in 2003, and have been a professional freelance writer ever since. Meanwhile, I continued to write fiction and penned several novels, many of which never saw the light of day. I received my first traditional novel publishing contract in 2013, I think! Since then I’ve published five more books and plan to keep going.

Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it? 

I have experienced writer’s block. I got stuck in the middle of The Beached Ones, for example, and it took me over a year to get unstuck. I tried a lot of things—reading books and blogs about writing, taking a break, listening to interviews with other writers, starting over again, and breaking down the book into chapters and sections. Nothing worked. 

It was only after seeing a movie one night that I figured out how to tell the story a different way. I changed what my character knew and when he knew it, and then I was able to finish the story. 

I don’t think there is any one way to break out of writer’s block. We all have to just keep trying until we find what works. It varies from project to project, too. 

Of all the characters, which one do you relate to the most, and why?

I relate most to my main character in this story, Daniel Shepard, because I too have younger brothers. I helped raise them while I was growing up and felt very protective of them. I can understand the lengths to which Daniel goes to make sure that Tony is safe. Of course, I can also understand how Tony sometimes irritates his older brother! 

What is the last great book you’ve read? 

I recently finished reading Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. I loved his unique descriptions and original ways of putting things. Plus the story was unlike any other I’ve read, and full of heart.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, which 3 books would you want with you? 

It’s hard to choose only three books. But off the top of my head, I’d say: 

1. Steven Pressfield’s War of Art. It is consistently inspirational and a great way to kick yourself in the seat to get things done!

2. Thomas B. Costain’s The Silver Chalice. This is a long book that captivated me when I was a teenager. I was completely absorbed in it, but it’s been a long time since I read it. I think it would help me keep my mind off of my dire situation on the island! 

3. Walter Farley’s The Island Stallion. I read most of Farley’s books as a youngster, but this was by far my favorite. It takes place on an island, where the main character finds a beautiful horse and if I remember right, a series of secret caves, pirates, and more. I would think a story like this would be inspirational when lost on a deserted island! It might inspire me to go looking for horses and caves…

Why Should You Read This?

An extremely intriguing read. I did find it a bit confusing in the start, however, as the story progressed I was caught up in the plot. The story has supernatural elements, and is perfect for readers who love stories with a twist.