Author Interview: T.J. Spade

Thank you for agreeing to this interview!  First, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Well, I’m actually fairly new to this whole ‘being an author’ schtick. When I was growing up I really just wanted to be Indiana Jones so when I went to University I studied Archaeological Practice. I did a little volunteer work on a 3000 year old Lapita cemetery site – because skeletons are cool. That was a while ago, and last year over a bottle (cough* two bottles) of wine, I decided to try out writing (fermented grapes are an evil mistress). Once I’d drunkenly announced I would write a book I was sort of committed. The rest, as they say, is history, and my debut novel, ‘The Everett Files Book 1: Take You Apart’ was published 30 November, 2015. Since then I’ve released Book 2: Take You to Hell, and Book 3: Take You Home will be available this December.  My series is primarily crime fiction with a side of romance – it makes for an interesting mix.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

-Eccentric – I mean how many people have a human femur beside their bed in lieu of a baseball bat?

-Happy – what’s not to be happy about?

-Hungry – always! I love potato chips!

  

If someone wrote a book of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, horror or science fiction/fantasy?  What would be the title?

Probably a romantic comedy – I’ve had some interesting internet dating experiences! The title would be, ‘105 First Date Failures.’

  

If you could have unlimited storage of one thing, what would it be?

Wine. I love the stuff – red, white, old, new, corked or capped – just pour!

If you could have dinner with three people, past or present, who would it be and why?

Leonardo DaVinci – wouldn’t it be a blast to blow his mind with the internet! So many cats to watch.

Jesus – just to see if he’d show up (plus, if he performs the water trick into wine trick, then I’m up on the weekend.)

Lin Manuel-Miranda – I’m half in love with that man and his talent (I’m actually listening to the Hamilton soundtrack as I type this.)

  

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve done a little writing over the years but I only decided to take it seriously last year – it’s been amazing! The writing is fun but the people I’ve met are incredible. It’s a whole new world!

What draws you to this genre?  Are you interested in writing other genres?  If so what ones?

I have always loved crime fiction for the excitement and the whodunit angle – I like to be kept guessing. And I’ve always read a lot of crime as well as detective stories and anything with a P.I. Would I write a different genre? Yes … I am actually working on a YA fantasy with fellow author Montana Ash – very exciting!

What genre wouldn’t you write?

Erotica – I’m just not inventive enough! I’d probably make it weird!

If you could change one thing about this genre, what would it be?

Absolutely nothing, I just can’t write it ;)

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

When I researched Take You to Hell I learnt that if nobody puts it out, a body can sustain a fire for up to seven hours – fat burns like a wick to a candle – gross, I know (cool though)

What do you like to read in your free time?

I like to read everything but James Patterson is a regular – that man writes so fast and there is ALWAYS a new book out. I don’t know how he does it?! Also, if anyone knows James, could you put in a good word for me? I’d love him to read my stuff.

Which writers inspire you?

My fellow Indies – I’ve met so many amazing authors in the last year – they inspire me every day.

What book that you have read has most influenced your life?

Robin Hobb’s ‘Farseer Trilogy’ – I read it when I was fourteen and I fell in love with it. Those early favourites definitely laid a strong foundation for reading, which in turn, led to writing.

Do you listen to music when you write?  Is there a certain type you like to listen to?  Do you put your playlists on Spotify for listeners?

Sometimes I listen to music but other times I need quiet – Hamilton was on repeat for much of Take You Home (can you tell I’m addicted?) I haven’t tried Spotify yet … I should probably move with the times!

If you could spend time with a character from your books who would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please ;-) )

I would hang out with Jack and visit crime scenes all day – that would be awesome.

What character in your books are you least likely to get along with?

Um, probably my sociopathic killers. I can’t name any unless you’d like spoilers ;)

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I am just polishing The Everett Files Book 3: Take You Home, before its release in December. I cannot wait for you all to read it!

About the Author

 T.J. Spade has two fascinations: Indiana Jones and the macabre. After trying to be Indy for a while and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeological Practice, T.J is now satisfying interest number two by plotting murder … on paper only of course.

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