Interview with Dea Southward

Boy, it's hot out there. So stay inside for a few minutes and enjoy an interview with another great aspiring author. Today we're talking to Dea Southward.

Dea is a YA Writer of Paranormal and Horror, a Converse enthusiast, a gamer, coffee lover, and insomniac. Any of those traits sound familiar? :)

Welcome, Dea! Let's dive right in. What is the name and genre of the manuscript you're currently pitching?

The manuscript I am currently pitching is called The Face of Death, it is a young adult Paranormal Romance with elements of horror.

What’s the story about?

Daisy Fitzpatrick is 17, a psychic, and has been targeted by a cult who thinks she is the Anti-Christ. The cult wants to sacrifice Daisy to bring about the rapture. If that wasn't enough to deal with, she's also fallen head-over-heels for a boy with only one month to live.

Wow, sounds mysterious and exciting. How did the idea of the story come to you?

The story came to me while I was finishing up my last manuscript. My muse and I really fought on when I was going to start it. Like most of my ideas, I was out getting coffee at 2am. It came to me that I really wanted to write a story about a psychic, and I've always been fascinated by cults. It just came together from there.

Those pesky muses, always picking inopportune times, lol. What stage are you at now?

The manuscript is completed, I just finished some agent requested revisions. Hopefully if the agent agrees with the changes, I will have representation soon.

That's awesome! Good luck to you. So do you have a critique partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I go to bi-weekly writing networking meetings where I read some of my material. Other than that I have two amazing beta readers that give me insight.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Editing is the worst part for me. If I don't sit down and really force myself to do it, I will put it off forever. My 5th finished manuscript has been waiting on edits for about a month now.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Coffee, and my iPhone. Hands down. Everything else I can pretty much live without.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

That's a tough one. But I would have to say the ability to teleport.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: styrofoam, turnips, and killer whale.

Yesterday, I tried to feed my styrofoam killer whale turnips, he hasn't spoken to me since.

Heehee, yeah I guess he wouldn't. Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Who would you like to give a shout out to?

My best friend and amazing beta reader Meg, The Writers Network of Central Connecticut, and everyone who has believed in me throughout this process.

And finally, where can people find you online?

Twitter: dsouthward
Website is coming soon.


Thanks so much for the interview, Dea. It was great chatting with you. And I'm crossing my fingers that you get The Call soon from that agent.