Interviewer: Tufold

Client: FMClements

Hey, there. This is Tufold. Welcome back to "Tippa' the Pen". Today we're here with FMClements, a fellow writer, and the winner of the action/adventure category with her book, "3 Days". How are you doing, FMC? Or, what do you prefer to be called?

I'm doing good. FM is fine.

Awesome. We'll start by asking a couple of basic questions. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

You start with the toughest question, right? Let's see, I've been a writer for as long as I can remember. I live on the West Coast with three kids, two dogs and one husband, And as far back as I remember, I've always been a writer. I wrote my first short story when I was five when I stole my sister's James Bond books and wrote on the back pages of her book. She was not happy about that.

I bet. I had no idea that James Bond even had books. I bet that series started with them, as most do. That's quite a backstory. Well, given that you won an award, it's clear that you have more than a knack for writing. Now, on to the next question. What are your biggest literary inspirations? Who, as well.

Biggest literary inspirations? To write really great stories that are fun to read. My inspiration as far as other writers go are James Rollins, Ray Bradbury, and Samuel Clemens.

Very cool. I can't say I've heard of Clemens, but I bet their writing is great. I'm personally more of a McCarthy fan, myself. Next question: What's something you try to avoid in your writing?

Oh, Samuel Clemens, his pen name was Mark Twain. He's a distant cousin.As far as writing goes, I try not to be boring.

I see. Yes, I've seen too many books nowadays in history and in the current day do too much filler, spending too much time on mundane things, like the characters' movements or overly detailing the environment every other moment. Next question: What inspired your book "3 Days"?

It actually started as a screenplay. About two pages in I realized the story was too big for a screenplay, so I scrapped the screenplay and decided to write a book instead. It was a struggle, attempting a new genre, but I loved my characters and I wanted to give them a medium where they could become their true selves.

I've always loved SF, and after fiddling around with some ideas, I thought what would happen if an alien hid his daughter on another planet for her safety since he was being hunted. And then it blossomed from there. Ideas come easy to me, it's writing the book that takes the most time.

I can relate to that, and I'm sure that many writers can, too. Very interesting that it started as a screenplay. That short synopsis does sound very promising. Next question: Do you have any writing rituals or routines that you do before, during or after the writing/creative process?

Lots of them, but mostly I bounce the ideas off my sister (the one who sacrificed her books for me!), and if she gives me the thumbs up, I feel ok about starting the projects--then we go out to dinner, hash out the idea some more with me doing most of the talking, then I go to work!

Interesting dynamic with you two. Awesome. Next question: Do you have any big plans for this year? New books, or maybe just new creative projects in general?

Yes, this is going to be a busy year. I'm in conversations with a friend of mine who's a director who would like to help me turn the story into a streaming series. I used to work in film, so this should be fun! Oh, and scary!

Oh! Well that's awesome! I dream of turning my book into an animated series, hahah, so I'm very happy for you to have the opportunity to turn your material into a series. Congratulations. Next and final question: What would you say to new upcoming writers/artists of stories?

Don't stop, keep going even if your idea falls completely apart. The spark is inside of you; it is who you are. There were so many times I wanted to pitch the story into the trash can. Glad I didn't. Trust and believe in yourself, and don't ever let someone talk you out of it. This is truly who you are.

I agree. I'm sure many writers will appreciate that. Thanks for agreeing to the interview, FM, It was a pleasure. I wish you the best of luck on your literary endeavors! That's it for the interview, everyone. Have a great upcoming week!