Today, I get to continue my interview with the cool, and awesome author, EDC Johnson. The first part is here. Her YA novel, Moonflower is available at Amazon and Barnes & Nobel.
R.w.F: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
EDC: On top of writing primarily at night from the comfort of my bed, I usually write to music. I make a playlist for the particular novel I am working on. I know that doesn’t sound quirky and lots of other writers have said they listen to music while they write. Here is where the quirk comes in. The songs I choose work like a soundtrack to the book, coordinating with scenes from the story. When I am working on a particular section/scene in my novel I will sometimes place that song on repeat. I can literally listen to one song dozens of times in a row.
R.w.F: Will you be including that soundtrack listing in e-editions of your book?
EDC: No, I hadn’t ever thought about including the playlist before. It was really just a writing tool for myself but perhaps I could do that for a blog post in the future.
R.w.F: Do you use Spotify, Pandora, or some other streaming service?
EDC: First let me say I love Pandora, like I really, really love it. I have found more great music that way. I have tried Spotify but I haven’t totally gotten into it yet but it is a nice service as well. Though I do listen to random ambient or classical music on occasion, while writing I truly use iTunes the most. I really do listen to the same playlist again and again. It is a rather bizarre ritual I need to set the mood.
R.w.F: What’s your favorite genre of music?
EDC: I prefer alternative and indie music. Like me, the musicians in these categories are doing their own thing, on the most part, despite what may be popular demand. I also listen to a lot of classical, instrumental, and ambient music. Sometimes it’s just best to have peaceful music and let your mind do the talking.
R.w.F: One food you would never eat?
EDC: Josie Woods, the heroine of Moonflower, doesn’t get her disdain of eggs for no reason. I can’t do it. I simply can’t eat eggs. I don’t like the way they smell and the last time I ate one I vomited. Amazingly though I do like egg-drop soup. Go figure.
R.w.F: Reese’s Pieces, or Peanut Butter Cups?
EDC: Peanut Butter Cups, but honestly I wouldn’t pick either of them typically. I’d go for something with caramel.
R.w.F: What was the scariest moment of your life?
EDC: I would have to say skydiving. I was determined to do it before I turned 25. It was one of my YOLOs. It came about a few years later than I wanted, but my husband and I finally took the plunge. It was totally worth it.
R.w.F: YOLO? Really? Don’t you think that is one of the most “No, duh” comments, or catch phrases, in the English language? 🙂
EDC: Aren’t you just a cheeky fellow. I have to agree. YOLO is used quite too liberally. Your average Joe may tweet it at least once a week and usually for an insipid reason such as trying the new burger at a fast food chain or drinking in excess. To me living as if this was my only turn to enjoy the splendors of the Earth involves trying things outside of my normal constraints e.g. to travel the world and see marvels, to eat exotic food (perhaps a sautéed bug), to try things that terrifies me (whether it is acting in a play or perhaps jumping out of a perfectly good plane), or dancing in the middle of a restaurant without a care as to who is watching because my favorite song came on. YOLO shouldn’t be a phrase commonly used at all. It should be a way of life.
R.w.F: Besides “Twilight” (barf), what is your biggest “Don’t judge me” pleasure?
EDC: Well, Rw, I wouldn’t say that I include Twilight in my guilty pleasures. I may chuck it up to wanting to know what all the fuss is about; though I have to admit I don’t foresee myself ever reading 50 Shades of Grey no matter how popular it is. In all honesty I enjoy animated films probably more than an adult woman should. I truly enjoy them all claymation, Pixar, anime, you name it, I have probably seen it. Anime probably has to be the most “don’t judge me” pleasure of them all though I am happy to see it becoming more mainstream with this up coming generation.
R.w.F: Anime is a guilty pleasure? Okay. Why do you like them?
EDC: Some are lighthearted and funny while others have amazing dramatic storylines. Glass of wine optional!
R.w.F: Do you have a Website or Blog?
EDC: Absolutely, www.edcjohnson.com is where you can follow my updates. I also have sites on other social media. I’m EDC Johnson on facebook and @EDCJohnson on twitter. I would love for my readers to follow me, and to feel free to ask me questions.
R.w.F: (laughs) Excellent. Thank you for you time, and for doing the interview.
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