WiHM Special - Tiare M.B.C

An emerging writer with a strong start to her career, author Tiare M.B.C has gotten her career going with the release of her short story collection, Can Demons Dream Of…, to get her start in the industry. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in writing, getting involved in her stories, and upcoming projects.

Me: Hello and thank you for taking the time to do this. First off, when did you get into horror in general? What films specifically got you into watching horror movies?

Tiare M.B.C.: I think I have always been into horror. My mom tells me that I would ask to watch Chucky when I was a kid. But about eight years ago, some of my friends wanted to find a horror movie that would scare me, and that is when I got more into horror than the occasional movie or book. The Spanish horror film, Veronica, made me want to watch more horror films.

Me: Who were some of your favorite writers growing up? Do you try to take influences from their style with your own voice in your work?

TM.B.C.: Growing up, I was a huge fan of Dan Brown and Dean Koontz. I may have pursued my career in psychology thanks to the book False Memory. Later on, I started to read books by Jodi Picoult, Lisa See, and Junji Ito. I try to use my own voice, but would love to capture Junji Ito’s sense of dread and uneasiness.

Me: What was the starting point of becoming a writer? Were you always into writing growing up?

TM.B.C.: I can’t recall when I wanted to be a writer. Even so, in 9th grade, I knew I had to make it happen after a teacher told me I would never become a writer. I wanted to prove her wrong, and I did. I have always been into fiction writing and usually wrote either sad stories or horror.

Me: Is there any specific genre you prefer to write? Is there a style or format that you find easier to get into, even if you don't have a preference?

TM..B.C.: I do prefer horror. I do prefer writing short stories, but I hope to write a novel in the future.

Me: So, that brings us to your newest collection, “Can Demons Dream Of.” What can you tell us about the book?

TM.B.C.: Can Demons Dream Of… is a short story collection based on my nightmares. The stories are written almost exactly as I dreamt them. I didn’t want to make too many changes to keep that dream-like quality.

Me: How do you settle on the plots for the stories? Was there any special significance to the variety of the stories within here?

TM.B.C.: I remember all my dreams, so I just follow the plot that has already developed in my dream.

Some of the stories may have more details because that is how I dreamt them, or because I have dreamt it several times and notice different details. Some of the stories connect to one another, but even I am not sure why those connections are made.

Me: Was there anything while writing the characters that you were surprised by in telling their stories?

TM.B.C.: Maybe not surprised, but I am glad I am in therapy. Most of the characters in my dreams are people I know or myself. Given that these are horror stories, these characters have different qualities than the people they are based on. Just because some of the characters are bad in my dreams does not make them bad people in the real world.

Me: What is your writing process? How do you stay focused on writing?

TM.B.C.: I don’t force it. I want writing to remain fun and not become another stressor in my life. If I don’t write for a week or a month, that’s fine. There will be days I write whole stories in one sitting.

Me: Once it was finally written, what was the process for having it published?

TM.B.C.: Before even thinking of publishing, the book had to be edited more times than I would like to admit. My husband and I read through the stories so many times that we memorized the words. The book was also sent to an editor and friends to proofread. This book also contains artwork that two of my friends, my husband, and I made. I also drew the cover, which I will say is not perfect, but I love it. I didn’t know beta and arc readers existed at the time, so I just went directly to publishing through Amazon and later on Ingram Spark.

Me: What do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?

TM.B.C.: Besides writing, I do like to paint, draw, crochet, do embroidery, and just try new forms of art. I also like to spend time with my pets. I have a sun conure, four tortoises, and two fish tanks.

When I am writing, I have a favorite chair, sometimes I will put music on, have my bird snuggling with me, and possibly drink matcha.

Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?

TM.B.C.: I am currently working on my second anthology, Ghosts Don’t Say Boo. This book will be a semi-continuation of Can Demons Dream Of… in that it will consist of more short stories based on my nightmares.

Me: Lastly, being that this is our Women in Horror Movement, what special message do you have for any women out there looking to join in the industry in any capacity as you are one yourself?

TM.B.C.: Go for it! Listen to those who encourage you and to the people who give you constructive criticism. Ignore those who want to put you down. It won’t be a smooth ride, but it will be worth it. And just in case you need to hear it, I believe in you.

Thank you again for your time!

For a copy of her book, click here:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/can-demons-dream-of-tiare-m-b-c/1146547402#

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