Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

This weeks interview is

with

Caz May!

How long have you been writing?

Since I was in high school, but more seriously since December 2017

If you've written several books, which is your favorite?

I love them all but Book three of my Always Only You series 'Feelings Don't Play Fair' is definitely a fave. Travis is a great character.
Some of my upcoming releases in my other series are pretty special to me as well.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

Fave genre to read is definitely romance-pretty much anything with a love story really. And my fave genre to write is romance-contemporary or suspense. And set in Australia.

How do you get in the mood to write?

Music-all my books have playlists. And I don't force the words.

How do your characters come together?

They scream to me in my head...and I always write slow burn romance full of angst and drama. Even if my characters have a strong connection from the start they will have a drama filled ride. I usually get their name in my head, and find some character inspiration and songs for their playlists on google and youtube/spotify and then I develop their stories making sure they're full of drama and angst.

How do you get your ideas?

From life experiences, from being overly observant and music mainly. I've gotten so many random ideas from things as simple as a name popping into my head or taking my cat to the vet.

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

There isn't one particular author or person I admire, but simply every indie author who just like me has put themselves out there despite rejection from traditional publishers.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

Watching Netflix/TV, reading, at work or sleeping.

Have you always been creative?

I've definitely always been creative, and it definitely has always been writing, but I also do some scrapbooking and colouring/drawing.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Writer's block comes and goes. I just ride it out and write a different chapter or story. Or plan a future book. My characters eventually talk to me again. I don't ever force the words.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

I'd have to say it's neither easy nor hard. It's a balance and on the days it's hard I think of my amazing readers who are waiting on reading my stories. They keep me going.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Just write. Get the idea and the words down. Try a platform like Wattpad and be active on it. You only get out what you put in. And take risks if you believe your story is good and you love your characters your readers will to.

What is your dream writing location?

I don't really have one. I love writing in bed snuggly in pjs in winter with my coffee or at my local Gloria Jeans coffee shop.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

Do I have to read them order? And the answer is yes...they're interconnected and follow a continuous timeline. If you don't read them in order you'll be confused.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

I honestly don't know. Most of my characters are based around people I know, so they are kinda already alive. I'd probably have to say one of my characters babies so I could love them as my own because our battle with infertility is still ongoing.

What do you think makes a good story?

A book that has well developed characters, and it plot driven with dialogue. I prefer 1st person and like multiple povs most of the time. I like drama, and realistic books. But ultimately a good story shows the reader what's happening-with a bit of telling thrown in for backstory.