Author Name: Angela Sylvaine
Name of Publication: Frost Bite
Where to find it: https://linktr.ee/angelasylvaine
Describe your work in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
Frost Bite is a wintery ‘90s sci-fi horror comedy akin to Stranger Things meets Fargo.
Can you talk a bit about your path to publication for this work?
I pitched this book as a novella on #pitdark, a pitching event on the site formerly known as Twitter, and caught the attention of Dark Matter INK. After reading the manuscript, they offered publication and asked that I expand it into a novel.
Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?
For longer works, I do plot and outline, though unexpected developments always happen while writing.
Who was your favorite character in this work to write? Why?
I really liked writing the main character, Realene. She’s a complicated character living with regret and grief who’s very snarky, but she also has lots of heart and is very loyal.
Do you have a least favorite character? Anyone you ended up cutting from the story?
My least favorite character is the cult leader, Zebediah, because he takes advantage of others and warps people’s faith to convince them to do terrible things. Sadly, he could exist in real life, which is very upsetting.
Do you identify with your main character, or did you create a character that is your opposite?
While we’re not alike in many ways, I did anchor her in a place that is very much based on where I grew up, so I do identify with her to a degree.
What was your favorite (or most difficult) chapter to write in this work? Why do you think that was?
The finale was difficult to write because it is very action packed and has lots of choreography for many characters. I had to make sure to describe things enough for the reader to visualize while keeping the fast pace and tension, which was a challenge.
What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?
There isn’t one piece of criticism that stands out, but I’ve certainly had plenty of people that aren’t fans of my writing style. Specifically, there are some that don’t like the quippy horror-comedy style of Frost Bite. I try not to take that personally and just remember everyone has their personal preferences.
Some of the best compliments I’ve received about Frost Bite are related to Realene’s relationship with her mother, who suffers from dementia due to Alzheimer’s. Several people have said that they appreciated how I handled that and that it was very meaningful to them, as they had also gone through similar experiences with family members.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“Too bad Lutherans don’t do that laying on of hands stuff. I could sign Ma up for a healing on Sunday before the potluck. A quick cure from JC himself, followed by a healthy portion of Mrs. Felton’s famous tater tot hotdish.”
Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
I really just want them to have fun with it. It’s supposed to be nostalgic and a wacky, but with a healthy dose of midwestern heart
Angela Sylvaine is a self-described cheerful goth that still believes in monsters and always checks under the bed. She holds degrees in psychology and philosophy. Her work has appeared in multiple publications and anthologies, including Dark Moon Digest, Places We Fear to Tread, and Not All Monsters. A North Dakota girl transplanted to Colorado, she lives with her sweetheart and four creepy cats on the front range of the Rockies. You can find her online at angelasylvaine.com.
Connect with Angela on Twitter (@sylvaine_angela) or Facebook (authorangelasylvaine). You can also find her on Goodreads (Angela Sylvaine) and Amazon (Angela Sylvaine).
HWA Colorado 