Red Winter author Clark Hays is on the road….the virtual road. Have a look at this author interview with Niina and then stroll on over and ramble a bit with Amy and her post on to Red Winter. Here’s an excerpt:

Niina : What part did you most enjoy writing and why?

Clark : I grew up doing a lot of shooting and even though I don’t get a chance to do that much anymore, I’m still kind of a gun geek. I enjoyed writing about the period guns used by the main characters. Sheriff Hardiman favors a pair of matched Schofield revolvers, a somewhat unique .45 caliber pistol that “broke open” on top like a shotgun for ease of loading; it was favored by the cavalry and by some famous outlaws like Frank and Jesse James. He also gets to use a massive old 10 gauge shotgun. Joe the wolfer, who helps track the Vampire, uses a huge Sharps buffalo gun. Of course, the bullets — even a lot of bullets — don’t have much of lasting effect on Jericho Whistler, the Vampire terrorizing LonePine.

Niina : What is the biggest “no-no” when it comes to writing for you?

Clark : The thing I always guard against is capitulating to or embracing the concept of writer’s block. Deadline writing (I work in communications) has quickly dispelled the notion that the mood has to be right or the Muse has to be present or anything like that. I’ve found there are no good excuses for not writing, other than being so tired I’m incoherent — and even then there might be some nuggets. Maybe it’s more about learning to trust myself and never getting my own way. It doesn’t have to be magic every time — no matter what you write, you can improve on it or discard it later, but waiting for the perfect moment always means hundreds of almost perfect moments go unused. It also helps to write with a partner, because Kathleen is always able to help support and encourage quality writing time.