Chevy Stevens
Chevy Stevens
Chevy Stevensis a Canadian author of thriller novels. She lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia...
NationalityCanadian
ProfessionAuthor
CountryCanada
agent boring informed kept realize taking women written
When I first started writing 'Still Missing,' I didn't actually realize I was writing a thriller. I thought it was more women's fiction, but during the many years of rewrites, I kept taking out the boring parts, and then my agent informed me that I had written a thriller.
cool couple few happened led mentally outline played plot plotting points
When I started 'Still Missing,' I had a few key plot points in mind, which I played around with mentally for a couple of months, then one day I just started writing. Not having an outline led to some cool plot twists, but also many rewrites! A lot of the plotting happened on subsequent drafts.
next scene works
Each day when I'm walking with my dog through the damp forest, I'm thinking about the atmosphere, and it often works its way into my next scene somehow.
authors feedback feels positive praise start struggle until wonderful
It feels wonderful to get praise from other authors who I admire, but with each new book, my confidence is always the thing I struggle with the most until I start getting positive feedback from readers.
cleaning grow reading romance supposed thriller
I was supposed to be cleaning out the barn, but I was usually reading romance novels. That's how you grow up to be a thriller writer.
books canada issue states worry writers
Some newer writers worry about books set in Canada having a big appeal, but it has never been an issue for me. I haven't wanted to write in the States because I don't know the States.
considered education hired somebody university
I didn't go to university or get a degree, but I hired somebody as a mentor - and that I considered my university education.
easier family incentive morning rather supports wait wake
It's not like I wake up every morning and just can't wait to write. It is my job. It's much easier to not write. I'd rather read. This is my income. This is what supports my family. Having a child is a pretty big incentive to keep working.
break evenings mindless watch
I try to only read light things when I'm working on my books, and in the evenings I watch a lot of mindless TV. I have to break up the 'dark,' or I wouldn't be a very happy person.
writing groups feedback
Read everything you can on writing. Join online forums and critique groups, go to conferences, get feedback, and learn, learn, learn!
book writing cutting
I always write too long in the beginning, then it is a matter of going through it over and over again on subsequent drafts, looking for anything that slows down the narrative. It can be hard, cutting out parts I love, but I try to make the book as tight as possible so that the reader doesn't get bored.
book character coping-mechanisms
Before I start a book, I talk over my characters with a friend who is a counselor. I like to make sure I have the right dynamics in place and understand each character's belief system, fears, coping mechanisms and things like that.
character writing feelings
For me, it's important that I experience and feel what the characters are feeling. So I put myself in those moments, in their thoughts, and let it happen naturally. I write what I feel.
character long trying
My [story] outlines are usually about 5-6 pages long. I'm essentially telling myself the story in short form. I try to make it clear who the major characters are, what they want, and what obstacles they face.