Author Q&A with A.C. Merkel

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Hi I’m Author A.C. Merkel. My friends call me Drew.

I’m a former “band dude” and currently a mechanic. I used to set up concert equipment in venues across the country.

Influenced by everything from cars to pretty dresses.

I have a book out and one on the way, and animate book covers as a side gig. (See acmerkel.com)

I am a founding member of queerindie.com and animate book covers as a side gig. See acmerkel.com for details.

1. Tell us about a scene that you loved but had to edit out of your book

I cut several scenes out of London Calling and shifted directions. The world will never see George Boleyn blush at seeing Wynter’s ankles. There also a scene with Anne, Murder, and Lady Savage wielding swords that we won’t see either. Maybe website extras one day.

2. What advice would you give to someone wanting to write their first book?

Most importantly, do it. Even if you think it might not be good. You can make something better If write it. You can’t edit a blank page and practice makes perfect.

Google docs is your friend.

Ignore a lot of the ‘advice’ out there. You’re a reader. You know what you like to read. Write something you’d like to read and do it with heart and pride!

NaNoWriMo is a really great motivational event. The goal is realistic. I did it myself in 21 days. Mind you, the book wasn’t finished at that point. But the 50k words were an amazing start! (That book is ‘Her Name is Murder.’ the book has mostly 4 and 5 star ratings.)

3. Do you do research for your books? If so, what kind of research?

There is so much History when writing an Immortal character. The Tudor Court. France during the same time period. Train routes across Europe in the 30s. The industrial revolution. Salem. Punk rock in Soho NYC in the 70s. Art. Street names and settings in NYC (I have only been able to visit once for work. It was enthralling though)

If I’m honest, I adore the research. Learning new things to embellish this character has been such a joy.

4. How do you handle criticism?

I can barely handle my own criticism. Luckily my book hasn’t been a target (knock on wood) and most of the feedback is very positive. If I need motivation I look at my reviews. I always tear up. In the best way. My characters are loved. My humor is appreciated. And apparently I wrote a charming book. As my series continues and I sell more copies I expect to have to deal with some not as positive reviews. I expect to need to be held and maybe stopped from jumping from a bridge. (Kidding I’m not too worried. Hehe)

5. Tell me about your current work

London Calling expands on the cast and themes from the first book, Her Name Is Murder. It takes every bit of the magic and History further and ends with Murder on a couple of new paths. Excited for more people to read this book. It is frenetic, yet focused and has more twists and turns than all the roller coasters in Orlando. Lol.

It’s up for preorder and the audiobook is already being recorded. (It sounds fantastic already!)

Jaimee Moore is a true talent.

I’m thinking about and researching book three. I know where it’s heading. But I’m also kind of taking a break and reading. I expect to be elbows deep in research and drafting by November.

6. Would you want your book made into a film?

Yes please. I would like Tim Burton to helm a movie adaptation. Lol. I’m thinking something in the vein of Mrs. Peregrine. Or Joss Whedon so the snappy dialogue could be even more snappy! But TV would make me happy too. More room to tell even more stories across Murder’s long history. That’s the ultimate dream honestly.

And yes. I’d jump at a broadway musical with reckless abandon.

You can Pre-order London Calling…

You can find A. C. Merkel on Twitter.

Author Q&A with A.C. Merkel