Author Q&A with S. J. Krandall 

S. J. Krandall is a self-published author from N.J. with her first book released in July of 2020. She was born in Florida but raised in New Jersey where she resides with her husband, her two sons and two dogs. For more than twenty years she has enjoyed working with children as both a teacher and an aide. Now, a stay at home mom, she cares for her familly and takes time to enjoy other interests such as writing, traveling, art and photography. Growing up, her travels often took her to the countryside with her family where even today she visits making new memories with her own children. It was back then as a child that her love for horror began as she watched movies and read books just for the “scare” factor. That, along with her real life experiences in the deep wooded areas, has inspired her to write scary stories of her own. Much of her own photography can be seen throughout her work as well.  With her second book in the works, Fear Farm No Trespassers is S. J. Krandalls first book in what she hopes to be a series of short stories that will make the imagination run wild.  It is geared towards young adult readers (15 and up) and adults who just truly enjoy short scary stories. Since then she has participated in booklists, signings and author interviews as well as a book reading event for a horror convention. Her book is sold through Amazon in both ebook and paperback form.  It can also be found in Goodreads, barnesandnoble.com, local libraries and independent bookstores.

Within one year, reports of several missing people took over the media. The victims, all had ventured to parts of the deep wooded countryside never to return. Rumors, posted from local townsfolk, of what might have happened to them caught the attention of the public. Some said the undead may have taken them. Others believed that quick changes in weather patterns played part in their disappearances. A survivor, the only witness, was committed for madness as her story went uncredited. Even though some information was strange investigators, family, friends and adventure seekers all looked into them finding nothing. The lack of any evidence baffled the minds of the people involved as they continued to search for answers. Among them, a young woman so obsessed with these stories in her past that her own nightmares become a reality as she stumbles upon unspeakable horrors playing out before her very own eyes. Are they made up in her mind? Are they a dream? Or is she next? Whether real or fantasy, a story was unfolding before her and she could not stop the images that played out as she confronts who or what was responsible for these individuals grotesque fate.

3. Do write under a pen name? If so, tell us about how you chose it

 Fitting writing into my everyday life is not always easy. In fact doing it daily is near impossible for me with a hectic schedule.  I do make sure to put aside time week to week so that I can do it though.  Some days I get a lot of writing in and other days I am sitting in a car parking lot during one of my kids lessons trying to get as much in as I can ha.  I do what I can when I can and it works for me.

 When I have writer’s block it is time for a break. I know that when this happens I need to step away for a bit and breathe. I am a firm believer in taking breaks when needed. I tend to get many of my ideas when out in nature so I will spend time walking and working on other projects such as art or photography.

Getting my book made into a film would be amazing.  I am a huge movie buff so that would be a dream come true to me.

I have always wanted to write growing up.  I wrote poetry when I was younger and as I grew I wanted to write a children’s book. Horror was something that I have always loved and the stories came to me first.  I am enjoying this adventure and can’t wait to write more.

Short books

romance

Muted book covers

Paperbacks

Writing in the morning

Plot driven

Best advice I received was to be brave and take chances.