– First, introduce yourself a bit. What is your name (or pen name) and where are you from?
My name is Christopher Robertson, I go by Kit to my friends or Trash Panda to my best frenemy. I’m from Glasgow, Scotland.
– Next, tell us a bit about your most recent work. Is this your first published book? What is it about and what genre would you classify it as?
The Cotton Candy Massacre is a scuzzy love letter to 80s splatterpunk horror movies. It’s the third book in my Teen Horror trilogy of loosely connected novels, and the fourth under my TerrorScope brand.
– Tell us a bit about your main character; what are they like, how did they come about, and what are some of their strengths and weaknesses?
The Cotton Candy Massacre has several characters who fight for the lead spot. There’s Leigh, who wants to cheer her best friend Candy up after a painful breakup. She’s foul-mouthed, brash, and badass but that’s all because, deep down, she’s afraid of losing more people she loves. Keeping them at a distance and defecting hurts less in the long run. Then there’s Rocky, Candy’s cheating ex who wants one last shot to prove he’s not a bad guy and win Candy back. This takes them all to Bonkin’s Bonanza, a carnival with a dark past.
– What was your hardest scene to write in this (or any) book?
There’s a few scenes with a lot of moving parts that we’re a technical challenge. The hardest had to be the beginning of the final act, without spoiling the content I’ve never written anything like that before.
– Did you go the traditional route when publishing your book or did you choose to self-publish?
Self. My work is a hard sell to a traditional pub and I like the control I have over my universe.
– What would you say is the most difficult part of your writing journey and what advice would you give to other writers?
Getting eyes on the book. That’s why stuff like this is so important.
– Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
It’s all connected for me, and building to something.
– What are some of your favourite authors and books and what inspired you to become a writer in the first place?
I love the way Joe R. Lansdale spins his stories. R.L. Stine got me into this and Carlton Mellick III showed me there is a space for weirdos like me.
– What would you say has been the best way to market your books?
Getting involved with reading groups has done wonders for me. And making friends, and collaborating with other indie authors.
– Do you read reviews of your book and, if so, how do you handle negative feedback?
If it’s something I can work on I take it in, if it’s my style or vibe in general then there’s not a lot you can do about that. It’s not easy, putting yourself out there like we do and there are times it hurts. But I cant seem to stop.
– What are some of your quirks as a writer? Do you like to plot everything out or do you prefer to just “wing it” and see where the story takes you? Do you listen to music when writing and, if so, what do you listen to?
I never plan anymore; it’s all done as I go feeling the story and seeing what the characters get up to. I make playlists for each book, like a soundtrack, and I also like ambient music related to my current project. For instance, anyone walking my by flat might hear some noir infused 1940s jazz right now.
– What is the best advice you’ve ever had when it comes to writing and what advice would you give to new writers?
Just write. Don’t talk about it, just do it. You can tell the world when it’s done.
– What’s next for you? Are you currently working on any new books or stories?
I have two novels in the works that are still to be announced. Next up is The October Society Season Two – the second book in my spooky YA Halloween series
– Finally, feel free to plug your social media, website, and links to Amazon, GoodReads, and other relevant sites below, and detail any current offers available for your book/s:
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Dr. K's Waiting Room 