Since the beginning of mankind, civilizations have fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…and now us. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening: An ancient evil has been unleashed, and it’s turning everyday people into hunters, killers, and crazies. This is the world Mason, Aries, Clementine, and Michael are living in–or rather, trying to survive. Each is fleeing unspeakable horror, from murderous chaos to brutal natural disasters, and each is traveling the same road in a world gone mad. Amid the throes of the apocalypse and clinging to love and meaning wherever it can be found, these four teens are on a journey into the heart of darkness–and to find each other and a place of safety.
Thanks for joining us here today, Jeyn. To start, please tell us about the week following your finding out that you would be published. Was there anything that surprised you about the process of publication?
It was pretty crazy and hard at the same time. I was in South Korea and the time zone was crazy. I had to stay up till two in the morning to make sure I was on time with chatting in New York. Nothing really surprised me, I knew a lot about publishing from school.
What inspired you to write Dark Inside and the fall of human civilization?
Dark Inside is based on reoccurring dreams I’ve been having since I was a teenager. I’m also a big fan of end-of-the-world books and movies. I always knew I wanted to write one.
Tell us a little about your writing process.
I try to write about 2,000 words a day. I don’t always succeed, but I try. Sometimes I work from home, other times I hide out in a coffee shop.
How long did it take you to write Dark Inside? To query and publish it?
It took me about three months to write the first draft. The query process went quicker, I was signed within twenty-four hours and it’s taking a year and a half to publish.
How did you decide on the title?
My agent actually came up with the title. We were working through a list of dozens of title ideas and she came up with it. I loved it and it stuck.
What did you enjoy most about working with an editor? What was the hardest part?
Just working with an editor is amazing. My editors are incredibly talented and there were several times where I thought “Wow, why didn’t I think about that? That’s a great idea!” The hardest part was working with two editors (one in the UK and one in America). They didn’t always 100% agree with each other.
How do you feel the US and UK covers represent your story?
I love them both! The US cover really gets the eyes right. The Baggers have a distinguishing feature that includes having black veins in their eyes. The UK cover I felt really represents the four main characters.
Did you ever have any trouble getting into the characters’ minds with Dark Inside being set in a dystopian world?
Not really. I personally think people will behave like people, no matter what setting you place them in. My characters are still human and still having the same problems that they would in any situation.
Can you tell us a little about the future of Dark Inside, including the sequels you have planned?
I’m planning on three books. The second book so far is titled Sanctuary (but that might change). It will take place three months after book one and it’s basically the same characters continuing to survive while they start to learn a lot more about each other and the world they’re placed in.
Tips for aspiring writers?
Do what you do because you love doing it. Be open to criticism because we don’t always see things that others see. Be patient. Dream big.
Quickshot Questions:
What would be your ideal vacation spot?
Buntzen Lake in Vancouver. I love spending the afternoon there.
What would you grab if the end of civilization seemed in sight?
My cats. They go where I go.
What paranormal/ fantastical/ post-apocalypse creature would you be?
Immortal?
Dark Inside playlist?
I listened a lot to Ryan Adams and Bright Eyes when I wrote Dark Inside. But my taste is always changing. I’m pretty open to anything with a lot of guitar.
Thanks again for joining us, Jeyn!
Jeyn Roberts graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Writing and Psychology and from Bath Spa University with her MA Creative Writing. Jeyn is a former singer, songwriter, actress, bicycle courier and tree planter. An avid traveler, she’s been around the world, most recently, teaching high school in South Korea. A lover of animals, Jeyn volunteers regularly with helping abandoned and abused animals, especially cats.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Anonymous says
Loed the interview! CAn't wait for the book to come out 🙂
Laura Ann Dunks says
I hear your dream to write end of the world fiction. I want to do something similar. I think you have clearly achieved your dream. I can't wait for the trilogy. Keep on dreaming big!
Laura
~X~
Leah says
the time differences are just so crazy! i also have to remember than my friend who lives in England is 8 hrs ahead! so that means we usually chat when its about 2am here, as 10am is a good time for her. thanks for the insights into what is involved with getting a book published!
SiNn says
your book sounds amazing for sure ! and i love that your a fan of music witha lot of guitar thats one of my fav t hings about music
Mickey @ imabookshark says
Fantastic interview! Thanks for the great info ;o)
Mickey @ imabookshark
IdentitySeeker says
Thanks for the great interview! Jeyn's life sounds so exciting with all the traveling, playing in a band, graduating with a degree in Psychology and Writing and especially teaching in South Korea. A friend of mine is teaching English at a high school there at the moment and I'm so envious! She seems to be having the time of her life. Dark Inside is a book that first caught my eye when it started getting reviews in the blogging world and I'm excited to read it!:)
Sarah
SusieBookworm (Susanna) says
Nice interview! It's amazing to me when authors write books off of recurring dreams; I rarely remember mine, lol.
Lissa says
This is actually a really great, well thought out interview. I am looking forward to the book even more now.
Lora1967 says
Great interview. Makes me want to read this book even more.
Anonymous says
Great interview!!
I love this cover!
SweetShenanigans says
I love the crack in the cover! It could symbolize so many things
Elanor Lawrence says
Wow… Jeyn. 2000 a day, every single day? That's crazy! And I had no idea you had an agent within a day. Wow. Just, wow. I absolutely cannot wait to read Dark Inside. It sounds exactly like something I'd love.
Gisselle says
I like more the US cover! :9 awesome interview!
ilepachequin(at)hotmail(dot)com
Lexie says
Okay first off, so much respect for answering "my cats." Pets are a must.
Also, awesome interview. I seriously am in awe of your imagination for coming up with this idea.
Can't wait to read Dark Inside!
Lisa Richards/alterlisa says
Awesome interview. Can't wait to read this.
Jennifer says
Great interview. I can't wait to dive into Dark Inside.
Andrea says
Thanks for the interview. What an intersting way to come up with a book.
lillieblue613(at)gmail(dot)com
Annie McElfresh says
2K a day! WOW! That's a ton of wordage! 🙂
mamabunny13 says
Great interview, looking forward to reading it.
Anonymous says
She must love her cats dearly for her to pick them by the end of civilization =) by the way I like the UK cover better.
Natasha Areena says
I get that she is a cat lover huh? I love cats too!! 🙂
marybelle says
A most insightful interview thank you. Continue to dream big.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Ellie (The Reading Girl) says
Hey– we vacation in the same spot! So cool! If her book is as awesome as she is, it'll be amazing!
Anonymous says
I love hearing more about the author, I can tell I'll enjoy her book!
Julie says
What a wonderful interview! I wish I had your dreams, and could then of course write them down in an amazing fashion! I guess that's why you're the author and I'm the reader 🙂 I can't wait to read your book, it sounds amazing!
jwitt33 at live dot com
Nikita says
Oh, both covers are awesome!! A very well done interview and I can't wait for Dark Inside!!!
Anonymous says
I can't wait to read this one and I hope she writes more. I feel like she could easily become one of my favorite authors. She seems very nice! (Also, she wins for her love of cats.)
Lisa Richards/alterlisa says
Great interview, very impressed.
(___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
Hannah Elisabeth says
Only three months? *Super impressed* O_O
Also I love both of the covers, especially now that I've heard the real "significance" of the eyes. So epic. ^-^
Chen Yan Chang says
Haha, that must be hard staying up to 2am to chat with peeps in New York!
I love that this story came from a dream! That must be some creepy dream!
Marisa says
Awesome interview Jeyn! I'm anxiously awaiting the release of DARK INSIDE. I'm soo excited and happy for you!
Thanks for bringing us this interview, Kris 😀
Denise Z says
Thank you for sharing this wonderful interview today.
Anonymous says
I can't stand this woman. She posts under the handle Ghost at memebee.com. She is a real piece of crap. Her and her friends there talk about gassing jews and native indians and yet she is native indian herself. She is disgusting and leads a disgusting double life as a hate spreader. If you want proof, look at her profile there. She moderates there.
Anonymous says
I can't stand this woman. She posts under the handle Ghost at memebee.com. She is a real piece of crap. Her and her friends there talk about gassing jews and native indians and yet she is native indian herself. She is disgusting and leads a disgusting double life as a hate spreader. If you want proof, look at her profile there. She moderates there.