What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Mutated Files: Case One?
When I was about thirteen or fourteen, my older sister bought a poster of a character from a popular tv show at the time. I had the thought, what if the man suddenly jumped out of the poster? What if it was another world inside and he was stuck? And then I remembered a few years prior I was terrified of zombies. So, I figured I’d write a book about a world in the distant future filled with zombies and other monsters, that this man was trapped in. If I’d never seen that poster, I may not have had the idea. I recently rewrote this book, as I originally wrote it at fourteen. The original version is terrible, haha.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Mutated Files: Case One, what would they be?
For my villain, Keith Jacobs, his would definitely be “Zombie” by The Cranberries. I’m not sure about the others, but I’m definitely sure of the villain. He is my favorite character in the book, and I enjoyed developing his character and his scenes.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to read is fantasy, tied with science fiction. I’ll pretty much read anything if it sounds interesting enough. As for favorite genre to write, probably fantasy as well. But I’ll write anything that strikes my fancy.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Hmm, right now I’m trying to finish the Vampire Kisses series by Ellen Schreiber. After that I might read Monster High. Who knows?
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
That’s a tough one as I really enjoyed writing the whole thing. If I had to choose, I’d say probably a scene from the second to last chapter, where the protagonists have to defend themselves against a very angry and inhuman Keith Jacobs, the villain.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I used to only be able to write if I was chewing gum. I always have to write with a certain type of blue ink pen. And it has to be in blue ink. I simply cannot write with any other color ink pen for some reason.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
You can’t live in fear. Write what you want, when you want. Write books that you would want to read.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Villains are made, not born.
Rachel E. Croxton is the author of the new book Mutated Files: Case One
Connect with Rachel E. Croxton
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