Please join us today as we interview Author S.X. Bradley
about herself, her work and the book UNCOVERED !!!
Welcome, can you tell us a little about
yourself?
First
of all, thanks so much for having me on your blog today. A little bit about
myself-I write young adult mysteries that feature diverse characters. I’m also
a mom, and a recent MFA graduate from Seton Hill University. Proud to say I’m
also a brand new knitter– totally in love with it and have wanted to learn
since I was a little girl.
The pleasure is all ours !!! Tell us, what did you want to be when you were growing
up or did you always want to be a writer? If so, when did you first start?
I wanted to be Catwoman when I grew up, but that didn’t exactly work
out. I’ve always written,
but didn’t really start taking it seriously until
about 10 years ago. I used to make up these mysteries for my sisters and cousins when we
visited our grandparents in Mexico. I always loved coming up with storylines.
It wasn’t until junior high that I started writing things down on paper.
We know in today's rat race, it's hard to find time for everything so what is a
typical writing day like for
you?
I usually write during my lunch hour, so I try to get all my
thoughts down without stopping to
revise or over think. That comes later in the process.
Do you have any specific routine you follow or
specific items you need with you when you write?
I
don’t. I usually write during my lunch hour at work. I’m pretty disciplined
since I had to be when I was in school, and needed to meet school deadlines.
There was no time for writer’s block, so now I can pretty much write when it’s
time to.
Well being disciplined definitely isn't a bad thing !
Can you tell us what your favorite part of writing is?
Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer? I love
weaving a tale and seeing where it goes. I don’t like the actual typing. My
mind works faster than my fingers.
There are a variety of different lengths out in the book world today but is there a specific or favorite length of book you like to
write? (Short story, novella, full
length novel) Why?
I like
full length novels. I tried to writing a short story, but I just couldn’t tell
the full story I wanted to in a limited amount of pages.
Understandable ! Less is more isn't always the case with books :)
How does your family feel about your writing and
you being an author?
They think
it’s really cool and are very supportive.
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside
table?
Yes, Cop Town by Karin
Slaughter
Just for fun, I have a few personal
questions,
Favorite 5
1)
Favorite Holiday- Christmas-love spending time with my family
2) Favorite
Drink- Diet Dr. Pepper
3) Favorite
Author- Edgar Allan Poe
4)
Favorite Book- To Kill a Mockingbird
5)
Favorite Animal- tough one, I love animals. My dog, of course.
But I love dolphins and tigers.
And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re
writing?
I’m usually quiet and
laid back. I’m pretty intense and focused when I write.
Where can our readers find you??
Twitter: @susanxbradley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sxbradley
Website/blog: www.sxbradley.com
Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/sxbradley
Is there an upcoming or current release you
would like to share with
us today and where can we find it?
us today and where can we find it?
UNCOVERED
An Autumn Covarrubias
Mystery, 2
SX Bradley
Evernight Teen
Teen Thriller, @70k words
Last year
sixteen-year-old Autumn solved her sister’s murder. This year, she is
part
of a high school forensic dream team that assists the police when
teens are
kidnapped. When it’s discovered the kidnappings are part of a
secret online
survivor game, the police and team focus on the game
maker—the man behind the
game.
The focus of the investigation shifts when Autumn is singled out
and
becomes the target of the Game Maker’s sick game.
Through
encrypted messages hidden in steganographs, Autumn must
discover who the last
kidnapping victim is if she hopes to save him in
time.
Excerpt:
There was minimal blood spatter on the black and white checkered
floor. Mainly small, spherical droplets. My hands trembled as I removed the
ruler from my new black case. The numbered evidence markers outlined a crimson
polka dot path. Squatting down, I held out the ruler, and it landed with a loud
ping as the steel hit the tile. All eyes darted toward me. I shrugged an I’m
sorry.
Everyone resumed their tasks, except for Minerva. She rolled her
eyes at me, which was miraculous considering the spider-leg eyelashes she wore.
I gave her a country-club smile, then refocused on the blood spatter.
I picked up my ruler and measured the diameter of several drops.
Average was 6 mm. Low velocity. She could still be alive.
“Clear.” Shock , silence. “Sorry for your loss, miss.”
I shook my head, trying to clear the memory. This was different.
Low velocity meant small force of impact. These types of droplets were caused
by someone dripping blood, not by a blow or gunshot. Or by knife wounds. They
could belong to the missing ice cream girl, or if we were lucky, the kidnapper.
The Texas state crime lab would have to sort that out, and it could take
forever.
I documented the results in my evidence log. My handwriting was
shaky, but legible enough for my team.
It’s not her. This is different. This girl may still be alive.
There’s hope.
I blew out the fear in one big breath and got back to work. I
examined the pattern on the floor. The low blood volume found at the scene was
a positive sign, but it wouldn’t matter to her family. They were being
tormented every second she was gone. Right now, the tricks their minds were
playing on them, the things their imaginations were conjuring, were sadistic.
Panic loved to be a bitch like that.
I had to help her and her family. After all, it was why I’d
accepted the offer to participate in the Science and Technology Associates in
Forensics Foundation’s—or STAFFF’s—forensic training camp.
I stepped back and looked at the ice cream parlor from all
angles the way I’d been taught this past summer.
Even though the parlor had a 1950s décor, it was a new addition
to the city of Nogales. The overhead fans kept the space cool, and the clack,
clack, clack rhythm echoed in the empty shop. The checkered floor was a nice
contrast to the deep red booths and bar stools. The walls were adorned with
vintage signage and photos of Nogales landmarks. A Wurlitzer jukebox stood
proudly by the front entrance. On any other day, it would be a place I’d like
to visit with my boyfriend, Caedon.
My four other STAFF teammates were walking around performing the
various tasks assigned to them. It was our first case, and I prayed we’d do a
kick-ass job, because there was still hope and a chance to impact her fate.
Today, we were at the ice cream shop to act as free consultants
for the Nogales PD and to learn about forensics firsthand. Our first team
objective was to form no judgments or conclusions before all the facts were in.
We would then create a crime scene analysis and summary to forward on to the
detective in charge of the investigation. He’d give us his feedback, and that
would factor into our grade.
Objectivity was key. Quick-draw conclusions could lead you down
the wrong path and to the home of…oh, I don’t know, let’s say…my high school
principal. Principal Tamez still hadn’t forgiven me and never would. Ponzi
Scheme Boy knew I was onto him, except there was this little thing called
evidence that the police liked to have before arresting anyone for embezzling.
He reeked of dishonesty and was definitely hiding something
underneath that greasy comb-over. One day, I’d find out exactly what he was up
to and find the evidence I needed to put him away.
*****
Giveaway: An eBook of Uncovered !
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