Thanks to Twitter, I have met an awesome author: Tori Scott.
AM: Reading Four Houses, I wondered if the deconstructed narration inspired you to write the story first or did you think of your plot the ‘traditional’ way and then explored with structure?
Tori Scott: I started by thinking of the plot the traditional way. I was actually listening to a trippy song and had this vision of a girl standing before two houses. The more I thought on it, the more I liked the idea of the girl being surrounded by houses, and those houses being choices. Later that night, I was lying in bed thinking about the story. Then it just hit me, and the idea for the more unique structure was born.
AM: The broken narrative works so well with the creepy atmosphere. I’m ALWAYS listening to music when I write–I cannot function without it, and depending on the scene/story I’m writing, I play different genres/bands. A fight scene develops so well with Nine Inch Nails, Skinny Puppy and Front Line Assembly, and when I need a sad mood, The Cure, Bauhaus and Chameleons UK provide such rich textures…
I need to know: What was the song–and more importantly, are you often inspired by music? If so, which bands, and do they influence what you write?
Tori Scott: I actually have no idea what the name of the song was. I heard it at a restaurant and spent three days trying to find it online before giving up. Like many writers, music is definitely a source of inspiration. I use it more for particular scenes than I do for entire books or ideas. For example: I listened to Limp Bizkit’s Break Stuff for a recent fight scene. Overall, I like harder rock: System of a Down, Nirvana, Linkin Park. Stuff that gets your blood pumping and the creativity flowing.
AM: Speaking of creativity, you and I share a love of the dark — how did you come about the horror genre?
Tori Scot: Growing up, I watched my mom read everything horror. She is a huge Stephen King fan. On top of that, both she and my sister love horror movies–the bloodier, the better. I also have a love for dark elements, but my work isn’t quite as extreme. I’d say my writing has a touch of dark, whereas a writer like Stephen King is immersed in it.
AM: So should we expect your debut novel to give us chills like your short story Four Houses does?
Tori Scott:My debut, should it get picked up (my agent plans to submit it in September), is more of a dark comedy. Meaning it’s meant to make you laugh, but you know you shouldn’t. It also has romantic elements weaved in. So, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
Tori is represented by Laurie McLean of Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency and you can follow her on twitter and her website.
Anne Michaud 
July 25th, 2011 at 9:13 am
Another great interview! I love dark comedy – my sense of humour is very warped!
July 25th, 2011 at 9:20 am
Tori’s Four Houses is pretty dark, you’d like it…
July 25th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
What a great interview! And that short story sounds luscious! I loved hearing how Tori came up w/the idea. I, too, like to set the tone for my writing through music. Thanks for the inside track into Tori’s rising career, Anne!
July 25th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Her short story is like a song, I highly recommend reading it:)
July 26th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Great interview, girls! Agreed, music is a great inspiration to scenes! Can’t wait for you book to be picked up and released, Tori =)
July 26th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Thanks, Trisha:) It’s gotten to the point where I can’t write properly if I’m not listening to music!!
July 29th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Hey Anne and Tori,
Great interview and I loved the humour within. Also great to see some of the old boys get a look in on the music front. You might also want to try Fields of the Nephilim there Tori.
July 29th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Thanks Gareth! I never forget the elderly;)
July 29th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Music and writing, a beautiful combo. Best of luck Tori and thank you Anne for sharing this interview with us.
Lisa
July 29th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Merci, Lisa;) Check out Four Houses, it’s quite something.
July 29th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Awesome interview, ladies. Wonderful insight into the writing process. Need inspiration for a fight scene? How about The Heavy’s How Do You Like Me Now – from The House That Dirt Built.
July 29th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Noted, Di:) Thanks for stopping by!
July 30th, 2011 at 10:33 am
Excellent inteview Anne, so glad to be introduced to new and upcoming authors.
Tori – loved the cover art! Dark comedy is always the best, and very challenging to write. My fingers crossed for you in september. 🙂
July 30th, 2011 at 11:38 am
Thanks, Tams – I agree that dark comedies are quite the challenge!
July 31st, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Great interview 🙂 I’m intrigued by the book, Amazon doesn’t really give much away as to what it’s about but the interview sheds a little more light on that.
July 31st, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Thanks – you might still be able to get a free copy on Tori’s website…
July 31st, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Wow, great interview. It’s too bad you can’t find the song. I hope you hear it again someday.
Julie/Firewolf
July 31st, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Thanks Julie:)