Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Joshua Crosson

Book Title: Trainwreck Daughters

Released:  08/02/24

Genre:  Thriller Novella

Interview by Heather L. Barksdale

What inspired you to write “Trainwreck Daughters”?

Crosson: The inspiration for Trainwreck Daughters stemmed from the concept of two distinct characters embarking on divergent character arcs. I envisioned Valerie, who begins the story filled with hatred, and Justine, who starts from a place of love, only to end up consumed by hatred. Valerie, who initially despises men, ultimately finds herself falling in love with one. In contrast, Justine, deeply in love with a man, ends up taking a tragic turn. This exploration of contrasting emotional journeys sparked the creation of the novel. The story was initially much longer, but after struggling to find a place to publish it, I decided to condense it into a novella. Thankfully, I found a publisher who believed in the project.

How did you come up with the names of your main characters?

Crosson: The name Valerie Wolfe was inspired by Valerie Solanas, who authored SCUM Manifesto, a radical text that critiques male-dominated society and calls for a radical transformation. I imagined what it would be like if someone like Solanas, who harbored deep resentment toward men, were to fall in love with one. As for Justine, her name simply felt right, though the inspiration for it is not as clear.

Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?

Crosson: My writing process is ever-evolving and often unpredictable. Some days, writing flows easily, while others, it feels like a monumental challenge. At this moment, I’m grappling with a period of creative struggle, where even the act of writing feels like an uphill battle. Writing has become a necessity I can’t abandon, even if it’s difficult. I’m also juggling the demands of pursuing a nursing degree while working in the field. While I don’t find great satisfaction in my day job, writing remains my true passion, and my ultimate goal is to transition into a full-time writing career.

If "Trainwreck Daughters" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?

Crosson: I don’t have a particular answer for this one, to be honest. I don’t think I’ve given much thought to casting as I tend to focus more on the writing itself.

When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?

Crosson: My writing process fluctuates, and right now, I’m experiencing a low point. In these moments, I force myself to write, even if the words don’t come easily or if I end up discarding the work. The key is to remain engaged with the process, even if it feels difficult. I find that pushing through it, rather than giving up, is the best way to get past the block.

Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?

Crosson: At the moment, I’m in need of advice myself. I don’t have any profound wisdom to offer right now, as I’m just pushing myself to keep writing through a challenging phase. However, I do believe persistence is essential. Even when it feels impossible, continuing to write—no matter how difficult—is crucial to moving forward.

What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?

Crosson: Lately, I’ve been immersed in the Max Payne graphic novels based on the video game series, listening to them on my commute to work. I’m drawn to genres like noir, crime, and horror, often with a blend of the three. Right now, I’m reading American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis, which is a dark, visceral, and beautifully crafted novel that I deeply admire. It’s the kind of writing that I aspire to emulate in my own work.

What are you working on next?

Crosson: I’m currently working on a dark, deeply personal novel titled The Burnmaker. It’s still in its early stages, and I estimate it will take at least another year to complete. It’s shaping up to be a large, bleak novel, but one that feels incredibly honest. It falls within the noir and horror genres, blending elements of both. I’m excited about it, as it aligns with the type of books I’m passionate about and would love to see more of in the literary world.

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