Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Tom Batt
Book Title: Street Siren
Released: 10/16/22
Genre: Crime Fiction Novella
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Street Siren”?
Batt: I wanted to tell a revenge story with a strong female lead character going up against the patriarchy. Why a revenge tale? The quest for revenge is something we’ve probably all experienced. Every one of us has been wronged in some way or another in our lives and have wanted to get our own back, so I knew the story would be in some way relatable. Also, some of the best tales in history have featured revenge from Shakespeare’s Hamlet to Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. The main influence however was the comic book, The Crow by James O’Barr, following Eric Draven’s pursuit to hunt down those responsible for his and his girlfriend’s murder.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Batt: The main protagonist is called Devlin and it’s a name I had in my head for a while wanting to use it for a character. When I started developing this idea it felt like a perfect fit. For the other characters I would scour lists of names until I came to one that seemed appropriate.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Batt: The book actually started out as a screenplay (hence why it has a filmic feel to the structure) but I didn’t have any luck in getting it made. I decided to adapt it into a novella and self-publish in order to see how people reacted to it and so far it’s been quite positive. Perhaps one day it will still be made into a film.
If "Steet Siren" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Batt: For the protagonist Devlin I imagine someone like Elle Fanning or Maisie Williams. Both can play vulnerable, but also tough and determined. The main antagonist Patrick I see being played by James Norton.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Batt: I try not to worry too much and not get stressed about it. I find out things inspire me, so I watch films, tv shows, read books and that gets the creative juices flowing again.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Batt: If your work gets negative reviews don’t let it get you down. You can’t please everyone and there will always be someone out there who likes it. Even the greatest stories ever written have their critics.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Batt: I seem to gravitate toward crime and thriller, but I’ll read anything if the story sounds interesting enough. My favourite book is The Count of Monte Cristo. In terms of favourite author I find it hard to pin point a single one, but authors I’ve gone back to regularly are Ben Elton, Megan abbott and Dan Brown.
What are you working on next?
Batt: I’m currently working on a couple of novellas.
Learn More About the Author and Street Siren here:
https://twitter.com/picklez4uk
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Find it for purchase here or on Kindle Unlimited
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