Hello and happy (observed) Juneteenth!
Today we have another Kindle Vella author.
For those of you unfamiliar, Vella is a platform through Amazon which allows authors to put up one chapter (episode) at a time, and readers follow along.
Cathy Greco is an aspiring young(ish) writer/actor with a strange sense of reality. She honestly thinks it’s possible to pursue a writing career, maintain an acting career, raise three children, and fight off an encroaching zombie horde all at the same time. (Although sometimes she does get the children and the zombies confused.) She also writes under the pen name Cameo MacPherson.
A graduate of St. Vincent College in Pennsylvania, Cathy is proud to have put her degree in Advertising/Communications to absolutely no use, and she hopes to continue doing so.
Links/Social Media:
Twitter and Instagram: @cameomacpherson
FB: @CatherineGreco
Book links:
As Cameo MacPherson
Dead Sexy https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0B2KKHWBZ
Dead In Bed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009P8NTUQ
As Cathy Greco
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I don’t know if it was the first time, but my desire to write was definitely strengthened by my life as an aspiring actor. I’ve always enjoyed acting, but I’m limited by the types of parts available to me based on age, gender, appearance, and, of course, my lack of any great talent. When I’m writing a story, I don’t have to worry about any of that. I get the chance to step into each character’s head and hopefully bring them to life in a way the reader will find satisfying.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write under two different names – Cathy Greco and Cameo MacPherson, because they each have their own v styles. Very distinct styles. Cathy tends to be more serious (and probably a little cleaner) while Cameo has a more sarcastic sense of humor and is a little… let’s say, earthier.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Reading, of course… video games, mostly JRPG… ballroom dancing… hanging out with friends and family… and (gives beauty pageant wave) trying to make the world a better place through random acts of kindness and a lot of baked goods.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I’m constantly surprised by how my characters seem to take on a life of their own. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been writing a scene and a character insists on saying or doing something I hadn’t planned on. I always say I’m discovering the book as I go along, and I can’t wait to finish writing each story so I can find out how everything turns out.
How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
I’ve written 4 and 7/8 books. The 7/8 is a space opera with a romantic thread which hopefully will be finished in the next month. As for my favorite, I’m going to have to say it’s the next one I’ll be working on - whatever it is I eventually decide to write about.
Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Don’t be afraid to take chances. Write the story you want to write even if you think no one will like it. Read your dialogue out loud to see if it sounds right to the ear. And for goodness’ sake, use contractions. It’s amazing how many new writers avoid them for fear of not sounding “literate” enough.
Do you like to create books for adults?
Adults… kids… farm animals… I’ll write for anyone who likes to read.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Overthinking. And not using contractions.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Persona 6. The day it comes out, I’m taking a hiatus from writing until I finish the game. I’ll probably be doing more than one play-through, too.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
See above. Not really a pseudonym, more of a different aspect of my personality.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I try not to worry about it. I let the story go where it wants to go.
Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
Definitely. Every story has it’s own voice and its own audience. Some stories are meant to be told with high emotion; others are better served by a more detached or analytical approach. The world would be a boring place if all stories had to be told the same way.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you building a body of work with connections between each book?
Each book stands on its own, but I always develop the worlds with a plan to let me expand them further.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
I don’t know if it’s under-appreciated, as a lot of people love it, but Christopher Moore’s The Stupidest Angel has the most perfect chapter ever written. I want to say it’s Chapter 23, but you’ll know it when you see it.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
While my family insists I’m part cat, I would have to choose a platypus for my spirit animal. It’s a little bit of everything thrown together, but somehow, it works.
What does literary success look like to you?
I’m not sure if I’d call it literary success, but I’ve always dreamed of being invited to a convention and seeing people I don’t know cosplaying my characters.
What do you have coming next? I have a space opera with a strong romantic thread coming soon. If you like Han Solo or Malcolm Reynolds, just wait till you meet Logan Kane.
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