Reader Views – Interview
Raven W: When I was younger, my favorite author was Stephen King. The first book I read was
IT. The book scared the hell out of me. Then I read THE SHINING, which still is one of my
favorites of all time. Recently, I’ve been reading a lot of Dean Koontz novels. I like to see what my
competition is writing. It helps me stay original. Over the last few years, I have mostly only read
Biology and Astronomy textbooks. It’s been kind of boring but you would be surprised where one
can find inspiration.
Juanita: I have read that you have an alter ego named Raven C. Night. Tell us a little about your
differing personalities and respective writing styles.
Raven W: When I was younger I used to get in trouble a lot because I would always write about
evil things, at least that is what all of my teachers used to say. I used to tell them that the truth is the
most horrific fiction there is, and that is why sometimes it is so hard to believe. I was tired of getting
in trouble so I created an alter ego. I made him a lot like me but with a little more compassion and
sympathy. The altered identity started out as a joke but after awhile I stopped getting in trouble and
ironically enough, I was receiving praise.
My teachers thought I was a changed person and stopped sending me to the principal’s office. My
father was happy because he no longer had to come down to the school, even though it actually never
really bothered him. He always supported me, regardless of what I did. My name is Raven W.
Night. My alter ego, I named Raven C. Night. I would sign my name either way, depending on
which writing style I was using. No one ever seemed to notice. I only changed my middle initial. It
seems like a small thing but over the years it has become so much more. Now that I am older and no
longer have incredulous teachers lurking over my shoulder, I write with both names. I am not crazy,
but I do feel that each person has a good side and a bad side. I just gave my good side a different
name and have maintained that name even in adulthood.
Juanita: Is there any of you in the characters of “13 Days?”
Raven W: There is a little of me in each character. Of course, after you read the book you might
find that statement a little disturbing. Especially considering one of the characters is a serial killer. I
am not so much the gruesome part of each character. I am more the underlying curiousness in each
of them; the relentless seeker of truth. Then again, after a couple of drinks that all changes. Just
kidding. That was my sad attempt at humor. I know, it was pathetic.
Juanita: Reviewers are hailing “13 Days” as being an edge of your seat thriller, keeping them
completely terrified throughout. Why do we like to be so frightened?
Raven W: I am not sure why people in general like to be frightened, but I know why I liked to be
frightened. I like the feeling of having no control. I like not knowing what to expect next. My brain
is always racing, trying to figure out what is going on but never really finding an answer. Scary
stories offer me a sense of escape from an otherwise redundantly boring world. Perhaps fans of this
type of genre feel the same way.
Juanita: What would you like your readers to be left with after reading “13 Days?”
Raven W: I just want people to be entertained and of course, wanting more. I am here to satisfy
the fans and nothing more.
Juanita: Your readers are undoubtedly eager to read your next book. Do you have another in the
works?
Raven W: I am halfway done with my second novel. It is called Humanity Corporation. In a
constantly declining world of morality, taking place sometime in the near future, a law is passed
making it mandatory to abort the fetus of any child born with any type of handicap or mental
disability. Humanity Corporation is responsible for the passing of this law. Unfortunately, there
already exists a world full of physically and mentally handicapped people. These people are being
victimized everyday, especially after the passing of the law. They have become lepers in a non-biblical
world of hypocrisy. There are twists in the story, of course. There is a woman named Faith who
was born mentally retarded when she was a child but now in her adult life, she is not. She seeks
revenge on Humanity Corporation and all those who have betrayed her. Her tactics are relentlessly
shocking and macabre. Another man named Kevin Grave has lost his memory and strange things
keep happening around him- Death, Murderers, Time distortions, and Aliens. His journey revolves
around trying to fit together the pieces of the puzzle. The answer to all of the mysteries is somewhere
inside of Humanity Corporation.
Juanita: Sounds like another edge-of-you- seat thriller. I know your reader will be anxiously
awaiting “Humanity Corporation.” Thank you Raven W., for sharing your thoughts with us today.
How can fans reach you, and do you have any last thoughts for your readers?
Raven W: My website is http://ravenwnight.com You can view free chapter previews for 13 DAYS
on this page, as well as some other short stories that I have written. As for my readers, I thank you
for your interest and support and hope that I continue to give you nightmares in the future.
Juanita Watson is the Assistant Editor for Reader Views
