Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by Lacie Grayson, author of Bad Juju. Welcome to the Showcase Lounge, Lacie.

Lacie Grayson:   Hi.

SPS: For any of our readers that haven’t come across your work previously, can you take a moment to tell us all a little about yourself?

LG: Well, a bit is I have only held one “job” Radio DJ at 17. I’ve been a street circus performer (busker style) working as a hypnotist.  Now I make weird youtube videos and teach people about Chaos Magick. I still DJ, I run an EDM internet radio show called Candybeat.

SPS:  What are your perfect writing conditions, and how often do you write?

LG:  I write a lot, but I’m also busy. Like double booked, so I’ve taken to writing in notebooks and on napkins and putting them in my bag.  Sometimes in bed, Sometimes in the bath with the doors locked. I write daily. To the point where I bother people with it. My friends get annoyed with my constant “notes” and “can you read this for me?”

SPS: Can you put your finger on the moment where you decided that you wanted to publish your work?

LG: I was 8. I had just won the school’s blue ribbon for writing. A story about my dog and me hijacking a spaceship.

 SPS: Why do you think it is that you have found yourself writing in the style that you do?

LG:  Well, I’m sexual, so I think that comes out in my writing. It’s not typical erotica in that it’s sex, and there’s a story. There’s a story, and there’s sex involved.

SPS: What would you say if anything, best differentiates you from other authors?

LG: I’ve been told my writing evokes high amounts of emotion. Probably stemming from my own psychic gifts. Also, I’m not afraid to do things that aren’t “typical” of a writer.  I’ve done stand-up to further my writing.

SPS: Can you take a moment to tell us all about Bad Juju?

LG: It’s about Lux, a snarky medium, who also happens to be a mermaid. Who’s finding herself and unlocking a long-held mystery in the universe. All while balancing love and two jobs.

SPS: Where did your inspiration for Lux’s character and background come from?

LG: Certain parts are me, I guess. Lux is a mixed race character. Something, I’ve not personally seen in urban fantasy. I was looking for that; I couldn’t FIND it so instead of bemoaning about it I did something.

SPS: Why did you decide to write the novel as a collection of short stories merged?

LG: Lux started as a short story. Then another, a few more. I realised one day. They all went together.

SPS: Are you someone who has a strong interest in mediumship?

LG: Yes.

SPS: Are there any other characters of note readers should be on the lookout for?

LG:  Dare. Lux’s Ex Girlfriend. I feel like she’s doing something.

SPS: Can you tell us about the two novellas that make up your latest release?

LG: They both are steampunk and circus themed. One deals with dollification a particular fetish of mine.

SPS: Did you find any restrictions writing in the shorter form?

LG: No. I quite liked it.

SPS: Were you ever tempted to make either novella into a novel?

LG:  Maybe, but perhaps I’ll revisit certain themes.

SPS: What’s next on the self-publishing horizon for yourself?

LG: I’m going to be serialising a story on CandyBeat’s site called Airship Girl and The Space Race. I want to put Lux’s adventures out in paperback, but I think I need help to do that. Something else…but…I’m not allowed to talk about that yet.

SPS: Was the Self-Published/Indie-Published route always your preferred route for your work?

LG: No, I wanted to work at Rolling Stone.

SPS: Has the experience so far been all that you thought it would be?

LG:  It’s had it’s moments. I’ll be honest. I started as a kid. I didn’t care as long as people read me. I still don’t. To me, it’s about telling the story not the brass in your pocket.

SPS: If you could give one piece of advice for someone looking to get into writing, what would it be?

LG: Read, everything. Even things you hate, it’ll make you better. Always meet people, never discount the weird ones we’re awesome.

SPS: Before we bring this interview to a close, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word.

LG: Well, I adore Kneel Downe as I say constantly.  Recently, Tom Lucas, author of Pax Titanus.

SPS: Thank you for joining us today, Lacie, and all the best for the future.

LG:  Ta very much.

SPS: For more information on Lacie Grayson and her work, please do visit her Showcase Author page here.