Sam Evans has crafted an incredible story with In the Woods Somewhere, and today, she’s here to share her journey! From the inspiration behind the book to the highs and lows of indie publishing, we get a peek into what it takes to be an independent author.

Let’s dive in.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

In the Woods Somewhere is my first published book, but not the first book I’ve written–I have two others sitting in my backlog! In the Woods Somewhere is a neo-noir mystery centered around Stevie Diaz, who’s a 911 operator. The central mystery kicks off when Stevie answers a 911 call and hears what she believes is her ex-best friend’s death.

When I’m not writing books as quickly as I can think of ideas, I’m usually reading, outside hiking with my dogs, attending concerts, or working my day job to support my writing habit. I’m a lover of coffee and baked goods. And I think any song can be improved with the addition of a cello. I dream about learning to play one someday.

2. Wow, that’s quite a lineup… Do you play any instruments?

I’ve dabbled with the piano in the past, but I’ve never had any formal lessons, so it’s always just been what I could pick up and figure out how to play by ear. I’ve never been very good, but it’s still fun.

3. OK, pitch your book in one or two sentences.

Stevie Diaz makes a lot of bad decisions—foremost among them was the decision to become a 911 operator, a job that forces her to listen to the worst moments of people’s lives. One night, the worst moment of someone’s life puts her on the line with her ex-best friend as she’s murdered. Now, Stevie has to solve the crime before falling victim to the murderer.

4. What kind of readers would love this book?

In the Woods Somewhere is for mystery lovers who like a hefty dose of noir ambiance and a bit of romance mixed in with their mystery. It should especially appeal to people who find their home in the messiest parts of life.

5. Sounds good… Now, what’s the story behind your story?

There are a bunch of little things that combined to form the ideas behind In the Woods Somewhere. I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts, and many of those stories begin with a call to 911. Often, the 911 operator’s voice is the first one you hear, but after the initial call, you don’t tend to hear from them again. The way they deal with and process the things they hear isn’t usually considered.

Furthermore, there are many instances where 911 operators answer calls from people they know, as the calls tend to come from the communities they live in. I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be in that situation, and have the worst possible outcome happen, yet be unable to do anything about it. What would you do after that?

6. Ohkay, what’s one scene or character from this book that sticks with you?

Nancy, Andy’s mom, has a very limited amount of page time within the book, but I think she makes an impact. She’s an interesting character who isn’t necessarily the nicest or easiest of people to like, but she’s important–not just within In the Woods Somewhere, but also in the sequel, Down by the Water.

7. Oh, how about you tell us something about its sequel now?

Down by the Water picks up a few months after the end of In the Woods Somewhere and follows Stevie as she tries to repair the mess she’s made of her life while simultaneously having to serve on the jury of a high-profile trial. Even though she should know better by this point, when the details surrounding the trial don’t quite make sense, Stevie can’t help but dig into the case outside of what’s presented in the courtroom.

8. OK, indie publishing is quite a journey! How has the ride been for you?

I didn’t expect to meet so many amazing people doing such amazing things. It really does feel like a community in a way that I didn’t expect. I would say that marketing is hard, but do the best you can with it. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, you’ll probably end up walking away with new friends.

9. So true… And what part of the book gave you the hardest time to write?

The hardest scenes in the book to write were the ones where one of the characters feels betrayed by the other, but they’re trying to work through it anyway. It was challenging to balance the feelings of recent betrayal with the longstanding history and love shared by the characters. Some of those chapters were rewritten upwards of half a dozen times. It was really just a matter of redoing it again and again until it felt realistic and honest.

10. What’s one weird or unexpected thing you Googled while writing this book?

I spent quite a bit of time researching places outside–which are not gun ranges–where you are legally allowed to fire a gun. The results were… interesting.

11. I’m curious, what are those places?

Usually, they are on state and county websites. I often reference actual public government documents when available, and I have read more than one set of city ordinances to figure out the particular legalities surrounding certain activities. I like to adhere as closely to reality as I can.

12. Now, for all the aspiring indie authors out there. What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you?

However hard you expect marketing to be, it’s going to be harder. There may never be a time (at least there hasn’t been for me) when you feel like you know what you’re doing and you’re doing okay at it. All I can really say about marketing is that I keep trying. And I try not to let the fact that I’m not very good at it bother me.

13. Ohkayzz, and where can readers find you and your book?

I am on so many social media things! I wasn’t on any social media prior to this, really, and it feels like chaos. Mostly good chaos, but chaos.

My website is sam-evans.me. All social links are available on Linktree.

Apart from those, you can find my books on:

• Amazon author page
• Goodreads author page

If the books sound like your kind of read, be sure to check them out! Support indie authors by grabbing a copy and leaving a review!

PS… What’s your go-to writing snack or ritual?

I am made of chaos. I don’t have any regular snacks or rituals. I write on my laptop, I write on my phone, I write in borrowed moments. I try to write something each day, but sometimes life forces me to miss a day. I will say I most often write in bed or on my couch, though.

And that’s a wrap.

Want to see more indie author stories? Stay tuned for more interviews…