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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Mutated Files: Case One?

When I was about thirteen or fourteen, my older sister bought a poster of a character from a popular tv show at the time. I had the thought, what if the man suddenly jumped out of the poster? What if it was another world inside and he was stuck? And then I remembered a few years prior I was terrified of zombies. So, I figured I'd write a book about a world in the distant future filled with zombies and other monsters, that this man was trapped in. If I'd never seen that poster, I may not have had the idea. I recently rewrote this book, as I originally wrote it at fourteen. The original version is terrible, haha.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Mutated Files: Case One, what would they be?

For my villain, Keith Jacobs, his would definitely be "Zombie" by The Cranberries. I'm not sure about the others, but I'm definitely sure of the villain. He is my favorite character in the book, and I enjoyed developing his character and his scenes.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read is fantasy, tied with science fiction. I'll pretty much read anything if it sounds interesting enough. As for favorite genre to write, probably fantasy as well. But I'll write anything that strikes my fancy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Hmm, right now I'm trying to finish the Vampire Kisses series by Ellen Schreiber. After that I might read Monster High. Who knows?

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That's a tough one as I really enjoyed writing the whole thing. If I had to choose, I'd say probably a scene from the second to last chapter, where the protagonists have to defend themselves against a very angry and inhuman Keith Jacobs, the villain.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I used to only be able to write if I was chewing gum. I always have to write with a certain type of blue ink pen. And it has to be in blue ink. I simply cannot write with any other color ink pen for some reason.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

You can't live in fear. Write what you want, when you want. Write books that you would want to read.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Villains are made, not born.

Rachel E. Croxton is the author of the new book Mutated Files: Case One

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Mist in the Garden (The Zodiac Files Book 1) ?

All of my stories start with characters. I’ve been watching reruns of classic X-Files and just love the dynamic between Mulder and Scully, and the monster-of-the-week style, so I really wanted to update this concept for my readers, keeping to my usual mystery/thriller genre. The character of Zodiac Jones has been lurking around my mind for ages and I’m so glad I am finally bringing her out onto the page.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Both my reading and writing focus more on vibe, characters and writing style rather than straight-up genre. I love to write stories that I want to read, stories that I haven’t seen a hundred times. I love a good mystery or thriller in any genre- sci-fi, fantasy, supernatural, spy, or anything with exciting, twisty plots that build up with lots of layers and fabulous characters!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Top of my pile is The Notorious Scarlett and Browne series by Jonathan Stroud. Loved the first book so much! (Found it after devouring the entire Lockwood & Co. series.) Then I hope to dig into Starter Villain by John Scalzi. Which makes it seem like I have a fondness for guys named “John” with “S” last names, which maybe I do, but I branch out to the whole alphabet and all the names, I promise!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I had (at least!) 2. I loved creating the scene where Zoey and Jacob meet for the first time- Zoey’s sass and Jacob’s earnestness really presented themselves in that one. And the end scene in the chapter, "Release",  where Zoey makes a big decision- it felt like a strong payoff for her character but I won’t spoil it. I also really enjoyed all the spooky scenes involving the mist itself. It’s so fun to write moody!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

One day a week, I go to a local coffee shop where they know me well. I always have an oatmilk chai latte and a chia bowl and sit and write for a few hours. My favorite place! The rest of the week is usually at home, but I find the dining room table a lot more comfortable than the desk in our home office. I'm surrounded by plants and sunlight at the dining table, maybe that's why, but it always helps me focus, as does my guardian black cat, Moki, who loves to sit just on the other side of my laptop screen and inspire me. My fluffy muse.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Nothing quippy, but I try to live by the idea that no one is a stereotype and that respect and kindness are a lot stronger than pettiness and cruelty (and that being kind doesn’t mean being a doormat.)

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Oh, good question! One thing I’d like readers to take away from the book is that you don’t have to be a superhero or a ‘chosen one’ to be strong. In Zodiac, I wanted to create a character who is real, flawed, and yet so strong and entirely herself. With Jacob, I wanted a strong young man who isn’t toxic. Madame is a mom doing her best… different kinds of strength all stem from the idea that you don’t give up on the people you love, including yourself.

Terri Selting David is the author of the new book The Mist in the Garden (The Zodiac Files Book 1)

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