We’re pleased to have Christopher Krovatin stop by to tell us more about his latest novel, FREQUENCY.

Christopher, what was your inspiration for writing FREQUENCY?

FREQUENCY is based off of the legend of the Pied Piper, which is a dark, bizarre old-world story. But personally, FREQUENCY was inspired by my belief in the power of music. I’m a passionate music lover, and can get swept up by whatever genre hits me the hardest at any given time. So in FREQUENCY, I wanted to write a story that felt like it could be a concept album, and one that shows all the ways music can change a life, for good or for bad.

What scene was really hard for you to write and why, and is that the one of which you are most proud? Or is there another scene you particularly love?

Aw man, don’t make me give it away! Okay, here’s all I’ll say: there’s a scene where Fiona has to confront her father, and she learns a heartbreaking lesson about what it is to love someone. It makes me tear up every time I read it. That’s all I’ll say. Go read the book to find out what I mean!

What book or books would most resonate with readers who love your book–or visa versa?

I’d probably say books like Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist by David Levithan and Rachel Cohen, or even Get In The Van by Henry Rollins—books about music and what it means to grow up.

How long did you work on FREQUENCY?

Six. Years. Definitely the longest it has ever taken me to write a book. The book you read now is suuuper different from my first draft (which, for the record, I hope no one ever reads—the final book is so much better). But I’d like to think the current incarnation of the book stays true to the message that inspired it in the first place.

What did this book teach you about writing or about yourself?

The lesson this book taught me about writing is that a book isn’t done until it’s done. And the lesson it taught me about myself was that I could go the distance and get it done, that I was stronger than I thought. See, FREQUENCY began as a collaboration between myself and Nick Harris, a brilliant storyteller who started a company called The Story Foundation. Nick unfortunately passed away in 2015, and when he died, I thought that the book was dead in the water. But I worked with my agent, editor, and Nick’s widow and partner Melissa, and we forged ahead. And draft by draft, edit by edit, I managed to make FREQUENCY the book it was always meant to be. Honestly, I didn’t know I had it in me until now. But now, if I’m ever up against a writing obstacle, I can tell myself, Well, you got through that. You can get through this.

What do you hope readers will take away from FREQUENCY?

Three things come to mind. First, the world is vast and dark, but you can be a light that shines through it. Second, love is strange, confusing, and tough—but so are you. And finally, in the words of the great Lemmy Kilmister, don’t you listen to a single word against rock and roll.

How long or hard was your road to publication? How many books did you write before this one, and how many never got published?

I’ve been super lucky in my career, and have published several books before this one thanks to the help of many amazing people…but real talk, it never gets any easier. If anything, it gets harder every time! And man, for every book I’ve published, there are two I’ve written that will never see the light of day. But being a writer is like being a shark—if you stop moving forward, you die. So as long as SOME of my work ends up in the hands of readers, I’m happy. And I’m overjoyed that readers will get a chance to check out FREQUENCY.

Was there an AHA! moment along your road to publication where something suddenly sank in and you felt you had the key to writing a novel? What was it?

For this novel, there were a ton of them, but here’s my big career-spanning one. Back in the day, I was what I call a Muse Writer. That’s someone who waits around for inspiration to strike them, and then runs to his room (or office, or coffee shop, or whatever) to scribble ideas down. And one day, in college, I realized that I was getting very little actual writing done. So I forced myself to start writing 1,000 words a day, which I still do. A lot of it was trash, sure, but some really great things came out of it, too. That’s my big AHA moment—realizing that writing is work.

What’s your writing ritual like? Do you listen to music? Work at home or at a coffee shop or the library, etc?

First: coffee! My brain is an engine, and must have fuel! Then, music, which for me means METAL! For writing, I usually err on the side of thrash and death metal; those kinetic rhythms help drive me along. Finally, to get my best work done, I need a space of my own with a desk in front of a window. A private burrow allows me to escape into my own world, and a view gives me something to stare out of when I need a brief jolt of inspiration from the outside world. Sure, I can crank out a little work at a café or airport if I need to, but to get my best work done, I need to be alone in a space that I’ve made my own.

What advice would you most like to pass along to other writers?

Write every day. Write just to practice writing. Write about the people you love, and the people you hate. Write how you talk—let Lovecraft sound like Lovecraft, you should sound like you. Write silly ideas and ridiculous jokes only you get. Write in a journal to get your thoughts out. If you only get ten good words out of a day, that’s ten words you didn’t have before. Just write, always. And when you’re not writing, read, because that’s the only way your writing will get better.

What are you working on now?

Nice try, dude. No way am I falling for this one.

Christopher Krovatin is the author of several young adult and middle-grade novels, as well as one non-fiction book about the history of heavy metal. Chris (you can call him Chris) has also written for publications and sites including MetalSucks.net (as Emperor Rhombus), Noisey, Revolver, Invisible Oranges (as Scab Casserole), Rolling Stone, and Boulder Weekly.

Chris is a lifelong devotee of horror and heavy metal, and has dedicated his life to telling stories that make losers, weirdos, and indoor kids feel a little less alone. His year revolves around Halloween.

Chris lives in New York City with his fiancé, his record collection, and a plastic bag filled with other plastic bags.

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Have you had a chance to read FREQUENCY yet? Do you write every day? Do you write about the people you love and the people you hate? Share your thoughts about the interview in the comments!

Happy Reading,

Jocelyn, Halli, Martina, Erin, Susan, Shelly, Kelly, Laura, Emily, and Lori Ann