We chat with debut author Wendy Parris about Field of Screams, which is a new pulse-pounding supernatural mystery about twelve-year-old Rebecca, who has always wanted to hunt ghosts . . . until she meets one.
Hi, Wendy! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Absolutely! I grew up in the Midwest and have a degree in radio/TV/film from Northwestern University. After college, I acted for a few years in Chicago, though I supported myself by freelancing in media relations for major p/r firms. I have one grown son and a daughter in college, and my husband and I live in the Chicago area.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I was a huge reader as a kid. My mom saved all of her childhood books, so I had a library to choose from. And she encouraged me to write. When I was in fifth grade I wrote half of a Nancy Drew-inspired mystery called The Secret at Meadow Winds (when you read my debut, you’ll recognize that name). I never finished it, but I do still have the tattered spiral notebook that contains the first ten chapters.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
First book: well, the first “big kid” book I read by myself was a Nancy Drew Mystery called The Haunted Bridge.
The one that made me want to become a writer: Harriet the Spy.
One I can’t stop thinking about: I recently read a great middle grade horror book by Dan Poblocki, Tales to Keep You Up at Night. It’s so inventive. A sequel of sorts More Tales to Keep You Up at NIght, comes out later this month.
Your debut novel, Field of Screams, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Haunting, nightmarish, poignant, secret-filled, and atmospheric.
What can readers expect?
A good, old-fashioned ghost story with some tween angst, family secrets, and real emotion.
Where did the inspiration for Field of Screams come from?
One summer day in 2012 I was visiting family in Clear Lake, Iowa and took a bike ride. I rode around the lake, through some woods, and down a lonely country road—and came across an abandoned farmhouse. I was absolutely fascinated, so I jumped off my bike and took a ton of pictures (no, I did not go inside – it was really falling apart). That farmhouse sparked my imagination and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. So I decided to write a ghost story about.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing the scenes in the attic. Who isn’t intrigued by a mysterious place chock full of secrets and possible clues? I also enjoyed conjuring up interior of the abandoned farmhouse in my mind. And it was great fun creating the developing friendship—and instant crush—between Rebecca and Nick.
This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Long and winding. After that bike ride in 2012, I spent years working on the craft of writing, networking with other writers, going to conferences/workshops, and competing in writing contests. It took a few years to get an agent…then that agent left the industry and it took me over a year to get another one. I was on submission to editors for two years with two different books before I got my book deal.
What’s next for you?
My next book, Stage Fright, is another spooky middle grade novel with Delacorte Press and comes out in Fall 2024. It’s about a group of thirteen year olds trapped in haunted theater.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Absolutely! If you’re into spooky middle grade, I love the new Monsterious series from Matt McMann and Peril at Price Manor by Laura Parnum. I’m really looking forward to The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella Winans. As far as YA horror goes, I recently read and loved The Wicked Unseen by Gigi Griffiths and can’t wait for both There’s No Way I’d Die First by Lisa Springer and If I Have to be Haunted by Miranda Sun.
