Q&A: Travis Thrasher

You think you know what’s gonna happen? That’s cute. It’s also unfortunate because Travis Thrasher doesn’t write what’s expected. In his YA novel series Solitary Tales, Travis weaves the stories of Chris Buckley as he, in turn, unravels the secrets of his town, his school, his family and, ultimately, himself. And, in true Thrasher style, the journey is full of twists, turns and surprises that you’ll never see coming.
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOUR SERIES THE SOLITARY TALES?

My first few books were love stories while my latest works had been more in the horror vein (quite a contrast). I had always wanted to write a teen series and I decided to blend these two genres to create The Solitary Tales.

Q: ALTHOUGH YOUR BOOK IS FICTION – WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF SOME ELEMENTS IN THE BOOK THAT CAME FROM REAL LIFE?
I went to four high schools, so I was a new student three different times. I also lived in Western North Carolina, where The Solitary Tales take place.

Q: FACT VS. FICTION – WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME EXAMPLES IN YOUR NOVEL WHERE YOU TOOK SOME LIBERTIES WITH THE FACTS?
Nowhere. Everything is based on complete fact and reality. Especially the demon dogs. And people coming back from the dead. And secret places “in between” our reality that nobody else sees. Like I said, everything is real.

Q: WHAT DO YOU WANT READERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK?
I want them to see the struggle of a teenager through a harrowing experience. Not just Chris’s battle against dark forces but also against his lack of faith and his doubt. These four books are about Chris Buckley’s coming to age and his spiritual journey.

Q: HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHICH STORY TO WRITE?
I came up with the series idea at one sitting and mapped out the story. It’s changed a lot but in many ways it’s one large story spanning four books. Every book has its own feeling and vibe, but the story starts in book one and ends in book four.