D.C. Greschner – Author Q&A
D.C. Greschner has degrees in biology, music, and education. She has a plethora of work experience, including ecotoxicology lab biologist, vocal coach, as well as a stint teaching English in China, where she began writing Out of Tune as a coping mechanism. Currently, she is a high school science teacher and a film, television, and musical theater performer. Greschner has always been creative and involved in storytelling, from her days as a child clacking out stories on her mother’s old-school typewriter to composing a musical about werewolves. Out of Tune is her first novel. She lives in Victoria, Canada with her partner and their cats.
D.C. Greshner can be found at:
Website: dcgreschner.com
Bluesky: @dcgreschner.bsky.social
Instagram: @the_gresch
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555582517837
Tell me what inspired you to write your (debut) novel?
I had recently finished music school and was teaching English in China, feeling frustrated about how difficult it is to make a living as a musician. I was thinking about how music is so important in society and it holds everything together. Then I thought, what if it LITERALLY holds everything together, as in, all matter in the universe? This random idea became the premise for my debut novel, Out of Tune.
What came first the characters or the world?
The world. It started with the premise of the universe going out of tune, and then was influenced by the news and all of the chaos going on in world politics, especially with regards to the battle between capitalism and climate change. The characters came after that.
How hard was it to get your first (debut) book published?
I queried literary agents for over a year with radio silence, so I decided to self-publish. The hard part about self-publishing was funding it, so I did a Kickstarter campain and I’m very grateful that so many friends and family members, and even a couple of strangers, contributed so generously.
How long did it take to write?
8 years, but a very off-and-on 8 years. There were long periods of time when I didn’t write at all, like when I was in school completing my teaching certification and then when I had my first full-time teaching contract. I got the majority of the writing done during covid lockdown.
Do you have a writing playlist? If so do you want to share it?
Nope. I write in silence.
How many publishers turned you down?
I only queried literary agents, not publishers, but… maybe 50?
What kind of reactions have you had to your book?
So far, the reactions have been few in number, but very positive. It has 4.86 stars on Goodreads and 5 stars on Amazon. I would like to increase the numbers of reviews though.
What’s the favourite reaction you’ve had to your book?
My friend told me, “No offense, I knew you were smart, but this is ACTUALLY really good!” I’ve had similar reactions from a few friends, who all seem surprised that my book isn’t shit, lol.
Would you ever consider writing outside your current genre?
Absolutely. In fact, as a performer, I’d like to try scriptwriting and I don’t think that would end up being sci-fi. Definitely comedic, though.
Out of Tune
What did you do before (or still do) you became a writer?
I’m a high school science teacher. Previously, I taught music lessons privately and worked in an ecotoxicology lab. Prior to that, I’ve had SO many menial jobs, I can’t keep track. Serving, catering, secretarial work, etc.
Which genres do you read yourself?
Mostly sci-fi. I like reading the old classics, like Ray Bradbury, H.G. Wells, and Arthur C. Clarke. I love dystopian and horror elements mixed in, so naturally I’m into Stephen King and Michael Crichton. I DO branch out from sci-fi/ speculative fiction occasionally. I haven’t gotten into romance yet, but I am a cat lady approaching middle age, so it’s only a matter of time.
What will always distract you?
My cats.
What were your favourite childhood books?
Goosebumps!!!
Do you have any rituals when writing?
I have to clean my whole apartment first. Ritual or procrastination? I’ll leave that open for interpretation.
How many books are in your own physical TBR pile?
At least 15. I keep going to book fairs and markets and trading books with other authors. I can’t keep up!
What is your current or latest read?
I’m currently ARC reading Red Demon, by Sill Bihagia. It comes out in August, 2025.
Any events in the near future?
I’m diving into the world of markets this summer. I’ll be vending at the Moss Street Market, James Bay Market, and Sidney Street Market (for anyone on Southern Vancouver Island in Canada). I’ll also be at the Victoria Halloween Market in October.
