Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in the Salem, Massachusetts area. I have, thus far, published four novels: Dreams Are Unfinished Thoughts—a memoir about being friends with a drug-addicted rock star; Welcome to Parkview—a macabre cerebral-horror novel; Yours Truly, 2095—a time-travel romance novel (which was suggested for a Hugo Award, though it did not make the finalists); and Moonlight City Drive—a supernatural crime-noir detective novel (which is a trilogy, with Part 2 coming in 2019 and Part 3 coming in 2021).
I’m also a vocalist and have released seven albums with my four bands: Yellow #1, Drop Kick Jesus, The Grave Machine, and Transpose.
I’m married to a US Naval Officer, and we have four children. I’m a retired police officer and worked in law enforcement for sixteen years from 2002 – 2018. I’m a self-proclaimed roller coaster junkie, a New England Patriots fanatic, and my favorite color is burnt orange.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Moonlight City Drive (Part 1 in a trilogy)
The album “Adultery” by the band Dog Fashion Disco inspired the story line and characters (it’s a concept album about a detective hunting a killer, and the detective eventually teams up with the killer instead of bringing him in.)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call it unusual, but I occasionally sacrifice some livestock before I write.
… I’m kidding. Just a cup of coffee on hand and some music playing on Shuffle.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King’s whole catalogue, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, Clive Barker, Poe, Anne Rice, and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume.
What are you working on now?
Part 2 and Part 3 of the Moonlight City Drive trilogy, and then I’ll be tackling a historical-fiction novel about a soldier returning home from the Falklands War with PTSD and survivor guilt.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, right now.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t ever think your self-edit should be the final draft. Always hire a professional editor before you publish (and beta readers and proofreaders DO NOT replace a real edit.)
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let the reader fill in the blanks; you don’t need to describe every little detail.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Paone Website
Brian Paone Amazon Profile
Brian Paone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account