Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I’ve been writing for a good chunk of my life so far; about 15 years, to be specific. I started by writing fanfiction in different fandoms (So Weird, Harry Potter, and Wizards of Waverly Place, to name a few), and somewhere along the way, I discovered my talent for writing horror.
I finished my first book, Nightmares & Horrors, under a pseudonym (after an artist in one of my favorite movies), but after much deliberation, I decided to produce another version of the same book under my own name.
The result was Nightmares & Horrors Volume 1: Demons, a re-branded book with new stories and a fancy new cover illustration.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In my time online, I encountered a lot of people who said that they want a book where unrelated stories are tied together with a common thread, and I was finally able to achieve that back in February 2015 when I finished Nightmares & Horrors.
The stories are inspired by different things. Some came out of nowhere, but some were a bit more personal. Fun fact: almost all of the characters are named after people I know.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not more than any other writer, I’d say.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dean Koontz and Stephen King are two big ones, but writers for shows like The Twilight Zone and American Horror Story also inspire me.
What are you working on now?
Nightmares & Horrors Volume 2: Sins & Tragedies. It’s a 9-story set about the Seven Deadly Sins, as only Nightmares & Horrors can do them.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote heavily through Maniacal Writings, my Facebook page, but I also use Twitter, Tumblr, and even LinkedIn. Of course, word of mouth is invaluable and has accounted for all of my sales so far (both of them).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let the perceived competition and inevitable rejection get you down. If you keep writing, you’ll keep your passion for your craft burning bright and the rest will fall into place.
Oh, and lightning doesn’t always strike the first time. Keep putting out material; that way, if one book gets popular, the rest will sell themselves.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Accomplishment doesn’t have an expiration date.
What are you reading now?
God of the Dead by Elias Anderson.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting my book, of course, and working on the next project!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder
The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe
The Complete Works of Shakespeare
The Necronomicon
Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Lovato Website
Christopher Lovato Amazon Profile
Christopher Lovato’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account