Christopher Thomas

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Christopher Thomas, known as Christopher E. Thomas in the writing world. I’m twenty-seven years old, and I’m from southern Illinois. I started writing at the age of five and happened to win a horror story contest in kindergarten. I’ve been writing ever since. An interesting fact about me is that I suffer from a rare autoimmune disease called Alopecia Areata, a conditon that causes patches of hair loss. I’ve been asked several times what it’s like to be a writer with the condition or living with the condition in general. I always tell everyone it would be the same circumstances if I were a bank teller or a construction worker or cashier. It’s been rough to live with because of the stares and remarks from others, but it’s only empowered me to write more, which I’m thankful for. Anyway, back on track here. I studied criminal law and creative writing at Southeastern Illinois College as well as theater and directing online. I have written numerous books, but only three that I have self published through KDP on Amazon.com. They are entitled: “Rage Of The Misfits”, “Writer’s Block”, and “January Bones”. I admit I love the freedom of self publishing because I get to make all the rules and bask in that feeling of authority. Yet, like many others, I have a hard time promoting and marketing. That’s my weakness at this point, which is why I’ve been trying to reach out.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled “January Bones”, and its a short horror novel about a demonic, creature-like entity that invades a small town amidst the first coming of snow of winter. It’s an adult novel, like all of my books, and its setting is along the Ohio river much like where I reside. The inspiration for the story actually came to me at the beginning of summer. It was a nasty day, rainy and stormy. It was around dusk when it had finally stopped, and I and my three-year-old son decided to take our evening walk. When we rounded the corner and reached the stop sign at the end of the street, he bent over and pulled something out of the mud. I, being more concerned that he would ruin his clothes, insisted him to stand up. Then he turned around, held up a squirming night crawler, and said “What’s this, daddy?” He repeated the question until I answered. “It’s a worm I said,” to which he humorously replied, “It’s a big worm, daddy.” His words instantly created a series of what ifs. What if worms were gigantic in size? What if this town actually sat on top of a worm bed that decided to unearth? I could literally imagine the destruction these invertebrates would cause if they were to come out of the soil in such a size. Then later that night while I was watching “Paranormal Witness”, an episode about a demonic entity that roamed the hills of Oregon, I had another what if come to mind: What if one of these giant worms I had thought of earlier had the ability to shape shift into something more innocent and unnoticed, like us mortals for example? And after I had all these what ifs in mind, I threw them all together and made a detailed outline because that’s how I work with every project. And in time, “January Bones” had been created.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual writing habits? HA! I guess you could say that. People often ask me where I get my ideas for characters and character names, which I often avoid answering. But I don’t shun their question anymore, no matter how often it is asked. Right before I finish an outline, I take a drive out to Westwood Cemetery and take a long stroll around the circle drive, weaving in and out of the headstones looking for names that stand out. And as odd as that might sound, I happen to develop characters much easier than brainstorming, my last alternative.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many authors have influenced me over the years: Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Dean Koontz, R.L. Stine, Edgar Allan Poe, and Clive Barker to name a few. Although, most of my influence or inspiration just comes naturally. I’m sort of the odd ball in the family when it comes to the craft.

What are you working on now?
I’m actually working on a screenplay for my novelette “Writer’s Block”, which I plan on shooting sometime this fall if everything works out. It’ll be my first attempt at production, but I know the basics and feel confident in my abilities. Besides, we all have to start somewhere. And I am also in the process of beginning another novel entitled “The Heart Of Agatha”, a gothic love story with a grotesque twist. I’m thrilled, very thrilled.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
HA! How ironic is this question? But anyway, although I’m still working on my promoting skills, I find facebook, and amazon to be the most convenient websites to promote, especially amazon because it has all the necessary tools for promoting and advertising.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hmmmm…. All I can say to new authors is determine your path for publishing prior to writing your novels. I actually wish I would have done this. You know, I have submitted to thousands of literary agents and have only received maybe twenty full manuscript requests. And I’m sure many authors think their writing isn’t any good if they get rejected over and over. But that’s not necessarily true. Agents are hard nuts to crack, and everything they receive has to fit their specifications. Not being a good ‘fit’ doesn’t constitute bad writing. Also, have patience with your craft. No one ever woke up and suddenly could write like James Patterson or one of those other big authors. Believe it or not, they have paid their dues. As a freelance editor, I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a mess of a manuscript because an author is in a rush to write and publish. I’ve made this mistake myself. Take your time, polish everything, work with beta readers and critique partners, hire editors for your novel and formatting. It’s well worth the money. And finally, never give up hope. Continue doing what you love.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard actually came from actor Patrick Kilpatrick. His very words were “Don’t forget to drive for that payday while never subverting your art.” And I have taken it to heart.

What are you reading now?
I’m actually in the middle of “The Tommyknockers” right now. It’s a great story, but of course, it is Stephen King. I recommend it to those who have never read any of his books. Actually, I would start with his most noted novel in terms of horror, “Pet Sematary”.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing, keep searching for a way to get out there. My main goal is to get accepted by a publisher. I recently had an appointment with Red Penguin that had to be rescheduled. Hopefully, this will be the ticket I’ve been after for so long.

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?
I would probably bring a how to book or perhaps a survival guide to start with. And then after all of my attempts failed and I was on the brink of starvation, I would read “Thinner”, that way I wouldn’t feel alone. But in all seriousness, I would take “Lord of the Flies”, “The Only Good Indians”, “Flowers In The Attic”, and “Hearts In Atlantis”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Thomas Amazon Profile

Christopher Thomas’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile