Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Derek Ailes and I am one half of the Ailes Brothers of Terror. I have written four horror anthologies: “Journey Into the Unknown: Deluxe Horror Edition” (with Mark Cusco Ailes), “Zombie Command: A Horror Anthology”, “Catfurnado, Zombies and One Killer Doll” (with Mark Cusco Ailes) and “Musings From A Demented Mind” (with James Coon). I am also a contributor for shortfictionbreak.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Musings From A Demented Mind will be released on September 7, 2015. It is a collection of horror and science fiction short stories written by James Coon and I. In March of this year my friend James Coon passed away leaving behind a stack of unpublished short stories. I finished several of the stories and also wrote several short stories based on the conversations I’ve had with him over the past fifteen years. Also included are several stories I wrote on little or no sleep along with all the stories I posted on shortfctionbreak.com since December 2014.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can sit and write 5,000 words or more a night and then go a couple of weeks without writing anything. When I do write, it is pure horror madness. I lay on my bed and write everything on my laptop. I haven’t used a desk in a few years now.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I know it is cliche to mention his name, but reading Stephen King as a young child inspired me to be a horror writer. Like most authors, I love to read and I enjoy reading books that give me that “I can’t believe that just happened” experience.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on “The Day It Rained Candy” a young adult fantasy based on a short story I wrote thirty years ago in elementary school. Since it is its thirtieth anniversary, I thought it was time to write a novel out of it. I’m hoping to have it out by February or sooner.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I embrace all forms of advertising from Facebook, twitter and book promoting sites. If the website is going to bring me readers, then I’ll use it. If there is something another author suggest doing to promote my work, then I will give it a try. Public appearances at horror conventions and bookfairs also are great for promoting my work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write and don’t publish until you get it right.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, write, write and don’t publish until you get it right. Also write what you are passionate about. If you are doing it just to become rich, then I suggest quitting and buying lottery tickets instead.
What are you reading now?
The After-Life Story of Pork Knuckles Malone by MP Johnson. He writes in the bizarro fiction genre. I met him a year ago at a horror convention and was impressed by how he described his work. I’ve been on a reading kick lately and have read multiple novels and his work in anthologies recently. I stopped by and visited him yesterday at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention in Chicago yesterday.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides “The Day It Rained Candy”, I’m working on a Conan style fantasy novel “Beast Within” and Mark Cusco Ailes and I are working on a new horror project. 2016 is going to be a big year for us.
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?
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (I can barely lift the book)
Idiots Guide to Being Stranded on A Desert Island
Cattle Cult Kill! Kill! by MP Johnson
Under The Dome by Stephen King (I would finally have time to read it)
Author Websites and Profiles
Derek Ailes Website
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