Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I have written seven books, 6 main books in a series entitled the Dragon Hunters and one guidebook, though i think the guidebook will be redone again down the road as the series continues and evolves.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Blood Monarch. It releases 1/26/15. This is my version of Dracula, though I use his first name, Vlad. Most of us that love vampires have an idea of Dracula. I wanted to show my version of him, to fit in with my series. I see him as a sensual being, someone with an inhuman appeal innate to all that cross him. I also see him as the most deadly of vampires.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unusual, at least not to me. I’m the type of author that gets an idea, spends a few minutes coming up with a general plan, and then I start writing. The most unusual habit I have is that most of my writing is done at work or school, not at home in my free time. The editing is done at home.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My two biggest author influences are Anne Rice and Sherilyn Kenyon. I became a fan of Anne back in eighth grade and she will forever be my favorite author. Her style is unique, she’s not afraid of any sexuality, and I use that philosophy in my own works. Likewise, Sherilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series is seemingly never ending. That was the inspiration for my series, which I plan to be quite long as I have a large number of characters in my mind.
What are you working on now?
The next book in the Dragon Hunter’s series, tentatively titled the Dragon’s Secrets. Also, a new series called the Coven, and a joint project with fellow indie author Lily Mac Rhine that hasn’t been titled yet, but will be another interpretation of vampires. Also, I have another book that will be a pure fantasy one, less romance, and I’m thinking of a romance based on the pro wrestling world.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads used to be quite helpful, not so much anymore. Facebook and twitter are my go to’s, but honestly, bloggers are the biggest help for authors today.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be sensitive. Not everyone will love your book. Many will hate it. That comes with the territory. If you’re going to publish your work, you have to be able to accept criticism. Learn what’s useful and what’s hateful. Ignore the hateful, learn from the useful.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The same advice I just gave above. Three years in and it holds true.
What are you reading now?
I’ve been reading a lot of novellas that I found for free on Smashwords and Amazon. One was quite awful, so I won’t mention it, but the others are interesting enough. I don’t take long to read a good book, so honestly I can’t tell you a specific one I’m reading since it will have changed by the time you read this.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More publishing. I have so many ideas, some standalone, some series. I want to do a collection of short stories too, and I continue to write poetry when the mood strikes. Like all indie authors, I’m searching for that elusive publishing contract, but I’m very content publishing my works personally.
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 first four books of Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles: Interview with the Vampire, the Vampire Lestat, Queen of the Damned, and Tale of the Body Thief. My all time favorite series, which is really quite a bit longer and steadily growing, so I am naturally excited.
Author Websites and Profiles
Drako Carroll Website
Drako Carroll Amazon Profile
Drako Carroll Author Profile on Smashwords
Drako Carroll’s Social Media Links
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