Interview With Author Joshua Martin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey! Joshua Martin here. I’ve just published my second book, the terrifying anthology GHOSTS FROM THE RUINS. It’s my second published work. Last September I released my debut novel DEVIL’S HOLLOW. I’ve written, under a couple of different pen names for various horror and pop culture websites over the last decade and a half. I’ve also dabbled in screenwriting, including a killer remake of THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW. A couple of years ago I sat down to write yet another spec script and wound up writing DEVIL’S HOLLOW.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
GHOSTS FROM THE RUINS is an anthology and as I was writing and compiling the stories that would comprise the book I wasn’t really thinking about a theme or anything. But when it was done I noticed a very strong through line of death, coping, and grief. It was totally organic. Life’s weird like that sometimes.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I worry too much. I don’t think that’s unusual, but I worry about finding perfect words. I’m probably one of the few writers where thesaurus.com isn’t my friend. There are many times when I have to take a step back and remember it’s the story that people are going to remember – not if I use the word “many” or “plethora.” (it would be plethora 100 times out of 100 though)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m mainly a horror guy, especially small towns are f’d up horror guy, so the only real answer is Stephen King. He’s literally, the King. Clive Barker, Peter Straub, Thomas Harris. I love Paul Tremblay and Grady Hendrix. Masters like Shirley Jackson and of course Poe. But in the end, it all comes back to King.
What are you working on now?
My next novel, hopefully out this winter is a dirty little serial killer story tentatively called ALL THE BODIES. It’s a tight little mystery, but not the kind you might be thinking it is.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The regular socials are all pretty good. Special shout out to Slasher, the social media app for horror. Reddit writing groups are a good place to develop a small group of writing “friends.” I do very little advertising, maybe an Amazon ad around release time. Interviews, like this always help.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Sure. A few things. First and foremost. Don’t rush something out. PROOFREAD until your eyes hurt. If you can afford it, hire an editor. Second, write every day. Writing is like anything else, the more you do it the better you are at it. Finally, don’t get down about not writing every day. Life happens. I have two small children. There are non-writing days. Like the song says, “get yourself up and get back in the race.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read. Read different things. I tend to gravitate towards the horror genre, but I try to step out of that comfort zone at least 20 percent of the time. It makes yo a better story teller if you see how the other side does it.
What are you reading now?
I’m ping-ponging between The Silmarilion, Red Dragon, and Hero of Two Worlds – A biography of the Marquis de Lafayette
What’s next for you as a writer?
Full speed ahead on ALL THE BODIES
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?
Lord of the Rings (I’m counting that as 1). ‘Salem’s Lot. Red Dragon by Thomas Harris. The Lotter by Shirley Jackson
Author Websites and Profiles
Joshua Martin’s Social Media Links