Interview With Author M.T. O’Neill
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 44-year-old (Oh God, I’m 44 already. What happened?) Scottish author living in Edinburgh. I write novels to stay (relatively) sane, and I have done so for years. I’ve already published two novels: my Gothic Horror novel, Fairhaven Falls, and my Urban fantasy, The Fleshmarket Vampire. My third book, The Firenze Vampire, is a sequel to The Fleshmarket Vampire and will be out very soon!
In my spare time, I like football, movies, and spending way too much time on my PlayStation.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My upcoming title The Firenze Vampire is the sequel to my debut novel The Fleshmarket Vampire. The whole TFV world was inspired by my love of vampire movies, especially Interview with the Vampire, and The Lost Boys. I had the inspiration of modern, contemporary vampires living their lives in a gothic, ancient city. I also had the inspiration of a vampire jaded by life, pushed to the point of desperation through the actions of other vampires, eventually doing the unthinkable and turning against her own kind.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to get out of the house to write. My home is for either housework, taking care of the kids and relaxing. To get in the mood, I need somewhere that sells nice coffee and has a relaxing atmosphere. It may not be too unusual, but it’s my rigid thing that I’m wed to.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Edgar Allan Poe, a true master of his craft.
What are you working on now?
I’m finalising The Firenze Vampire, getting it ready for publication. Once it’s out, I’ll start writing the final part to conclude the intended trilogy between marketing efforts.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Why, right here, of course!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
This may sound rude or judgemental, but the best two pieces of advice I have for you are 1. pack your ego away, that’s purely for marketing, and 2. don’t take feedback personally.
We’re all on a journey, and none of us should consider ourselves the finished product. We can all improve, and that’s not a bad thing. When you ask for feedback, please understand that all art is subjective. If you start seeing overlaps in the feedback, then that’s when you can be confident of an area you can work on.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is simultaneously the most exciting, rewarding, nerve-racking, and terrifying thing you could possibly do, and it’s absolutely worth it. Work hard, have faith in yourself, and constantly look to improve.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m wading deep in the editing/reviewing trenches for my upcoming book, The Firenze Vampire. I look forward to having the time to crack a book open soon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Onward, forever onward to (hopefully) bigger and better things.
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?
Oh God, that’s an impossible question for me. I’d take the complete works of Edgar Allan Poe, Dr Johnson’s Dictionary of Modern Life, by Tom Morton, the complete works of Shakespeare, and a compendium of Charlie Brooker’s works.
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