Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Canadian horror fiction writer who started posting stories on Reddit’s NoSleep subforum a few years ago. Honestly, I never expected people would read my stuff, but I wanted to give it a try for fun. I was blown away by the amazing reception. Since then, I’ve continued posting regularly, have had the pleasure of hearing my tales narrated on my favorite podcast, been featured in The Nightmare Collective — a horror anthology, and have written for Thought Catalog.
Most recently, I released a novella entitled “From the Ashes of Pompeii”, which I packaged with a handful of my favorite stories.
Fun fact about me: I have a sock puppet named Rodriguez who acts as my PR agent because I’m a little shy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I titled my novella “From the Ashes of Pompeii”. Without giving anything away, the story deals with what caused the volcanic eruption in Pompeii, and the possibility that it might happen again halfway across the world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Does curling up in the corner, rocking back and forth, and crying about being a failure at everything count as an unusual writing habit?
No, I think that’s pretty typical, huh?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kris Mallory, the man who wrote my all-time favorite story “The Scarecrow Corpse” had a huge influence on me. I was so inspired by his amazing storytelling that I decided to give writing a try.
What are you working on now?
I’ve got three short stories on the go, but I’m at the “rocking in the corner crying about being a failure” stage of the process at the moment.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have any method. Just kind of hope my followers will want to take a chance and buy it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Enjoy what you do. If you like what you write, it’ll show in your story. Other than that, just practice practice practice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“People don’t want to read a story, people want you to tell them a story.”
What are you reading now?
Tripping over Twilight be T.W. Grim.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep writing short stories for now, but I’ve got plans for a novel.
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’d bring 3 encyclopedias and an outdoor survival guide. The encyclopedias would make good kindling for a fire, and the survival guide might delay my untimely death by at least half a day.
Author Websites and Profiles
Manen Lyset Website
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