Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have had an exciting life. I was the drummer for the 80’s band Latem. I was in the movie Moon 44. I have done dozens of stage plays, TV and radio commercials. I have directed two plays and designed haunted houses in Germany for 3 years. I was a makeup artist for mock disaster drills for two years. I now have 11 books in print with number 12 in September and number 13 in early 2016.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book coming out in September is called “Rich Man’s War, Poor Man’s Blood’ which is a military science fiction book pitting the rich against the poor in America. It proves the lengths the rich will go to bring down the poor class while the poor prove they’re a force not to be messed with. The book I’m exited for to come out is the one in the editing phases currently called Zombie Park. It’s my version of Jurassic Park but without the dinosaurs. Instead, they have been replaced with zombies. Nothing can go wrong with that idea. I’ve discussed this book several times with author John Russo and he’s waiting for it to come to print to read it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I spend time sitting in the dark with candles lit and listening to either Midnight Syndicate or Alan Howarth to get writing for my writing sessions. I like to get my mind in the right place and my creative juices flowing before I write my 1,000 words for the day. Listening to scary music before writing also helps me focus on the what I have planned to write in each session.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Of course, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, and John Saul have big influences in my life and have set my writing into motion. My first books were fantasy with hints of horror to them. My favorite book is Night of the Living Dead by John Russo.
What are you working on now?
Currently I’m working on book two of my three zombie books. The first one is Zombie Park. I’m writing the next book in the series called ZDAY: Day of the Zombies. Then after that one is the third book called Plague of the Living Dead.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My brother author Derek Ailes does all my promoting for me so I can concentrate on writing. I know facebook and my website is used for advertising. Also I know he uses Twitter and several other outlets.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay true to yourself. Write what you know, not what other people tell you to write. Study your genre and be creative. Try to find something fresh and exciting to write about.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read, Read, Read. Don’t get discouraged. Try to write something every day, even if its only a paragraph or two.
What are you reading now?
One of my friends books by author MP Johnson. Most of my friends are writers or actors. I try to read everything any of them release.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to have my books turned into movies. I would also love to be in them also. I also want to write another twenty books or so. I have over sixty outlines, but I’m almost 50 so I have to write quickly. LOL!
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 Wizard of Oz, Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead, and my Zombie Park. I guess I should take something on survival, but at least I’ll have my zombies.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Ailes Website