Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Blood Harbor”. My main inspiration was “The Twilight Zone” (the original from 1959-1964, but I don’t discount the 1980’s or 2000’s version). I loved the way the opening minutes of each episode began with a dilemma, and you know at twenty five minutes long there’s only a short amount of time for this puzzle to be solved. That’s why I decided “Blood Harbor” should be a novella instead of a full-fledged novel, to keep it short and concise.
Some other considerable influences have been “The Colorado Kid” and “Phantoms”. I find the Lost Colony of Roanoke to be a captivating subject, and putting my own spin on it was extremely gratifying!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have an odd habit of jumping around from story to story, instead of my outright focus being on one novel/novella/script at a time. Some days I’m just in a certain mood to deal with these set of characters instead of that set. But it’s not a method I’d recommend!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Soooo many to speak of! But number one is Alfred Bester, author of “The Stars My Destination” (aka Tiger! Tiger!) and the “Demolished Man”. His visions were so ahead of his time, and the characters so rich and life-like. I read “The Stars My Destination” once a year, and never lose the excitement I had as a child reading it for the very first time.
Arthur C. Clarke also had a tremendous influence on me. “Childhood’s End” and “Rendezvous With Rama” are still unlike anything else I’ve ever read.
If you’ve read my work, I think it goes without saying Thomas Harris has had an enormous influence on my style. Hannibal Lecter is the sort of rich, absorbing character all writers strive to create.
Stephen King, Joe Hill, Clive Barker, Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury, H.P. Lovecraft, Chuck Hogan, we could be here all day kiddies!
What are you working on now?
I am finishing up multiple projects. One is my first children’s book, based on my own childhood experiences. It’s titled “A Dog’s Kiss” and is based on an award-winning short story I wrote when I was eight years-old.
I’m also working on a novella titled “Gatorland”, about one man’s battle for survival.
I am one-third of the way through “Face Your Fears: Born of the Night Book 2”.
I am in the beginning stages of mapping out “Return to Blood Harbor”.
I’m also still screenwriting and am shopping around “Born of the Night” and “Blood Harbor” pilots that I’ve written.
I’m a busy bee!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a tricky one. The best method I’ve come across is simply word of mouth from people that love and believe in your book. The majority of my sales I believe have come from recommendations.
Goodreads is seemingly the best website for promotion, but that doesn’t prevent the difficultly of selling your work to people who’ve never met you. Most readers (myself included) are buying books from established, best-selling authors. It’s insanely difficult to self-promote on the internet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
KEEP WRITING! It’s cliche, it’s tired, but it’s true. I only hit my stride after putting all of my time and effort into my work. Fifteen years of writing on and off helped me become better, but when I finally went all in, that’s when I became the writer I am today.
Start promoting EARLY. Get word of mouth out there long before your novel is out. Get people talking!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Why don’t you turn your screenplays into books?”
Thank you Crystal 😉
What are you reading now?
“The Fireman” by Joe Hill. Exquisite!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am hopeful that my next act will take me back to where I began, screenwriting. I love TV shows and think as a medium it is the perfect time to take these well-written, unique novels and put them out there. With Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and internet based shows there’s so many more options of when you only had basic cable TV shows.
I also would like to be a best-seller…
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 Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester (that goes without saying)
Under the Dome by Stephen King (if you need a magnum opus, this is it!)
Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (represent Philly!)
Tales of Horror by H.P. Lovecraft (all of his brilliance in one gargantuan novel)
Author Websites and Profiles
Matt Wanicur Website
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