Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
P.F. Roquelaure has a Ph.D. in Anatomical Sciences and Neuroscience, and this knowledge informs his writing, a unique blend of scientific knowledge with supernatural storytelling. He is currently an Associate Professor teaching human gross anatomy and neuroscience at a university in the Northeast United States. He has self-published a memoir of his childhood.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Malevolent. My writing is inspired by many things. Sometimes, there are societal issues I want to address. Sometimes, I base the beginning of a novel on real life events and then create a fantastical middle and ending. Sometimes, it is an homage to people in my life that I want to honor. Overall, my writing always belongs to the paranormal/ speculative genre with mostly LGBTQ+ characters as I am gay and feel that there are not enough LGBT protagonists in literature. The Malevolent is a good example of LGBT themes and characters based from real people in my life. Paranormal literature is the genre I enjoy reading and in turn writing about.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start writing with an initial idea(s) and then magically the novel takes over and I often wind up with a story in which the ending partially resembles the one I imagined when I started writing. That was the case for The Malevolent. The ending was not the ending I envisioned. My ideas for the story often come to me when I am walking my dog, when it is quiet, and I can be alone with my thoughts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anne Rice is by far my favorite writer of all time. I have attended at least eight of her in person book signings/tours. I enjoy her fresh view of the mythical beings in her novels, especially the treatment of “children of the blood” in the “The Vampire Chronicles.” I also enjoy the novels by Joe Hill, Stephen King’s son, especially “Horns.” I think it is brilliant. I also enjoyed Deborah Harkness’ “All Souls Trilogy” with her novel approach to the integration of witches, vampires, and daemons.
What are you working on now?
I am revising my third fictional novel entitled “Servant” as per my beta readers. It is the most mainstream book I have ever written, and it is partially based on the strange occurrences (read: ghost!) that have happened to myself and my husband in our home in Northeast Pennsylvania, the setting of this novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang.com, Book Goodies.com, My Book Place.com, Pretty-Hot.com, Topless Cowboy.com. Soliciting book reviewers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Go with your gut. Don’t be influenced by wondering it is going to be mainstream enough to sell or interest others. You write what you want to write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It may sound corny, but two tropes about life is the best advice I have ever been given. First, “It is not about the destination, it is about the journey,” which I often quote to my students as they encounter obstacles in their pursuit of higher educational goals. Secondly, “Do not judge another until you walk a mile in their shoes.”
What are you reading now?
“Strange Weather,” a compilation of paranormal short stories by Joe Hill.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Going the rounds with book agents, publishing houses for Servant.
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?
First, some sort of survival guide, for pleasure: “Interview with the Vampire”; “War and Peace” (the sheer volume would keep you busy for a long time); and the Bible.