Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a UK based writer, and I like to set my work in the UK as I think it has a rich history and folklore where mysteries and the supernatural can lurk–or jump out! I was raised on classic horror movies and cult TV shows–well, not as a child, obviously.
I have four contemporary horror novels out at the moment (The Room, The Pack, Ivory, and Harvest), and a series of Victorian tales of the supernatural and criminal in ‘The Darkwood Mysteries’, which is comprised of short stories, novellas and novels.
I live with my best friend, who happens to also be my husband, and our two cats, and we spend our time watching movies, spooky TV shows and anime, and playing lots of board games together. I work in mental health, helping people get social care care packages.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have just finished up on the next run of ‘The Darkwood Mysteries’. Another 10 tales, which sees friends and enemies returning, new mysteries and the deepening mystery surrounding the central character, Emily Darkwood. I really enjoyed writing them, and can’t wait to get them edited and out there to be read in 2020.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Usually just half-heartedly fending off cats–it’s actually really nice having their company. Just not their butts in my face. I am pretty strict with myself–normally a 06:30 start and no distractions allowed. Wow, I sound like a mean writer self-boss, but I just know that writing time is precious! I work full time in a ‘day job’.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I got into writing in my teens through James Herbert, Shaun Hutson and Clive Barker.
What are you working on now?
Once I am done with ‘The Darkwood Mysteries’ I will be moving back to contemporary horror, the working title is ‘X’ and is about a guy coming out of an abusive possessive relationship and reuniting with friends he’s neglected. And they all go to stay in a cabin in the woods together. What could possibly go wrong? Me. That’s what. My poor character-children.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have been slacking on the whole promotion thing, so this is all a bit new to me. Usually shouting at the great Internet through Facebook or Twitter and hoping someone hears me. That’s terrible. I need to get better at this.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
For me, I had to prove to myself that I could finish a book. Otherwise, write, write, write, even on an off day, just write and get the words down. You can make them better later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Personally, it was ‘allow yourself to feel your feelings’. We all need to look after ourselves. As for writing… I just passed it on above, ‘always write’.
What are you reading now?
A book series called ‘Banshee’ by Sara Clancy. I have been reading a lot of Lee Mountford too.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m aiming on getting on top of this promotion in 2020, saving up a writing budget to spend on ads, and doing some print versions for my main horror novels. I need to treat this more as a business and not just as a hobby.
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?
‘Dracula’, I think I read it nearly every year or two. ‘The Hobbit’, a favourite of mine from childhood. ‘Sherlock Holmes’–all of them.
Author Websites and Profiles
Steve Merrifield Website
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