Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
What’s up, Awesome Gang? Hey, I’m Stuart R. West, author of nineteen novels (although several are in the process of moving to a different publisher). I’ve been a corporate sell-out, graphic artist, stand-up comic, and played in an alternate-rock, performance artist, funky-country band where I portrayed Demented Cousin Bo, who ate kitty litter and wore pajamas on stage. Sigh. Let’s hope this writing gig works out.
I’m carving out a series of thrillers, suspense, mysteries, comedies, and horror novels all set in the creepy state of Kansas where I reside. (Hey, Kansas still has active KKK and mafia, not too mention satanic cults! Fun!).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ghosts of Gannaway is being rereleased with an awesome, much more fitting cover from the fine folks at Grinning Skull Press and artist Jeff Kosh. It’s a historical ghost saga loosely based on the sad, true events that brought the small mining town of Picher, Oklahoma to its knees. (Naturally–I think–the ghost story elements aren’t true. Kinda. Maybe. I dunno…)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, as a dedicated insomniac, most of my plotting takes place between the lonely, soulful, train horn blaring hours of two to four A.M. Of course, sometimes the plot twists don’t sound as good in the cold, harsh light of day…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dick and Jane Fill a Bucket. Encyclopedia Brown Meets His Maker. Bi-Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat…
I could go on and on. But I won’t.
Lately, I’ve been enjoying Elmore Leonard. The man wrote mostly through dialogue, yet showed so much characterization and plot and made it look easy.
What are you working on now?
My first short story collection of horror/thriller/dark humor tales, Twisted Tales from Tornado Alley, should be out by end of summer from Grinning Skull Press. And currently, I’m nearing the end of my werewolf/dark comedy saga, Corporate Wolf. Inspired (and nightmared) by my many years in the corporate dungeon, think American Werewolf in London meets Office Space.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Begging. Pleading. Crying. I have no shame.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
First, get those stars outta your eyes. Just obliterate them. Second, if you don’t drink, start. Heavily.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t get in a fatal car wreck while wearing dirty underwear.
What are you reading now?
A Pig’s View of Heaven by Stephen McQuiggan. Crappy title. The plot’s meandering and I have no idea what’s going on yet (that’s a good thing). But this horror novel has some of the finest prose I’ve ever read. Beautiful. I’m jealous.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I intend on usurping Donald Trump as president. I mean, if he can do it, I can, right?
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?
Probably those Charles Dickens books I’ve loved the first three pages of, then sorta give up. That should occupy years of time.
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