Terry Vinson

Interview With Author Terry Vinson

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born and raised in Red Bay, Alabama, I’m an Air Force veteran and former correctional officer for the state of Texas.
My first half-dozen published works were strictly horror novels; creature features. I have since graduated to crime and mystery thrillers, though I often catch myself treading down a familiar path; dark, sinister, foreboding. I write what I love to read, that being suspense and horror. I have dabbled in sci-fi but certainly nothing that would impress readers of Heinlein, Bradbury or Clarke.
If asked by a reader which of my 21 published novels is my personal favorite, I’d probably say the more recent works, to include ‘Blue Falcon’, ‘Blacktop’ and of course my latest, ‘Inherent Chaos’.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest work is the horror/thriller ‘Inherent Chaos’ from Rogue Phoenix Press.
Initially I’d had a series of books in mind but as work progressed, I was able to weave elements of the trio of novels I’d planned into one solid story. A mystery/thriller at heart, the rather brutal horror elements found within are less supernatural in nature than simply man’s own inherent penchant for evil.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unlike many, I have no patience for outlines. I will start a novel with a vague idea of what I want to write, usually creating the characters first. As I proceed, even I have no idea where the story will end up. My endings, which usually involve a twist of some type, often come as much as a surprise to me as future readers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Early in my twenties it was the novels of Stephen King, Dean R. Koontz and Robert McCammon, my personal trailblazers of ’80’s and 90’s horror thrillers. Of late I’ve enjoyed the writing of S. Craig Zahler, Nick Cutter and Blake Crouch.

What are you working on now?
A crime thriller based on an ’80’s hair band who are called upon to perform at a mysterious reunion upon the desolate grounds of a long-abandoned Mississippi prison site.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I utilize many social media sites and book advertisers to get the word out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. The more you read, the better your own writing will become.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See above. Also, never force yourself to write if the mood simply isn’t there. Take a breath, especially if you’ve hit a creative wall.

What are you reading now?
Dan Simmons’ classic chiller ‘Carrion Comfort’.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to pen a non-fiction novel, which would be my very first.

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?
Blue World – Robert McCammon
Skeleton Crew – Stephen King
The Deep – Nick Cutter
Book of the Dead – (various authors – 80’s horror anthology)

Author Websites and Profiles
Terry Vinson Website
Terry Vinson Amazon Profile