I’ve been influenced by particular authors, yes, but when I tried to copy anyone else’s style, it just didn’t work. We have to have our own style. 

Erin Naillon – 13 June 2013

The Back Flap

The Horror Film Guide to Life is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide to being the classic horror victim. It covers the basic situations in which victims find themselves and tells them how to behave. It includes multiple-choice tests and a handy glossary at the back of the book.

About the book

What is the book about?

The book is about the characters one sees in most horror films, and the way they behave in the stupidest ways imaginable. It is written in the style of a self-help guide, to show these fictional characters how to behave in classic horror-film situations.

When did you start writing the book?

In 2008, I believe.

How long did it take you to write it?

Only about a few months, if that.

Where did you get the idea from?

I got the idea after watching Evil Dead 2 (Yes, I’m a big Bruce Campbell fan.) I thought about the character of Annie in the film, and how she did almost everything wrong, from start to finish. The idea evolved from there.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

None that I can think of.

What came easily?

Most of it. This film genre provides a rich source of material.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Entirely fictitious, but then, I didn’t create them; I simply lampoon other people’s characters.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I’ve been influenced by particular authors, yes, but when I tried to copy anyone else’s style, it just didn’t work. We have to have our own style. As to my influences, well, it won’t surprise anyone to hear that I love horror – Elliott O’Donnell, Shirley Jackson, Robert Bloch, and Ray Bradbury are some favorites.

Do you have a target reader?

Someone who understands the horror references I make in the book.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Not a process, no. If I get a strong urge to write, I do it. If I’m writing on demand, such as an article, then I research first, compile information, and get typing.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

No – at least, not for this book.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I am very conscious of mistakes, so I tend to edit as I go, in terms of spelling and grammar. Otherwise, I do my best to avoid thinking too much about the work, so that I don’t cut out something that might have worked.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No. I’m an editor myself, and a proofreader, and the book was written in a rather spare style, without tons of back story. I did send it to a friend who is a journalist, to get her input and to have a fresh pair of eyes view it.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I listen to music, and to movies or TV shows. If I know the movie/show, I can listen to it without actually watching it.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to agents?

Yes.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was a gradual process. I submitted my book to many an agent, in more than one country, and they all turned me down (though one thanked me for “an interesting and hilarious read”). What finally decided me was a dismal statistic: A few years ago, 10,000 query letters were sent to literary agents by new authors. Of those queries, not one resulted in an author being signed by an agent. Not one. I decided then to go the self-publishing route.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I did it myself. I’m a photographer, too.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I don’t have a marketing plan, and I’d love to hear the advice of others. I’ve mentioned the book on my Facebook page, and several of my friends have done so, too – but that’s not the same as having a specific plan, and following it.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I can’t think of anything at the moment, except to say, plan better than I did!

About You

Where did you grow up?

Eugene, Oregon.

Where do you live now?

Prague, Czech Republic

What would you like readers to know about you?

I had a hell of a good time writing the book!

What are you working on now?

I’ve finished a screenplay with a friend, and I have more screenplay ideas roaming around in my head.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Horror Film Guide to Life from Amazon US or Amazon UK.