Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I
thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie
Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is
not in our vocabulary! I thought sharing the interviews would
help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors,
reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author
among the featured books and authors. This is one of the first in the series.
So, today welcome Drake Vaughn.
Drake Vaughn
Drake Vaughn’s “crinkled fiction” is a blend of horror, dark
fantasy, and speculative fiction with a heavy psychological bent. His tales
appear deceptively simple, but transform into a wild spree of suspense,
madness, and trauma. He lives in Santa Monica, California with his wife
and a black cat named Shadow (who he is certain has come back from the dead on
a number of occasions). His first novel was The Zombie
Generation.
When the Devil Climbs
After a decade lost to addiction and criminality, Russ Grote
is given the opportunity by his jilted ex-wife to reconnect with his son. On
the day before he is scheduled to leave for this reunion, he and his coworkers
become trapped up on a billboard after a horde of pigs infected with a
mysterious virus attack them. At first, missing his bus appears to be Russ’
major problem, but as the hours whittle away and no rescue arrives, a far worse
fate may be in store. Matters only become more complicated when the people who
eventually come to save them have other, far more nefarious plans, in store.
1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Horror, and all
the creepy dark stuff.
2. What made you want to be a writer? Every writer starts as a
passionate reader. I wanted to tell my own stories in my own way and share in
the same way other authors shared with me.
3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Stephen King.
I fell in love with his stuff as a kid, and still have yet to outgrow it.
4. What is your writing style? Do
you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I outline and plan a lot. I
typically begin with a nugget of a story and then concentrate on fleshing out
the characters. When it comes to writing, I tend to drift from my outline, but
as long as the characters remain true, I can put them into any scenario and it
will work out. Sometimes the best plan is to write myself into an inescapable
corner, then keep pushing. Looking back at my outlines, it’s crazy how the
final story is so different, but the characters and their growth typically
remain consistent.
5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I view writing in the
same way as exercise. Consistency is key, but so is changing up the routine. In
the same way that doing the same exercise over and over leads to injury, I get
uncreative the more compulsive I get while working on something. I’ve found the
best ideas have come when I’m least expecting them, when my mind is wandering.
The key is to be always ready, whenever that spark ignites, along with pushing
through when there isn’t one.
6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Outside
of having a way to transcribe your words, reading is the only important thing
for a writer. I can’t imagine anyone who doesn’t read wanting to be a writer.
7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding
authors? Keep practicing. It’s a slow process, but the more one writes, the
easier it becomes. The only way to become better is to practice, practice,
practice.
8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you
would like to share? The best marketing is to have more books. Similar to
most, when I discover a new author, all I want to do is read everything they’ve
ever written. I binge read authors, so if all they have is one book, I read it
and am done with them. A bigger catalogue is far better than any advertising.
9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned?
Which ones do you frequent? My favorite is the World Horror Convention, but
that’s focused on my particular genre. The attendees are the best part, since
it’s a gathering of like-minded people who share a passion for the genre. Any
tips I’ve learned are far less than the connections to these authors who share
a passion for writing.
10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? The
best place to reach me is on social media or my website: drakevaughn.com www.twitter.com/drakevaughn
Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Melissa Carrigee Melissa.C@llallc.net http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/drake-vaughn/
Melissa.C@llallc.net http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/drake-vaughn/ Agent,
Marketing and Publicity – Melissa Carrigee
Reading and writing is a way of life for Melissa
Carrigee. As a literary agent and award winning graphic artist, she
combines her two passions of business and writing. She has published
works in newspapers and magazines as well as a published novel. Featured
Columnist for The Family Forum, Parents and Kids Magazine – Mississippi Gulf
Coast.
I want a horror book to read all
night long while I check behind the doors for the boogey man. I’m looking
for a thriller that keeps me reading and guessing (and just when I think I’ve
figured it out, I’m wrong). I’m looking for children’s books that engage
the parent and the child. I’m looking for young adult novels – but
NOT Twilight and not wizards. That’s been done. I’m
looking for any story with a great plot. Something I can sit and read in
a few days with characters that make me think about them long after I’ve
finished the book.
Genres: horror, science
fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction, mysteries, thrillers, dramas,
historical romance, children’s (picture and mid-grade)—any book that has a
great story with unforgettable characters.
Jeanie
Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency - A facilitator of
dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery,
romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality
fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.
“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books
and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be
able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.comThe New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
