Name Mark Edward Brooks
Age 48
Where are you from? Originally from St. Louis Mo, I now reside in San Marcos, Texas. Loving it so far.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc.
I am a single man with a high school education currently working at and plan on attending college at Texas State University. I do work there and going to take journalism classes in the fall. I love old horror movies, comics, and t.v. shows. I also love the outdoors, all sports and going out and having fun with some good Texas B.B.Q. and people who love to laugh.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I have a horror short story collection entitled THROUGH A DARKER EYE that will be finished this Spring. I also will be starting a horror series soon.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
Well, it has been an on and off again experience, but seriously just for the past few years. I started writing because everyone told me I had an awesome and wicked imagination lol
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
As soon as my first novel was complete it began to feel real to me.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I guess BASEMENT THINGS was inspired by my childhood. As a child I believed in everything from Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy all the way to the Boogeyman himself which is what my first novel is all about. So my childhood imagination comes into play.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I am not sure about the specifics but I like to write old fashioned scary atmospheric horror without an over abundance of gore or sex. I also like to garnish it with some dark humor. I try to make the characters as human and believable as possible while introducing them into amazing circumstances.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
The title would come from my fear of the basement when I was growing up and all of the scary sounds and smells and things I would find down there. There was always a fascination with the place as a boy, the spiders that would be there, the old things my parents had tucked away in corners for me to find. It was fun and scary all at the same time.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
If there is one it is simply that we must face our fears and overcome them. Other than that I guess we should realize evil never dies and love conquers all, as corny as that may sound.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
I would say the childhood part is very realistic. As a kid I loved to ride my bike all over town and just interact with people, it was safe to do in those days. But most of the novel is supernatural.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
The childhood fear part is based on some of my own fears. I did know some folks like the ones in the book. The goofy best friend, the kind old neighbor, the punk boyfriend of the sister, they were all real enough from my past.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
I would have to say Stephen King is the main one. When I was a young boy I came across a paperback copy of The Shining and just happened to come across all the right parts. I thought to myself “Wow, this guy gets paid to scare people.” I was hooked. As far as the books go I would have to say, other than anything by Mister King, perhaps The Exorcist, The Incredible Shrinking Man, The Haunting of Hill House, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and H.P Lovercraft and Poe.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Despite the fact I love to read horror I love to read all genres. I am currently reading The City by Dean Koontz and also Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
YES. There is an author, her name is Helene Wecker, and her debut novel is called The Golem and the Jinni. It is a well written fantasy drama about a female Golem created for a master who dies and she wanders the city streets and finds a new one and a Jinni who gets a job in the city and both meet up and explore the human race together. A great story I would recommend for all.
Thank you so much for the interview it was fun
Buying link for paperback book http://www.amazon.com/dp/1495353931
Buying link for Kindle book http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QO68QH8
Young Ryan Woods thought his troubles were over when his father died, but they were just starting. Now he has found out that his father is the great childhood legend The Boogeyman, and that he has come back to feed off the fears of his friends and neighbors. Ryan must now team up with his doubting mother and a lonely priest to do battle with his father who can switch bodies, control creatures of the night, and invade their dreams, while coming to terms with gifts and abilities of his own. Like father, like son, like hell. Ryan’s father will not stop coming until he can possess the one victim that will give him the ultimate power . . . Ryan himself.
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