* Another find in the Archive Treasure Chest: My Halloween Interview with author Franklyn E. Wales in 2015.
Servante of Darkness Blog: The Halloween Gathering 2015*
1. When did you begin writing? What was the driving force?
FEW: I’ve always written stories, even as a child. It was never a conscious thought, it was just a part of who I was. A big fan of Horror living in a small NH town, my allowance was spent on the Warren publications FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, CREEPY, EERIE and every horror themed comic that showed up at “The Newspaper Store.” I loved those magazines. They filled my imagination to the point where it wouldn’t all fit in my skull. I couldn’t draw beyond stick figures, so I wrote a slew of one to two page stories as cheesy as those comics were and gave them to my mother to read.
Instead of criticizing my subject choice or my childish work my Mom (never a fan of spooky stuff) subscribed to Writer’s Digest for me.
2. What writers were your early inspiration? And who are your inspirations today?
FEW: I read everything I could get my hands on growing up. When the Scholastic Book flyer came out in school, Mom always made sure I was able to buy a few titles. I discovered the works of S. E. Hinton there. Later I was inspired by the fanciful worlds of Ray Bradbury.
Because I was always reading, Mom used to bring home a bag of books from her job, mostly men’s adventure from authors like Ross Macdonald, John D. MacDonald, Don Pendleton, and such. To her credit, Mom was so happy I was a reader, I don’t think she actually cracked a cover. That was probably a good thing, considering some of the subject matter.
As I loved horror, I read whatever I could find in the field, but most of it was gothic and bland to me. And then Stephen King released ‘Salem’s Lot. Finally I found Horror that lived in a world of rock and roll and shopping centers. I was hooked. Horror could be told in the world I lived in.
Later, as an adult, I found an author named Billie Sue Mosiman whose work drew me in. She wrote thrillers, not horror, but her work was as sharp and deadly as a razor across the throat. I read her work as a fan first, then went back and reread every section that stood out as exceptional to me, studying how it was written and why it worked so well.
I had a chance meeting with Mosiman shortly after I discovered her work, thanks to romance author Jackie Weger whose work I study as well. I’m not a big romance reader, but Weger’s work draws me in. Her characters are as real as the people who live next door.
Lately I’ve been studying the works of Noir author, Paul D. Marks as well. His work brings me back to the masters I grew up reading.
3. What are the themes you like to write about?
FEW: Conflict, suspense, danger and relationships. A good horror tale encompasses all of those.
4. Compare yourself to the early writer then and the writer you are now.
FEW: I wrote horror then, I write horror now. I’d like to think my work has improved over the years. I read every day. Things that catch my eye, I stop and study, learn and try to encompass into my work. I try to never stop sharpening my axe. Writers who tell me they are too busy to read are writers I have no interest in reading.
5. Halloween brings out the best in many writers. Why do you think that is? If you don’t agree, tell us what holidays bring out the best in you.
FEW: Halloween is a mindset for me, not a calendar date. Some writers may find inspiration in October 31st , but I write novels and it takes me months to finish one. Besides, if you ever see my office, it’s Halloween all year long in here.
6. What genres do you prefer writing in?
FEW: I’m a horror writer by trade. I have written a thriller and a western I’m happy with, but if you pigeonhole me, I’m a horror author. A good horror tale contains action, romance, drama, humor and scary stuff. Show me another genre that contains all that.
7. Tell me how art and/or photography influence your work, especially when picking a cover or an illustration.
FEW: When it comes to art, I suck. I’m a stick figure artist, remember. I hire my covers out. I have found Jeffrey Kosh Graphics for that. I can tell Kosh what I’m thinking and he can produce a cover in a few days that is worth twice what he charges. He’s amazing and conceptual. Kosh brings my written words into a visual fruition with one email of what I envision.
8. If you could write lyrics for any music artist or band, who would they be? And why?
FEW: THAT question is why I read your blog religiously. No one else working today would have pulled that one for this group. In answer to it I guess in a perfect world, I’d write an entire concept album for Alice Cooper.
9. Tell us about your new book or the book you are working on. If appropriate, share a link where we can purchase the book or a link to your website or Facebook page.
FEW: SAILOR’S COVE is my latest release. You can pick up a copy on Amazon. Currently I am tossing ideas around for the next release. Anyone interested in following me can find me on Facebook , or Twitter. Feel free to drop me a message there or through my website: FranklinEWales.com
10. Let’s close things with a few words for struggling or upcoming writers. What obstacles can they look forward to overcoming and how have you overcome them?
FEW: Let’s go with the bad first. If you want to make money, get a job selling shoes. You can make living doing that, I did for years. Writing is a fickle mistress. But, if you have the Calling, if you’ll keep writing no matter if you make any money at this gig or not, I’ll give you three quotes.
“The stars are yours, if you have the head, the hands, and the heart for them."—Ray Bradbury. Don’t you EVER give up on your dream.
“I'd rather feel bad than not feel anything at all.”—Warren Zevon. The only sin in writing is boredom. Make me feel something, even if it hurts me. Bore your reader and they are gone forever.
“Writing equals ass in chair.” That one I read somewhere but I’ve used it so much when I Google it, my name comes up, so it’s now mine. Put your ass in the chair and write, no excuses. If you have the Calling, you won’t need any.
