Guest Blog – Wakefield Mahon

Tell us about your story appearing in the “State of Horror: Pennsylvania” anthology (no spoilers, please!)

The Boeman was first inspired by the frequent trips that my wife and I take through Lancaster.  At first, we only passed through on our way to Hershey Park, but our appreciation for the area has grown.  I mean come on; the area has a town named after me.  Okay maybe the town came first, but we still get a kick out of every time we drive through Wakefield.  The thing that really struck me was the contrast between Downtown Lancaster, the Tangier Outlets and Amish country.  One day we lost our way exploring that beautiful Amish country and well…

Your thoughts on self-publishing vs. traditional publishers?

I have heard people complain about the lack of quality in self-published titles.  While there are certainly some examples of lazy or careless authors, I might never have been introduced to “I Wish” by Wren Emerson or one of my favorites “Every Last Kiss” by Courtney Cole if I had to wait on the big publishing houses to recognize their talent.  Not to mention I have read some dreadful books from established publishing houses.
That being said, I would be more than happy to “sell out” if a major publishing company happened to look my way.

What do you think of the horror story genre these days?

I read an article some time back about the changes in the horror genre.  I get that some people love the blood and guts.  I even have a few stories that get a little messy, but my favorite horror stories will always be in the style of Ray Bradbury, Charles Beaumont and Richard Matheson along with classics like Bram Stoker and Le Fanu and Poe.

Some of your favorite authors that inspired you?

My favorite authors are not particularly exotic really.  I love Mark Twain and Langston Hughes for their mastery of language, especially the colloquial style.  Jane Austen and Sheridan Le Fanu taught me that setting can be a major character and CS Lewis taught me it’s alright to write what you believe in.

What is your ultimate – realistic – goal as a writer?

You mean the New York Times Bestseller list isn’t realistic?
I would love to garner a Nebula or a Bram Stoker, but primarily I would just like to be able to write for a living.  I think the day that I first see one of my books in the hands of a complete stranger will be one of the happiest days of my life.

What are some of your influences?

That is an interesting question.  I suppose you could say everything.  I grew up listening to music and watching movies.  There are so many stories in everything around us and I am in love with stories.  Lately, my work has been heavily influenced by Japanese anime and classical fables.

Give us a typical day in your writing schedule.

The only good thing about my four-hour daily commute is the opportunity to write on the train.  Without it, I wouldn’t have any time to write at all.  Typically, I will write in the morning and edit in the evening when I am more alert.

What story/book of yours are you most proud of, and why?

I love all of my babies.  I guess I am most proud of “Transylmania”, it was my first published story, in a collection called “Monster Party” and the first time I pushed myself past trunk stories into serious writing.

What are you working on now?

I am always working on several things at once.  Currently, I’m working on a story about a man in love with two women.  I’m also working on a new paranormal crime series called Full Moon City and of course, “Turquoise Wind” the follow up to my first novel, “Jade Dreams”.

Shameless plug time… where can we find your work and you?

Jade Dreams, along with some of my anthologies are available on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Wakefield-Mahon/e/B004UZO4JE)
You can find out about all of the writing, music and other projects I’m involved with on my website http://www.wakefieldmahon.com