To promote his new book, WILD, Lincoln Crisler asked if I’d be willing to give him a guest blog/interview on my website. I replied, but of course. I dig Lincoln’s writing and think he has a bright future in the industry. So without further ado, below is the interview. Hope you enjoy!
When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve always been a writer; I wrote some stories when I was younger (one of which is included in my 2008 collection, DESPAIRS & DELIGHTS) and did some newspaper work. I started writing fiction for publication in 2006 while deployed to Afghanistan. My wife and I promised we’d try and make the year apart count for something. I think we managed to pull it off.
What are your goals in the publishing world?
I want to be a bestselling author, break into comics and eventually turn some of my stories into movies. Becoming headmaster of Hogwarts, Dark Lord of the Sith and a three-time Stoker winner before my next birthday would be pretty sweet too.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I would like to think my writing style is best described as “doesn’t suck.”
I also try to write simply and get my point across efficiently. I enjoy learning how to do this in different ways; using comparisons, finding that one perfect word that can replace five, using a character’s personality as a substitute for extra scene-setting or descriptive language.
How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use a set formula?
I usually let the story lead where it will. I’ve only recently changed my “no-outlining-EVER” policy; a minimal outline seems to increase my chances of success when working on longer projects. However, I’d rather chug drain cleaner than write formula novels. I can think of at least one bestselling author in my chosen genre than writes him, and it’s been a long time since I’ve been excited about a new book from him. I’ve probably never even mentioned him to other readers, except as an example of what not to do. I don’t wanna be that guy.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I’m constantly challenged because I’m always writing longer works, and that has always been challenging to me. In 2006, a 3,000 word story was an outstanding effort. Now I’m working on a novel, and my shorter projects are in the 10-15K area.
Speaking of novels, I hear your book, WILD, is getting ready to come out. Mind telling everyone the main gist of what it’s all about?
WILD is a Weird West tale (with zombies!) based on a real unsolved mystery from the Old West: the disappearance of Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain, war hero, politician and legislator, near his Mesilla, NM, home. More information on WILD can be found here.
What draws people to horror novels and movies? Why do we, as readers, like to be scared?
Simple science, really. Pain, spicy foods, orgasm, danger and other forms of stress, like being scared at a movie or by a book, cause the human body to release endorphins. Endorphins make you feel good, similar to the effect of opiates.
Where can people learn more about your work?
My website can be found at http://lincolncrisler.info. I enjoy interacting with readers there and on my Facebook. I also put out a newsletter pretty much every month that readers can sign up for here; I often treat my subscribers to free fiction and sneak peeks at upcoming projects.
Ty Schwamberger 