What
genre do you write and why?
Horror
and Fantasy. As a child growing up, I would always try to find movies which
were way above my age range. I remember on my 8th birthday I watched
'Psycho', and 'The Exorcist' with the babysitter, and after that, very quickly
got into authors such as Laymon and Koontz. I wanted to join in the fun, so
tried writing for myself. Usually I would write sequels to movies I had seen,
like Alien 8, or Jaws 7, completely random stories, but full of death and gore.
This lead to me writing my own material.
Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book, released a few weeks ago is called 'Earthed'. It follows
a young family stalked by darkness, where their only hope is an old man who
knows what they are up against. As the events unfold, the terror begins to
reveal itself, and staying in the light becomes the only way they are going to
survive the night.
What marketing methods are you using to promote your book?
The usual. Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter and lots of book forums. The
best tool is word of mouth. A lot of people enjoyed my first book, 'End Storm',
and so they have spread the news as well, which is a big help.
What formats is the book available in?
It is available on all ebook readers. Paperback copies I am looking at
doing, and hopefully will have something to update you on before Christmas.
Who are your favourite authors?
I love Laymon, Koontz and Tolkien. All for different reasons, but all
have their own ability to move the story along at a perfect pace. And the
detail in the story Tolkien creates is unbelievable.
What advice do you have for other writers?
Not to give in. Not to be obsessed over sales and profit. And to expect
a good few slaps around the face.
What's your favourite quote about writing/for writers?
'If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others:
Read a lot and write a lot.' - King.
What's the best thing about being a writer?
Being able to create a universe and every character in it. And then
letting people in to your universe.
Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
I have a website, www.mazmarik.weebly.com, and a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/hobomarik.
Who
is you favorite character in your book and why?
In
'Earthed', I like 'Ian Sayers'. He is old, and eccentric, and has a witty sense
of humour. On top of all that, he is also very courageous. The opposite of me
really!
Why
do you think readers are going to enjoy your book?
It goes along
at breakneck speed, and the characters are likeable. If you like Horror, you
will like this.
How long did it take
you to write your book?
It is
different for each book. Sometimes I can complete the first draft in a couple
of months, but sometimes, the best part of a year.
Who designed
the cover?
My good
friend, and editor, Ish Ferris.
Did you learn
anything from writing your book that was unexpected?
Every time. My
editor is as harsh as can be! I would like to think my writing standard is always improving, and you
learn more from your mistakes than you do with praise.
Where
can a reader purchase your book?
Any key word
'Maz Marik', on Amazon, Kobo, Nook, Apple etc will bring me up. Although all
links are on the website.
What are you
doing to market the book?
I try not to
spend any money on marketing. I like the idea of word of mouth, even if it
sometimes seems to be a slow method. I also had a trailer done, which went on
the website and YouTube channel. I try to get it reviewed by different forum
groups, and then use Facebook and Goodreads to market it further.
Who inspires
you?
I think two
people. Christopher Reeve for battling on with his paralysis. After years of
being known as Superman, his legacy will be being a beacon of hope for
thousands of other people who suffer similar injuries. His strength and
mentaility was just amazing.
The other is
Arnold Schwarzenegger. The drive and motivation that guy has is insane! He
wants to be a bodybuilder, ends up as Mr Universe, then he wants to try acting,
and ends up the most famous actor of all time, and then decides he wants to try
politics, and goes as high up in the US political system as is allowed for a
non American. Determination, determination, determination!
How do you
research your books?
I read a lot
of mythology and supernatural creatures. Local legends and mysterious events
usually get me interested, and then from there, it is about plotting a story
that is both true, and loyal to the myth I was influenced by.
I try to go to
the location I am setting it in beforehand, so I get a feel for the environment
and the local people.
What is your
work in progress? Tell us about it.
There are two.
One is 'The Absent', which is the story of three teenagers who look after a man
with dementia, but find themselves entering his world as the night progresses.
There will be
more on 'The Absent' on my website as it progresses in the coming months.
The other book
is called 'Hamelin', and is a take on the tale of the Pied Piper. It follows a
man with his two boys who seek shelter for the night, only to find when they
get there that all the children have gone. They help the local people search
for the missing children, which leads to a terrifying and gruesome outcome.
What are your
thoughts on self-publishing verses traditional publishing?
Well, I am
Self Published. I think it gives everyone a chance, but also has allowed the
market to get flooded with bog standard trash. Traditional Publishing is often
more difficult to get involved in, but usually has greater rewards. I think
both are useful. It is all about knowing, or getting to know the 'right
people'.
Who or what inspired
you to become a writer?
Reading books and
watching movies and thinking 'I can do better than that'. So often the ending,
or a character in a movie or book makes me groan with frustration. I try to
make all my stories as frustration-free as I can.
And then there is
Stephen King, who I am not super fan of, although cannot deny his brilliance,
but he threw his first book in the bin, and then was convinced to keep trying
to get it published. He agreed, and now earns $40m a year.....
Does your family
support you in your writing career? How?
Yes, they do.
A few have read the book, but mostly they leave me alone. I prefer it that way!
What are you
currently reading?
Nothing! I have just finished 'Unnatural Selection', by Thomas Pryce,
which was excellent.
What books or
authors have most influenced your life?
Tolkien and
his Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. And then David Gemmell who also wrote
Fanstasy. The worlds they created were just amazing. To jump into their minds
for just a minute would be the most incredible thing ever!
When
you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
I
like to walk, climb trees and anything outdoor really. Just sitting at the
beach throwing stones into the waves. That kind of stuff.
Movies
and the cinema is always appealing. Seeing friends and family.
Hobbies
are scuba diving and football, although I barely get to play any sport anymore.
Also
love poetry. Reading it, writing it, listening to it. Can spend all day doing
that!
