1. When did you start writing?

I started writing in 1987, at age 12, in the high school library.  They had an old manual typewriter in a side room and the librarian let me mess around with it.  I wrote two pages of a story before I had to quit.  An English teacher read it and was very surprised at the quality, and advised me to continue writing.   It was Stephen King's novel Salem's Lot which got me interested in books, and in horror or, as I prefer to write, suspense novels with horror genre elements.

2. What was your journey toward becoming an author like?

It was kinda freaky.  I had learning difficulties as a child with literacy, and one morning I was put back a level on spelling.  I passed it, passed the next level, and so on and so forth, all the way to the top level - level 7 - in one morning!  The teacher was dumbfounded.  As was I!  I could read anything handed to me, like a gift from out of nowhere.  I equate it with the finger of God pointing out of the sky and zapping me with writing ability.  It may sound dumb, but it is what is, I guess.  I HAVE no other explanation for what happened that morning.   Since that first story, I was writing short stories constantly, albeit the quality was nowhere near the quality, now.  I read a lot - James Clavell, Eric Van Lustbader, Stephen King, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, among many other things.  I taught myself context, syntax, grammar, etc., through reading, as our school English department was woefully neglectful in the creative writing area.  In 2019, I was encouraged by friends in a Facebook writing group to send in my first ever submitted story - a flash fiction - and it was accepted first time out, written during a 20-minute coffee break.  Since then, I have enjoyed - a few rejections aside - a 98% publication ratio.  Quite amazing to me, of course.  I'm overjoyed that the publishers seem to have enjoyed my ramblings so far.

3. What can you tell me about your latest book?

It's a collection of 18 short stories and flash fictions in the suspense-horror genre, with stories ranging from an evil orphanage to isolated possessed houses; schizophrenic mind games to demonic visitations.  I like to explore different subject matter and weave my unique outlook throughout, as I use cinematic atmosphere and visual imagery to convey the stories, with character and situation at the forefront.  As I see it, plot is restrictive, whereas letting the story lead you can open up all manner of interesting diversions and possibilities which plotting would preclude. 

4. What sort of methods do you use for book promotion?

At the moment, social media, primarily.  I DO plan to approach radio stations, local and national press, and transport authorities to advertise in large city bus shelters or on buses in large city centres, although it may not be possible due to prohibitive costs.

5. Where do you get your ideas for stories?

Aaah! The question that must not be asked of writers! (Laughs) It seems like they just come to me.  It ranges from having a title and a story will come soon after, if not immediately; I have an idea from out of nowhere and wait for the right title; I think of a scenario and add a few elements to round it out   Those are the main ones, but in each case, I start writing and it's like the words are being dictated to me, channeled through me, as if they DEMAND me to write them.  They're floating in the air and I have the receptor to receive them, I guess.

6. What are you working on right now?

At the moment, I am working on the second collection of short stories, although maybe a mixed bag, this time...a western, a 9/11 themed story, other various pieces.  Not sure yet.  But they are stronger with each story written.  Also, I am planning a novel and a series of illustrated children's books (aged 0-5 years), and a collection of 100-word microfiction drabbles, added to this the occasional anthology submission if I have time.

7. Any advice for other authors?

I don't see myself as being in a position to offer specific advice, but I WILL offer this to new authors and beginners - LOVE what you do, and ALWAYS aim to outdo yourself.  Never restrict yourself to one genre, if you can help it, and ALWAYS write about life as it truly is.  Your perceptions, values, etc., will colour your work.  Say what you want, and don't compromise to be PC.  Your opinions are valid as anyone else's, and you should feel free to express them through story.

ABOUT MARTIN:

Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Martin Eastland began writing in 1987.  First published in 2019, he has appeared in various small press anthologies and eZines.  He is currently working on a second volume of short suspense stories; a collection of 500 100-word microfiction horror drabbles; a novel; and has future plans for a children's book series (0-5 years).   He also submits to various anthologies where relevant. His book Out of the Ashes was just released by Nightmare Downloads. Learn more here: https://unveilingnightmares.com/blogs/news/out-of-the-ashes-by-martin-eastland-coming-29th-january-2024