Author Interview with Steven Farkas
1. When did you start writing?
I started writing very young. The first story I ever wrote was about people from Jupiter attacking the Earth, I was six. But I really started writing seriously when I was in high school. I had some great literature teachers who supported my writing and gave me the support and encouragement to be a serious writer.
2. What was your journey towards becoming an author like?
It was a bumpy start. I continued writing through college and after. When I finally published with a publisher in 2002, I thought I had made it. Unfortunately, that publisher was not a very good one. They were more interested in me spending money buying my own book for book signings than promoting the book. I figured I could do that myself so I started self-publishing. That was a bit of a stop and start part of becoming an author. I often was distracted by a day job and I had a hard time finding bookstores willing to do book signings. I really got serious about my writing in the 2010s and began finding more independent bookstores open to holding signings. As well, I was better at using social media to promote my work. This year I found a publisher I thought I could finally trust to be serious and work with me to move my career forward. So I signed onto PsychoToxin Press to publish three books this year and I've dramatically increased the number of book signing events as well as a bigger network of places for events.
3. What can you tell me about your latest book?
My newest book is a Holiday horror book called WE WISH YOU A SCARY CHRISTMAS AND A BLOODY NEW YEAR. It's published by PsychoToxin Press. It's set in a small town in the north which continually has strange and often violent occurrences every holiday season. Strange things like an old man who hates carolers coming to his house so he gives them poisoned cookies, to Krampus breaking into a house to drag a family to Hell. It's done well so far selling out my first signing for the book. PsychoToxin Press has even issued a pre-order of the book which includes an ornament for your Christmas tree.
4. What sort of methods do you use for book promotion?
I use social media to promote the books, as well as promoting my signing events. As well, over the last few years I've increased the number of book-signing and promotional in-person events. I also use interviews on podcasts, video podcasts, and written interviews like this one.
5. Where do you get your ideas for stories?
I always get asked that question, and to be honest I don't really know how to answer that question. It can come from any place or experience. A small idea pops into my head and as I do a lot of busy work around the house I continue to try and build the story in my mind. The idea can come from anywhere, any situation. Once I've built the story up in my head, I sit down and start typing. The story goes however it leads me as I type.
6. What are you working on right now?
I'm working on two books for 2024. One is a continuation of a YA summer camp series. This year's is called SUMMER CAMP ZOMBIES, and next year's will be called SUMMER CAMP WITCHES. As well, I’m working on an adult horror book using the title SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES, but it's nothing like the Ray Bradberry novel.
7. Any advice for other authors?
I guess the only advice I have is if you really want to be an author, don’t give up and don't let distractions make you give up your desire to be an author. As I said before, there were many times I could have just set aside the whole writing thing because of other things going on in life. But, I kept going because I was driven to do it, I couldn't stop or give it up.
ABOUT STEVEN:
Steven Farkas is a Horror and Science Fiction writer. He has written and published fifteen books in the genres of horror, science fiction, and dystopian futures.
Find him online here
