The 7Q Interview: John Quick
AUTHOR BIO
If you ask his wife, John Quick is compelled to tell stories because he’s full of baloney. He prefers to think he simply has an affinity for things that are strange, disturbing, and terrifying. As proof, he will explain how he suffered Consequences, transcribed The Journal of Jeremy Todd, and regaled the tale of Mudcat. He lives in Middle Tennessee with his aforementioned long-suffering wife, two exceptionally patient kids, four dogs that could care less so long as he keeps scratching that perfect spot on their noses, and a cat who barely acknowledges his existence. When he's not hard at work on his next novel, you can find him on Facebook at johnquickbooks, Twitter @johndquick, or his website, johnquickauthor.blogspot.com.
QUESTIONS
#1. Looking back, what’s one fiction book that you feel truly made an impact on your writing? Do you still gravitate towards that author?
#1. Answer – There have been so many over the years, but I think I have to go with Richard Laymon’s DARKNESS, TELL US. The reason is that while I’d tried writing up until then, nothing ever seemed to work or flow. Then I read that book, and realized you could just take the shackles off and go, no matter how twisted or nasty the story got. It was exceptionally freeing to discover that, and allowed me to start telling stories the way I wanted, rather than the way I thought people expected me to. And I absolutely go back to Laymon. I’ve read pretty much everything he did, and consistently go back to re-read him when I don’t know what to start next.
#2. How do you feel about the use of sub-genres in the industry? How do you describe your work overall?
#2. Answer – Sub-genres are a mixed bag. After a certain point, I think they start to get way too nitpicky to be of any real use. I mean, do I really need to know a book is specifically a “were-wolf coming of age dystopian urban fantasy romance”? It just feels like tacking more labels on for no real reason at all when you get to that point. I follow the Richard Laymon rule of thumb, with a little Joe Lansdale thrown in for good measure: “write the story you want to read, and don’t worry about what genre it falls into.” That’s for marketing purposes only, and not essential to the reading or writing experience.
#3. What about your writing process do you think is unique or quirky? What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received?
#3. Answer – I’m pretty vanilla when it comes to process, but I do find that my best work comes when I go out on the back patio after dark, when the wife and kids have gone to bed, and write there. I bring a couple of beers, my laptop, and some smokes, and go until the chapter’s done. Unfortunately, it’s been so damned hot this summer that I’ve had to move back inside, even at night, but I can’t wait to get back to that.
I don’t know that I’ve ever received any bad advice regarding writing. I’ve had some good mentors and influences along the way that guided me in what I feel was the right direction. The closest it comes would be in the publishing process, I think. I’ve been told you have to pay for a cover artist. Since I’m generally broke, I did the covers for my self-published stuff on my own. The first one, yeah, not so good. But I was determined, so I learned Photoshop and took my time on the rest, and they got some awesome feedback, so I’d say as long as you’re determined and willing to do what it takes, you don’t have to fork over that money for a cover. Having said that, if you’ve got the money, spend it. Professional artists are professionals for a reason, and it shows on their covers.
#4. How does music and media factor into your writing? Do you feel it plays as much an inspirational role as literature?
#4. Answer – I’ve got a very complicated relationship with music and media where it connects to my writing. Most times, I need complete silence to write. That said, I often have something on as background noise nowadays. There are many cases where music helps me connect on a different level to the story I’m telling. A prime example: the thing I’m working on with Armand Rosamilia right now concerns a rock band in 1984 that sells their souls to the devil for fame and fortune. I find myself loading up random 80’s rock playlists on Spotify to get me into the groove.
As to whether or not it plays as inspirational a role as literature, it absolutely does. The best songwriters are also storytellers, no matter their genre. Look at guys like Springsteen Mellencamp, and Nick Cave: everything they do evokes emotion and tells a tale. Older country was all about the story. Even symphonic metal like Nightwish tells a cool story if you pay attention enough. Add to that the music speaking without lyrics, and it can be just as compelling as a good book.
#5. As an author, how much do you engage in social media? Do you feel it is more for your own entertainment, or for marketing and networking?
#5. Answer – I engage in it a good deal, but I won’t say I always do it the right way to make it effective. The standard answer is that I use it for marketing and networking, but I don’t know how accurate that is, if I’m being completely honest. Networking, sure. Marketing, not so much. I generally scroll out of boredom or to kill time when I should be writing, lol.
That being said, it is a good way to keep touch with family and friends I otherwise wouldn’t get to interact with that often. And I have connected with a couple of fans through it, which always makes it worthwhile.
#6. Where do you see the future of horror fiction heading? In turn, what changes would you love to see, either socially or technologically?
#6. Answer – I think we’re in generally good shape when it comes to the future of horror fiction. Go to NECON or Scares That Care or any convention featuring authors, and you’ll find a ton of folks like me who grew up on King, Koontz, and Barker, as well as the Splatterpunks and the current “old guard” like Keene, Bryan Smith, Jeff Strand, and Mary SanGiovanni. Those of us in this newest generation also get the luxury of having those same folks being willing to give advice and direction, as well as the generation right after them with Jonathan Janz, Ron Malfi, Paul Tremblay, and the like. We also have access to a ton of information on the internet, as well as folks like Armand Rosamilia and Chuck Buda with their Mando Method Podcast to guide us along the way. Basically, it’s a great time to be a new horror writer!
As to what I would change, I honestly don’t know that I’d change that much. Socially, horror writers are among the most open and welcoming to newcomers that I’ve ever seen. I self-pubbed my first book, but still felt like I was welcomed into their ranks, no questions asked. As long as you’re actively working on it, and trying to do it for the long haul, they’ll be happy to stand by your side. From a technological standpoint, it’s easier than ever before to break into this insane world. Harder to get noticed, maybe, but easy to dip your toes in. And, like I said: if you’re willing to put in the work, there are folks willing to help. I can’t wait to be in that position myself, one day, so I can pay that forward as well.
#7. What can you tell us about any forthcoming projects? What titles would you like to promote now?
#7. Answer – For the rest of this year, I have a new novel coming out through Silver Shamrock called HIDDEN HEARTS. It’s a straight-ahead haunted house tale that I’ve been trying to get out there for a couple of years now, so I’m psyched to have it finally see the light of day. Next year, I’ll be releasing a Richard Laymon-inspired novel called SAVAGE MOUNTAIN through Grindhouse Press, as well as the second of my Cochran Investigations books through Sinister Grin. In addition, Poltergeist Press will be re-releasing my first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in hardback, paperback, and eBook near the end of January. While you wait, though, you can feel free to grab my novel WHAT SLEEPS BENEATH from Bloodshot Books, and the first Cochran book, DEMON AT THE WINDOW, from Sinister Grin, both on Amazon now!
AUTHOR PIC
