Thursday, February 28, 2019

Interview with Derek Muk author of Private Number/Claws


 When it comes to communication from the other side, what would make a radio station a good way for them to communicate?
 
Great question! And a timely one, too. Actually, that's something that's addressed in the story. I don't want to drop any spoilers so I'll let the readers have fun and find out for themselves:)



What makes Albert Taylor the best paranormal investigator to look into the incident at the radio station in Private Number?

 The radio station has a talk show on the paranormal and the host reaches out to Albert Taylor, because she's sort of a fan of his work (nerd/geek!) and had heard positive things about him, to look into spooky goings-on concerning a caller from beyond the grave. That concept is one of my favorites (and one I had wanted to write about for a while) because I find it pretty chilling and surreal.



In Claws, you write of a small community, what was your reasoning behind that instead of a larger city for the animal like attacks?

  I've always been fascinated by small towns. Sometimes I go on road trips just to explore them to try and get ideas for my writing. There's something creepy and mysterious about them, like they are harboring dark secrets and little lies, suppressing truths. A place where everyone knows one another and their business (like who's dating who) is certainly scary! To me at least. So that's why I chose that particular kind of setting for Claws.



What is it about Albert Taylor that readers may not know about?

 He has a thing for women who are nerdy, (brainy) bespectacled scientist types. Particularly if they have a foreign accent. Just kidding!:)  Well, for those that don't already know it, he just loves and adores vintage plaid blazers (especially the ones with suede elbow patches) and corduroy pants from the 1970s. And he likes his cars pre-1980.



As a writer what of the "Albert Taylor" stories do you find most interesting to write about?

  Creating the character (and also the other characters) and doing the world building. And being able to tackle different topics in the horror/paranormal genre, of having a different 'case' or mystery for him to work on. Doing the research for the writing is fun because I get to read a wide variety of books/articles on different subjects. Needless to say, I get side tracked and distracted easily!



What as a writer do you feel you struggle with the most?
  Show and tell, POV, the promoting and marketing of books.




Are there any new projects in the works that you can tell our readers about?

  I'm currently revising and polishing up two novellas and going back and revisiting some old short stories.




Where can our readers look to know more about you?

 My author website is: http://theoccultfilesofalberttaylor.wordpress.com/
(includes my social media links) and has all the information on my writing.




Where can readers find Private Number/Claws?

https://www.amazon.com/Private-Number-Claws-Derek-Muk-ebook/dp/B07HSQY6SS