MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR VIKTOR SALAZAR

 

 

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?

My name is Viktor Salazar and I consider my genre a highbred of something new. Horror/Pararealism

 

Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

Well, it begins on a historically rich Southern Texas coast, a Deacon struggles between ideas of the church he serves and a spiritual gift not of this world he must understand- without being persecuted for heresy, all while being hunted by an evil that connects him to a family’s dark secrets and a moment of truth this evil will force him to face, and choose between.

“The catalyst behind this tale was definitely raw emotion. It was written and inspired from my own personal journals prior to my active involvement with the paranormal field. Having experienced the supernatural from a religious viewpoint as well as those experienced beyond the four walls of the Church, both demanding I choose to believe in one without the other, led to a negative affliction. I grew weary of having others define my truth by mere fragments of my life and this story has allowed me to bleed my emotions into the characters, specifically Emmanuel, the Deacon, and heal through the craft of writing.”

 

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?

I’ve always written as far back as a young boy. From winning my first Halloween short story in 4th grade to melancholy poems of a growing teenager. As an introvert, I found it easier to articulate my feelings through writing. We didn’t have all the technological advances as we do now: tablets, smart phones, etc. I wrote on paper calendars with empty boxes filling them with the most significant things of that day. That’s actually in my book.

I wrote an email to Anne Rice. After reading the Mayfair Witches and Vampire Chronicles, I thought, ‘She’s not going to see it.’ I crafted a very poetic way of sharing how much her characters inspired me to find my voice as well as how much I loved them and her books, but I didn’t think I’d get a response. She replied with a few words, but the one I remember was, ‘Astonishing!’ and ever since then that feeling of excitement has not left. She was a huge inspiration and still is. I was so encapsulated by her signature writing style. It was as if I was in a trance each time I read anything by Anne. That connection to her writing will forever be my happy.

 

 

What kind of research did you do for this book?

It was through my own personal journals and encounters. I suppose you can say experiences. For this particular book I dug deep into my own personal files hidden deep within my brain and pieced it together passing it along to the characters to play out. They added a few elements as well. Sometimes when you just listen without all the chaos of the world around you. That small still voice within whispers forgotten recollections.

 

Can you tell me about your Series?

I sought to only create An Honest Evil: A Deacon’s Journal as a standalone novel, but then. A few characters concluded one account alone was not enough. There is more the story demanded, and I listened. With that said. I foresaw two more tales relating to this project. One already in the works and marinating. A follow up prequel with a potential release date in 2019 and a third to conclude the journey.

It involves the conflicts of harmonizing two realms. Much like today. Ocean upon the sky, yin and yang, inimical forces complementary or interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, but likewise the in-between.  What’s the message? Good vs Evil? I’ve understood that both co-exist. One is always with the other. When you arrive at that crossroads of life and evil strikes hard. It’s up to you to work it out. Will it crush you or build strength of character for tasks that lie ahead… things to conquer in your quest. Further, I must include. Evil comes in many designs as freely as good.

 

Do you have a favorite book out of this series?

I can’t choose now obviously. However, I see the third as my favorite thus far. It’s been plotted out and I love where the characters have gone and grown and it takes place in my favorite city… Nouvelle Orléans.

 

Where did you get the inspiration/idea for your series?

My life experiences. Many elements to this series are inspired by true life experiences that was highly publicized appearing on two popular TV shows. Travel channels “Ghost Adventures” and Bio’s “My Ghost Story.” Amongst many other social media outlets during that time. Two student Documentaries one for UT of Texas and the other Texas A&M. Of course, you add the creative accents for good fiction.

 

Was it always meant to become a series?

No, when your characters talk you’d better listen! They won’t stop till you do!

 

 

What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

I’m a night bird. I enjoy the stillness of night. There is an enthusiasm that bursts open the gates of creativity when the sun goes down and the moon beams her light. I have a spacious attic on the third floor of my home transformed into a chamber of collected antiquities, curiosities, and items that have influenced other works in the making. It bears two windows. A medium oval sized window where the moon glows through, and the other that looks out on the towering pines swaying in the backyard.

I sit at my desk under an antique lamp with orange stained glass that illuminates its intricate casing on the walls. I have a playlist of music I have carefully chosen for mood and tone of what I’m writing and key away.

I don’t ordinarily have a “goal” I feel it stunts my creativity. I may write a thousand words in one sitting and on another evening only three hundred. As long as I write something during the hours of 12-5 a.m. I’m a happy camper.

 

Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?

I do. It has been named. I will be revealing it soon. I also have a short story to be released in November. Trailer coming soon.

 

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

I believe character names are important. You want to leave a mark, a name someone reads will find unusual and not a cliché. A hook so to speak. Just like a lyric in a song that will stick in your readers mind. Change it up. My protagonist in “An Honest Evil: A Deacon’s Journal” is Emmanuel, and his name is significant to the story. Without giving away too much. A bread crumb if you will. So, his name has a special meaning for me and is symbolic in many ways. I try to avoid any familiar names of people I know all together.

 

Where do your ideas come from?

As mentioned before, intimate encounters, travel. As far as other works. My dream journal. I keep it close on my nightstand so I won’t forget them! Others grow from emotion and studying the world around me. Everywhere you look there is a story to be told. Practically all I collect in terms of antiques and otherwise comes with a story wrapped around it and snowballs into this whole extraordinary world birthing unique but relatable individual characters and if the season is right. I‘ll soon let them soar. Baby steps for now.

 

Is there a genre that you’ve been wanting to experiment with?

Oh yes, I have already delved into the layout of things such as plotting Horror/Fantasy series. I very much wish to broaden and switch gears from the Horror/Pararealism to more of the preternatural beings. Not YA so much, maybe Fantasy, just being able to revisit these creatures and share and write what they’d have me write about them. Contribute to all the wonderful groundbreaking Authors that have written about them in times past with my interpretation to a new generation and those to come. So I suppose what I’m saying in terms of Genre, not now. As far as theme, most definitely! I want to try a shot at whatever I feel at the time. Right now I’m just working to gain my bearings and we’ll see what lies ahead.

 

 

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Not allowing myself to write. At times I get caught up in editing as I go. I mean, it’s okay to a certain extent I realize. One evening it took a whole evening to complete a paragraph because I continued editing till I had stripped it bare and it lost all its magic. So, the key I’ve discovered is to grant yourself permission to write. Sure revise as you go but allow room for mistakes.  So, yes, the answer is not allowing myself to write.

 

What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

I absolutely embrace them! It is one of the finest marketing engines for an Author not to mention for the reader. I get enthusiastic when I see a trailer of my favorite author’s upcoming work. It evokes excitement and anticipation! I have one on my webpage and FB page for “An Honest Evil: A Deacon’s Journal.” I intend to continue the trend and keep trailers coming!

 

 

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

In terms of writing… I wrote and completed my first novel! In terms of life… using this platform of many to inspire those around the world.

 

What’s the best thing about being an author?

Connecting with people. I love people and enjoy connecting with them on a human level. I love writing and getting lost in a world where magic and love combine to ward off the cravings of evil. Haha!

 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Living in an old plantation home here in the East Coast surround by my antiquities having authors from all over the world share their works. I hope to have a ton of beloved books written for the masses and having them as my thank you for allowing me to share a part of me with a part of you! And sit next to Stephen King and Lady Anne Rice on a Panel after winning the Bram Stokers award!

 

Have you always liked to write?

Always.

 

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Something I strive daily to achieve. Always respect your craft whatever it may be and be confident in what you know leaving room for growth. Discover your potential through your imperfections for they lead to purpose. Embrace the knowledge you’ve received, pass it along for all to share, and strive to be the best you can be!”

This may be a bit cliché but I strongly believe you must be open to criticism, good or bad. Take from the negative and see if it benefits you in any way. Keep it. Use it. Take the good and challenge yourself in how you can do it even better. They both work together for your good.

 

 

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

Not like WRITING BOOKS! I can hardly imagine that. If I weren’t good? What determines if you’re a good writer or not? I believe that to be a matter of preference, but if I didn’t choose writing. I would be a singer/lyricist. I am also a musician and lover of music. So, that’s what I’d be doing.

 

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

I do. I don’t recall responding to any with anything other than a thank you. I think if it’s a critique on your writing style or storyline. I appreciate the feedback good or bad. After all, it’s a matter of leaving room to grow and not feeding the ego. I read somewhere Joan Crawford use to post negative reviews or feedback on post-its and hang them on her mirror in her dressing room that she may look at them and work harder to prove them wrong. I’m no Joan Crawford, she was tough as nails but I like her approach.

 

 

What is your least favourite part of the writing / publishing process?

The editing part. It can become extremely stressful when you know some, if not most of your story that took days to write doesn’t make the cut because it simply doesn’t fit or is too long.

The publishing process is equally as difficult if you’re an independent author such as myself you wear all the hats of a Publishing house. I wish I had 20 of me!

 

What are you working on now?

Hmm, since dropping An Honest Evil: A Deacon’s Journal, I have completed an audio version of the novel with none other than Detroit’s own Lee Alan, a remarkable fellow who worked and shared an era with some of the legends of those of Motown in its heyday.

I also have been exploring new ideas and learned one character in the novel demanded to share and communicate his message. So he’s been keeping me very busy. It will be a prequel to the first novel in the series. I hope to have a set release date for 2019. I too have a Christmas Horror short with a potential release date in Nov.

There is another novel of a particular kind dealing with the preternatural in which I’m super stoked about. It’s a whole new world of a story I can’t wait to share with the world!

I’ve been working panel discussions and podcast all around the web and you bet you can look forward to more once the second novel drops.

 

Can you give us a few tasty morsels from your work-in-progress?

I’ts darker. Keep an eye out for a trailer. Some of your favorite characters from book 1 of An Honest Evil have returned for a fierce battle.

 

Why did you choose to write in your genre? If you write in more than one, how do you balance them?

I don’t think I chose this genre. It chose me. I’m a huge fan of Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling fan and I thought I’d be writing time period Viking dragon castle stories, but it didn’t happen that way.  It’s true I have a liking to old ghost stories and cultural lore of times past but I never knew the things that transpired in my life several years ago would lead down this path. It has, I embrace it and now here I am.

 

Where did your love of books come from?

School. I’m uncertain if they still have them but there use to be a reading program to where teachers handed out a sheet of paper that had listed books you could buy from. Some kind of book fair. I don’t recall the name, but that was the most exciting time in my life! I would bubble in the circle of the books I wanted then waited. The library was always a place I often read books of all kinds. And I must mention Reading Rainbow! My favorite show as a kid growing up!

 

 

 

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

Tolkien’s LOTR, C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe. William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist, and the entire works of Anne Rice. If I chose one it would be The Witching Hour. Tolkien and Lewis go hand in hand for me. They satisfy my Spiritual Fantasy craving. It’s like discovering a message in a bottle.

Blatty stands alone. His extraordinary knowledge and profound exploration with The Exorcist novel reminds me of how I approached my first novel. His ability to translate an authentic story in to one of the scariest reads is incredible! I strive to achieve that kind of articulation. But it’s Rice that carries the crown for me. The genius approach of reinventing vampires and introducing New Orleans witches had me speechless and still today I thirst for more like the Brat Prince Lestat.

All these Authors played an integral role in my writing and life. It’s about balance. Light and Dark. Evil and Good.  I realize they each have a distinctive voice. A voice that has reached thousands with a message. Finding your voice is key. There is only one of them and I don’t want to be them but I have taken from each of them and have begun my journey to discover my own.

 

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

Maybe the antagonist. I feel in every read the antagonist is always the one to be booted out or crushed without understanding why? Like Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. He was made, how was he a monster for doing what he was made to do?

 

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Energizes until I hit writers block. That’s when I have to step aside and come back to it at a later time to see what’s happening. Then when I find that missing piece… bam! I’m on track again.

 

What is your writing Kryptonite?

When I’m left with no choice but to kill off a beloved character to keep the read believable. It takes me days to decide to kill off someone I may have fallen in love with.

 

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I aim to be original. When writing my first novel I notice a few things that mirrored some of my favorite authors approach, minor, but I’d step away and come back with fresh eyes. This Day and Age instant gratification is key. Not for me personally, I enjoy a good thick read with all of its colorful descriptions of the author’s world. Writing styles have changed and the reading mind wants action and less descriptive paragraphs of a haunted house or cemetery, etc. So I want to write something pleasurable for my readers but still keep some older writing styles. It’s a challenge but if it’s unnecessary to write about the trimming and color of the wallpaper in your story, skip it or write it. It’s all about preference for me.

 

 

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I have an eclectic group of Author friends. Both in the top five houses and smaller ones. They have helped me tremendously with my writing. They’ve been generous with their wisdom passing it along and like a sponge I soak it all up! For them, I’m forever grateful.

 

If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

“Me and my melancholy mind?”

 

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

Do you act out your characters? My answer: Yes, sometimes I pace in my room during dialogue like a mad person but that’s when the magic happens. Voices change, mannerisms change, and facial expressions change. It’s like method acting. I call it method writing. I stay in the characters head some days to gain insight to what he or she would do in a certain situation.

 

 

Where can your fans find you and follow??

Website              www.viktorsalazar.com

Amazon               https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4QQH1K

Goodreads         https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16057554

Facebook            https://www.facebook.com/ViktorMSalazar/

Twitter @ViktorMSalazar

Instagram @viktormsalazar

www.paramaniaradio.com  “The Séance Room” moderating alongside my wife and two good friends for our new paranormal show called “The Séance Room” where we conjure up topics with guest dealing with all things under the paranormal umbrella. Beginning Nov.2nd.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-honest-evil-viktor-salazar/1125111805

 

And thank you! It’s been my absolute pleasure!

Thank you for taking your time to do this interview ❤️