If you were allowed to give one argument as to why the world should read your work, what would that argument be?

Chances are, you’re not weird enough, so dig into my stories to embrace your strange side.

What compelled you to become a writer in the first place?

When I was in high school I would often think of stories I wanted to see in books and movies and from there I would pretty much make up my own.

Who are some writers every new/beginning writer should read and why?

Stephen King is uber popular for a reason; his stories are immediately accessible and his characters are believable, lessons that can help writers in any genre. Joe R. Lansdale’s dialogue in his fiction is unparalleled. Pierce Brown (and his Red Rising series) is a great example of a high concept sci-fi author that never leaves the reader feeling lost.

What are some writing tips you would offer new/beginning writers?


Jump into the action immediately, avoid purple prose, and don’t be afraid to experiment with genres, perspective, and tense.

Some books change our lives. Can you share which books have absolutely change the way you look at the world, the way you approach life? How did they affect this change in you?

The Thief Of Always by Clive Barker is the rare YA fantasy story that isn’t afraid to get dark and flirt with intense horror elements (especially for the time period in which it was published). As a kid, this novel offers a wish fulfilling place you want to visit (such as The House of Always where every morning is Christmas and every night is Halloween) and the consequences of going to such a place (being fed on by a family of psychic vampires). I think this balancing of dreams and nightmares is a really interesting approach for fiction across all genres.

Tapping The Source by Kem Nunn is a brilliant crime novel featuring an amateur detective searching for his missing sister in an exclusive surf community. The way Nunn escalates the plot from winning the respect of shady surfers to unraveling the conspiracy of a full blown satanic cult shows that a simple premise can have a balls-to-the-wall conclusion. The idea of their being crazy explanations for seemingly straightforward mysteries is a major influence for how I approach story structure.

What’s a movie that absolutely has to be seen on the big screen to be fully appreciated (and why)?

The Dark Knight, from the epic orchestra by Hans Zimmer to the imax-enhanced action scenes, it’s the superhero of superhero movies.

What can we expect from you in the near future?

I’m currently promoting my debut Lovecraftian horror novel, Moon, Regardless and I am actively working on finding representation for a dark fantasy novel set in a mystical New England beach town.

 

Nick Manzolillo is the author of the Lovecraftian horror novel Moon, Regardless. In addition to Pulp Modern his short fiction has appeared in over sixty publications including: Red Room Magazine, Grievous Angel, and The Tales To Terrify podcast. He has an MFA from Western Connecticut University. Nick currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island with his wife and three well-read cats.