1. First, introduce yourself a bit. What is your name (or pen name) and where are you from?
My name is Lamont Armand Turner. I write under Lamont A. Turner. The “A” is important because there is another Lamont Turner, minus the “A”, who apparently has published several popular self-help books. I was born and raised in Ohio, but have lived in Louisiana, just across the lake from New Orleans, for the past 33 years.
2. Next, tell us a bit about your most recent work. Is this your first published book? What is it about and what genre would you classify it as?
My first collection of short stories, Souls In A Blender was published by St. Rooster Books in October 2021. As the title suggests, it is a blend of genres, with a pinch of cosmic horror, a dash of noir, and plenty of Voodoo seasoning. I am a regular contributor to Dark Dossier, Terror House, and several other print and online venues.
3. Tell us a bit about your main character; what are they like, how did they come about, and what are some of their strengths and weaknesses?
Being a collection of short stories, there is no main character, though my Detective, Robert Doverman makes an appearance. The character has appeared in quite a few stories, some being straight mysteries and others involving horror and science fiction elements.
4. What was your hardest scene to write in this (or any) book?
I don’t recall any scenes from any of my stories giving me much trouble, though I have had tales where I wanted something to be vague so the reader could discover the resolution along with the characters, and had to decide how much detail I could leave out and still keep the plot moving.
5. Did you go the traditional route when publishing your book or did you choose to self-publish?
I went the traditional route. I leave the publishing to people with an affinity for marketing and distribution.
6. What would you say is the most difficult part of your writing journey and what advice would you give to other writers?
The most difficult part for me is pulling myself away from it. I tend to be obsessive and will neglect everything else in life to concentrate on one task. I would advise other writers to take a break once in a while. Take a walk. Do some push ups.
7. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
All of my work stands on its own, though some characters pop up more than once.
8. What are some of your favourite authors and books and what inspired you to become a writer in the first place?
Poe, Lovecraft, Serling, Bradbury, Chandler, and Hammett are the first authors who come to mind when considering my favorite writers. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t telling stories. After selling my business about two years ago, I finally had time to get serious about writing them down.
9. What would you say has been the best way to market your books?
I’m not sure I’ve discovered the best way to market my books. I promote my work on social media, and hope for some positive reviews.
10. Are there any tropes, clichés, or writing styles that you dislike and, if so, what are they and why?
I’m not overly fond of pretentious stories where nothing happens, or where too much is left up to the reader. You want the reader to be involved, but they shouldn’t have to provide the motivations for the characters, or create a theme for the story.
11. Do you read reviews of your book and, if so, how do you handle negative feedback?
So far, I haven’t gotten any negative reviews, but I would have no problem with constructive criticism.
12. What are some of your quirks as a writer? Do you like to plot everything out or do you prefer to just “wing it” and see where the story takes you? Do you listen to music when writing and, if so, what do you listen to?
I tend to wing it. It usually flows out of me without much prodding. I never listen to music while I write, though, being the father of a four year old, I often have to contend with the themes from Scooby-Doo and P.J. Masks playing in the background.
13. What is the best advice you’ve ever had when it comes to writing and what advice would you give to new writers?
Keeping in mind my earlier advice to take a break, I would say the most important thing is to get started. Write and write often. Editing is also important. Set your story aside for a spell after you’ve finished the first draft to give yourself some distance, and them look at it again.
14. What’s next for you? Are you currently working on any new books or stories?
I have a novel and two collections of short stories out for consideration, and around thirty of my stories are slated for publication in various magazines and anthologies between now and the middle of 2022. I am currently working on more, and am about half way through the first draft of my second novel.
15. Finally, feel free to plug your social media, website, and links to Amazon, GoodReads, and other relevant sites below, and detail any current offers available for your book/s:
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