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Michael Laimo: Horror Novelist

1. Give us a little background on yourself, when did you decide that writing was what you wanted to do?   All my life, I’d always sought some form of creative release. Through my early twenties, I’d played guitar in a rock band, and had pretty much burned out from that scene by the time I turned 27. I was a big horror fan, both of movies and literature, and decided it might be fun to write some scary stories of my own. So, I sold my guitar and bought a laptop. Through a few years of trial and error, I eventually learned the basics of how to write good horror fiction, and started publishing some short stories. Soon thereafter, I wrote my first novel ATMOSPHERE, which I eventually sold to Leisure Books after attending a pitch session with editor Don D’Auria. Since then I’ve sold three more novels, and over 100 short stories.   2. Who inspired you to become a writer? Before I’d started writing, I’d read King, Barker, McCammon, and Koontz. These are the guys that made me want to write—still do, really. Then, after discovering the small press, it was guys like Tom Piccirilli and Gerard Houarner that provided incentive. Over the past ten years, I’ve been influenced by those I’ve read the most: Greg Iles, Jeffrey Deaver, Michael Connelly, Arthur C. Clarke, Tad Williams, King and Barker again, HG Wells, Richard Matheson, and many others. I think, however, that the one person who has inspired me the most—is myself. I’ve surprised myself with the amount of drive and inspiration I’ve been able to drum up within myself.   3. You just finished your latest book "The Demonologist", tell us all about it. THE DEMONOLOGIST, which is in stores now, is about a man, a rock star, who becomes possessed by The Devil. It’s EYES WIDE SHUT meets HELLRAISER, with a few nods to THE EXORCIST. I will say that this is my most horrific, visceral novel to date. Many gruesome things happen in this book. Still, I feel the story is told in a serious tone. There’s nothing campy here. It’s a full-force horror novel, one that I hope leaves the most seasoned horror reader squirming in their seat.   4. Why did you decide to write horror genre books? Are you a horror movie fan? I’ve been a horror fan ever since I was a little kid. I used to read all the true-account ghost story books in the library at a very young age. It’s stayed with me ever since. I do also like to read fantasy, mystery, and science fiction, but horror is my main love. Then, I saw "I Was A Teenaged Frankenstein", and that triggered an emotional response with me that has stayed with me ever since: that I was to be a horror fan. I moved on to Godzilla movies, and finally the more intense films like The Exorcist and The Omen. Now, I love all forms of horror, especially Italian horror films, and even the real low-budget stuff filmed on video, which to me, seems more real than those shot on film. It seemed only natural for me to progress into horror writing upon deciding to become a writer myself. 5. Have you ever thought about adapting of one of your books into a screenplay?   Of course, although I’d be more interested in having a professional (or amateur) screenwriter deliver their own interpretation of my work. I have very little writing time every day, and for now I need to spend it writing my novels. I’ve recently sold an option for my short story Last Resort to a major Hollywood company, and I’m quite curious to see what they do with it—that is, if a film is ever made. I think that if I ever have the luxury of becoming a full-time writer, then yes, screenwriting would be a viable option for me to explore.

6. What has been you’re all-time favorite project to date? The writing of all my novels hold a special place in my heart, and at the time of writing, have all been favorites. But right now, it’s my current book DEAD SOULS, which to me is by far the best novel I have ever written, hands down. Each day I walk away from a writing session smitten with what I’ve done. I’m about 75% of the way through it, and it’s really making me happy. I am also very fond of my novel SLEEPWALKER, which was published in limited edition hardcover by Delirium Books. This is more of a SF/Suspense novel in the Dean Koontz vein, like LIGHTNING, or COLD FIRE. I’m hoping that this will see print in the mass-market sometime next year.   7. Any future projects in the works? Well, my most recent novel from Leisure, THE DEMONOLOGIST, was recently released. The Italian version of DEEP IN THE DARKNESS was published in hardcover in June, from Gargoyle Books. As mentioned, I’m currently working on a new novel entitled "DEAD SOULS", an original take on black magic. Short fiction was just published in Lost On The Darkside from ROC (#4 in the series), and Surreal Magazine. More short stories are forthcoming in a few different anthologies—can’t recall the names just yet. I have a few other novel ideas that I plan to work on next year—which one, I’m not certain yet. As well, there will be a new short story collection in Limited Edition released sometime next year, as well as a Limited Edition hardcover of THE DEMONOLOGIST.   8. Do you have any advice to aspiring writers? Write and read as much as you can, and don’t give up. And write every day, if you can. I didn’t know a lick about writing when I first started (you should see all the rejection slips I have), and I’ve reached a level of success I never imagined possible. Persevere, and you shall succeed! 9. Tell us about your writing schedule. Many people are always curious about my writing schedule. It’s like this: I write at a set schedule every day, one hour in the morning, and one hour in the evening, and that’s pretty much it. I work a full time job, have a family with two baby girls that take up a good deal of my time and energy. But, I do remain consistent with my writing, I have no choice otherwise I’d never get anything done.. In the two hours I write per day, I complete 500 to 1000 words. But, that’s six-seven days a week. In the span of six months, my first draft is near complete, or done, depending on whether I’ve taken some time off to write a short story or two. Then, after letting it sit for a couple of weeks, I go back and start the editing/polishing process, which can take another month or so. Then, I let it sit for another two-three weeks. In this time, I’ll read or write a short story, then go back and complete the final draft, which will take a few more weeks. Then, I write the synopsis, and it’s off to the publisher. From beginning to end, you’re talking a year to complete a novel. If I was able to write full time, then I could get two novels a year done. That would be great! But, until I score the big paycheck, I’ll keep with my day job. 10. Here's where we give you a word or phrase and you give us the first thoughts that pop into your mind. Biggest regret-  Selling all my Wacky Packages stickers at my parent’s garage sale for $7.00, when I was a kid. I’ve been trying hard to re-collect them all, but it’s been tough. Biggest prick- This guy Pat that used to work at my day job place. What a dick. I can’t go into it now. It really pisses me off just thinking about him. Toxic Shock TV (shameless plug)- Thanks for having me…nice place you have here. Your biggest "break-thru" moment- Selling my first novel to Leisure Books. You can only read 3 books for the rest of your life, which 3- IMAJICA, by Clive Barker, SWAN SONG, by Robert McCammon, and COMPLETE POEMS AND TALES, by Edgar Allan Poe. You can only listen to 3 songs for the rest of your life, which 3- Bohemian Rhapsody, by Queen; The Garden Of Dreams, by The Flower Kings, and June, by Spock’s Beard. PLEASE CHECK OUT LAIMO.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION