 The Write Reason for Research |
Literary Spotlight: Jonathan Maberry
By Carlotta G. Holton
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Jonathan Maberry is a published author, former journalist and writing teacher who has sold three novels (Pinnacle Books), 16 nonfiction books, two plays and numerous articles, short stories and video scripts. The winner of the Bram Stoker Award for horror, he teaches writers of all genres.
Q: Why do you write in the horror genre?
A: I was influenced by my grandmother’s fascinating folklore. (She was Scottish, French and German.) In some of my books I present monsters as they appear in folklore.
Q: How important is it to a writer’s career to be acknowledged with a writing award?
A: Incredibly important because it opens doors of communication and networking and brings you new visibility. It also validates a writer’s work.
Q: You are “The Career Doctor for Writers.” What is the biggest difficulty new writers have to overcome in their writing?
A: Writers often get frustrated thinking the first draft should tell a story and use beautiful language. Storytelling comes naturally and beginners should concentrate on this first. The beautiful language is a craft to be learned. Polish goes on last.
Q: How important is it to have a literary agent?
A: It is absolutely important, though I did sell without one at first. My agent gets me better deals and protects my rights. A good query to the right agent with a track record in your genre should pitch why your book will make money for this agent rather than the hook of the story
Carlotta Holton is the author of Salem Pact and Touching The Dead, and is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and an affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association.
