The beautiful town of Farmingdale woke to a blanket of fresh snow. Have you shoveled or are looking out the window dreading the task? Either way, I think you should curl up with a warm blanket and a good book. How about a horror novel with a sprinkle of comedy? I agree, it does sound like a great idea. Grab a hot beverage and keep warm in the author spotlight with Brian Francis.
Welcome Brian. Please tell us about your new release.
It’s called Merry AXmas and it’s a horror comedy. The main character, Barry Higgins, is a down-on-his-luck part-time Santa wrongly accused of being a serial killer. It’s also about a competitive eater, a hermit crab on ecstasy, and a CEO on the brink of financial ruin. Lastly, I’d say the book is an ode to my hometown of Philadelphia.
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How did you come up with the idea for this book?
I wanted to write a satire, and I thought the overblown nature of Christmas would be an easy target.
Find out what's happening in Farmingdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
What can you tell us about your main characters?
Barry is a bit of a loser with a big heart. He’s a relative “straight-man” surrounded by a bunch of wacky characters and strange events.
How did you begin your writing career?
Writing jokes, songs and poems in college. Writing for college and local newspapers. Basically, taking on any writing gig that sounded fun…paid or unpaid.
Who is your book published through?
Damnation Books, Santa Rosa CA
Where can we find your book?
On-line (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes etc.) and through the publisher’s website.
Where did you get the inspiration for this book?
My last book was a horror novel so I wanted to do something lighter, sillier. People were concerned about my mental health after reading my horror novel, so I wanted to assure everyone that I’m okay by writing a comedy. After reading Merry AXmas, they’re even MORE concerned about me.
How long did it take you to write your current novel?
About a year.
I am excited about your book and I happen to find you quite amusing. I want readers to experience your humor. If you wouldn’t mind, I have some silly questions for you to answer.
Did I mention the snow? We are all dreaming of stretching out on a tropical Island right now. If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing you couldn't live without?
Water.
Tell me something about yourself that might be funny to others? (other than writing)
I’m a bit of a “germaphobe” and use way too much hand sanitizer on a daily basis. I realize my habit is contributing to the creation of a “super bug,” but I just can’t help myself.
Would you please share an odd behavior you’ve picked up while writing? (An example: during intense scenes, my fingers pound the keyboard.)
Umm…I talk out loud to myself when trying to get the rhythm of dialogue, although I don’t know if that’s odd. They say, “The ear is the best editor.” And I believe it!
What is your day job?
High school English teacher and guidance counselor to gifted students.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Happy. (Okay…I stole that answer from John Lennon.) I don’t know…I’m STILL not sure what I want to be when I grow up.
Who reads the drafts of your novels?
My wife. My friend and filmmaker Chris Cassel. Sometimes my friend and real estate agent Andrew Allen. I think this trifecta is a nice sampling of the world at large.
What else are you working on?
Nothing. Writing requires so much time spent seated in a chair, that I usually like to walk away from my computer for a couple of months after publishing a novel. Get back in shape. Jog a bit. Although, I’m sure I’ll start writing again. Maybe a Western?
Finally, readers enjoy following their favorite authors, which social networking sites can fans find you?
I am pleased to meet you. I wish you the very best and look forward to reading your novel Merry AXmas.
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Katie McKnight is the author of a suspenseful-romance novel titled Secrets Revealed. To learn more about Katie, her novel or spotlighting your book, contact Katie at www.katie-mcknight-author.com or www.facebook.com/katiemcknightauthorpage
