Wrapping up a previously unprinted interview that I did for another Web site…

What is the one book no writer should be without?

I’ll give you five (’cause I’m so generous!):

On Writing, by Stephen King: It’s not only a great guide to the craft, but it’s also a good look into the creative writing process and serves as the closest thing you’ll get to King’s autobiography. I’m always recommending it to writers, even though I ignore probably half of his rules.

Doctor Who: The Writer’s Tale—The Final Chapter, by Russell T Davies and Benjamin Cook: Basically, it’s a massive collection of e-mails between Davies (the writer/producer who, in 2005, successfully revived Doctor Who) and former Doctor Who Magazine editor Cook that intricately explores the writer’s mind-set when he’s trying to create. Davies is amazingly open about how he writes, and in how he fights through frequent bouts of procrastination. The Final Chapter covers the period between Davies’s third season on the show, all the way to the conclusion of the final David Tennant two-part episode “The End of Time.” It may not teach you new writing tricks, but it’s a fascinating exploration of the writing process.

The Chicago Manual of Style: It’s the bible of the publishing industry, used by every editor, copyeditor, and proofreader worth their salt. It makes all their jobs easier if writers familiarize themselves with how things are meant to be written, and not just guess at it. Yes, it’s an expensive book (about $45.00), but in the long run it’s worth the investment. I’m constantly making use of it.

Webster’s Dictionary (most up-to-date edition): This is the dictionary used by mainstream publishers for reference—they accept no substitutes.

The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White: A great reference tool that will help you tighten your writing and guide you past common writing mistakes—for example, it’s “I couldn’t care less,” not “I could care less.”

What writing magazines or other resources do you find most helpful?

I think Writer’s Digest is a good place to start for beginners interested in improving their craft. Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal keep you up-to-date on what’s going on in the industry, but considering how expensive a subscription is, it’s best that writers check out the online versions instead, or subscribe to their free e-newsletters. And magazines like Rue Morgue and Gothic Beauty keep me informed about fashion and horror culture that pertain to Pan Zwieback’s world.

Are you working on anything now?

Sure! I’m busy working on Blood Reign, the second Pandora Zwieback novel, for next year. But considering the cliffhanger ending I wrote for the first novel, Blood Feud, I can’t really say anything about the new book, except it’s got another great cover painting by Bob Larkin.

I also have a graphic novel coming out later this year from my company, StarWarp Concepts. Lorelei: Sects and the City is about a succubus (a female demon who feeds on the souls of her victims) trying to stop a supernatural cult from destroying the world. It’s a “Mature Readers” title, which means you have to be older than 18 to buy it because of adult language and some nudity. It’s sort of a tribute to the horror comics I read and the horror movies I watched when I was a teenager.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever had on writing?

Back in college, the professor in a screenwriting course I was taking once told the class that if you want to be a writer, you should always have a pen and notepad with you in case an idea comes to mind, or if you see something in your travels that you think would make for a good scene. So I don’t go anywhere without a notepad.

Do you have any advice for young writers?

Write what you know, but don’t be afraid to research what you don’t. Research is critical if you want to add depth to your story, especially if it’s set in the real world.

Always be willing to listen to constructive criticism; you don’t have to accept all of it, but you should keep an open mind. I got some great feedback while I was writing Blood Feud, especially from my editor, Howard Zimmerman. Contrary to the belief of some writers, editors aren’t there to screw with your “vision”—certainly not the good ones. They’re there to help you improve it. It’s the bad editors you have to watch out for.

Oh! And always carry a notepad.  😀