Meet Ohio Author, Sam
Flynn
Residing in the picturesque southeastern region of Ohio, Sam Flynn is a masterful storyteller who captivates readers with his supernatural thrillers. These tales not only engage the mind but also transport readers to otherworldly realms filled with suspense and intrigue. As the acclaimed author of The Mystery of the Pale King, published by Timber Ghost Press, Sam has gained a reputation for his immersive storytelling and meticulous attention to detail. His insatiable curiosity leads him to "fall down the rabbit hole," constantly exploring new topics that pique his interest and inspire his writing. Whether you're seeking a spine-tingling adventure or a profound mental escapade, Sam Flynn's novel promise to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Welcome, Sam!
GM: Can you share the initial spark that ignited your journey into writing?
SF: I was on a fishing
trip with my dad and some male relatives and came home to find my mom had put Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on my pillow. Before that, all I read were picture books. After, I was addicted to reading which led me to writing.
GM: What is your favorite part of the writing process and why?
SF: Getting to imagine
different lives and different worlds. Writing and reading are two sides of that coin. Prose is the artform most engaged with the imagination. The writer may write the words but the reader’s imagination does the lion’s share of the work.
GM: How do you handle writer's block if it ever strikes?
SF: Step away from the pen/keyboard/stone tablet. Exercise. Do the dishes. Take a nap. Get your mind off the writing for a while. If the problem persists, the issue is buried deeper and will require some introspection. Why do you write? What do you want from writing? Who are you writing for? Answering those questions is the only way defeat long-term writer’s block.
GM: Could you shed light on your research methods for your books?
SF: I fall down rabbit holes all the time. History, science, philosophy, religion, and mythology. Sometimes for specific details I want to be exact on but sometimes the search mushrooms. A big part of how I read and write stories is recognizing patterns. Stories aren’t often found but find you. Casting the widest net of interests guarantees you’re nourishing the imagination. Very “If you build it, they will come energy.
GM: How do your
personal experiences influence your storytelling?
SF: Entirely. Completely. If I’m any good as a writer, it’s because of my personal experiences.
GM: What themes or
messages do you most aspire to convey in your work?
SF: Whether my story is set on Earth or in another galaxy, I want people to question the world we collectively inhabit, the roles we take, who people are and why. As much as I channel myself and my feelings and beliefs into my writing, I don’t want to be didactic and tell the reader what to think. Stories are about emotion.
GM: Who are some authors or works that have significantly inspired you?
SF: The two double Rs of fantasy, Tolkien and George Martin, for sure. Stephen King, Ursula K. Le Guin and Alan Moore are huge influences. More recently I’ve been inspired by Alison Stine, Jeff VanderMeer, Moses Ose Utomi, Nicole Willson, and Don Winslow. Also George Carlin, while a stand-up comedian, always considered himself a writer first and his comedy stands the test of time for this reason.
GM: Can you discuss any challenges you've faced in the publishing industry?
SF: Every writer’s journey is different and rarely map one-to-one onto each other but for me the biggest challenge was finding the right feedback. It wasn’t until I attended a writers’ workshop and met with actual agents and editors that I gained the insight I needed to take my writing to the next level.
GM: How do you develop
your characters to ensure they resonate with readers?
SF: As I said before,
stories are about emotion, as close as you can get to a universal shared humanity, because stories are how we as humans reconcile our emotions. My characters are trying to reconcile with themselves/others/the world through stories as well. Sometimes the illusion shatters and cold harsh reality shines through. Other times, they exceed their wildest expectations of what they were capable of. But the fundamental conflict always comes from within, from the characters’ emotions.
GM: What do you hope
readers take away after finishing one of your books?
SF: Above all, entertained. Everything after is just gravy.
GM: What advice would
you give aspiring authors trying to break into the industry?
SF: Fair warning to all aspiring authors: the challenges never end, so learn to love the writing first and foremost. The barrier to entry is quite high and the payoff is not necessarily commiserated to the time invested. So you better enjoy writing because it’s likely the only initial reward for those who finish and submit stories will be rejection. It’s also important to define success because “best-selling author” is not a realistic goal. Is your goal to publish a short story? Finish a novel? Find an agent? Knowing what you want from your career will help you focus on what matters most – the writing.
GM: What are you
currently reading?
SF: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
Bio: Sam Flynn is the
author of fantasy/horror novella The Mystery of the Pale King (Timber Ghost Press). A native Ohioan born and raised just outside of Cleveland, he lives in Athens with his wife Angela and their plethora of pets.
Connect
with Sam…
Buy the book: https://www.timberghostpress.com/pale-king.html#/
.png)
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment