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Interview With Scott Wieczorek


By Karen A. Smith

originally published: 11/21/2014
Scott Wieczorek works as an archaeologist and historic preservation specialist exploring historic and archaeological sites throughout the Northeast and Middle Atlantic United States during the day, but his true passion is writing. In addition to his latest novel, Awakening, his works include Byron: A Zombie Tale and Witness Through Time.

Awakening wants you to forget everything you ever thought to be true about our world. Angels are real. And they are fighting for control over the human race. What would you do if you learned everything you knew about the world was wrong? Microbiology student Elena Michaels is about to find out.

What led you to writing?
I wanted to write since a young age. In truth, I had two passions-no three. I wanted to either be an archaeologist, a mercenary (as any ‘80s kid did when confronted with the "Red Threat"), or a writer. Well I managed to complete two of those goals: I work as a professional archaeologist, and though I write plenty for my job, it's not what I really want to be writing, so I write fiction.

I guess I first got pulled into writing due to my passion for reading. When I was about seven years old, I read a book called Sphinx by Robin Cook, it was a thriller about Egyptology and a archaeologist/treasure hunter. It had everything: action, adventure, and secret societies. Since then my imagination has been alive with stories and tales, and I have been itching to put them to paper.

Tell us about Awakening.
Awakening is my third novel and the first in a new series. It has everything-romance, action, adventure, secret societies, and a fast pace. Elena Michaels is a college student whose life turns upside down. After meeting a mysterious stranger on campus, she is pulled into a world of myth, fantasy, and science where she becomes the target of an ancient race of Angels who are hell-bent on world domination. On the run, she needs to reach the only one who can help her survive and save mankind.

What made you choose to publish through a smaller independent press?
I self-published my first two novels after having a tremendous amount of trouble finding a publisher to take them. I had even approached a few agents and met constant rejection. So I decided to just put them out there and see what happened. Basically, they gave me the confidence to keep writing and to finally land a publisher. My third novel, Awakening was released through Lycaon Press in September.



 
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What do you love about writing?
What I love about writing is being able to express my creativity in a form I love. From the age of about six or so, I have been writing all sorts of stories. My preference has always been for horror. In essence, I get to do what I love. My frustrations are more with the how hard it is to get a publisher to look at you. But that all comes with time.

If you could be a character in a book or movie, who and why?
Harry Keogh from Brian Lumley's Necroscope Series. Harry was a levelheaded man who could do amazing things with his mind. He could speak with the teeming dead, learn their secrets, and in the end even call them back from the grave. He could see people's destinies through holes in time/space, and even cheated death. It would be fascinating to have his abilities and see the things he has seen.

How do you deal with writer's block?
Write. It doesn't matter if it's a shopping list, or another story. I'm not afraid to put a story down for a while and come back to it when the muse smacks me with a sledgehammer.

What inspires you?
I get inspired from life. I have always been someone who watches people, interactions, and consumes lots of fiction. It can be a terrific recipe for creativity. Sometimes you hear something quirky and wonder, "What's the story behind that?" I like to come up with that story.

So, do you believe in Bigfoot?
I think a more important question is: Does Bigfoot believe in me? I mean, there has been a lot of documentation for cryptozoological species that defy logic and reason. There are bound to be species we have not identified-independent evolution has spun off such amazing creatures. It's definitely plausible enough to see something like it could exist. Perhaps a genetic variation on Neanderthal previously undiscovered. What makes it more plausible is there being independent legends on multiple continents of a similar creature (Yeti and Bigfoot). And if I had his support and backing for my book-wow! What a sponsorship, huh? Stamping the cover with "Bigfoot Approved!"

What are you currently working on?
My current work in progress is a horror. I love scary stories, and like to put a new spin on old themes.
Finally, if you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring? I am guessing this would be a deserted island. The three things I would bring are:
1) A picture of my family-I couldn't see myself living without them.
2) A good knife-it's probably one of the most versatile implements to have in any situation.
3) A satellite phone with built-in GPS-I'm not stupid, I'd want to get rescued. Of course with my luck, the battery would be dead and I would be SOL!



 
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