A Conversation with Mark Allan Gunnells
Mark Allan Gunnells loves to tell stories. He has since he was a kid, penning one-page tales that were Twilight Zone knockoffs. He likes to think he has gotten a little better since then. He has been lucky enough to work with some wonderful publishers such as Apex Publishing, Bad Moon Books, Journalstone, Evil Jester Press, Etopia, Sideshow Press, and Gallows Press. He loves reader feedback, and above all he loves telling stories. He lives in Greer, SC, with his fiance Craig A. Metcalf.
I was lucky enough to informally meet Mark Allan Gunnells recently and he was kind enough to spend some time talking books, writing, and dream gigs with me.
Reaper's Harvest Horror: How long have you been writing?
Mark Allan Gunnells: I wrote my first story at ten.
RHH: Any of your work that you feel shines above the rest?
MAG: That's like asking a parent to pick a favorite, but I'm particularly proud of my short fiction collections.
RHH: I know difficult question.
MAG: Short fiction is my passion so it's very gratifying to have multiple collections out.
RHH: Have you ever written a character who closely resembles you?
MAG: There are bits and pieces of me in several stories, but my coming of age novel THE SUMMER OF WINTERS contains a lot of my actual childhood in it.
RHH: If you could coauthor a book with an author (a dream project), who would you want to write it with?
MAG: Well I've been lucky to work with some wonderful people already--James Newman, Benjamin Kane Ethridge, Aaron Dries. I don't have a list I'm checking off, but I'm always open to working with any authors out there.
RHH: So, no name dropping? Lol. C'mon, Mark, this will be seen by at least 10 people.
MAG: I would never say no to Lansdale or King, but those are just daydreams.
RHH: I knew I could get a name out of you. We have ways of making you talk.
Any advice for someone just starting out as a writer?
MAG: Have fun!! Take it seriously, work at getting better, seek out quality publishers--but above all, have fun.
RHH: Alright, as a writer just starting out, I know I will take that advice to heart. Thanks, Mark.
One last question for you today, Mark.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to reveal?
MAG: I have a few things on the burner. First up will be a Halloween collection called HALLOWEEN HOUSE OF HORRORS with Great Old Ones. Also a short story collection called FLOWERS IN A DUMPSTER with Crystal Lake. I've placed two pieces with Sinister Grin, a novella entitled FORT and another collection called COMPANIONS IN RUIN. I have also recently sold a few other books, but I can't discuss those just yet.
RHH: Sounds like you've been pretty busy, so I really wanted to thank you for your time and this interview today.
MAG: Thank you, I enjoyed it.
If you are interested, you can find Mark's books on his Amazon page here.
Shortly, I will be reviewing Immure Spirits. This short story collection was an amazing collection of shorts. It was really more than a book for me. I hope you would consider picking it up and seeing for yourself the magic within its words.
