An Interview with David E. Grekse

To start this off, why don't you give an idea of what the book is about?

In Anathema, Jim Anderson tries to save his failing marriage by moving his family to a small Wisconsin town.  But his presence awakens an evil deep underground.  After several tragic events in his personal life, Anderson realizes he is one of the Chosen and must do battle with the anathema or it will consume the entire town.  To read an excerpt of Anathema please visit: www.publishedauthors.net/davidgreske

Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life?

I grew up on a small Wisconsin farm. Reading and writing was greatly encouraged my teachers.

Who were your earliest influences and why?

Always having a taste for the macabre, my earliest influence was Edgar Allan Poe.  I enjoyed the way he crafted the dark and foreboding atmosphere of dread.

What would a typical day be like for a writer?

I can't speak for others, but since I work full-time, I have to write around my job.  That means I scribble a few words during my breaks and lunch period.  I try to write at least 500 words during this time.  On the weekend I type what I've written in longhand into my computer.  My first draft is always written in longhand.

How long have you been writing and in what capacities?

I have been writing for as long as I can remember.  When I was a youngster, I would write one and two page stories about a certain television show.  Dark Shadows was one of these rip-offs.  In high school penned a couple of scripts and a few students produced these atrocities for their English project.  I was also a member of the Writer's Club.  In college I worked on the student newspaper and contributed to the campus literary magazine. 

Which is more difficult to write - Fiction or nonfiction and why?

The only non-fiction I've ever written was during my time in college.  Since I'm a fiction writer, I have a tendency to twist the facts to best suit my stories.  You can't do that when you write non-fiction and if it isn't done right, it'd be boring.  I'm afraid if I was to pen anything non-fiction, people would be sound asleep before they finished the first paragraph.

What has been your feedback from readers? What do they say to you about their interpretations of your book?

Those who have read Anathema all say the same thing: they liked the story, but it was too graphic for them.  A couple of people were unable to finish the story because of this.  I admit Anathema is quite intense, but all the violence is there for a purpose and it's all explained in the end.

Do you think that as a writer you are more prone to watching what goes on around you and observing behaviors than most people are?

I tend to notice people that are doing things that are a little out of the ordinary.  It's amazing what people do when they don't realize they're being watched.  Stuff like that is excellent fodder for future stories.  Who knows, someone's quirk may end up in one of my stories.

Who are some of the authors you consider to be "don't miss"?

Bentley Little.  His work has been around for a while, but I'm really not sure how many know about him.  From my personal experience, whenever I mention his name I'm asked, "Bentley Who?"  A couple of people have mentioned that Anathema reminded then of Mr. Little's Revelations.  How 'bout that!

If one were looking to start his/her own career as a writer, what would you suggest his/her first step to be?

In my opinion, there are four important things to remember:  First, read as much as you can.  Reading will improve your spelling and vocabulary.  You'll become familiar with the mechanics of writing.  Second, write everyday.  Keep a journal.  Commit yourself to a number of words each day.  You'll learn how a sentence should "feel".  Third, learn the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism.  Throw away the destructive crap and pay attention to the constructive stuff.  Not everyone is going to like what you wrote.  Some are going to hate it.  And some people are just mean-spirited.  Filter the wheat from the chaff and learn from it, listen to what it's telling you.  Finally, don't give up.  Persistence is everything.

What kind of movies do you enjoy?

This is an easy one.  Horror.  The gorier the better.  I also enjoy the classics and a good suspense story.  My softer side enjoys the work of Disney.

What is your favorite city to visit, but one that you wouldn’t want to live in?

New Orleans.  The city is rich in culture and filled with ghost stories, but it's just too hot in the summertime.

What’s the best part of being a writer?

Being able to create characters and kill them off without having to worry about the consequences.

What's next?

Currently, I'm finishing up Night Whispers and hope to have the final draft finished later this summer.

Betsie's Literary Page thanks Mr. Greske for scaring the daylights out of our reviewer and hopes to see him soar like Stephen King!