Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background as a writer.
My name is Steve Carroll and my first serious attempt at writing was a Tarzan versus dinosaurs short story written in 5th grade. I wrote my first full-length novel, a Kung Fu action adventure, in 7th grade in ballpoint pen on notebook paper that ran 174 pages in length. My main areas of interest have historically been horror, action adventure (especially espionage), and westerns.

What are the most prominent influences on your writing? How do you incorporate those influences without being derivative?
I was an early and avid reader of fiction that I was probably far too young to be allowed to read. In middle school I was devouring Stephen King, whose prose had a strong effect on me. Later Robert McCammon and Dan Simmons would both influence my style, especially in terms of characterization. However, my early diet of action adventure series books made me a fan of quickly getting to the point and streamlining things much more so than any of those author’s tend to do.

With self-publishing easier than ever, there are tons of books being released every day. What makes your work stand out from the crowd? What can readers get out of your work that they can’t from anyone else?
I am a trained graphic designer and digital illustrator, so I consider that a huge factor in differentiation. I am shocked at the poor design work that goes into most book cover design in the self-publishing era—it is either shockingly amateurish or generic cookie cutter Photoshop manipulation. Beyond that, I believe readers get a dose of honest spirituality from my work that resonates as honest and relatable. I am a bi-vocational pastor and I want to speak to that aspect of life without being preachy or heavy handed. All that said, I don’t write what anyone would consider Christian fiction.

Many authors say marketing is one of their biggest challenges. What tactics have you found to be most effective for getting your name out there?
I work my day job in marketing, but not in the publishing field. My blog site is a primary tool, but so is social media (especially genre-specific book groups). I also try to have direct interaction with readers and most importantly, other authors. I have found those authors to be a wealth of information, encouragement, and support.

How much do your audience’s expectations factor in to what you write? Does this ever cause you to hold back from experimenting?
Honestly, I tend to primarily (exclusively?) write for myself when it comes to fiction. Years ago, I was in a book store where I had become friends with the owner. After scouring the shelves for close to an hour, she asked about my difficulty finding something I wanted to read. She then offered me the advice that started me down the road to writing: “If you can’t find something already written that you want to read, then maybe you need to write what you want to read.” That isn’t the case for reviews and columns/articles where I’m writing with both the readers and my editor very much in mind.

Have you had any new stories published recently? Are you currently working on any?
My main writing output over the last couple of years has been book reviews and articles/columns for publication. In addition to my regular blog where I post reviews and provide updates on my writing, I do reviews and ongoing columns for Justin Marriott’s Paperback Fanatic quarterly publications. I have a regular column on men’s adventure books and another on horror novels. I am currently 45,000 words deep into a horror western titled Redemption that I hope to complete by the Fall.

Name one newer and one older book you have read and enjoyed recently. (“Newer” meaning from the past year or so, and “older” meaning written before 1980.)
Joey Leonard’s Last Horror Movie Marathon (2023) by Kevin Lucia
Elric: Stormbringer (1963) by Michael Moorcock

Any final words?
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to prattle on and pontificate about myself.