Author Q&A with Jeffrey V. Yorio

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Jeffrey was born in Corning, New York and now braves the winters of the Rochester, NY area. Jeffrey is married with three children and a Pomeranian that was there one night when he got home. He spent a few years teaching History and later earned an MS that helps him with his current managerial job.

Jeff has had several stories published. Unexpected Opportunity (February 2015, Aphelion), Dandelion Dreams (Flash Fiction Press 11-23-2015), Umbrae Calling (Flash Fiction Press 1-25-2016) Their Very First Battle (Flash Fiction Press 1-31-2017), poem: To Meet Others (The Question of the Day: The Andre Polk Memorial Anthology, Clayborn Press, 9-2017)

He enjoys reading, science fiction, fantasy, and historical genres. It was his enjoyment of history and the question, how did the myth of vampires originate, that led him to write the book; SUNDOWNERS: Vampires are Only Human.

1. How do you approach starting a new book?

A book is little more than a world I created for the readers to enjoy. Once I’ve decided on a genre, I need an idea, which by itself isn’t a book. This idea can grow into a story. My vampire book started one night in a chat room with a question. What lead to the creation of the vampire myth. At that time, I said that, back in the day when science didn’t know, rabies might have been a reason. That brought me to the idea of what if vampires were real and living among us, how could they survive and escape notice?

2. What’s my favourite genre to read?

I like several genres, but Science Fiction and Fantasy are my favorites. The first such book I remember reading was Lucky Starr and the Moons of Jupiter by Paul French (a.k.a. Isaac Asimov.) I was in 4^th grade.

3. What advice would I give to someone who wanted to write their first book?

Read what you like of course but something your unfamiliar with, for me that was horror and poetry. Join a writing group, local or online, maybe if you have the time. Have a place and time where you can write on a regular basis. My book took five years and during that time I had three flash stories and a short story published online. Writing a book doesn’t have a time frame. Your first draft will be bad but that’s okay, it’s supposed to be because it’s not a finished product. My book had nine versions, between my editing, a developmental edit, several beta readers suggestions, and a final edit.

4. Do you do research for my books and if so what kind?

If needed I sure do. For my book I researched human biology, cooking, history, and mythology. I talked with my dad, a retired podiatrist about some things. So, if you’re going to write a book that happens during the 100 years war, you’d better know about it. Readers will expect accuracy.

5. How do I fit writing into my everyday life?

Great question. Sometimes it doesn’t. On my days off, I generally will get on the computer and do some writing. My family knows this and accepts it. They’ve been very supportive of my writing, even if they didn’t understand what I was writing.

6. What are your main characters like?

Another good question. I’ve four main characters.

Agate’ d’Estange: She’s a four hundred + year old vampire and the instigator of what’s going on. She’s developing Sundowners or going feral and is working on completing her bucket list. She knows her grandson will be coming for her. After all she did train him to hunt feral vampires.

Zephrin Ivano: Agate’s grand son and a member of the Modernist sect. Knows he needs to find Agate’ before the Traditionalists do.

Laurent Fortesque: A major player in the Traditionalist sect. They seek control of all and see humans as the serfs to tend the fields, so to speak. He’s a vampire hunter but they seek to capture them for experimental purposes. He’s also Zephrin’s rival.

Brielle Chalmers: Agate’s proteges and good friend. Human and the last person to see and talk with her.

You can find Jeffrey on Twitter.

Author Q&A with Jeffrey V. Yorio