In July 2020, I interviewed author Aidan Lucid about his book, The Lost Son. Lucid has also contributed a guest post to my blog titled, “Never Give Up: 5 Tips to Stay Positive About Your Writing.” And he hasn’t given up, publishing a new horror novel titled The Scavenger. Below is my interview with Lucid about his latest book along with a giveaway to win a copy.
About Aidan Lucid
Genre: Horror
Author links
The Scavenger book summary
Jared Duval, Adrian Cole and Jessica Barlow are three close friends who each are going through a terrible present or had a traumatic past. On Halloween night, they enter a forest and find an old abandoned well. Adrian goads his pals into making a wish. Each of their wishes come true but in cruel and twisted ways. Little do they know, however, that well will change their lives forever, leaving Jared, Adrian and Jessica to leap from the pan into the fire.
Review excerpts
“This was a quick fun read.” – Daniel Kuhnley, author of Scourge
“This was a fun YA horror with a fast pace and not too much gore, just a lot of spooky fun, and a mystery to uncover.” – Well Worth a Read Blog.
“Lucid has created a story that is exciting, filled with unsettling moments and believable personalities” – LiniAire 536
“The Scavenger is an engaging story with lots of nail-biting excitement. It was hard to put down. 4.5 fun, spooky stars!” – Priscilla Bettis
Talking Shop
What do you want readers to take away from your books?
Don’t deny who you are. People try to hide their true personality and shouldn’t do that. As long as your personality doesn’t harm and offend anybody, or cause you and others to break any laws, then why hide it? Embrace your gifts too, whatever they may be. It’s okay to be different so be YOU.
Name a fact or detail about your story that readers will never know is there.
My wife and I are huge Stranger Things fans so I named Hopps Town in honor of Sherriff Hopper from the hit show.
What famous books can you compare to your own?
There is an element of Stephen King’s, It, in The Scavenger. The similarity is that these kids who do everything together, face an evil force and try to triumph over it. This struggle will bring them closer, remaining life-long friends.
How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?
Last year in early February before the first of three lockdowns came to Ireland, I began plotting it out. Draft one was finished around May. Numerous edits were carried out with the final round of edits being done at the beginning of January 2021. It really went down to the wire as the release date was on the tenth of that month.
How long have you considered yourself a writer? Did you have any formal training, or is it something you learned as you went?
A bit of both actually. My journey to becoming an author began in 2002 after a religious experience. For three years I wrote short stories and decided to do a creative writing course. I received a diploma of distinction from that and continued to hone my craft. For a while I tried screenwriting as my writing style has been described as being very visual. I realized that it wasn’t for me. I might focus on writing comic book scripts instead.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of great writers?
Fantasy and horror are the two genres that I write in so Stephen King and JRR Tolkien would be on my Mt. Rushmore. They’re two masters at their craft, with Tolkien being the granddaddy of all fantasy authors.
Do you have a writing ritual, odd habits, or superstitions?
Every day before beginning to write, I always say a prayer to God to help me produce the best story I possibly can. Or that my work might inspire someone, taking them away from their problems for a while and be entertained by my novels.
How well do you handle criticism, either while writing, editing, or reviews? Do you ever use that criticism to change your story?
Depending on the type of criticism, I always listen to what’s being said and take it on board. As a writer you have to. To not listen to readers’ feedback means you’ll never improve as an author. Of course, destructive criticism is easy to spot within ten seconds from someone who has an agenda. However, even in these, there are some nuggets of wisdom.
What is your most stereotypical writer trait? Your least stereotypical?
As well as praying, I try to meditate before writing. This helps me relax and just get into the flow of words that are needed to make the story come alive. That and some tea (the occasional coffee too).
“What If” Scenarios
If you could have one person that you admire, living or dead, read your book, who would it be?
As this is a horror novella, I’d love Stephen King to read, The Scavenger, and offer some feedback. That would be awesome!
If you could be in a writer’s group with up to four famous writers, who would they be?
JK Rowling, Stephen King, JRR Tolkien and Eoin Colfer (not just because he’s Irish but the man has a wicked sense of humor.)
A wealthy reader buys 100 copies of your book and tells you to hand them out to anyone you wish. Who do you give them to?
Children in disadvantaged areas…and maybe some Hollywood studios.
You’re given $10,000 to spend on marketing for your book. How do you spend it?
First order of business would be to hire a web designer to build a website. Then I’d look for a good VA (virtual assistant) to help in sending out book review requests to various blogs. Finally, a publicist would be needed to help get on certain TV/radio shows and podcasts.
Your book becomes a best seller. What do you do next?
Throw a party and begin writing the next one.
Would you rather own your own bookstore or your own publishing house, and what would you sell or publish?
Both. I’d sell all books but as a publisher, I’d focus on fantasy and horror.
What is one thing you would give up writing to have (or to have back)?
Even if it were for only one day, I’d love to have my mom back. We were very close, always knowing when the other was sad or feeling a bit ‘off’. She passed away in 2016 from cancer and I miss her every day.
You have final say over who reads the audio book version of your story. Who do you choose?
Stephen Fry. The man has a voice that can make you listen to anything.
Your story gets picked up by a streaming service to make into a series. What service would you want it to be, and would you want them to follow your story closely, or would you rather see what directions they take it in?
Netflix. They may have received some criticism over the last year but they’re still the number one streaming service for content. Amazon Prime would be a close second. As for their direction, I’d be open to suggestions just as long as they’d stay true to the characters.
Just for Fun
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
As a person with a disability, I’d hope to pass on the message that just because you have one, doesn’t mean it’s the end. As my mother used to say, “God may close some doors, but He always opens others.” This saying is so true. You have an ABILITY that nobody else does so show it to the world and shine like the star that you are!
One bucket list item you’ve completed and one that’s still on your list.
My goal that’s already been achieved is to have a book published. Now the other is to become a bestselling author (and to have one of my novels made into a movie). Okay, that’s two things but hey, who’s counting?
A movie or a piece of music that changed your life.
John Williams’ Superman: The Movie theme tune always gets me fired up.
Favorite time of/part of your day.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I love food. Lol. All jokes aside, it’s the morning because it means that I get to wake up and have another day on this earth to make a difference, to do something worthwhile.
Favorite place you’ve visited/place you want to visit.
County Galway in Ireland is one of my favorite places to stay at. In the future, however, I’d love to visit Scotland. That country is rich with beauty and history.
Food you’d like to win a lifetime supply of.
Chocolate. Depending on your point of view, one can never have enough of it.
Your favorite podcast.
Joanna Penn’s podcasts. All writers should listen to them because they contain tons of valuable information.
The topic you can’t shut up about and the topic you wish everyone would shut up about.
As a huge Batman and Superman fan, Zack Snyder’s Justice League can’t come quick enough. I’m so pumped for that. As for COVID, I wish news stations would give it a rest for at least one day talking about that.
Your most unrealistic dream job.
Being a superhero. Who doesn’t dream of being able to fly or have super strength? Plus, I’d bet I’d look good in tights too (just kidding…or am I??)
A talent you have and a talent you wish you had.
I’m a decent singer (although I do confine my singing to the shower just to be safe). Being able to draw and paint is a talent that I always coveted.
Buy it!
Buy a copy of The Scavenger here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.
Pin it!
I have read and enjoyed Aidan’s first book so I am delighted to see he is still putting pen to paper and crafting interesting stories! The Scavenger is a visual delight. 🙂
Thanks Jaya. I am so glad you enjoyed both books. Thanks for your comment. It made my day.