Interview with David Dugas Jr

Author of Trick or Shriek

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I currently live outside of New Orleans. I’ve lived here my whole life.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I have a few published books before this one. My inspiration for this was while I was on a break from a horrible rewrite of my latest novel. I was noticing so many horrifying articles on social media popping up. I have a love for Halloween and anthology stories and movies. I decided to take some true articles and old myths, and turn them into short stories with my own dark fictional twist.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

They are your typical horror reads in my own style. Bloody and creepy with some twist lurking on a page. I feel I get scarier as I keep publishing.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Older teens and adults into horror and Halloween would be the best fit for my books. I enjoy the genre and the holiday so much. I make sure to live it every day of my life, no matter the time of year. I have one murder mystery thriller book that would be good for the same people, even the ones just into that type of genre.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I learned there is always room for improvement in the process. I lacked the editing and cover design process. I have gotten better and got help with it. So I can give readers the best quality they deserve. If I’m patient with writing and don’t rush to it. It comes out like I want and how it should be. I write when I have time and feel ready so that it comes out sometimes better than what I visioned it to be.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Should have started earlier in life. I have so many ideas for a good story, but working a full-time job and living a happy life with a beautiful wife and new puppy, it’s tough to find time and energy to sit down and write a few pages. I have to push myself hard sometimes to get it going.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I would like to get at least thirty new readers interested in my work. The more the better, but this would be a great improvement of my current round number of eighteen.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Creating deadlines and going through with them. The self-publishing world itself, it’s very hard to promote yourself. I don’t get horror conventions locally to rent a table to try and help spread the word. I have relied on friends, family, and social media. It has gotten bigger and better, but nowhere near where I want to be right now, and can use improvement.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Being in control. It may be hard to promote your work, but in the end, you have full control of everything. I have always had an imagination and love bringing it to life on paper. I create a world with characters and a story that floats out there for somebody to read. It’s an exciting feeling and fun thing to do as a hobby.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Cover design and editing have been worse as I mentioned before. Now I hire or get help in those areas. The other hardest thing is coming up with names for characters. I get blocked sometimes, I start to name them after people I know.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am currently researching and debating on my next book. I’m hoping to start something at the beginning of next year.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self-publish through Amazon.