About Derek Ailes:
I am a science fiction & horror writer from Valparaiso, Indiana. I also love to write horror stories about zombies and cats. I am also a political satirist. In 1985 I wrote my first short story: “The Day It Rained Candy.” I also started writing a science fiction series called “Power Force.” In 1994 I published my first short story: “The Night Of the Living Redheads.” I co-wrote Journey Into the Unknown and Second Journey Into the Unknown with my brother Mark Cusco Ailes. I contribute stories on shortfictionbreak.
What inspires you to write?
I come up with a lot of my stories by watching the news. I’ll be sleeping and I’ll have a dream that ends up becoming one of my horror stories. I’ll be at work and an idea will pop in my head.
Tell us about your writing process.
Almost of of my stories are either thought out in my head or I come of with them as I’m sitting at my laptop writing. There are so many story ideas just floating around in my brain. The idea comes to me and I just go with it.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I’m more of a puppet master and my characters are my puppets.
What advice would you give other writers?
Have fun while you’re writing. If something you’re working on starts frustrating you, walk away from it. One of the stories in Zombie Command I started writing in 2009 and finally finished it in 2013.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I tried getting my work published in 1996 with no success. I gave up trying to get published. After my brother, Mark Cusco Ailes, self-published five novels, I began writing again. Three horror anthologies later, I’m still writing strong.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think with free self-publishing, the future looks very promising. I know there are thousands beyond thousands of books published per day, but there a chance for any little unknown to be discovered.
What do you use?: Co-writer, Professional Editor
What genres do you write?: horror, thriller, suspense, science fiction, paranormal
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Derek Ailes Home Page Link
Link To Derek Ailes Page On Amazon
Link to Author Page on other site
