AUTHOR BIO:
William Schumpert is an author and illustrator born and raised in Oklahoma; he graduated Southern Nazarene University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Mass Communication and enjoys writing poetry, horror and short stories.
Find more scares at betterbrainsbooks!
AUTHOR Q&A:
- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
WS: I always loved to write. Even as early as Grade School there was a passion for writing and art. Taking art classes all of my life only help to enhance that sensation. Of course you have to learn the basics before you can master anything in life.
- How long does it take to write your book(s)?
WS: It can depend. Yes I am guilty of being lazy, and waking up late. Depending on the size I would say around 2 or 3 months. Shorter stories can take about 2 weeks.
- What is your work schedule like when writing a book?
WS: I’m a #5amwriter. I like to wake up early and get 3 hours of writing done before I head to my day job. I can get 4 hours or more on my days off. That makes for 31 hours of writing with a 38 hour full time job.
- Where do you get your ideas or information for your book?
WS: My greatest influences can come from different sources of media- everything from books and authors to artists. Magazines to movies, TV and even video games. The ‘Vault of the Ghouls’ series finds its inspiration from famous anthologies like ‘Tales From The Crypt’ and ‘The Twilight Zone’. My first novella ‘The Lakeside’ found its main influence from the video game ‘Silent Hill’.
- When did you write your first book?
WS: It was written about 3 years ago. Even as people will assume that writing is easy it can be an extremely complicated and weary road to travel. From one publisher to another, I’ve learned to keep writing.
- What do you do when you’re not writing?
WS: When I’m not writing I like to play video games, watch movies and TV. Of course my cat demands attention. And I also like to get out- even dance from time to time.
- What does your family think of your writing?
WS: My family loves my writing. ‘Vault of the Ghouls’ is dedicated to my Grandfather (Papa) who introduced me to horror and classic cinema at an early age. Not to mention Jazz.
- What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating your books?
WS: The most surprising? All the editing that goes with it! Not to mention the extra time keeping up on social media.
- How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
WS: 10 books so far- 3 novellas, 6 short story collections and a manga (Japanese comic). My favorite is ‘The Lakeside’ as it was my first story written outside of College.
- Any tips/suggestions on getting started?
WS: Don’t listen to yourself. Get as much help and social awareness as possible. You will be shot down by multiple publishers but never let that get you down. Keep sharing your work and keep listening to reviews from others.
- What do you think makes a good story?
WS: It depends on what story you want to tell. As a horror author I want to write a story that makes readers feel uneasy. Tales that have them question to the end and continues to, shall we say- haunt them.
- As a child, What did you want to do when you grew up?
WS: Turns out as a kid I wanted to be an artist. In High School I shifted to video game creation. And when that didn’t work out I considered directing movies. In the end I’m still an artist, and even as writing isn’t my full time job it’s always my passion.
LINKS:
Website: http://betterbrainsbooks.wordpress.com/
PUBLISHED WORKS:
Poet. Writer. Author. Blogger. 
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