Interview with John Tomaino
Dr. John Tomaino
When did you first decide you wanted to write?
I hated math (and most other subjects), but very early on in school, I got the taste for writing short stories and daydreaming. At that time, I began songwriting and it was always the lyrics that I found to be the most exciting part.
I hated math (and most other subjects), but very early on in school, I got the taste for writing short stories and daydreaming. At that time, I began songwriting and it was always the lyrics that I found to be the most exciting part.
Did you get nervous the first time you put your work out there?
A little, but by then I had an agent and a supportive publisher, so I was hoping the work would be well received. I hadn’t read a lot of books in my genre, so it was an unsettling experience to worry about what people might say.
A little, but by then I had an agent and a supportive publisher, so I was hoping the work would be well received. I hadn’t read a lot of books in my genre, so it was an unsettling experience to worry about what people might say.
What is your favorite genre to write?
I’m drawn to the thriller/horror/dark fiction genres, but I have a romantic novel in me and have some ideas waiting to get out.
I’m drawn to the thriller/horror/dark fiction genres, but I have a romantic novel in me and have some ideas waiting to get out.
Do you have a favorite author?
I seem to find more time to write than read, but I’ve always liked Stephen King’s style.
I seem to find more time to write than read, but I’ve always liked Stephen King’s style.
Is there something you want to write about, that you haven’t yet?
I love aliens/UFO encounters as a subject matter, so maybe a realistic, documentary style publication on that topic would be great to do one day.
I love aliens/UFO encounters as a subject matter, so maybe a realistic, documentary style publication on that topic would be great to do one day.
What is one silly fact about you?
I like running around with my daughter playing laser skirmish – killing off the younger, weaker kids, while sprouting clichés such as “hasta la vista, baby!”
I like running around with my daughter playing laser skirmish – killing off the younger, weaker kids, while sprouting clichés such as “hasta la vista, baby!”
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why?
Lasagna: less messy to eat, more layers, more cheesy and creamy; and more opportunities to hide surprises (eg hard boiled eggs and eggplant slices). Also, it comes in nice neat squares.
Lasagna: less messy to eat, more layers, more cheesy and creamy; and more opportunities to hide surprises (eg hard boiled eggs and eggplant slices). Also, it comes in nice neat squares.
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?
Every rejection brings you one step closer to an agent or a publisher, so the worse thing you can do is give up mid way. Don’t be too precious about your work; listen to feedback. You are in the business of writing, but you are also in the business of re-writing, over and over again, until it snaps into focus and it’s the best it can be.
Every rejection brings you one step closer to an agent or a publisher, so the worse thing you can do is give up mid way. Don’t be too precious about your work; listen to feedback. You are in the business of writing, but you are also in the business of re-writing, over and over again, until it snaps into focus and it’s the best it can be.
Thank you so much!
A pleasure; thank you!
You can find out more about my thrillers “The White Room” & “Stardoom” on Amazon:
No sound. No natural light. No human contact. Ever. A ground breaking study with only one thing missing: a human guinea pig. Based loosely on the real-life experiences of a researcher who voluntarily admitted herself into a psychiatric institution – and had trouble getting out – The White Room is an intriguing dark thriller designed to challenge the reader with its authentic and chilling portrayal of the effects of labels on people; the influence of those in authority; and the state of neglected psychiatric institutions and patients
John Tomaino embarked on a life of crime at an early age. He wasn’t deterred by the adage that crime doesn’t pay; after all, the hours are good and there’s no heavy lifting.
+ Author of psych thrillers: ‘The White Room’ & ‘Stardoom’ (Karabeth Publishing UK)
“I dare you to read it!”
“Wow! One adrenaline pumping thrill ride from start to finish”
“John places the reader in a hellish position of fear”
“An extremely fascinating read”
“Spellbinding and diabolical”
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