An Interview with Carlo Armenise: Author of Footsteps in the Dark

I’ve been writing and creating for most of my life. I’ve done stand-up comedy, written screenplays and television episodes across various genres.

Tell us about your book.

Footsteps in the Dark is a collection of eight supernatural/horror short stories with a Twilight Zone flavor that highlight the eternal struggle between good and evil, brought on by the human condition and the lengths people go to satisfy their desires.

Why did you want to write a book?

I wanted to bring to life ideas that were best shown through the pages of a book.

Why did you choose to self-publish?

Considering the difficulty of finding a main stream publisher and wanting to have my work seen and appreciated, I decided to go the self-publishing route.

What tools or companies did you use, and what experience did you have?

I published Footsteps in the Dark with Outskirts Press and had a great experience. They were professional and very timely.

Would you self-publish again?

I am in the process of self-publishing my next book which is a comedy/mystery.

What do you think are the main pitfalls for indie writers?

The main pitfalls for an indie writer is finding the right publisher and being honest about the quality of your work.

What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?

Take your time and make sure you’re ready to publish. The self-publishing process is expensive, and understanding how to marketing your book is critical.

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

Understanding the cost of bringing a book to market.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

I write everyday and set a schedule and time line for completion.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

I spend a fair amount of time planning and thinking.

Tell us about the genre you wrote in, and why you chose to write this sort of book.

I’ve always been fascinated by horror and the supernatural. I write horror screenplays and have a number of story ideas.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

I’m inspired by the works of Steven King.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

They support my work and have really been positive about my book.

What are your plans now your book is published?

To market it and sell a lot of books (not easy).

Why did you write about this particular subject?

Story telling is my passion, and horror and supernatural stories are fascinating to me.

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

Be honest with yourself and be open to feedback.

What’s next for you as an author?

I just finished a comedy/mystery and am working on another supernatural tale.