Question and Answer Series
Session 12 – Dean
Kuch, author of Gag Order
 |
| Author, Dean Kuch |
Q
As a writer do you prefer using a pen name or real name?
Why?
A
I
have no preferences really. After several failed attempts on getting my work
published (and scores of rejection letters!), a friend of mine who is a
published author suggested that I try Dean Kuch, instead of Cook, my true last
name. He reasoned that it would subliminally imply Dean Koontz to readers. It
hasn't quite worked out that way yet.
Q
Which genre do you normally write? Are you comfortable
going out of your comfort zone?
A
I prefer to write within the
horror genre, although I do write poetry and am currently working on a
historical fiction piece set in WWII Italy.
Q
How old are you? Male or female?
A
I am 52 years young, and I am
a guy.
Q
Do you like cats or dogs?
A
I
own both, but I prefer dogs. Dogs wear their emotions on their, uh, paws. Cats
don't really have emotions. Only needs.
Q
Tell me something about you that no one else knows.
A
I love Dr Seuss books. I own them all.
Q
Are you married, dating, or single? If you’re married or
dating; have you ever cheated on your spouse or significant other? If you’re
single; do you like to play the field?
A
I am married, have been for nearly
eighteen years. I have never (nor could I) contemplated cheating on her. It
would be worthless to try. No one could possibly even begin to fill her shoes.
Q
Have you ever contemplated suicide? If so, why did you
feel that was your only option?
A
The answer is yes, unfortunately, to
the point of sticking the muzzle of the .357 magnum in my mouth, and my finger
on the trigger. I can still taste the mixture of oil and metal in my mouth to
this day sometimes. That was nearly 30 years ago. I did not feel it was my only
option. It was however the only option I wanted at that time.
Q
Have you ever been in trouble in school? At work? At home?
A
No, not really. I pulled a
lot of pranks in school and got into minor trouble doing so, but nothing major.
My Dad would have killed me.
Q
Did you have siblings growing up? If so, how many?
A
I have two younger brothers.
Brandon and Geoffery
Q
Did you have siblings later in life? If so, how many and
at what age did you get them? Were they adopted?
A
Nope, I grew up with the same two
brothers. They are still with me today. Alive, I mean.
Q
Where do you get your inspiration?
A
Most of my inspiration comes from the things we all see and do
everyday. I might see and old lady feeding a bird in the park, and think; what
if the bird were carnivorous...stuff like that.
Q
How do your approach your writing? Are more OCD? Plan
everything out with outlines and what amounts to storyboards? Or do you just
fly by the seat of your pants and work everything out as it comes?
A
It completely depends on the
story. Historical fiction requires fact finding and lots of research to make it
believable. Horror fiction requires outlines at times, if facts such as what a
forest ranger's job duties are, etc. are needed. I also fly by the seat of my
pants at times. Sometimes, the writing comes so freely and easily, it tells ME
what to say. I love the days when that happens, but it's rare.
Q
Do you like horror movies? Comedy? Pick your poison.
A
My
favorite movies are Jaws, The Exorcist, Alien, To Kill A Mockingbird, Full
Metal Jacket...I like all kinds of movies. I am not a big comedy movie buff
though. I get my comedy from real life experience. There sure is enough of it
to go around today. Just look at politics...
Q
Do you enjoy certain types of books, but like to write in
another genre? If so, why?
A
I enjoy all types of books. Huckleberry
Finn, Peter Benchley's "JAWS"(I read the book way before I saw the
movie!), Edgar Allen Poe...too numerous to mention. I don't stick to any
particular genre when choosing a book.
Q
What are you currently working on? Do you have any novels?
A
I am currently working on my
'GAG ORDER' series, which is posted here. I am attempting to put the finishing
touches on my WWII piece as well. No books yet...
Q
Anything else that you would like to say before we end?
A
Nope, I believe I've talked your ear off long enough. Look, oh
hell, it's dangling now. Let me run and get some tape. I'll be---right---back...
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