A Profile of supernatural author T.C. Schueler
Today I'm introducing supernatural author T.C. Schueler.
Schueler's debut novel, 22 Dutch Road, was as excellent as a debut novel gets. T. C. lives with his family in Cary, NC, just outside Raleigh. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in civil engineering and has spent his professional life pursuing solutions to ecological problems, such as wetland loss. He is originally from the Chesapeake Bay area, having been raised just outside Washington, DC and is an avid reader, particularly of supernatural and paranormal books. Of course, he likes dogs and donuts.
Tim,
Q: What prompted you to start writing?
I’ve always liked to read but in the back of my mind I’ve wondered if I had the potential to write. One day I was reading a particularly bad book I’d ordered from Amazon and I thought: I can write better than this person! So at 50, I started my first novel.
Q: Describe the genre of your books.
I’ve only published one book [22Dutch Road] . It’s a mixture of sci-fi fantasy and horror but I think it’s safe to say my genre is dark fiction.
Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What are your all-time favorite book and author?
There are so many books, I can’t think of just one. I can narrow it down to two authors, however: Stephen King and Graham Greene.
Q: What publishing awards and honors have you received that you’re most proud of?
[22 Dutch Road. won the Gold medal in the Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards for horror in 2020/2021. Quite an achievement for a debut novel]
Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?
Writing is the hardest thing I have ever voluntarily done. Writing is work. If, like me, you have a day job and a family, communicate with your family to set aside an hour, even a half hour, to write each day. Tell them it’s important to you. Some days and some material will be better than others, but the paragraphs will add up, showing you progress.
Q: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you handle it?
I suffer from first drafts that are so bad I’ll actually type “This is dreadful.” Sometimes I’ll insert something like: “Insert something clever here later,” then I keep going. Often later in the day or the next week something clever occurs to me (well, I think it’s clever, anyway).
Q: Every writer I know is also, an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you’re reading? Tell us about him or her.
I’ve been reviewing some new books for a website called Reader Views and came across a novel that I liked called “Weeper,” by Greg Morgan. Well written, interesting premise.
Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours?
If you like your fiction a little dark and humorous, escape into a book filled with mentally twisted scares: “22 Dutch Road.” It will fit the bill.
Q: What are you working on for your next release?
I am working on a new novel, not related to my first book. The one-liner slogan currently is” “Twelve men, one curse—The Evil Men’s Book Club.” I actually participated in a book club for men who were barely nominally “evil” and really were just looking for an excuse to meet in a bar and drink beer. In “The Evil Men’s Book Club,” there’s some real world evil. It’s not nominal.
For more on T.C. Schueler, check out his home page or follow him on GoodReads.
For more on Jeff Bailey, check out his web page or follow him on GoodReads or his LinkedIn Blog.
Today's book selection:
The Peculiars, by Maureen McQuerry Doyle was engrossing. When I finished the read, I wanted the story to continue. An outcast girl on a quest through strange land. Ever something unexpected. I came to know the characters very well. I want to know where they go next. A superb read with great imagery.