Monday Interview Madness featuring Sergio Pereira

For today's interview I would like to welcome... Sergio Pereira to the blog. I surely hope you enjoy the interview and getting to know another author.

*INTERVIEW*

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I’m a 28 year old writer from Johannesburg, South Africa. I have the most interesting “ordinary” life and spend far too much time laughing at funny things on the Internet.

What do you do when you are not writing? I hang out with my girlfriend and pets, read, play and watch football, and keep changing the time and date of the tablet to get more lives on Candy Crush.

Do you have a day job as well? Yes. I’m currently self-employed as a freelance journalist and copywriter.

How did you choose the genre you write in? To (loosely) quote Tupac Shakur: I didn’t choose the horror life; the horror life chose me.

Do you ever experience writer’s block? Yes, but it’s mostly when I’m stressed. I find the best cure is to attempt to work through it, or relax your mind for a while.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult? Undoubtedly, Roald Dahl. I’ll never forget the first time that I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, because I was completely hooked. It was the moment when I realised that books could be just as cool as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre? Obviously, a major one is through social media – but I’m very careful not to spam. I think it’s crucial for authors to get out there and market their work through press releases and interacting with the media. I find that if you’re able to be polite and professional, people are more interested in getting to know about you and your work. Going back to second part of the question, you can’t go wrong with a strong combination of social media marketing and the more traditional forms.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published? Absolutely. I love everything that I’ve written – but that doesn’t mean that others will, too (laughs). 

How did you come up with the title? Initially, Don’t Steal from the Devil was just a working title, but since everyone seemed to like it, it stuck. I guess it has grown on me, too.

What project are you working on now? At the moment, I’m focusing on promoting Don’t Steal from the Devil until the end of the year. I also hope to start the sequel soon – a friend actually suggested that I turn it into a 4 part series, so I’m considering it. Then, in 2014, I plan on writing the third instalment in my children’s book series, but that will depend on various factors.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? I guess the toughest is when someone tells you that your favourite part isn’t great – but apart from that, I’m always willing to learn and take constructive criticism. The best compliment is hearing that someone enjoyed my writing.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers? Prepare for rejection and heartache – but also cherish the triumph and success. Most of all, never give up! 

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans? I know it’s cliché, but thank you. It was because of your marvellous support and interest that Don’t Steal from the Devil rocketed up the Amazon charts. 

Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it? Wait, what? You’re telling me that slippers aren’t appropriate in public? My life has been one giant lie...

Do you prefer fuzzy or tub socks? Tub socks.

Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point? I loathe making the bed. Why should I? I’ll be sleeping in it later.

Be honest, how often do you wash your hair? At least once a day.

Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers? Sadly, I do. I think it’s just the blatant inconsideration and idiocy. 

Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide? Not really. I’m not big on killing things – strange, since I write horror.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee in the morning. Tea in the evening.

What is your biggest phobia? Heights.

What’s your biggest pet peeve when it comes to social media? (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Pity parties. They usually begin with “some people” and end with “meh.”

Don't Steal from the Devil blurb:

In the middle of the night, two intruders enter the home of a broken family. Awaiting them is a violent, demonic entity that is hell-bent on dishing out a harsh lesson about vengeance, treachery, immorality, and survival... Don't Steal from the Devil combines the scare factor of The Exorcist and The Conjuring, and gives the possession theme whole new twist.

Don't Steal from the Devil can be purchased from Amazon.

Author Bio:

Sergio Pereira is an eccentric writer, who somehow managed to obtain a BA degree in Media Studies and Psychology. In spite of his academic endeavours, he secretly aspires to be The Wizard of Oz, or Batman (actually, mostly Batman). Sadly, none of these dreams have come true for him yet. For further information, please visit www.sergiopereira.co.za. Catch up with him on Facebook and Twitter.