Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is the first book I’ve written. I’ve always loved to write, starting in grade school. The teacher would give out a book report assignment; while most of my other classmates groaned, I cheered! I couldn’t wait to get started.
When I’m not entertaining people with my writing, you can find me behind my hair chair; I’ve been a hairstylist for 27 years. Along with making people more attractive, a bit of entertainment goes along with their hair session. I’m also a thespian and have performed in numerous Community theater productions—where do you think I get all of my ideas for my characters?
Some of my hobbies include, Martial Arts, hiking and biking, Billiards, Singing and of course writing! I plan on starting my second book shortly.
In addition, I’m happily married to the most amazing man, Byron Hancock (we celebrated 38 years together this past January) we live in Palm Springs, California along with our two cats (Felix and Felicia- two siblings who are tuxedo cats. They’re precious as well as adorable!)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my first book is “The Darkest Gift” it just launched last Friday 4/9
I was inspired by Anne Rice’s work (Vampire chronicles) Being a huge fan of vampires, it seemed a natural thing for me to tell my own story—with plenty of interesting characters (both vampire and human!) I wanted to tell a story in my own words—I wanted to create a tale that had never been told before.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, but it changes from time to time. When I start writing, I need complete silence—as my story progresses or if I’m in the proofreading stage, I like to listen to various music—it helps me to focus, rather than it distracting me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that have inspired me the most are: Anne Rice, Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Clive Barker. Even though all of these authors deal (or at one time or another) in the genre of horror; they all write distinctively different. The books that have inspired me are: Carrie-Stephen King, Cabal and The Books of Blood-Clive Barker, Watchers-Dean Koontz and many more!
What are you working on now?
I haven’t started my next book yet—I’m still very busy trying to gain as much exposure to my just launched book “The Darkest Gift” I will most likely start writing my next book in a month or so. Hopefully by May or early June at the latest.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Online exposure is most likely the best resource for most writers. Word of mouth is always very welcome, when a writer is first starting out. I’ve found having an Ebook version is also extremely beneficial, as some people want to have the book accessible on either their kindle, Ipad or Iphone.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I am a new author—so I can only offer up what seems to be working for me. Paid advertising on various online websites that promote your book for a week or a month—it depends on what the author is willing to pay, or as I like to say invest in.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Talk to as many people as possible, friends, family, coworkers, anyone that you can spread the word to, in addition of course
What are you reading now?
I’m reading “Phantoms” by Dean Koontz. As with his other books—this one is equally as riveting!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I shared the draft of my manuscript with many friends and with some of my hair clients—prior to having the book launch, and many shared with me, that my book would make a great mini-series or perhaps even a motion picture? Perhaps my manuscript should be written as a screenplay, which I hear is difficult for most writers to do!
What is your favorite book of all time?
I would have to say, Ira Levin’s “Rosemary’s Baby. The story is not only riveting—it also has many twists and turns. It isn’t your typical horror book—the story has more to do with psychological terror, deception and conspiracy. The characters are believable and the setting in Manhattan’s “The Dakota” makes the story much darker with it’s gothic architecture.
Author Websites and Profiles
Len Handeland Amazon Profile
Len Handeland’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile