The Bookie Monster: Interview: Stephen Kozeniewski

The Bookie Monster Interviews Stephen Kozeniewski, author of Braineater Jones.

"The Koz", as Stephen has been nicknamed over here at The Bookie Monster, has got to be one of the funniest people in normal conversation that I have interacted with in a while. His attempts to strike up a rivalry with Nikki from Ravenous Reads was a total fail! We have mad love for each other; heck she may even be one of my favorite bloggers, too. =)

Disturbing choice of hobbies there, Koz. At east you know how to answer that question about your garden next time!

Stephen Kozeniewski lives with his wife and two cats in Pennsylvania, the birthplace of the modern zombie. He was born to the soothing strains of "Boogie With Stu" even though The Who are far superior to Zep, for reasons that he doesn't even really want to get into right now.

During his time as a Field Artillery officer, he served for three years in Oklahoma and one in Iraq, where due to what he assumes was a clerical error, he was awarded the Bronze Star. The depiction of addiction in his fiction is strongly informed by the three years he spent working at a substance abuse clinic, an experience which also ensures that he employs strict moderation when enjoying the occasional highball of Old Crow.

He is also a classically trained linguist, which sounds much more impressive than saying his bachelor's degree is in German.

Do you write full time or do you keep a day job?

I write full time AT my day job...er...I mean...I'm a good work...guy.

What’s the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked in an interview?

"How does your garden grow?"

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

"We loved the build-a-hooker brothel!"

"We hated when you killed [redacted]!"

"Will there be a sequel?"

How long does it take you to write a book?

I'd say between 4 and 6 months.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Masturbate.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?

"Don't quit your day job, kid. For insurance purposes."

-Brian Keene

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Yes: don't take any advice from other writers (especially this piece!)

What kind of research did you do when you were working on your novel?

None ha ha ha ha ha I'm the worst. Especially considering it's a period piece. My editor did a heck or a lot of research for me, though, especially on the slang.

In ten words or less:

· Are you a morning person or a night owl?

o Ironically, I'm the actual Nite Owl from Watchmen.

· Biggest fear?

o Becoming persona non grata on the internet, like Paula Deen.

· Favorite TV Show?

o The U.S. version of Life on Mars (sacrilege, I know.)

· First item on your bucket list?

o "Write a bucket list."

· If you were a Star Trek® character, which one would it be? Why?

o Tomalak, because how long shall we stare at each other?

· If you could choose your last meal, what would it be?