Mark Allan Gunnells loves to tell stories. He has since he was a kid, penning one-page tales that were Twilight Zone knockoffs. He likes to think he has gotten a little better since then. He loves reader feedback, and above all he loves telling stories. He lives in Greer, SC, with his husband Craig A. Metcalf. 

What’s new and exciting in your life as an author?

This summer has been all about re-releases. Apex Publications released a new edition of my zombie novella ASYLUM, featuring an original short story “Lunatics Running the Asylum” set in the universe of the novella. E-topia also re-released my time travel gay romance THE EXCHANGE STUDENT.

What is your connection to the American South?

I was born and raised here in South Carolina, and being southern is such an integral part of who I am that I don’t even think about it. As a gay man, the south is not always the most welcoming, but even in the conservative south, there are great pockets of openness and acceptance. I am very proud to be southern.

How has that connection to the South informed your work as a writer?

Almost everything I write is set in the south, particularly small town south because that’s were I grew up and continue to live. Small southern towns are interesting because everyone seems to know everyone’s business, and yet these communities know how to keep secrets like no one else. This is very conducive to horror.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I’m working on a haunted house novella called 432 ABERCORN. This October Hydra, Random House’s digital line, is releasing a series of anthologies called HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, and the first volume will contain my novella #MakeHalloweenScaryAgain along with stories from Lisa Morton, John R. Little, Kevin Lucia, and Robert McCammon. Next year Crystal Lake Publishing will release a new collection from me, BOOK HAVEN AND OTHER CURIOSITIES.

Click here to visit Mark’s Amazon page, and click here to visit his author blog.