Thursday, October 5, 2017

Interview with Michael Okon, author of Monsterland


Being released this month from WordFire Press is the monster mash-up novel Monsterland by Michael Okon. The book can be pre-ordered on Amazon.


Welcome to Monsterland—the scariest place on Earth.

The last couple years of high school have not been fun for Wyatt Baldwin. His parents divorce, then his dad mysteriously dies. He’s not exactly comfortable with his new stepfather, Carter White, either. An on-going debate with his best friends Howard Drucker and Melvin over which monster is superior has gotten stale. He’d much rather spend his days with beautiful and popular Jade. However, she’s dating the brash high-school quarterback Nolan, and Wyatt thinks he doesn’t stand a chance.

But everything changes when Wyatt and his friends are invited to attend the grand opening of Monsterland, a groundbreaking theme park where guests can rock out with vampires at Vampire Village, be chased by actual werewolves on the Werewolf River Run, and walk among the dead in Zombieville.

With real werewolves, vampires and zombies as the main attractions, what could possibly go wrong?

The author has taken a few minutes out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about Monsterland.


When did you become interested in storytelling?

I’ve been writing since I’m 15 years old, albeit poorly. I really fell in love with the craft of screenwriting in high school and college. I started self-publishing novels under my pen name Michael Phillip Cash and finally got a publishing deal this year.

What was your first book/story published?

In 2017, WordFire Press picked up my books Monsterland 1 & 2, in a two book publishing deal. So it took me about 20 years a 15 minutes to get published.

What inspired you to write Monsterland?

I always wanted to write a monster book, but I couldn’t come up with something original. I was binge watching an 80s/90s movie marathon with my son and it just popped into my head, why isn’t there a theme park with zombies. I called my brother immediately and he said it has to be werewolves, vampires, AND zombies. I started beating out the storyline that night.

What character in Monsterland is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

The character least like me is Dr. Vincent Konrad – the mad evil genius of the Monsterland universe. Vincent is using the theme park for nefarious purposes. I could never deliberately try to overthrow anyone or anything. I don’t even like killing ants, let alone trying to take over the world.

What is your favorite part in Monsterland?

The Werewolf River Run. I created a ride (that I would be terrified to go on). Think Splash Mountain meets Pirates of the Carribean – on steroids. Instead of watching animatronic animals and pirates, you’re being chased by actual werewolves. Was the most fun chapter to write.

What was the hardest part to write?

Honestly, there wasn’t one chapter where I got stuck. I knew where every character was going and what their arc was going to be.

What would your ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?

Professional poker player, or professional bacon sampler.

Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?

Yes, I read every review of my book and take everyone of them seriously. Of course I’m always open to constructive criticism.

What well-known writers do you admire most?

I love Michael Crichton and Peter Benchley. Their works are timeless. I’m also a sucker for self-help books and consider Wallace Wattles and Napoleon my top favorite authors.

Do you have any other books/stories in the works?

Monsterland 2 is complete and will be released on my 40th birthday -May 26th, 2018. I’m in the middle of Monsterland 3 now and beating out the storylines for Monsterland 4 and 5.




About the Author


Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling is his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

Learn more about Michael at: www.michaelokon.com/

Follow Michael on Facebook and Twitter.

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