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Supernatural Horror/Mystery AUTHOR

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Robert Herold

CONNECT WITH ROBERT HEROLD

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All About Robert Herold:

“The supernatural has always had the allure of forbidden fruit, ever since my mother refused to allow me, as a boy, to watch creature features on late-night TV. She caved-in. (Well, not literally!)

As a child, fresh snow provided me the opportunity to walk out onto my neighbors’ lawns halfway and make paw prints with my fingers as far as I could stretch. I would retrace the paw and boot prints, then fetch the neighbor kids and point out that someone turned into a werewolf on their front lawn! (They were skeptical.)

I have pursued many interests over the years, but the supernatural always called to me. You could say that I was haunted. Finally, following the siren’s call, I wrote The Eidola Project, based on a germ of an idea I had as a teenager.

Ultimately, I hope my books give you the creeps, and I mean that in the best way possible!”

Moonlight Becomes You

Release Date:

February 24, 2021

Publisher:

The Wild Rose Press

Cover Design:

Debbie Taylor

Give Us The Scoop

Welcome to Jeny's TattleTales on my blog! Today, I am going to ask you some questions for my blog on my website then we will continue with a quick interview for my podcast! Sounds good?

Yes! Thank you, Jeny’ for having me today as the author on spotlight on your website. podcast, and YouTube channel.

You are welcome! I am so happy to have you here! Let's start with the first question: What is the most inspirational thing you’ve ever done in your life?

I taught middle school history for 36 years. Many former students have gotten in touch with me to say that I made a huge difference in their life—most notably for those who were having a difficult time, such as loss of a parent, thoughts of suicide, low self-esteem. It was an honor to be a positive force in their life.

My writing is also inspirational for both me, and hopefully for my readers. I put my characters in dangerous circumstances. In order for them to survive, they need to call forth the best in themselves and others, often discarding old prejudices & negative attributes. In this process, readers can follow the course of change and develop empathy for those involved. Supernatural horror is a great vehicle for this! Also, I set the book in 1885, a time that reflects many of today’s ills and allows me to explore them through a distant mirror.

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

For the role of Nigel Pickford (39): Joseph Gordon-Levitt would be perfect. He has great range, and this character calls for that—someone who can be rude, sarcastic, and funny, while at other times being dark and despairing.

For the role of Sarah Bradbury (18): Either Maisie Williams (who did a fantastic job in Game of Thrones) or Millie Bobby Brown (who has also been fantastic in Stranger Things and in Enola Holmes).

For the role of Annabelle Douglas (28): India Eisley (has her mom’s good looks – Juliet in the 1968 production of Romeo & Juliet) and has done some excellent work in both action and dramatic roles.

For the role of Edgar Gilpin (26): Either Ashton Sanders (who was amazing in Moonlight and in other roles) or Mahershala Ali (while a bit old, showed a regal bearing in Greenbook that would be perfect for Edgar’s role!)

For the role of Professor William James (41): Daniel Bruhl was awesome in a similar role in The Alienist.

What was the hardest, most unusual, or interesting part of the story to research?

Despite my rocky introduction, I’m looking forward to starting a family in Strawberry. I wish to fill my new home with children and books. I’m excited to share my love of literature with the youth of the town, now that I am no longer teaching the homeschooled boys of the town. They are monsters and not just because they are a pack of mini-werewolves and a tween witch. I was no match for them when Alison suggested I lead them in a Christmas literature study of A Christmas Carol. Never again.

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

I was running into trouble find out details on the Central State Asylum for the Colored Insane, a real facility. I wanted to incorporate real details to provide a sense of verisimilitude to the story. I found my answers through contacting Professor King Davis, Ph.D., of the University of Texas at Austin, who is leading a project to digitize the records of the Central State Hospital archives. He was incredibly helpful!

How would someone benefit from signing up for your newsletter?

Not only does my newsletter provide info on sales and new releases, I write articles about things that have inspired my books, aspects of my life, humorous anecdotes, and even an occasional short story!

How did your interest in writing originate?

I owe it to my junior high school English teacher! (Here again, is evidence for all you educators out there. Your efforts can and do make a real difference in people’s lives!) She loved my writing and allowed me to read my stories and poems to the class, even if it had nothing to do with the current curriculum. My first Eidola Project novel is based on a germ of an idea from one such story!

What is your favorite quote?

On my office wall, I have this quote from G. K. Chesterton (author of The Father Brown mysteries): “Anything worth doing well is worth doing badly.” I am a perfectionist regarding myself (not others), and perfectionism can be a harsh mistress. That trait can often lead to frustration and abandoning things one can’t do well. This quote helps to remind me to stretch myself and try new things. Even if success is elusive it may still be worth doing. You may grow. It may provide other opportunities.

Now, the last question for the blog: What’s next for you?

I am currently revising my rough draft for the third Eidola Project novel. This one is set in the Pacific Northwest in 1885 and is titled, Totem of Terror.

Moonlight Becomes You Blurb & Excerpt

The Eidola Project travels to Petersburg, Virginia, to stop a werewolf terrorizing the Black community. Once there, danger comes from all quarters: They face threats from the supernatural, the KKK objects to the team’s activities, and the group is falling apart. Can they overcome their human frailties to defeat the evil that surrounds them? Winner of two 1st place wins from the Southeastern Writers Association, including Best Novel!

Excerpt 1

Doc Curtis fought for every reserve of strength and managed to quicken his pace. He could hear them shouting behind him and dared not look back, fearing it might slow him just that much more. He made it through the field and emerged onto a rough access road running between the cultivated land on one side and the woods on the other. The doctor dashed across the dirt road and through the weeds and scrub bordering its opposite side. The trees stood twenty yards ahead. He would make it, find a thick trunk to hide behind and fire a warning shot. If he could drive them off, it would be best. If not, he would do what needed to be done. Life had reduced itself to its most basic terms: kill or be killed.

Just five yards from the trees, a gigantic black beast bounded from the woods and landed before him. The doctor skittered to a stop, and his feet went out from beneath him. The creature stepped closer, looming. Its eyes glowed red, and the skin around its muzzle drew back, revealing a mouthful of sharp canine teeth.

The Klan had come at him in two directions, the doctor realized. He raised his pistol and fired into the snarling face above him.

Excerpt 2

The wagon came to a halt on the outskirts of town, and Nigel scanned the large warehouse, before which they stopped. Edgar and Sarah followed his gaze and surveyed the building too.

Weathered clapboards covered the windowless structure. A rutted dirt road ran from the main road to a pair of double doors, large enough to accommodate a wagon. Set into one of these large doors was a smaller door, the size one might have in one’s house. Everyone clambered off the wagon. Those from the back took a minute to brush the straw from their clothing.

Nigel spat the dust from his mouth and looked up again to appraise the structure. “I appreciate the fine accommodations the reverend has arranged for us.” Nigel’s voice dripped sarcasm. “I believe this is Petersburg’s answer to the Willard Hotel.”

Reverend Green chuckled. “No, I’m afraid not. You’d find these accommodations a might cold. It’s our ice-house.” He approached the smaller door, opened it, and ushered them in. “If you’ll all step inside, I’ll take you to the body.”

“The body?” asked Nigel, incredulous.

Professor James nodded.

“Welcome to our fair city,” said Nigel, “And over here is the body of which we are so proud.”

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Jeny's TattleTales

Dogs or Cats? Dogs (but I like cats too!)

The number of books you’ve written? 3

Name three things you see when you look right.
Pictures of my family. My collection of lobby cards from famous horror films.
Bookshelves!

What’s the best swag item you’ve ever seen?
A 3’ high stuffed Wakko plush doll from the Animaniacs

Who do you think is the most irritating celebrity?
No comment

What is your most attractive feature?
My sense of humor.

Cook, baker, or next question?
Dishwasher

Place you’d like to visit:
NYC – I love to binge on theater, ethnic foods, museums, and jazz clubs!

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play you?
Joseph Gordon Levitt

What song best sums you up?
Still Crazy After All These Years

Describe yourself in three words:
Creative
Funny
Caring

If we were here when the earth began would you be a hunter or a gatherer?
Either. Omnivorous (except for pumpkins/squash – allergic!)

Coffee or tea?
Tea. I’m the only person in Seattle who doesn’t like coffee. It’s a lonely town

Spring, Summer, Fall Winter?
Fall. Love the cool weather, Halloween, the colorful leaves

Mac or PC?
PC

What is your favorite thing to learn about in your free time?
Practicing the sax & flute.

You have a time travel machine. Where and when?

The late 1940’s. Many of my favorite jazz musicians were active then!

Are you earth, wind, fire, or water?
Water. I tend to go with the flow but can become a tidal wave if I feel something is wrong.

2 thoughts on “Robert Herold”

  1. Judith Sterling

    A wonderful spotlight! I, too, love the paranormal, and I’ve experienced it all my life. Wishing you continued success with MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU and all your books, Robert!

    Reply
  2. Helen Johannes

    Great to hear of success in publishing by another teacher turned novelist! Just like you, my created world came from a germ ignited in high school. Persistence pays off!

    Reply

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