Tell us a bit about you.
Hi there! Thank you for having me. My name is Konn Lavery and I am a Canadian author who primarily writes in the dark fantasy, horror, and thriller genres. I started writing professionally in 2011, with my first release being Reality. Since then I have released four more novels, including relaunching my dark fantasy series, Mental Damnation.
When I’m not writing, I work as an independent contractor doing graphic design and website development. When I have spare time, I make industrial music. However, more often than not when I do have spare time, I am distracted by my cat Spank. I am okay with this. She is quite the charmer.
Tell us a bit about your book
My last new novel was titled YEGman, which is a noir crime story following the psychological journey of the protagonist Michael Bradford. He is conflicted in knowing if he is being a vigilante for the sake of justice, or if he is trying to justify his own violent tendencies.
The novel starts off with him being kicked off the police force for his unconventional behaviors. This sends him into spiraling series of events that makes him question his own existence while trying to crack down on the city’s most notorious gang. His rebellious actions are caught on video and shared on social media. He becomes an instant hit with the civilians of Edmonton. On social media, people use the hashtag YEGman, playing off the city’s airport code and a reference to superheroes.
While all of this is happening to Michael, his actions catch the attention of a young rebellious journalism student who wants to uncover the mysterious story of the city’s superhero.
Who is your favourite character from the book?
That is a tough one to pick. All of the characters were a lot of fun to write. Out of all of them, I would say Lola is the most relatable to me personally. She is the rebellious journalism student that follows Michael’s activities. She gets herself wrapped up in the nightlife of clubs and drugs, chasing her romantic interest in saving her friends. She is ambitious and has a dark taste in music and fashion. She is also one of the most level-headed characters in the story.
What can’t that character live without?
Probably music. She’s tightly woven in with the underground Gothic scene.
Tell us a little bit about your journey as an author.
I have been writing since I was eight years old. During the youth I have written two novels, both of them will never see the light of day, because I did not notice doing. I failed my English final exam during high school. I have submitted an early iteration of my Mental Damnation series to some publishers while I was in high school only to be rejected. Being an angsty teen, I took this way harder and I should have.
After high school, I took a break and focus on a more practical skill that I had which is graphic design. I went to college, graduating, instructed that the school, worked as an in-house designer, and now work independently. It was shortly after graduating college that a friend encouraged me to pick up my writing. I took her advice seriously and applied my design and formatting skills to help brand and market my writing.
Published works require more than just an author. What sort of team members do you have to help you reach the final point of publishing a work?
I have worked with a lot of people over the years. This is range from editors, photographers, advertising agencies, publishers, and publicists. It really evolves based on the project. As of now I am a hybrid author which means I have both traditional and self-published stories. Working with publishers has been a fun experience. One thing I have not done is hired in illustrator or designer to help cover art. But who knows? Maybe I will down the road.
What do you love most about being an author?
Telling stories and inspiring people. Having people tell me how the stories I write excite and inspire them either to write or pursue another creative medium is one of the most rewarding feelings I think I have felt.
What do you dislike most about being an author?
The constant wondering if you are good enough to be an author. I also think this is healthy, it keeps you humble.
What is the most important piece of advice you have for other writers and authors?
It is cliché, but keep writing. Also, read books on the writing craft, they are exceptionally informative.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
My eyes, brain, and hands… beyond physical limitations I’d say music.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to go to Germany. It’s on my bucket list. There is a lot of history and art I’d love to see.
What is your favourite TV show or movie?
I would have to say Fight Club is my favorite movie. It encompasses a lot of the storytelling elements that I love.
How can readers get their hands on your book(s)?
You can find my books on:
My website: https://konnlavery.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Konn-Lavery/e/B008VL8HQE
Kobo and Google Play
What is the best way for folks to get in touch with you?
I am most active on Instagram and Facebook. A lot of the time I prefer email for business, because I can organize conversations.
Do you ever have moments of self-doubt or novel-doubt?
All the time. 🙂 Ultimately I get my work out there, learn, grow thicker skin, and keep writing new stories.
Are there any unpublished manuscripts you have created? Will you ever publish them?
Yes, I have the two that I had written prior to high school I also have an untitled slasher novel that I wrote in 2018. There is a high chance it will be released, but as of now it remains unpublished
What would you like to tell or ask of your readers?
Usually if the reader has read multiple works of mine, I asked them which one was their favorite and why. The answers vary greatly, since I am a multi-genre author. I also like to ask which characters they liked or disliked.
If you could go back in time and meet anyone, who would it be?
Possibly Einstein or Tesla. I think they would have a lot of insight into the world.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I would like to plug in my new book that is coming out titled The White Hand, Rutherford Manor novel. It is a historical thriller that is set to be released in late spring of this year. The novel dives into the dark world of resurrectionists is during the 1890s. More info about novel, and the Rutherford Manor universe be found below. Thank you again for having me!
Novel Synopsis: https://konnlavery.com/2019/01/cover-and-synopsis-reveal-of-the-white-hand/
Rutherford Manor Universe: https://www.rutherford-manor.com/
