Today we're talking to Larry Yoakum III, the author of Redcap and Baba Yaga, the first two books of his Folklore Series.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm happily married, I'm an Air Force vet, and born in Wichita Kansas. I grew up in Valley Center Kansas, a small town ten minutes north of Wichita. I currently live in Rowlett, Texas.
How and when did you become a writer?
I wrote most of my short stories in my time in the military.
What genre do you write?
It's mainly horror and supernatural, with elements of fantasy and sci-fi.
How would you describe your writing style?
All my stories are in the same reality. You'll see characters from a short story appear in a full book, or referenced in something else. Much takes place in a fictionalization of Valley Center.
Who inspires you?
I'm a fan of H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King.
How did you come up with the title of your book?
I wanted to do a series on folklore beings, with my own twist. The titles are simple. Redcap which is about a redcap, and Baba Yaga, which is about the witch from Slavic mythology.
How did you come up with the plot for the book?
I had a nightmare about a redcap and the story blossomed from there.
Who is your favorite character in Redcap?
Baba Yaga is a supporting character but memorable. I read about her as a kid and have always had a special liking for her. That's why I also gave her a unique story in Baba Yaga.
Should your religion/politics influence your writing?
If you're into politics, then sure. I personally have a distaste for partisan politics and try not to include it unless I feel the story needs it. As for religion, my personal beliefs are included, but since I believe in a variety of things, it fuels my imagination for the story.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a relaunch of my Targothian series, as well as Book 3 of the Folklore Series.
Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
On Saturday, October 28, at Half Price Books,959 E I-30, Rockwall, Texas 75087, I'll be at a book signing with 3 other authors. The event is All Hallows Reading. It will be primarily horror, supernatural, fantasy and other Halloween related books.