An Interview With Eleazar E. Aurens

Today, from all the way in India, we are sitting down with upcoming writer Eleazar E. Aurens.

Hey Joe, thank you for having me!

So as an upcoming writer I think we’d all like to know what genre your first book will be.

Well, The Isle, which is the title I am currently working with. Will be a blend of historical fiction, and multiple horror themes, primarily monster, psychological and cosmic, or Lovecraftian if you will.

Intense! What influenced you to write this story?

A lot of things really, I forgot what that first spark of inspiration was, I’ve been working on this book proactively for about two years. But over time everything and anything can be an inspiration if you know how to look at it, random tidbits of history, something read in existing fiction, or even pieces of art. If you know how to look it right, you can make something out of it.

Excellent! So you mentioned this was a historical fiction? Any period or event in history in particular?

The late 1770s, in particular a few afters after the end of the American Revolution. 

Have you always had an interest in history or psychological horror?

I’ve been interested in history for as long as I can remember, the effects of growing up playing strategy video games. This evolved into a greater interest in historical times and events as I grew up, and by chance coming across the stories of certain famous historical characters, my favourite in particular being Lawrence of Arabia. His namesake movie and memoir, which is possibly my favorite movie, and book too sealed my fate as a history lover for life. As for horror, it’s more recent, I always enjoyed monster and gore as a guilty pleasure, but ever since I read Lovecraft’s works, I came across the potential of psychological horror and the many ways madness can be written.

Ah, very interesting. So besides Lovecraft and classic movies, are there any other influences that helped you become a storyteller?

Does being a daydreamer count? Growing up I was always the child who spent his heads up in the clouds, thinking up all manners of imaginary stories and sagas for my own amusement. I guess as time went by I felt a growing need to write down what I think. I believe everyone has at least one story to tell, it’s up to them whether they do so or not.

I can definitely relate. You’ve been working on “The Isle” for the last two years, can you give us a sneak peak?

“What was that?” questioned Arthur, perched on top a high rock upon a pile of great rocks.

“I don’t know, wolves maybe?” Said someone he knew by the name of Stanley, but never bothered to get to know. 

“Wolves don’t roar, idiot. They howl.” He corrected him annoyed.

“Well that was a howl we heard wasn’t it, you ever see anything roar like that.” 

“No…” Arthur paused, unsure of himself for a moment before thinking better. “but that howl, that wasn’t right. Animals don’t howl like that.”

“Well, what was wrong with it?”

“I don’t know, but it was, it was different. You don’t understand, all animals are different.” He paused again to remember his childhood better, “Wolves, wolves are different than most hunters. They are intelligent, and their howl is their sign of life. A wolf’s howl is deep, melodious almost, like a song of nature come to life. They make sure it can be heard, so that everyone knows to whom this land belongs. But that…” he pointed to the far edge of the forest where the sound came from, “Are not wolves, and I don't think there's an animal out there capable of making such a sound. It wasn’t natural, it was as if someone took something beautiful, and ruined it. As if something out there saw life, and destroyed it, and this is what’s left crying in pain because it’s all it knows. Whatever that thing was, it should not be.”

Any projected date you hope for this book to come out?

I’d say early 2021 by the latest, by then the writing and editing should hopefully be finished.

Oh, exciting! Are you working on other projects as well?

Well sometimes as a break I work on a series of short stories I have, that are currently in the development phase. Second fiddle to this of course, and I occasionally work with or for others as well as a writer.

What kind of short stories do you work on?

More historical stuff, a book of short stories about World War One. Each will take place during a different major conflict or campaign in it. I plan to write them so as to portray the war in it’s true non-romanticized nature. Less theatrics and heroics, more truth and emotional conflict.

Often we don’t hear much about that war. Do you have a special interest in WW1?

I do actually, I often read about human nature and psychology during trying times, and The Great War is a treasure trove. It was one of the worst conflicts in our history, and there was no true dark evil force, so much as a series of actions that led us down a path that we could only see fit to follow true. No great villain so much as all to human people stuck in one of history’s most unforgettable moments.

Do you have a working title for this collection? When might this be coming out, as well?

No title for the whole set as of yet, I have Fraternité as the title for the first one; a tragedy about brothers in the trenches as ptsd creeps in. and I don’t imagine this coming out for another 2 years at least.

Two major projects! Where do you find the energy?

I wish I knew that myself honestly. But I was always the hyperactive kid growing up, I guess I found a way to channel that into art. *laughs*

And finally, would you like to share advice to any up and coming writers struggling with their work?

One of the golden rules about any art, is to be able to take harsh criticism and still be standing. There will never be a point where everyone will like your work, so focus less on pandering and more about what you want it to be. As for the writing itself, one thing that you might notice is your style and genres change as you write over the years, that’s a result of outside influences, such as your reading and experiences. Take these as a blessing for they might help you come into your own as a writer all the sooner.

I want to thank you for making the 12 hour time zone difference and getting together for this interview, we look forward to your work!

Of course! It was a pleasure to be here!

When Aurens isn’t hard at work on his writing, he spends his time on other media work such as cosplay and photography. Check out his instagram @Eleazar_aurens