The Street Between the Pines: A Southern New England Horror received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author JJ Alo.
I’m excited and honored that my debut novel, The Street Between the Pines, has been recognized as an IndieReader Approved book. It is the first entry in what has become A Southern New England Horror anthology series. Writing this has been a deeply gratifying journey, and has sparked what will undoubtably be a six-book series exploring New England’s dark and macabre folklore and mythology. I can’t wait for horror lovers to climb aboard this supernatural speeding train teetering on its rusted rail. The follow up, Misery Plaza, is expected to pull into the station summer/fall 2024.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Street Between the Pines: A Southern New England Horror was published in March 2023.
What’s the book’s first line?
Frank Cavanaugh jolted awake on his olive recliner, blinking at the big-box television that blared before him.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
A Gulf War Veteran struggling to make ends meet discovers a connection between a deadly beast in his neighborhood and an old pharmaceutical facility across the river.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Ooooh, a brilliant question… one in which I answer fully in the afterword and is included in the story’s narrative—my meta approach. I can’t say too much… it’ll give away the twist. The story is loosely inspired by a major incident that happened in Connecticut in the mid-90s and is wrapped in local supernatural folklore.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
There aren’t many stories punctuating the sleepy southeast backdrop of Connecticut, and this book—the first in the anthology—fictionally explores some of the eerie mythologies surrounding the state. And if you’re a fan of Stephen King or H.P. Lovecraft, then this novel is right up your alley!
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Our main character, Curtis, is a highly relatable protagonist—a blue collar family man, dealing with the very real struggle of daily life who we meet nearing the end of his rope. We’re planted in his scattered, yet oddly meticulous mind every step of the way, rooting for him as he attempts to defy all odds to overcome these issues while faced with a tangible horror.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
I’d love to see Chris Pratt as Curtis, and Jessica Chastain as Amy. They’re who in envisioned while writing it.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Get it out there! Exposure, exposure, exposure… this is a 24/7 “job.” If you’re serious about your craft and love what you do, then do your research and take those steps to get it in as many hands as you can.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
It would be a great conversation, I’ll yet you that. As an author, you want eyes on your book… your creation that you’ve spent years cultivating. Traditional publishing would definitely facilitate that. It would also help, as I’d love to see Street adapted into a movie.
Is there something in particular that motivates you?
My readers… I’m a storyteller! I’ve more ideas swimming in my head than I’ll get on paper in this lifetime, and the privilege of sharing them with others is beyond rewarding.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Anthony Bourdain comes to mind. Most remember him as a celebrity chef, but he was also a brilliant writer. A talented man with many demons who could do it all. His book, Kitchen Confidential, is incredible. Hunter S. Thompson is up there as well. Fear and Loathing might be my favorite book.