Author Interview: M Ennenbach

I am thankful that we are launching a new series and in doing so, interviewing on of the hottest indie authors ripping into the seen. Now, I’ve known Mike since the late 90’s and getting this opportunity to pick his brain was a huge delight for me. I’ve read nearly everything this man has put out there and can attest to what a great author he is.

So, Mike why don’t we start off with a little background. Just how many books have you released so far?

Ennenbach: 19 so far, although my poetry collections are out of print at that moment.

I am sorry to hear that. I have enjoyed your collections. Hopefully they’ll be available again as they are worth reading.

Now, do you go through an indie publisher or do you do it yourself?

Ennenbach: So far all have been through an indie press, with the exception of Cerberus and The Four Horsemen, which were self-done.

That’s amazing. Which one is your favorite?

Ennenbach: I prefer the indie press route. I am not good at much except writing. I’ve seen a lot of my friends have success on their own, but it isn’t for me.

I can completely understand. Indie presses are great and there are some great ones out there.

Speaking of favorites, who is your favorite author?

Ennenbach: I don’t think I have just one. Living? Haruki Marakami. After him? Kafka. Bukowski. Plath. China Mieville. Poe. Depends on my mood and what genre really.

What is your favorite book?

Ennanbach: The Scar by China Mieville. Touches on all my interests. Magic. Science. Old Ones. The freedom of 20,000 Leagues with a robust vocabulary. There are passages, mere hints, at wonders and horrors in the past. It does it all.

Now do you feel those are your biggest influences in your writing or would you credit something or someone else?

Ennenbach: Kafka without question. The monotony of life and the odd horror of things being the same but one degree off. Harlan Ellison and his trove of brilliant short stories. Carlton Mellick III for showing you can write literally anything without rules.

Do you prefer to write longer or shorter fiction?

Ennenbach: I love both. Some ideas are perfect in five thousand words. Some need tens of thousands. I think my favorite length for a story is around 18-24k, long enough breathe and love, but not overstay it’s welcome.

Next question and I know this can sometimes lead to some interesting answers.

So Mike, are you a Pantser or Planner? (Now, for those of you that are not familiar, when it comes to writing you are usually either a Panster, Planner, or a hybrid of the two. A pantser is normally someone who rights without anything other than a vague plan of where the story is going to go. A planner on the other hand, outlines the story before they begin writing.)

Ennenbach: Pantser, with some scenes set in stone. I usually see big set pieces or the ending pretty clearly, the rest of the story is usually quite the surprise.

How do you know when the book is done?

Ennenbach: I only do one draft, so when I get to the conclusion, I am well prepared for it. The story tells itself, mostly, and that includes when it’s time to wrap it up. Or when I am severely over deadline and word count.

How do you come up with your characters?

Ennenbach: Depends on what the story demands. I meet a lot of a strange people during my days, and a lifetime of that equals up to a pretty robust pool to pick from. I shoot for quirks we all see, flaws which make them relatable.

Do you prefer do have likable main characters?

Ennenbach: If that’s at the story calls for. Likeable is a plus, but familiar is the goal.

Do you have any upcoming releases?

Ennenbach: Oios Lykos, a collection of four new stories on April 28^th. A sequel to Subject A, Operation Looking Glass, a new short story collection, Distilled Chaos, Bishop 3, and a few other things brewing. Full Throttle, the newest Dark Dozen antho just came out from UDH. Fairy Tale Horror Show II is also soon. A few more anthos later this year. It’s always a surprise to me.

Where can people find you?

Ennenbach: Mennenbach.com or FB. I don’t like to be social despite the media and it’s name.

Thank you, Mike, for taking the time with me, and for everyone out there, make sure to check out Mike’s latest book. I know I have it on pre-order and will be checking it out on release day.

And to everyone out there, remember – stay spooky everyone!