This is an interview with one of the authors from our new anthology, TexArcana! Lamont Turner wrote the story “Looking for Laredo.”
Alexis: Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?
Lamont: I was born in Cincinnati Ohio, but moved to Louisiana about thirty five years ago. It was here in Louisiana that I met my wife and where we are currently raising our four children, ages ranging from six to seventeen. I write mostly speculative fiction and mysteries, though I don't feel limited to any particular genre.
Alexis: What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?
Lamont: I've been influenced by diverse sources. I have a special fondness for the pulp fiction of the last century, and for classical Greek literature.
Alexis: That’s fascinating! I love classical Greek literature myself—it’s very visceral. It’s actually inspired some of my recent short stories as well. Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them?
Lamont: I have a recurring character named Robert Doverman who has appeared in many of my stories as well as an, as yet unpublished, novel. I consider him something of an alter ego.
The Cover of TexArcana, which depicts Death riding a White Horse and dress as a Spanish conquistador.
Alexis: If you write horror, what are some of your biggest fears, and how have they inspired
your writing?
Lamont: I'm not aware if being plagued by any particular fear, but, judging from the themes I most often employ in my horror stories, I would say I have a fear of loss of control and of an inability to establish a firm narrative of reality are lurking somewhere in my consciousness.
Alexis: What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?
Lamont: I like to build model kits, doodle, play guitar, and work out, but I'm usually happiest when I'm out exploring the swamps or wandering about the neighborhood at night. I usually walk at least five miles a day and often work out details for my stories while thus engaged. It's my way of combining the very unathletic act of writing with exercise. I think writers, especially the more devoted ones, need to remember to get up and move around once in awhile.
Alexis: I’m a musician, so I also love playing music, and I’ve learned some guitar and ukulele. I also love going for long walks with my trusty goldendoodle! It definitely helps you to think. So next question—tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown.
Lamont: Back in Ohio, the most popular legend was the Loveland Frog, an anthropomorphic frog creature that haunted the banks of the Little Miami River. The legends related to my current home state are numerous and well known, the Axe Man of New Orleans and the Honey Island Swamp Monster being just two of the more renowned ones. And, of course, we have plenty of Voodoo curses and Confederate ghosts.
Alexis: Very cool—I’d never heard of the Loveland Frog until now. What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream? I
Lamont: I very rarely watch anything, partly because I can't be bothered to figure out how to navigate all the streaming services. When I do watch something, it tends to be an old favorite, like the Twilight Zone or some horror or gangster picture from the 1930s or 40s.
Alexis: What’s your favorite animal?
Lamont: My favorite animal is my pal, Fido, an alligator I discovered in the swamps several year ago when he was just about three or four feet long. He's now closer to six feet and, unlike either of my cats, actually comes when I call his name.
Fido, Lamont Turner’s friendly swamp alligator!
Alexis: Do you like playing board games or role playing games like D&D If so, which games do you like best?
Lamont: The only game I enjoy is chess, though I have, when prodded, played Risk and checkers with my family.
Alexis: Do you have pet(s)? If so, share a picture of your pet!
Lamont: I currently have a dog and two cats, and spend as much time as I can with Fido, though I think of him more of a pal than a pet.
Alexis: Amazing! I’ve seen alligators in the wild, and they’re incredible animals. What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?
Lamont: My advice to fellow writers is to write often and read everything you can lay your hands on, not omitting material you normally don't gravitate toward. If you like to write horror, read horror, but read those non fiction books and other genres as well.
Alexis: How do you choose what books you want to read?
Lamont: I select my reading material according to my mood unless I am doing research for a specific project.
Alexis: I can relate to that! Readers who are interested in Lamont Turner’s work can find his evocative and thought provoking short story “Looking for Laredo” in TexArcana. You can read more about Lamont’s other books in his Bio below!
Lamont A. Turner's work has appeared in numerous magazines, anthologies, and podcasts. His first collection of short stories, Souls In A Blender is available on Amazon and Godless Horrors. His second collection, Bleeding Out In The Rain will be released in early 2023. He can be found on Twitter @LamontATurner1.