I recently had the honor of meeting J.J. Alo at a Horror Book Club at the Ashaway Free Library. I thoroughly enjoyed his novel, The Street Between the Pines, and he agreed to do an interview for the month of November. The characters in The Street Between the Pines reminded me of people I know. There were characters I enjoyed and characters that made me roll my eyes; just like real life people. The novel is set in Connecticut and as a New Englander that frequents Connecticut quite often, I knew exactly where things were happening. This definitely added to the story for me, but Alo does such a great job painting the area that someone from California or Texas would be able to picture everything happening. (Great job JJ!)
Let’s jump into the interview shall we?
What inspired you to write? Has writing always been your dream?
“As with all adolescent boys, creative interest started with an insecurity and lack of friends. At least for me It did. I didn’t have many friends. In school, I recall, we made books with stapled lined paper with covers we had to design… I loved it! I took this knowledge and began making books at home and writing short stories involving myself and all the “cool” kids in school. I was very creative; I had a knack for drawing as well so I illustrated all the covers!” (I wish I could draw! That’s pretty cool)
Do you have another job or are you able to write full-time?
“Oh God… what non-contracted writer doesn’t? It’s a full-time job in addition to my full-time job. Good thing I’m single, haha. As one who’s had many failed career paths, I’ve found writing is the only thing that fulfills me. I finished my debut novel while working as a library media specialist at a high school in Darien, Connecticut during covid. Now, I’m working part time in a hotel restaurant which gives me the flexibility I need to write.” (As another indie author, I have to say writing is also the only career that gives me a sense of fulfilment, it may not pay the bills but it definitely fills a void other jobs haven’t).
Do you remember a particular event that sparked your love for literature?
“I don’t, but I do remember growing up my favorite books to read were ones adapted into films. I’d read the book, then see the movie! It wasn’t until after college did I begin to go back and read the classics and popular books I’d missed.”
What is your ideal writing location?
“Coffee shop. Home is distracting. T.V.. Cats. so many cats.” (Ha! Coffee shop is my go to as well, but I plan on visiting a Museum in Connecticut soon to do some writing).
What do you want to share with emerging authors?
“Write because you’re passionate. Don’t do it for perceived popularity or the “money.” It’s a looooong road. And a lifestyle. Enjoy the journey.”
What do you hope readers take from your work?
“As a whole, my goal is to take them on a multilayered supernatural thrillride of suspense and horror with our main character, southern New England as the backdrop… to create complex, highly relatable antiheroes that linger long after you’ve closed the page. ” (I definitely love the southern New England setting. The history here gives everything such a naturally spooky vibe and then Alo adds in his creativity and you get a horrific masterpiece. If you enjoy cryptids, you should ABSOLUTELY pick up The Street Between the Pines)
Do you have a writing schedule that you follow?
“I try to get up at 8am and get started. Some days I’m less successful than others. It’s not just the writing. I do 100% of my marketing which unfortunately sucks up much of my time. Working second shift has its privileges.”
Other than writing, what forms of art do you enjoy?
“All!! In fact, I’m not much good at anything else. I graduated college with a degree in graphic design. Many of my classes revolved around art with illustration being one of my favorites… I’ve always enjoyed the creative process in designing. I’ve also dabbled a bit in videography, photography, and acting. I fancy myself a commercial actor. I’ve done some short films and crime reenactment television. And If you’re lucky, you may find me in some 15 second spot when scrolling on your phone!”
What are your hobbies?
“I guess I’m what you’d call–for lack of a better term–a fitness enthusiast. Resistance training for over two decades. In the winter I love shredding in Vermont, although I’m not very good, even after ten years of going! I used to own a Specialized ten-speed bike, but I sold it. Now I ride a Peloton. Much safer. I also love dressing up! I mean, who doesn’t? I attend several comic-con conventions as some of my favorite characters. So fun. Recently, I’ve discovered a new obsession with obtaining first printings of novels. This one may prove expensive. But so are dirty martinis. Is drinking a hobby?” (Martini Connoisseur sounds like a fancy hobby, so we’ll go with that. As someone that dreads winter and all activities that come with it, I’m always shocked when people say they enjoy snowboarding or skiing. You’re better at it than I ever will be haha. Personally I’ve never been to comic-con but it’s on my list for the future).
J.J. Alo was fun to chat with and I plan on reading Misery Plaza when it’s available!
With a macabre fascination, J.J. has spent years weaving award-winning horror screenplays and novels. His anthology series, teeming with deeply etched, complex characters and mesmerizing antiheroes, has become a sinister staple in horror literature, which ensnares readers and refuses to let go.
J.J. Alo’s The Street Between the Pines has achieved the 2024 President’s Book Award from the Florida Authors & Publishers Association and was a FINALIST in both the Chanticleer International Book Awards and the Killer Nashville Claymore Award Competition. Featured in the January 2024 issue of Kirkus Reviews magazine, the novel has received widespread critical acclaim from multiple editorial publications. Additionally, J.J. Alo’s screenplay has garnered numerous accolades in the Best Horror/Thriller categories at prestigious competitions, including the Los Angeles Film and Script Festival, Fright Night Film Fest, and Zed Fest Film Festival & Screenplay Competition.
To read more of his work and learn about upcoming events, head over to his website, jjalo.com.
Katrina Thornley 
Leave a comment