Ed Flora Interview w/ TFMS Westchester
Introducing, Our Talented Author and Client…
Meet Edward Flora! Ed has been a client of The Fine Men’s Salon of Westchester for quite some time now! Educated in Film and Cinematography Ed’s inspiration for writing books stems from real life experiences! Ed was kind enough to allow us into his world by answering some questions we had, enjoy getting to know him below! Order Ed’s book(s) today and hopefully you will run into him at the Salon where you can get him to sign it!
July 2023
What made you want to become an Author?
I've always been creatively driven. I remember writing these short ghost stories when I was around 14 years old (20 years ago now!) This was right after I first watched The Shining and I thought it could be fun to "tell stories like Stephen King". In 2019 I finished my first novel. It was one of those moments of realization that being an author was an attainable thing and I said "I can actually do this...I'm going to do this." I haven't turned back since.
Who is your most influential Author and why?
Stephen King, easily, but there are so many writers whose work I owe credit to for their inspiration. Neil Gaiman is another. Along with so many modern authors: Thomas Olde Heuvelt, Clay Chapman, Gabino Iglesias, Catriona Ward, Chuck Wendig and Paul Tremblay to name a few.
Where were you educated?
I graduated from New York Tech's Communication Arts program. My focus was film production and editing.
You wrote a book, tell us about it and was the inspiration?
The Triangle Forest is my second novel. It's a cosmic horror story about a fictional corporation trying to pass off an alien substance found in the woods as a "new technology". It was fun to write drastically different characters with strong opinions as they navigate the strange terrain in this world.
The idea for this book spawned from a real moment in my life when my car got stuck in the snow somewhere in the Pocono mountains. There is a scene in the book which exhibits the anxiety of getting lost in the woods - it leads to a slightly different outcome than the one I had (thankfully).
How long did it take you to write your book?
It took me four years to write and edit The Triangle Forest. It went through a lot of changes along the way but I'm extremely happy with the way this one turned out.
Do you have a favorite book and why?
It's tough to choose just one. I could say either The Stand or The Dead Zone by Stephen King and be satisfied. I always think about 2001: A Space Odyssey when faced with this question, too. This is the book that made me realize how infinitely massive the universe is and for sparking my imagination in the first place.
What is your personal life story? Was anyone a big influence on you to become an Author?
I went to school for film & cinematography and spent a few years playing guitar for a local NY/NJ metal band. I think that time in my life during college served as the foundation for me becoming an author. I love the creative process and that you can tell a story using different mediums. I believe crafting a well-balanced novel has a lot of similarities to writing a rock or metal album. There are certain beats you want to hit at certain times that make the story you're telling flow. Both have highs and lows. Momentum is important to keep the reader/listener engaged in the story you want to tell. Outside of Stephen King there are figures such as Anthony Bourdain and Chris Cornell who were storytellers in their own right who I looked up to and hope to tell a story as intriguing as them.
Where can we buy your book?
The Triangle Forest is available on Amazon and through Barnes and Noble online. It is also available in audiobook format through Audible. Full details, including in-person events are included on my website gravesendbooks.com
Are you working on a future book?
I'm working on several! I'm about 150 pages into another novel which has more of a classic horror vibe. I'm going for something that feels like Salem's Lot meets A24's The Witch. I still have a way to go, but I'm having a lot of fun writing it. There is also a sequel to The Triangle Forest in the works. Finally, I have two shorter novellas in the works. I'm focusing on having fun and going where the momentum is right now.
What's your favorite part of visiting The Fine Men's salon of Westchester?
Aside from the best haircuts in the area, everyone is super friendly and welcoming. The team at Fine Men's Salon has done a great job of creating a relaxing space.