MK Schultz - dReadCon Author Spotlight

Thank you so much for being an attending author at dReadCon Book Fair and Convention in Burlington.

This is the second annual dReadCon, and we are thrilled to have you attending.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, what books we can expect to see at dReadCon, and where we can find you on social media.

MK Schultz is an award-winning Canadian author best known for his gripping works in the science fiction and horror genres. With a background in architecture, Schultz’s transition to writing was driven by a deep-seated passion for storytelling. His narratives often explore thrilling and otherworldly themes, captivating readers with intricate plots and compelling characters.

Residing on the serene outskirts of Ottawa, Canada, Schultz finds inspiration in the quiet of the wooded areas surrounding his home. He is a family man, sharing his life with his wife and their two adult children. The family’s love for the great outdoors is evident, as they embrace the adventures that each season brings.

Schultz’s literary journey began with the publication of his debut novel, Kassius Kanex, which laid the foundation for a series that has garnered a dedicated following. His writing is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a flair for suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Currently, MK Schultz is working on his sixth novel, continuing to contribute to the rich tapestry of horror. His works, including the multi-award-winning, The Muse, Hard Copy and the Kassius Kanex trilogy, have received high praise for their originality and engaging storytelling.

Why is DreadCon important for horror and dark fiction authors?

I am thrilled to participate in a genre-specific event like DreadCon to network with other horror writers. My goal is to attract and hopefully gain new fans for my writing at this event, adding them to my metaphorical wall of trophies.

Do you have a favourite character you have written? If so, what book are they in and will it be at dReadCon?

It’s difficult for me to select a favorite, but for the purpose of answering this question, let me introduce you to a powerful octopus from my sci-fi/horror trilogy. His name is Aquarius, and he is mysteriously connected to his host and master, Kassius Kanex. For horror fans who prefer to avoid sci-fi, don’t worry—MK Schultz’s sci-fi still leaves plenty of room for horror. As the creators of The Evil Dead said, “The gorier, the merrier.”

If readers take away one thing from your books, what do you hope it is?

I hope my passion for storytelling shines through in my books. Writing is my art, and I hope my journey resonates with readers. My books are like a journal, capturing where I was at any given moment in my creative journey. Come ride with me, but buckle up!

What's the strangest thing you've ever Googled while writing a novel?

Google and AI are powerful research tools. My search history might be considered concerning under normal circumstances, but as an author in the entertainment business, I aim to shock and surprise readers—sometimes even punching them in the face with intense moments to keep them engaged. For my second novel, The Fishing Trip, I researched the stages of decay in a dead body. For The Muse, I delved into trucker culture and Ouija boards. For my latest novel, Hard Copy, I brushed up on my knowledge of Gilligan’s Island for the main character’s conversations with his AI robot partner, with whom he has a romantic relationship and teams up for murders.

Do you have any writing rituals that help you get into the mindset for writing dark fiction?

My writing ritual is to retreat to my home office with a hot cup of tea. I play music softly in the background and turn on a lamp under my desk to signal my muse. Sometimes, I speak to my muse at the start of a writing session to let him know it’s time to feed me inspiration. For some sessions, I swap the tea for a beer.

What type of music if any do you listen to while writing?

While writing, I enjoy the backdrop of heavy metal music played at a low volume. For my first few books, I listened mostly to Iron Maiden. Later, I discovered Mercyful Fate, and now I’ve expanded my playlist extensively to include Black Sabbath, Rammstein, Slayer, Ghost, and Rob Zombie, among others.

For those looking to delve into Schultz’s world, his books promise a journey through the chilling depths of horror and the boundless possibilities of science fiction. His dedication to his craft shines through on every page, making each book a testament to his talent as a writer.

The Books!

Kassius Kanex Trilogy – (Supernatural Thriller, Time Travel Science Fiction, Horror)

An ordinary family man is selected to join a powerful secret organization involving advanced technologies, supernatural animals and time travel. But why him?

Author’s Inside Scoop: “This book exists in a parallel universe of my life. I used it to heal from a difficult period, so it is deeply personal to me, with much of it is either true or based on true events. It starts out very innocent and ordinary and then it continuously grows in intensity right up until the very end of book three. Themes of family, a father’s unlimited love for his daughter, friendship, and loyalty are explored.”

The Muse (Occult Horror)

A writer searches for inspiration through a Ouija board. His request is granted, but at a cost: murder in exchange for art.

Author’s Inside Scoop: “This book is my first attempt at a story firmly rooted in the horror genre. Artists will relate and appreciate this book for its exploration of artistic themes. It also delves into the deep connection between twins.”

Hard Copy (Speculative Fiction, Alien Invasion Science Fiction, Thriller, Horror)

Years after his teenage alien abduction, Ray Higgins is assigned to train an AI robot. When the aliens return, Ray and the AI uncover shocking truths about his past and face off against a secretive lizard cult in a thrilling adventure.

Author’s Inside Scoop: “This book touches on the selfishness and frailty of humanity. Profound questions arise, such as whether we are alone in the universe and if our existence and reality are genuine.”

Follow MK Schultz on:

X @makemali