I felt these tales should be one collection. As they debuted in zines, I reasoned the stories should be presented in that fashion.

Stefan Jackson – 5 October 2025

The Back Flap

Bound for the first time, this collection contains some of my previously published work of flash and short fiction. Hardboiled detective tossed with twisted psychological and dressed in the unsettling supernatural.

About the book

When did you start writing the book?

In the spring of 2025. It took a few months to read and decide which stories to select for this collection.

How long did it take you to write it?

The only writing required from me for this collection was the tributes and publishing credits. So only a few hours.

Where did you get the idea from?

Time. I felt these tales should be one collection. As they debuted in zines, I reasoned the stories should be presented in that fashion.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Selection and the numbers of stories in this volume. My favorite stories are here, as well as my most brutal.

What came easily?

The memories. Who and where I had been when writing these tales.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The villains are fictious. The heroes and other players are a mixed bag.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Rod Serling, Harlan Ellison, Kathrine Dunn, Dan Simmons, Doug Moench are wonderful storytellers. Style, purpose, dialogue, I really tapped into their streams of expression.

Do you have a target reader?

Everyone. The brave, the curious, the unflappable.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I visualize the story from start to end. Setting, characters, push points, dialogue. This condition may last for weeks.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Plot structure for each chapter. Which I never adhere to.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Edit as I go.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Not for this project. All stories are reprints, so editing had been done.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I listen to music without words. My favorites are Brian Eno, Philip Glass, Monk, Miles, and Art Blakey.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I have not yet engaged an agent.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Indie publishing was natural to me.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professional.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

This will be a limited edition print run. Social media, book clubs, indie bookstores.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Do it.

About You

Where did you grow up?

North Carolina.

Where do you live now?

NYC.

What would you like readers to know about you?

You can find me here:

https://www.stefanjackson.com/about

https://www.facebook.com/novacult

https://www.instagram.com/novacult

What are you working on now?

I just finished a trilogy, a speculative fiction tale. The project is under review with my publisher.

End of Interview:

For more from Stefan Jackson, refer to his links above.

Get your copy of The Lean Zine Years from Jackson’s website.