Interview with Steven Lloyd
Founder of Croatoan Publishing

1. You've recently started up a new publishing company called Croatoan Publishing. What's significant about the name?

SL: Croatoan signifies a darker time in North Carolina history. It is part of the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, in which numerous colonists strangely vanished without a trace. The word "Croatoan" was found carved into a tree at the settlement. Some historians have speculated that the Croatoan tribe killed the settlers, but no evidence other than that carving was ever found. We wanted a name that conjures a sense of mystery and dread, and we believe Croatoan does that.

2. With so many small press publishers out there, what made you want to start your own publishing company?

SL: Without legitimate independent publishers, Jason, I think the genre may have been completely severed many years ago. Had it not been for the small press in the mid-nineties, numerous writers we enjoy today may or may not have reached their goals. The small press has proven to be a springboard to greater things in the future. It must be kept alive. I wanted to contribute to that philosophy in my own way.

3. What kind of projects have you got lined up for 2008 and beyond?

SL: Our first release will be Ronald Kelly's chapbook "Flesh Welder", followed by James Newman's trade paperback "People Are Strange". Our first limited edition hardcover will be Kelly's "Undertaker's Moon". Our staple-bound chapbooks will include "The Sick Stuff", a collection of cutting-edge horror by Ronald Kelly, and solid offerings from a couple of newcomers: Robert McCoy's "For a Good Time" and Mark Hickerson's "Loud Shadows".

4. Many horror fans lamented Ronald Kelly's retirement several years back. How instrumental was Croatoan Publishing in convincing Kelly to follow the muse again?

SL: Actually, Croatoan had an insufficient contribution regarding Ron's return. Recognition for Ron's comeback is owed to Mark Hickerson's persistent pursuit to get Ron back into the industry. Up until two years ago, Ron had stopped writing all together. He literally wanted no element of the writing life, but Mark won him over. In turn, this enabled Ron and I to meet, thus opening a door to a rewarding friendship and a mutually satisfying relationship in this new publishing venture.

5. Are there long-term plans for more Ronald Kelly fiction after Undertaker's Moon?

SL: Yes, definitely. In 2009, we hope to release "Fear", Ron's critically-acclaimed horror novel published by Zebra in the mid-nineties, followed by a brand new western novel titled "Timber Gray". In 2010, we'll be publishing "The Dark'Un" which was also published by Zebra.

6. You are also featuring the artwork of two of the horror genre's most promising talents. Could you tell us about their involvement with Croatoan?

SL: Indeed, in my opinion, Alex McVey and Zach McCain are two of the finest artists working in horror today. We are so lucky to have them on board. Alex will be doing the covers and interior illustrations for Ron's limited editions, while Zach will be doing the covers for our chapbook line, as well as formatting the cover text layouts for all future books.

7. Interestingly enough, you've enlisted the vocal talents of Wayne June. How did you come to work with Mr. June? Describe his involvement with Croatoan.

SL: We had searched far and wide for an audio book talent for nearly three weeks, looking for one that could bring about an effective excerpt reading of  "Undertaker's Moon", when we fell upon Wayne's site. Wayne has a soft spot for the horror genre. This was expressed within the first five minutes we spoke by phone. Croatoan will be enlisting Wayne's talents for Ronald Kelly's chapbook "Flesh Welder" which is at the printer as we speak. Wayne has agreed to do the complete audio. Production begins February 10^th, which, ironically enough, happens to be my son's birthday. Coincidence? I strongly recommend other publishers to take full advantage of Wayne's services. You won't be disappointed.

8. In addition to publishing fiction, you also write some of your own. Describe the kinds of stories that you write.

SL: I enjoy writing dark suspense, YA stories, and detective works. I think it's important for all writers to venture outside their chosen field once in a while. Not too long ago I finished a detective novella titled "The Giddy Man". I'm shopping around a story now called "Brothers".

9. What is your proudest moment as a writer?

SL: I wish I could say my proudest moment was the release of my first chapbook in 2005. Or when I landed on the front page of my local paper in the '90's. However, my proudest moment came when my ex-wife phoned me one evening two months ago to tell me that my daughter wanted to be a writer. That, Jason, was truly my proudest moment. I was taken aback by this because my daughter never knew about my writing. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree it seems.

10: Any last words?

SL: Authors will respect you more for your honesty than your lies. Always treat them like first-class citizens, as far as information and involvement in their projects is concerned. To do otherwise can prove to be a slow poison for a publisher and ultimately spell destruction.