Meet Author Paul Zunckel

Paul Zunckel just recently joined the VHP family and he is a welcome addition. Born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), he was raised in South Africa where his family moved when he was nine. Because of my own EMS background, Paul’s background really caught my attention, he served two years National service in the South African Defence Force as an Ops Medic. Paul Zunckel enjoys writing about the mysteries, the superstitions, and all the beauty and treachery of Africa (and he posts gorgeous pictures of the land on Facebook!)

Paul loves to write and play the guitar. A bit of a romantic, he credits his wife Lucie for inspiring him and being the driving force behind him in his upcoming  VHP debut novel, Blood Moon Over Africa.

…and now Paul Zunckel is in the Potpourri Parlor

 

When did you first start writing?
2014 was my starting block as a writer. I was always telling stories but never had anything published until now, all thanks to my wife’s encouragement. 

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in Zimbabwe, but grew up in South Africa. I have always been interested in the bush and the wild life as well as the superstitions of the local people so I suppose that has influenced what I write. 

What was the first story you ever wrote?
Blood Moon Over Africa. The plot had been in my imagination for years, and then my wife convinced me to sit down and write it.

What is your writing process?
I just let my imagination flow. When I sit down, it is almost like turning on a tap, and the ideas just come.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes, Edgar Rice Burroughs “Tarzan of the Apes”. I ended up collecting the whole series, and use to read by torch light.

What do you read for pleasure?
Anything that captures my attention. I enjoy a book that is hard to put down, and you just have to know what happens next. 

What are your five favorite books, and why?
Edgar Rice Burroughs “Tarzan The Ape man” It took me to another place.
Stephen King “Cujo”. I use to breed St Bernards, so it was close to home.
Dean Koontz “Whispers”. I enjoyed the pace of the novel.
Wilbur Smith “River God”. The way the author was able to transport you back in time and grab you with the characters.
David Morrell ” The Brotherhood Trilogy” Fast pace and exciting, books to keep and read again.

What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle 

Describe your desk
Untidy, empty coffee cup, notes all over the show, dog under my feet. 

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
It takes me away from the bump and grind of the day to day existence, and transports me to another world. 

What do your fans mean to you?
Everything, the more fans the better, and I hope they enjoy what my imagination puts in print. 

What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Ideas that need to be put on paper. Oh and to make my wife tea. 

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
At this moment in time, most of my time is spent writing but I enjoy observing people and getting ideas. I also enjoy cooking,, and playing guitar.

Welcome to Vanilla Heart Publishing!

coming soon

Blood Moon Over Africa
Book 1, Blood Trilogy
by Paul Zunckel

Africa, a place where superstition and witchcraft runs deep, a place of beauty, but where death lurks in the shadows. A land shrouded in mystery, with ancient beliefs simmering just beneath the surface – set on a collision course with modern western ideas.

An innocent act unleashes a horror that walks the African night… under the full moon… and nothing is safe.

Piet van Zyl, safari owner, finds himself drawn into a world of witchcraft, and face to face with a horror returned from the grave. With the support of Veronica Strydom, with her vast knowledge of African Culture, he must rid the night of the abomination, or die trying.

Where to find Paul Zunckel online

Website: https://PaulZunckelAuthor.wordpress.com

Twitter: @zuncks

Facebook: Paul’s Facebook Page

Blog: https://PaulZunckelAuthor.wordpress.com