Monday, February 3, 2025

Q&A with Michael Okon

 

Photo by Carole P. Roman

 

 

 

Michael Okon is the author of the new novel Dragged Down Deep. His other books include Witches Protection Program. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Dragged Down Deep, and how did you create your character Logan Osborne?

 

A: I was watching a creature feature movie marathon one weekend, Universal Monsters to be exact, and I got up to Creature from the Black Lagoon. I wondered why hasn’t there been a retelling of this incredible story. The words Logan Osborne and Dragged Down Deep popped into my head and I started beating out the story as the end credits rolled to Creature.

 

Q: How was the novel’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: Dragged Down Deep has two meanings for me. Logan has deep, personal issues. He is being dragged down deep by his past, to confront his shadow self and illuminate the fears that’s holding him back. The other meaning is the creature is dragging Logan to the depths of the ocean to reveal what the truth is about his father.


Q: Did you need to do any research to write the book, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: I’ve always been fascinated with cryptozoology. I’ve always believed Bigfoot, Nessie, the Mothman are real things. The field, though, is not mainstream, which I like, so I wanted to dive into Logan’s backstory of trying to make cryptozoology an actual field of study. I would love to see this a real thing on college campuses.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: All will be revealed when we are dragged down deep. We all have demons. It’s up to us to go deep into the shadow, and illuminate the darkness. Face our fears. Know that by giving up control and being dragged under, we gain all the control once we go inward.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Beating out other stories of Logan and the Dragged Down Deep universe. Finishing the Monsterland series that is about to get another re-release. More screenplays. More stories. I never stopped writing.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I’m waiting on a call back from a major motion picture studio about a screenplay that landed on the CEO’s desk. Fingers, toes, and webbed-feet crossed!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This post was created in partnership with Michael Okon. Readers who join this book tour can enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Dragged Down Deep, signed by Michael Okon. The grand prize winner will also take home a $100 Amazon gift card!

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