Michael Thomas Perone's Blog

At this point in my “literary career,” such as it is, I’ve had enough book signings that I feel I can confidently say I’ve learned a thing or two—some of which the hard way. My last book signing at Fire Island Vines in Bay Shore happened to be my most successful yet. (I may as well take a moment to thank all the new people who signed up for my blog.) I sold twice as many books as I normally do, though that might not be saying much. It’s true that the upcoming holidays helped, but I’d like to think that I’m finally doing something right for a change (and I don’t mean writing good books). For this blog, I’ve decided to round up some pieces of advice for other authors facing the pressure of a book signing. Full disclosure: I stole a few of these tips from a fellow local author who’s way more successful than I am. (She sells out or almost sells out at every signing she’s had.) If you’re reading this, you know who you are! So I guess I can wait for her lawyer to show up at my door—or I can just buy her lunch. Anyway, here’s today’s listicle:

Pretend Like Your Books Aren’t Even There

This is a lot harder than it sounds. Book signings are a very forced, manufactured event. It’s not like you were going to run into these people in your normal, daily life. So, the best way in is to start with a casual conversation. Ask questions about them, not you, though, slyly, still make it about reading since, after all, you are at a book signing: “What do you like to read?” “Who’s your favorite author?” and so forth. Or, if you want to be even more subtle, ask seemingly irrelevant questions: “Where are you from?” “Have you been here before?” Admittedly, these also sound like pickup lines. As my aforementioned successful author friend likes to say, “It’s never about me.” This brings me to my next point.

Meet People Where They Are

This is sort of tied into my first point, but make every encounter about them, not you. Is someone wearing a funny shirt? Comment on it (but don’t mock the person). Is someone’s energy calm and demure? Then toss your selling script, relax, and try being more casual. Maybe offer to have them quietly read the back cover copy of your books so they get the gist of the plots. If someone approaches you a little manic, the opposite is also true, but you don’t want to go ballistic on them either. (It shouldn’t be an energy standoff where you’re trying to outmatch each other, peak for peak.) Crack a few jokes. Be cheeky. Don’t take everything so seriously—and that’s just good life advice in general. In summary, try being a people person, even if you’re an introvert like me.

Be Honest

Even though you might feel this way, your books aren’t for everyone. (I know—shocker.) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked someone what they liked to read, and they said something completely different from what I write, like books on World War II or other nonfiction. I don’t try to justify why they should spend their hard-earned dollars on my books, since they’re nothing of the sort these people want. I simply say, “Ah, then you’re not going to like my books” and helpfully point them to another author who might be of interest. This also gets you bonus points with your fellow, hard-working authors in attendance, and they might reciprocate and send a reader your way interested in the very fiction you write. Occasionally, I might have someone tell me they prefer a genre that’s somewhat close to what I write, like Historical Fiction, so I tell them, “Well, I do write stories that take place in the ‘80s and ‘90s, so that is kind of like Historical Fiction.” This isn’t a complete lie. The further we get from those decades, the more the term “Historical Fiction” applies to my nostalgic novels. (Excuse me; I think I need to cry in my Grandpa Joe bed now.)

Smile!

Nobody likes a grumpy goose.

Speaking of book signings, I have my first solo signing coming up this Saturday, November 29th at The Neverending Story in Babylon, NY, from 2 to 4 p.m. Here’s a poster with more details:

Yes, we’re going to party like it’s 1989 (an old joke I know, but it’s just too perfect because my first two books take place during this year). So come one, come all! Help out a small business on Small Business Saturday and an indie author who’s still trying to make it, and get some holiday shopping done for the readers in your life. Plus, it’ll be a great karma boost!

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In other MTP news, this past week was a whirlwind media tour for Perone Publications. (Incidentally, that was the name of my fake publishing company when I was a kid writing my stories.)  My writing was celebrated in three different magazines: Loyola Magazine (published by my alma mater), Printed Word Reviews Magazine (as part of The Electric God and Other Shorts winning The 2025 PenCraft Award for the category of Short Stories/Anthologies), and Millennium Magazine by Marquis Who’s Who, where I was also featured on the cover. (The printed version of Millennium Magazine will be published early next year.) You can see the pics below.

I hope everyone has a Happy Turkey Day, and I hope to see you Saturday for my signing!

MTP

P.S.: The Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:

As most of y’all know, I finished another book, and that means it’s time for my semiregular roundup of beta feedback. Again, the same rules apply: To play fair, I’ve included both positive and negative feedback. Also, these quotes aren’t all from different people; some are from the same beta reviewer. Now, on with the countdown (sorry, Casey Kasem), I mean show!

“It was quite a ride!”

“The story itself is great (less so the execution).”

“The sex scenes were spicier than I thought they’d be.”

“It’s a very well-written story. Probably your best written one yet.”

“I hated the ending, and I don’t throw that word around lightly.”

“I love (the main characters), and I think they function beautifully as the day to the other’s night. I love how they change each other. Their relationship is the novel’s beating heart. I also enjoyed the eccentric cast of characters in Manhattan.”

“A few of your other books moved too slowly; I feel this one moves too fast.”

“Very romantic, which was unexpected coming from you.” (Was this a backhanded compliment?)

“You need to change the title. It really has nothing to do with the story.”

“I totally didn’t expect the ending, but it was strangely satisfying.”

That’s it! Now it’s back to the drawing board for me. Hey, this writing stuff is pretty hard!

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In other MTP news, I’ll be returning to Fire Island Vines in Bay Shore, NY (17 E. Main Street) this coming Tuesday, November 11, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. signing discounted copies of Danger Peak, Déjà View, and The Electric God and Other Shorts, as part of an event sponsored by Long Island Authors. Light refreshments will be served, and delicious wine and beer will be available for purchase. Hope to see you there!

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In other, perhaps more exciting MTP news, I was recently given this flyer from The Neverending Story to promote my upcoming signing at their store. Check it out!

This is particularly thrilling for me because it’s my first solo book signing. I don’t want to repeat all the details of the event, so you can read them yourself, but yes, it is an ‘80s themed celebration, so come and join the fun. We’re going to party like it’s 1989 (the year of both Danger Peak and Déjà View, btw). And if you can’t make the event, please spread the word! You know the old saying: Scratch an indie author’s back, and he’ll scratch yours. At least I think that’s the saying. Anyway, the point is, you do a favor for me, and I’ll do one for you…within reason! I’ll do anything short of burying a body. That will cost you extra.

That’s my time, ladies and germs! Don’t forget to tip those waitresses! They’re working hard out there for ya! Until next time, I’m out!

MTP

P.S.: Don’t forget the Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon. (You may have noticed I’m not including the Barnes & Noble link; that’s because the book dropped off their website for some reason. My publisher is currently looking into it.)

As my headline reads, The Electric God and the Other Shorts recently won The Fall 2025 PenCraft Award in the category of Short Stories/Anthologies! I actually forgot I had submitted for this award, as it was way back last October. This is the fourth award the short story collection has won, so it’s now tied with Danger Peak as my most celebrated book—at least critically. Also, cards on the table, I have never won this award before. According to their website, The PenCraft Awards “honor outstanding works across a variety of genres, recognizing authors who demonstrate exceptional talent and creativity.” And according to the email I received notifying me of my win, these awards “recognize books of remarkable literary quality, artistic excellence, and popularity with its readers.” Here is a link to the awards page with my book:

Please bear in mind the wrong category is currently listed under my book on the page. (It reads “Mystery – Sleuth.”) I’ve already contacted the awards organization to correct it to “Short Stories/Anthologies.” I’ve also updated the book’s homepage with the award seal.

As part of my win, I was invited to travel to Las Vegas to attend a bunch of seminars and an awards dinner where I receive a plaque and get to make a speech, along with the other winners, but I’m not flying to Vegas. I don’t even like to gamble, despite going to Atlantic City every year (to see an ‘80s show with my friends). I should say I am driving to New Jersey early next year for an awards dinner in honor of The NYC Big Book Awards, but sorry PenCraft; Vegas is a tad too far. Anyway, I’d like to thank the judges at PenCraft for having such fine taste in literature.

That’s it! It was a short and sweet one this week, but next week’s blog will be slightly longer. I hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween yesterday.

MTP

P.S.: Welcome to the new people who signed up for my blog at my last book signing! Enjoy your stay, and as promised, I will never spam you.

P.P.S.: Next week’s blog: The Beta Feedback of My Next Novel Has Arrived!

P.P.P.S.: Don’t forget the Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

P.P.P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon:

I thought I exhausted the well of Gen Z speak with the first part of this blog (I even added to it in the weeks and months that followed), but my crazy kids keep edumacating me, so here we go with part 2! Enjoy! (or don’t; it’s your time)

tough (said sarcastically): slang for “cool.”

Example:

Girl 1: “Did you see her new dress?”

Girl 2: “Yeah, she’s tough.”

low key: slang for “kind of.”

Example: “I’m low key hungry right now.”

cooked: doomed/ruined/done for. Note: This has nothing to do with food.

Example: “This final boss battle is going to be impossible. We’re cooked!”

PMO: acronym for “piss me off.”

Example:

Mom: “Answer me when I ask you a question!”

Daughter: “Don’t PMO.”

giving (blank): Okay, this one is a little harder to explain, which is why I left it for last. It’s used when someone wants to make a comparison to something else, whatever it is (hence why I included the word “blank” in the definition). In other words, it’s used when something is giving off similar vibes to something else. Why Gen Z drops the word “vibes” is beyond me.

Example: “This wannabe animated musical is giving Disney.”

That’s it! (At least until Part 3, which you know is coming.)

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In other MTP news, this week marked the 1-year anniversary of the release of my short story collection The Electric God and Other Shorts (specifically October 14). In that time, the book has garnered three awards and dozens of 4- and 5-star reviews. Speaking of which, if you’ve read the book, I would greatly appreciate a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads—as long as you liked it. Kidding! Kinda! Seriously, reviews go a long way in helping out an indie author like me, probably more than you realize. (It’s a brutal business!) That goes for all my books. Think of it as your karma for the day. Thank you very much.

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In other, other MTP news, this is my first blog in over a month, the longest time I’ve gone without blogging since I started this site in early 2022. Where have I been? Good question! I’ve actually been busier than ever before in terms of my writing career, such as it is, but it’s all behind-the-scenes stuff that would probably bore most readers, so I didn’t feel documentation in blog form was necessary. There’s also one other thing that is very hush-hush at the moment, so I’m not going to spill that…yet! I can, however, reveal I have three upcoming book signings, which you would’ve known already if you checked the bottom of my homepage. The first one is going to take place this Sunday at Country Pointe in Plainview, NY, as part of my membership in Long Island Authors, but seeing as how that’s a private event, I’m not sure why I’m advertising it. I can advertise the fact that I’ll be returning to Fire Island Vines in Bay Shore, NY, on Tuesday, November 11th, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

But I’m most excited about my first solo book signing at The Neverending Story bookstore in Babylon, NY, on Small Business Saturday, November 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. The store is celebrating that week’s return of Stranger Things on Netflix with an ‘80s Day, featuring ‘80s music, decorations, and lil’ ol’ me, your humble author of ‘80s-set YA. And what better store to feature an ‘80s-themed event than one named “The Neverending Story”? There was even one episode of Stranger Things that concluded with a few characters jamming to that movie’s rockin’ theme song. As always, I’ll be giving out a free ‘80s toy for every purchase. I hope all y’all from the area (that’s Long Island) reading this can make it. You’d make my ‘80s dreams come true.

Until next time, guys. Hopefully, it won’t take me another month to blog.

MTP

P.S.: Welcome to the new people who signed up for my blog at my last book signing! Enjoy your stay, and as promised, I will never spam you.

P.P.S.: Don’t forget the Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

P.P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:

This blog will be short and sweet. This week, The Electric God and Other Shorts won The 2025 NYC Big Book Award for Distinguished Favorite in the category of Short Stories! This award is for independently and traditionally published authors, publishers, and big and small presses. According to the awards committee, they receive and evaluate books from around the world and from a number of well-known names, journalists, and authors. Full disclosure: This is actually the first time I’ve won this award (I didn’t submit it for Danger Peak but did for Déjà View), so this is personally a unique thrill. An official announcement will be made by the organization later this week. In the meantime, here is a link to my award win page:

I’ve also updated the book’s homepage with the award seal.

For those keeping score, this is the book’s third win after winning Second Place at The Spring 2025 BookFest Awards in the category of Short Stories and First Place in The 2024 Firebird Book Awards in the same category.

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In other MTP news, Danger Peak will be free to download on Amazon Kindle this Saturday, September 13th! Just because! Here is the direct link:

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In other, other MTP news, I’ll be signing discounted copies of Danger Peak, Déjà View, and The Electric God and Other Shorts this Saturday, September 13th at The Bay Shore Art Crawl in (oddly enough) Bay Shore, NY (along Main Street), from 12 to 5 p.m. Every purchase gets a free ‘80s toy, so come while supplies last, and enjoy a great afternoon of arts, crafts, and literature in the late summer/early fall. More info about The Bay Shore Art Crawl can be found below:

That’s it! I told you this was going to be brief! Until next time, folks.

MTP

P.S.: Don’t forget the Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:

Greetings and salutations! True story: I once worked with a woman named Denise who used this exact greeting with everyone she met/passed in the hall. One time, while walking with her and my boss to a meeting, she said it three times to three different people in less than a minute. Without missing a beat, my boss turned to her and scolded: “Denise! ‘Hi’!” Anyway, this blog will be a random smorgasbord of updates (hence, the title). First up: The Labor Day weekend Kindle sale of my books went fairly well. The Electric God and Other Shorts, in particular, was in the Top 7 for its category, which you can view here:

Next up: My books have recently been accepted to the historic Long Island bookstore The Next Chapter in Huntington, NY. For those keeping score, besides Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com (and my book signings), my books are now available at the following bookstores:

Tiny Racoon Books at 277 Railroad Avenue, Sayville, NY

The Neverending Story at 9 W. Main Street (Montauk Highway), Babylon, NY

The Islip Arts Council bookstore in Westfield South Shore Mall at 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, NY (next to Dick’s Sporting Goods)

The Next Chapter at 204 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY

I also have a few book signings coming up. They are as follows:

Saturday, September 13: The Bay Shore Art Crawl, Bay Shore, NY, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, October 12: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, October 19: Country Pointe, Plainview, NY, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Food will be served.)

For those with OCD like me, you may have noticed this information was already uploaded to the homepage of this site. In yet other MTP news, after almost a year in print, The Electric God and Other Shorts is finally available with Kindle Unlimited! So if you were on the fence about plunking down the change for the paperback but subscribe to the Kindle Unlimited program, here’s your chance to basically read it for free. Click on the button below to access it:

Finally, my books received a few more semiprofessional reviews from bloggers. Here are some excerpts:

For Danger Peak:

What if there were emotional as well as physical barriers on the most perilous mountain? In addition to being an exciting climb up an impossible mountain, Danger Peak is a poignant coming-of-age story that skillfully combines friendship, loss, and dreams with the cozy glow of 1980s nostalgia. The book, which is set in a small, suburban town in the late 1980s, centers on 13-year-old Robert Kin and his two best friends, the sardonic Chris and the devoted Rinnie, as they attempt the seemingly impossible: climbing the fabled Danger Peak, a mysterious peak cloaked in tragedy, myth, and mist. This is more than just adventure for Robert; it’s also about coming to terms with the death of his older brother Danny, who died on that same peak only a year earlier. The Wild Boars are a boys’ motorcycle club that feeds on the determination of freedom and discovery, and as a reader, you are instantly drawn into their world. With the unintentional assistance of their erratic science teacher Dr. Howard, Robert’s obsession with climbing the mountain grows organically, and his determination intensifies as he builds his “Action Bike,” a modified vehicle created out of grief, grit, and guts. It is far more than just an activity, though. The complex relationship between Robert and his emotionally detached father is deftly explained by the author. Particularly in scenes where Danny’s memory haunts their house or when Robert looks at the empty chair that is still set at dinner for his deceased brother, their tension and unsaid grief are heartbreaking. The story is anchored in emotional truth by these nuanced yet impactful moments. The writing is evocative but easy to understand. On a cheap AM/FM radio, you can taste the bittersweet nostalgia of Don Henley, feel the excitement of midnight garage raids, and hear the crunch of autumn leaves beneath Robert’s wheels. The author’s writing has a very cinematic quality, and you could almost picture this as a Stranger Things-inspired Netflix original. I was most taken aback by the deft use of flashbacks to give Danny a life after death. His talent, charm, and the brotherly closeness that formerly existed between the two brothers are all palpable. And it’s an exciting and surprisingly poignant moment when Robert eventually reaches the top. (Don’t tell!) This book will hit you hard whether you grew up in the 1980s or just miss the simpler joys of that time period, including arcade games, Walkmans, and Nintendo Power magazines. But even without the sentimentality, this is a timeless tale about overcoming obstacles, paying tribute to departed loved ones, and having the courage to believe in something greater than oneself. This is a soul-boosting experience that combines heart, comedy, and a hint of magic. Robert will be a hero to teenagers. These pages will remind adults of their childhood. And everyone will be reminded of the value of pursuing dreams, no matter how risky they may be.

—The Book Society

To order Danger Peak, click the button below:

For Déjà View:

Michael Thomas Perone’s Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare stands as a genre-bending, heartfelt coming-of-age story that captures the turbulent season of growth in uncanny precision. Set during the late ’80s, it concerns 12-year-old Bobby Dalton, a boy caught between the final days of childhood and the early hours of adolescence. While his friends and he bury a time capsule, the symbolic occasion soon turns surreal—Bobby starts seeing ghost-like versions of himself and others. But are these visions trauma manifestations, or something beyond human comprehension? Perone walks the thin line of psychological suspense, nostalgia, and subtle science fiction with heartwarming storytelling. Bobby’s voice is powerfully moving—full of longing, confusion, and quiet resilience. It deals with the themes of bullying, friendship, emotional isolation, and identity in a very fine manner, making this novel very relevant and relatable to middle-grade readers and the adults whose hearts yearn to go back to those forever cherished days of innocence. Though the plot is laid down quite slowly, what follows is an in-depth exploration of growing pains, memory, and mental health. These friendships, often fragile and fallible, add weight to the emotions while the spooky undertones provide a great twist. An especially deep one is Bobby’s internal conflict between wanting to freeze time and the imperative that life must go on. Rendered with deep-and-detailed 1980s flavor and a haunting emotional core, Déjà View is a reflective, bittersweet tale that stakes its claim in your memory—an honest ethnography of the tumult of fear and wonder that is growing up.

—Vidhika Yadav

This book completely surprised me in the best way possible. Déjà View blends suspense, mystery, and just the right amount of dark humor into a story that pulls you in from the very first chapter. The pacing is sharp and clever, and the writing has a cinematic quality that made me feel like I was watching the scenes unfold right in front of me. The characters are relatable yet flawed in ways that make them feel authentic, and the premise is refreshingly unique. Perone has such a talent for weaving tension with wit, making you laugh one moment and tense up the next. What really stood out to me is how the story feels universal at its core; it’s about choices, consequences, and how the past never stays buried for long. I genuinely wish my grandkids were older so they could enjoy this, because this book has a timeless quality that speaks across generations. It’s clever, entertaining, and unforgettable, the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. This is an easy 5 out of 5 stars for me. Michael Thomas Perone has crafted a gem here, and I’ll be recommending it to anyone looking for something fast-paced, fun, and thought-provoking all at once.

—Heather’s Book World

To order Déjà View, click the button below:

For The Electric God:

(With The Electric God and Other Shorts), The Twilight Zone got upgraded. …Michael Thomas Perone delivers a collection of dark, surreal tales where reality is fragile and madness waits just beneath the surface. From a small town consumed by television to a future detective facing his own death, these stories explore obsession, transformation, and the thin line between sanity and chaos. Blending fractured fairy tales with nightmare logic, this collection offers unsettling fables that linger long after the final page. If you enjoy short stories that lean into sci-fi, suspense, and a touch of the bizarre, this is a dark little gem worth your time. Each tale crackles with originality, blending eerie twists, sharp writing, and a bit of twisted humor that keeps the pages turning. The tone often calls to mind The Twilight Zone, strange worlds, unexpected endings, and a creeping sense that reality is one bad day away from unraveling. I had already enjoyed Perone’s previous work in Déjà View, so diving into this collection felt like coming back to a familiar, if slightly haunted, neighborhood. Standouts for me were Paper Language, a chilling look at writer’s block with a sinister twist, and the title story The Electric God, which delivers a powerful mix of dread and dark imagination. Some stories are spooky, others quietly disturbing, but all are engaging and thoughtfully written. If you’re in the mood for a short, punchy read that mixes sci-fi, horror, and just enough madness to make you grin nervously, this collection hits the mark. Highly recommended for fans of bite-sized dread.

—Dan Pickett

Michael Thomas Perone’s The Electric God and Other Shorts is a daring and boldly genre-bending collection of short stories that compel readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional storytelling. Each story—from bizarre, dystopian futures through absurd divine interventions to outright philosophical introspections—constitutes a unique, often surreal window exploring contemporary life, morality, and the human condition. The titular story, The Electric God, is a special piece that perfectly balances humor, existential musings, and social commentary, setting the tone for the entire collection. Argot, studied wit, sarcasm, and irony—all attributes of Perone’s writing—stood inside these peculiar yet somehow relatable situations and peculiar yet relatable characters. Perone makes ordinary tales seem extraordinary—a banal conversation with some deity or maybe a slightly mocking glance at certain human behaviors—yet each story manages to put in a few surprises. These narratives stay with a reader a while, urging them to think, smile, or question.

—Vidhika Yadav

I was utterly taken by surprise. Having enjoyed Perone’s first two books, I was eager to dive into his third, but nothing could have prepared me for what I found. This book is a radical departure from the earlier ones that explored the eighties. Instead, it unearths a collection of unexpected dark stories that completely caught me off guard. The tone is notably different, and I found myself stunned as I processed each page. I must say, the first and last stories truly captivated me—they are my favorites. The other tales, while equally fascinating, delve into darker, hair-raising themes that keep you on edge. Thank goodness it’s fiction, right? If you appreciate dark and eerie narratives, this book will resonate with you. The characters are utterly unique and intriguingly bizarre, offering a different perspective that Perone masterfully brings to life. While it does evoke a sense of fear, I applaud Perone for his bold creativity and willingness to explore uncharted territory. He deserves recognition for being so daringly different and for taking readers on such a riveting journey.

—Luminita LaFlash

Michael Thomas Perone’s The Electric God and Other Shorts is a striking collection of dark, often unsettling stories written during the author’s formative years. The introduction sets a personal and reflective tone, inviting readers into the creative mind of a teenager wrestling with angst, societal pressure, and a fascination with the macabre. Perone’s voice is at once humorous and honest, making the collection feel both intimate and sharply observant.

—G. W. Reviewers

(The Electric God reads) like Bradbury got lost in a nightmare—and loved it. Each story…is a twisted gem. Perone has a rare talent for blending surrealism, sharp satire, and gut-punch emotion. These stories mess with your head in the best way—haunting, thought-provoking, and impossible to put down. A must-read for fans of Black Mirror and The Twilight Zone.

—Henrik Rose

(The Electric God is) a rollercoaster of genre-bending brilliance. This isn’t just a short story collection—it’s an experience. From futuristic noir to psychological horror, Perone keeps you guessing and unsettled in the best possible way. He’s a master of voice and atmosphere, and every story here hits a different nerve. Highly recommended for readers who like fiction that dares.

—Tessa Nunez

(Perone is) the literary lovechild of Poe and Vonnegut. (He) balances horror, humor, and heart like a pro. The stories range from eerie to heartbreaking to absurdly funny—sometimes all in one page. He knows exactly when to go dark and when to drop a perfectly timed punchline. It’s bold, original storytelling that actually says something. I’m officially a fan.

—Juniper Patel

(The Electric God is) dark, dazzling, and deeply human. What surprised me most was how emotionally resonant these stories were beneath the strange, almost dreamlike surfaces. Perone explores the madness of modern life—technology, isolation, identity—with empathy and biting wit. I found myself highlighting entire paragraphs. This collection lingers in your mind like an echo.

—Brooks Palmer

To order The Electric God, click the button below:

That’s it! I hope you guys had a great summer, and welcome back to school, kiddies.

MTP

P.S.: Don’t forget the Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:

Howdy! Long time, no blog! There’s a reason for that. For one thing, I was on vacation like most of y’all. (No, I’m not from the South, but I occasionally like to sprinkle in a few southern colloquialisms just for the fun of it.) For another, I’ve been busy setting up things for what will hopefully be the next stage of my writing “career,” such as it is. My next book baby is in the hands of a handful of handy beta readers. (I really have to hand it to them.) There’ll be more updates in my next blog, which will be titled, appropriately enough, “Updates.” But enough stalling. I know what y’all (there’s that word again) are here for: FREE BOOKS! Yes, for this upcoming weekend, and for the first time ever, all my books are going to be available to download for free on Amazon Kindle, even if you’re not subscribed to the Kindle Unlimited program. You read that right: Danger Peak, Déjà View, and The Electric God and Other Shorts will cost you zero dollars and zero cents this Saturday and Sunday. I’m Crazy Mikey, and my deals are…you know the rest! (especially if you grew up in the tristate area of the northeastern U.S. like I did) Here are the three direct links to their Kindle counterparts:

I’m probably not doing this again with all three of my books, so get ‘em while they’re hot—and free! This was a short and super sweet update (maybe it was sweet because it was short?), but I wanted to get this news out to as many people as possible before the big sale. Happy reading, and happy Labor Day weekend, everyone! Workers of the world unite and all that! (We certainly deserve a break.)

MTP

P.S.: Next blog: Updates!

P.P.S.: Don’t forget the Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

5/5 | Danger Peak by Michael Thomas Perone

There’s this little musical you may have heard of that came out several years ago called “Hamilton.” It’s great! The Founding Fathers rap and everything! I’m a Broadway musical geek, so my wife bought me the cast recording shortly after the show started building some heat, and I immediately fell in love with it. I started listening to the first disc late at night and figured I’d just stick around for a few songs to see what the fuss was about. I ended up listening to the whole damn thing—both discs—until past 1 in the morning, and I was a bawling baby at the end. Sometimes you feel lucky to live in the time you live just so you can say, “I was there when that work of genius first arrived.” I eventually saw the show live (with a different cast—boo), and since the musical’s premiere on Disney+, I watch it every Fourth of July, just to spark my hope in our democracy—currently flailing as it is. If you want to know why I was crying like a toddler after first listening to the soundtrack, here are the top eight lyrics I most identified with. I would’ve had a rounded ten, but I’m lazy, people. And speaking of being lazy, here is this week’s hacky listicle:

This line appears fairly early in the show (though it’s repeated several times throughout the production, most notably on “Helpless”). In fact, it’s in the first song, “Alexander Hamilton.” We learn how tortured his childhood was (born without a father, barely survives a hurricane, his mother dies, he moves in with his cousin who ends up committing suicide, etc.), and so our man “moves on up” to Noo Yawk, the greatest city in the world. (I’m not biased or anything.) Just before we hear “his boat is in the harbor now, see if you can spot him/Another immigrant coming up from the bottom” (great rhyme, btw; that Lin-Manuel Miranda is a wordsmith!), the chorus drones, “In New York, you can be a new man” over and over. I deeply identified with this line. As the show itself will later say: “Rewind!” Let’s go back in my life to find out why. In 2003, my life in Baltimore basically imploded. I lost my job, my girlfriend, my roommate, and my apartment all in less than a year and was forced to move back home to my parents’ house in New York at the ripe age of 26. I was told by friends and family that my life was a do-over (much like Daniel Stern’s character in City Slickers), and what better place to remake myself than in New York? I didn’t believe them at the time. I thought my life was truly over. I was wrong. Twenty-odd years later, and I have a pretty good gig editing at home, a side gig penning award-winning young adult books (you know I had to throw that in there), a house, a wife, two beautiful daughters, and, probably just as important, a healthy dose of self-respect. Thanks, New York!

2. “I am not throwing away my shot.”

This is probably one of the most famous lines from the song, a lyric everyone knows—even people who haven’t seen the show. It says so much, doesn’t it? I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s felt this way at certain times in life. I’ll give you one example. I used to be the Features Editor of my college newspaper (humble brag), and I received an opportunity in the mail to interview the band Blind Melon after lead singer Shannon Hoon died. Even though they were my favorite alternative band at the time, I was (and still sorta am) extremely shy, and I figured: “There’s no way in hell I’m doing that. I wouldn’t know the first thing to ask, besides, ‘How exactly did Shannon die?’” I literally threw the invitation out. I can still see the paper inside the small metal wastebasket in my college dorm room, waiting patiently for me to fish it out. I swallowed hard, reached in, and plucked it out, and a few weeks later, I was on the phone with the band, missing one of my college exams and sweating bullets. I didn’t have the words then of what was going through my mind, but thanks to this show, I do now: “I am not throwing away my shot.” P.S.: The interview went fine.

3. “Why do you write like you’re running out of time?”

When I was a teenager in high school, I didn’t talk much. I was like Christian Slater’s character in Pump Up the Volume: “I didn’t talk to one person today, not counting teachers.” But then I would go home, go upstairs into my bedroom, shut my door, pull out a ream of paper and a pen, and write like a madman. My family would sometimes wonder why I was writing so much. Even I didn’t know. I just had to get it all out of my system. Every feeling I couldn’t express or word I couldn’t utter during the day made its way onto the page. Some of those words became the books I would eventually publish, especially my latest, The Electric God and Other Shorts. (Plug!) I couldn’t stop writing. And I still haven’t.

4. “You will never be satisfied.”/“That would be enough.”

When I started this book-writing side gig, my family would question what the point was. “You have a good, full-time job. You have a house and beautiful family. Why is that not enough?” Honestly, I can’t really answer that question. It almost shames me to admit this, but no, that was not enough. I’ve always thought of myself as a writer first and foremost, even when I wasn’t publishing anything. Even writing several books hasn’t “been enough.” Hopefully, one day, when (if?) my books become commercially successful (instead of just critically successful), that will be enough for me. But probably not.

5. “Love/Death doesn’t discriminate between the sinners and the saints/It takes and it takes and it takes.”

Being a writer, sometimes I read or hear a line that is so poignant and profoundly true, it angers me that I hadn’t thought of it first. This is one of those lines. It’s from my favorite song from the show, “Wait for It.” Aaron Burr contemplates his life and compares it with Hamilton, of whom he’s deeply resentful and jealous. (Yes, I just used the word “whom.” Who says these blogs can’t be classy?) When I first heard him sing, “Love doesn’t discriminate between the sinners and the saints/It takes and it takes and it takes,” I thought to myself, “Holy $#!+, that is SO true!” It doesn’t matter how you lived your life or how moral or just you were; love isn’t fair. It will break your heart one day, whether you deserve it or not. And this sentiment is equally true—if not more so—about death, which is what Burr sings later when discussing his parents’ demise, leaving him an orphan. After all, everyone dies in the end.

6. “If there’s a reason I’m still alive when everyone who loves me has died, I’m willing to wait for it.”

This line is also from “Wait for It.” (I told you it was my favorite song.) Burr wonders why all the people who have loved him, particular his parents, have died while he’s still around. I often thought this when I was younger. For those who don’t know, my brother died when I was 8 (hence the brother subplot in Danger Peak), and my good friend died when I was 15. (I named the character Chris in Danger Peak after him, though he’s mostly based on a different friend I had growing up.) I remember thinking: “Why is everyone around me dying? Am I next? And if not, is there a reason why I’m still alive? Am I supposed to do something with my life?” I suppose for the past few years writing these books, I’ve been trying to answer that question.

7. “What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”

Once again, just an A+ lyric/rhyme from Miranda. (Someone should keep an eye on this fellah! He’s going places!) Hamilton poses this question at the end of the show just before his death. (Spoiler!) Not only is it a killer line (no pun intended), it perfectly describes why I think many of us do what we do. Why do we make art, have children, record songs, write books, etc.? It’s because we want to create something that’s going to outlive us, to borrow another line Hamilton says earlier in the show. And as I wrote earlier, we’re all going to die in the end anyway.

8. “You knock me down, I get the f%#k back up again.”

I threw this last line in for fun. Uttered boisterously by Hercules Mulligan (who sounds suspiciously like Busta Rhymes), this lyric reminds me of life advice from Rocky: “It doesn’t matter how hard you can hit. It only matters how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” I think we can all relate to that, if for no other reason than the fact that we’re all human. As Christian Slater said in the aforementioned Pump Up the Volume: “We’re all hurting. That just comes with having eyes and ears.” (Man, I really love that movie.) This line from “Hamilton” is probably the most inspirational for me, especially with the way Hercules says it: “You knock me down, I get the f%#k back up again!” with an emphasis on the “f%#k.” When I first heard it, I was like, “Hells yeah!” It gets the blood pumping, but more than that, it reminds me of how I felt after my world exploded—what I described in my first entry on this list. And we’ve come full circle.

So there you have it. Eight amazing lines from an even more amazing musical. And if by some chance you still haven’t seen/heard the show, I would rectify that as quickly as possible.

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In other MTP news, for the first time, my poetry book, The Darkest Side: A Collection of Twisted Nursery Rhymes, is now available at a bookstore (along with my other books, Danger Peak, Déjà View, and The Electric God and Other Shorts). If you live in the Long Island area, you can pick up a copy at The Islip Arts Council bookstore in Westfield South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, NY (next to Dick’s Sporting Goods). I’ve already updated the book’s main page with this info. Happy shopping, Lawn Guy Landers!

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In other, other MTP news, Déjà View is finally getting some love on Bookstagram (after the Danger Peak and Electric God lovefests). Here is a sampling of those reviews:

Déjà View is a haunting, nostalgic dive into the uncertain space between childhood and adolescence. Following twelve-year-old Bobby Dalton as he grapples with growing up and ghostly visions of his past, the novel blends ‘80s nostalgia with eerie sci-fi undertones in a story that’s both introspective and unsettling. Michael Thomas Perone, known for Danger Peak, shifts gears slightly here—this story leans more heavily into coming-of-age themes, with a darker, slower build that ultimately rewards patient readers with a surprising and emotional finale. Though written for young adults, the book resonates across generations, capturing the universal tension of letting go of childhood. Bobby’s internal struggles and mysterious “déjà view” moments offer both suspense and emotional depth. With poignant moments, humor, and an unforgettable ending, Déjà View is a reflective, imaginative story that lingers long after the final page. A thoughtful and compelling follow-up to Perone’s debut.

–Tales of a Moody

Michael Thomas Perone’s Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare is a nostalgic and emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale that vividly captures the internal landscape of childhood. Set against the suburban backdrop of 1989, the novel follows sixth-grader Bobby Dalton—a precocious, imaginative boy whose life oscillates between whimsical play and the sobering realities of a fractured home. Bobby’s days are filled with “Imagination Games,” spirited swings with his best friend Joe, and battles between plastic action figures that seem more alive than the adults around him. Through clever, naturalistic dialogue and richly detailed scenes, Perone masterfully evokes the wonder and confusion of preadolescence. The dynamic between Bobby, Joe, and the mischievous Max reveals the fragile balance of childhood camaraderie—equal parts loyalty, rivalry, and comic relief. What elevates the narrative is its undercurrent of emotional tension. Perone subtly confronts serious themes such as racial bias, political apathy, and the weight of adult responsibility through the eyes of a child who doesn’t fully grasp them—but feels their impact deeply. Bobby’s relationship with his overworked single mother adds an additional layer of pathos, grounding his fantasies in a home marked by exhaustion and unspoken grief. Beneath its humor and pop-culture references lies a powerful meditation on resilience. Déjà View reminds readers that imagination is not escapism but a lifeline—especially when reality becomes overwhelming. The novel serves as both a love letter to childhood and a quiet lament for its inevitable erosion. A poignant, tender, and incisively written novel, Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare is a beautifully observed portrait of youth in all its chaotic, contradictory glory.

–Kara Macris

What I liked about (Déjà View) is how true Bobby’s feelings were. He faces bullies, fights with friends, and feels lonely sometimes. It reminded me of my own childhood. I also felt bad for him because his friends didn’t always treat him right. While reading, I wanted to tell him to be stronger and leave the people who don’t care about him. It made me think about the times I also stayed quiet just to keep friends. The spooky parts in the story were fun. It takes some time for the scary things to happen, but when they do, it makes the story more interesting. I liked how the book mixed real-life problems with strange, ghostly things. It’s not a fast story in the beginning, but it gets better as you read more. I enjoyed how it kept me thinking about what would happen next. I would tell others to give this book a try, especially kids in middle school or people who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s. It brings back old memories of childhood, games, and school life. It teaches you that growing up is not easy, but you have to face it. I really liked it because it felt honest, simple, and made me think about my own past.

–Florence Bookreviewer

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Lastly, in yet other MTP news, my book signing last week went fairly well. In fact, it was my most successful signing, though that might not be saying much. I’d also like to give a special shoutout to all the new people who signed up for this here blog. As promised, I won’t spam you or sell your info. You can expect a few of these emails per month. Since I began this blog several years ago, I haven’t lost a single subscriber, so I must be doing something right. Welcome aboard!

MTP

P.S.: Don’t forget the Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:

Recently, I was contacted for a few interviews, and since I never shy away from talking about myself, I agreed. The first was by Voraka Magazine, an international publication based in Spain that covers fashion and literature. In case you’re confused, they definitely didn’t ask me about my wardrobe. The second was by popular Bookstagrammer Gee. (Her Instagram handle is “Geereadssss,” and no, I don’t know why she includes four “s”s in her name.) You’ll notice that my answers are much shorter for my first interview. Because Voraka is a print magazine, I was constrained to responses that were 60 words or fewer. If you want to view my Voraka interview online, you can click the link below:

Now on with the Q&As!

For Voraka Magazine:

1. How has your background in journalism influenced your approach to writing fiction?

Space is at a premium in the newspaper business, so being a journalist taught me to be pithy and make my point as quickly and effectively as possible. My books aren’t very long, but I don’t believe in wasting readers’ time. You’re not going to be bored with my books. There aren’t just scenes of people hanging out and talking.

2. What inspired the emotional and adventurous journey of Robert in Danger Peak?

Danger Peak was inspired by three main sources: the old-school, 8-bit Nintendo game Excitebike; the adventures my two best friends and I had riding our bikes around town growing up (though they weren’t obviously as fantastical as in the book); and, unfortunately, the death of my older brother when I was 8. I combined those elements to write Danger Peak.

3. Why do you frequently set your stories in the nostalgic backdrop of the 1980s?

I’m a nostalgic person, and I happened to grow up in the ‘80s, so that’s where I get my inspiration. I tell people if I grew up in the ‘60s, my books would be filled with references to bellbottoms, The Beatles, and Woodstock, but instead, they’re filled with references to Ghostbusters, Star Wars, and the falling of the Berlin Wall.

4. What was the inspiration behind the eerie “déjà view” concept in Déjà View?

My best friends and I buried a time capsule in my backyard when we were kids, and the next day, I visited the site and had this weird idea that I saw us still doing it, over and over again, like ghostly doppelgangers. I wrote a short story based on the concept and kept the idea in my head for decades.

5. What draws you to darker, surreal themes in your short stories like those in The Electric God and Other Shorts?

Clinical depression. Seriously, I just find the surreal and fantastic much more interesting than real life. I’d rather write (and read) a story where something out of the ordinary happens than just a guy trying to get to work. Also, writing darker stuff helps me work on my issues and get my anger out. It’s cheaper than therapy.

6. How do you navigate writing across multiple genres, from magical realism to sci-fi and coming-of-age?

It’s natural to me because I’m interested in all those categories, plus action-adventure. I loved sci-fi and adventure books growing up in the ‘80s, like the Choose Your Own Adventure series, and I also grew up on George Lucas and Steven Spielberg movies, so my love for those genres comes out in my work.

7. What recurring emotional themes do you find yourself exploring in your work?

I find myself returning to the themes of grief, trauma, and healing the most, which makes sense considering my life. I realize other people have been through worse, but my brother died when I was 8, my good friend died when I was 15, and I was bullied terribly in school. Bad for my life but great fodder for writing!

8. How do your roles as an editor and father shape your storytelling and characters?

Editing has helped me zero in on the exact language I want to use when telling a story. Being a father has made me more empathetic. Originally, I was going to make the father much harsher on Robert, but I’ve come to understand how insanely difficult it is to be a parent, so I gave that character a little more grace.

9. Have you ever considered adapting your novels for film or television?

Of course! I don’t think any writer hasn’t. Plus, I’ve been told my books are “very cinematic,” which makes sense because I watch a ton of movies. (I own around 500 DVDs.) I’ve been approached by a few people here and there but nothing serious, unless I wanted the film to look like a home movie.

10. What can readers expect from your upcoming novel Is There Life After College??

It’s a romance about trying to fit into the world once you graduate college, which is especially difficult when school is the only place you’ve ever known. How do you forge that identity, and is it possible to find yourself while finding someone else? And oh yeah, there’s also a murder and a high-stakes court case. Spoiler!

11. What is the most important advice you would give to aspiring writers today?

I never know how to answer this question, because it assumes I’m an expert, and I’m here to tell you I’m definitely not an expert; I’m making it up as I go along, which is the very definition of writing. If I had to say anything, I’d simply say keep writing, especially if you love doing it.

12. How do you feel about being featured in Voraka Magazine, and what does this recognition mean to you?

It’s an honor to be recognized by an international magazine that celebrates creativity, and because Voraka is widely read in many different countries, it feels exciting to expand my audience.

For Gee (Instagram):

1. When and where were your born and raised?

I was born in the late ‘70s in Massapequa, Long Island, where Jerry Seinfeld and Alec Baldwin are from. I later moved to the small coastal town of West Islip, and I’ve pretty much been there the rest of my life except for 7 years in Baltimore, where I went to college and worked as a technical editor for a few years.

2. Please tell us about your family.

My Mom is a retired high school secretary. My Dad is a retired inspector for American Airlines at JFK. My sister is a year younger than me and works in Central Park. My brother died when he was 12 and I was 8, and this served as the inspiration for one of the subplots of Danger Peak.

3. What are your educational and professional qualifications?

As I said, I went to school in Baltimore, when it was called Loyola College. At the time, it was the only Loyola College in the country, but since I graduated in the late ‘90s, they changed its designation to Loyola University Maryland, so there are no more Loyola Colleges. Since college, I’ve written for The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore City Paper, Long Island Voice (a spinoff of The Village Voice), and The Island Ear (now titled Long Island Press), among others. Online, I’ve written for Fatherly, Yahoo!, WhatCulture!, and other websites. I’m currently a Senior Editor at ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers). I used to work in Manhattan until the pandemic, and I’ve been working from home ever since.

4. What is your greatest accomplishment to date?

Having a kid tell me how much Danger Peak meant to him ranks right up there, especially since the book takes place decades before he was born (in the late ‘80s). I think the themes of growing up and trying to fit in are universal though, no matter when you were born. Also, having my books sold in bookstores and available at libraries, including the one I used to visit all the time as a kid, is a thrill.

5. Which writers inspire you?

The obvious answer is Stephen King, so consider me basic, I guess. I also still love J. D. Salinger, Edgar Allen Poe, and George Orwell.

6. What books do you really enjoy reading? What’s your favorite book of all time?

My favorite book is The Catcher in the Rye (another basic answer, but I don’t want to lie just to be interesting). I also love Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. This book directly inspired the short story How to Save a Drowning Butterfly in my recent short story collection The Electric God and Other Shorts. Mail-Order Wings by Beatrice Gormley also served as one of the inspirations for Danger Peak, because just like in my novel, there’s only one magical thing in the book (the titular wings in Gormley’s book and the titular mountain in mine). Her book introduced me to the concept of magical realism, and I’ve been playing in that world ever since.

7. What made you finally start writing?

I’ve had the idea for Danger Peak since I wrote the short story Action Bike when I was a kid in the ‘80s, but I never got around to writing the full-length novel. I don’t want to get too political, but something terrible happened in my country regarding politics, and I thought to myself, “If I don’t write my book now, I’m never going to write it,” so I forced myself to squeeze in the writing after work.

8. Do you have a specific time to write, or does your day just naturally fit around it?

My day definitely does NOT just naturally fit around writing, lol. I don’t think any writer’s does. We’re too busy. You have to MAKE the time, much to the chagrin of my family. I usually write after my shower and just before bed. It helps that I don’t really follow many T.V. shows, which is why I haven’t kept up with a show since How I Met Your Mother went off the air. I should say I do watch a lot of movies, though.

9. What kind of books are yours? What attracts you to this genre?

My books are coming-of-age/action-adventure/sci-fi YA that takes place in the ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s a mouthful; I know. I’m naturally drawn to YA because, in many ways, I still have the mindset of a 13-year-old, and this helps me connect with the voice of the protagonists in my books. It’s beneficial for my writing career but, again, anathema to my family, lol. And I grew up on George Lucas and Steven Spielberg adventures, so I’ve always been drawn to the genres of action-adventure and science fiction.

10. What makes your books different from others in this category?

I think it’s because they take place in the 1980s and 1990s. Most YA takes place in the current day. At first, I was worried that this might turn off a lot of young readers today, but as I noted in an answer to a previous question, my stories still seem to connect with modern day kids and teens. As I wrote before, everyone goes through the same stuff when you’re growing up, regardless of the decade. The added benefit of my books is that adults can enjoy them too, because it reminds them of their youth. Danger Peak and Déjà View definitely pack a lot of ‘80s nostalgia in their pages, and adults identify with that.

11. Danger Peak is layered with emotion, adventure, and nostalgia. What inspired you to set the story in the late 1980s, and how much of Robert’s journey mirrors your own experiences from that era?

I’ve answered this question before in other interviews, but originally, Danger Peak didn’t take place in the ‘80s. It was present day, but so much of the story is based on my childhood—and I happened to grow up in the ‘80s—that every time I wanted to make a reference to a song, a movie, or a T.V. show, I had the ‘80s on the brain. At first, I fought the impulse, because I thought it seemed too cheesy, but I eventually surrendered to it, and I’m glad I did, because when you read the book back, it feels more like a fully realized, lived-in world. A lot of times I’ll be reading a story, and the author mentions that the characters are listening to a song on the radio or watching a movie, but they fail to name specific examples. It’s like, “Name the movie!” We’re all living in a pop-culture soup anyway, so you may as well go ahead and cite the songs, movies, etc., that your characters are interacting with and experiencing.

As for the second part of your question, Robert is a very brave version of me when I was his age. I would never actually climb Danger Peak myself. In fact, I’ve never even been on a motorbike before, unless you count a moped, which I rode once with a friend of a friend one day in the late ‘80s. Originally, I was going to have Robert’s gang just ride around on bicycles, but I thought motorbikes would be more exciting and interesting for the reader. Also, it would’ve been impossible to climb Danger Peak with a regular, pedal-powered bike. Like Robert, I had two best friends growing up, and Chris and Rinnie are based on them. Also, I had a domineering father, and, as I already mentioned, my older brother died. So there are lots of similarities between Robert and me. But yeah, you wouldn’t ever catch me on Danger Peak!

12. Robert’s relationship with his late brother Danny is so moving. How did you approach writing those flashbacks to maintain both emotional impact and narrative flow?

Well, as I mentioned before (twice now), my brother also passed, so it’s no surprise that the relationship between Danny and Robert was based on my brother and me. I upped his age in the book (Danny is 17 when he dies but my brother was 12) because I always looked up to my brother as being much older than he actually was. Like the brothers in my book, we bonded over Star Wars and also had so-called “Star Wars sleepovers” in his room.

As for the flashbacks, I tried to make the transitions from the past to the present as seamless as possible, though I don’t think I was always successful, lol. One example, I think, of a successful transition is Robert’s father gazing mournfully at a photo of Danny on his desk when he won the school’s science fair, and then the next chapter actually takes you back to that fair. As a bonus, that’s also when readers are introduced to Dr. Howard, a pretty important (and quirky) character to the story. It’s always fun when things in your books work out like that.

13. The inclusion of a magical realism touch adds charm without overwhelming the story. What made you decide to incorporate this subtle element, and how did you find the balance?

I’m an author who can’t handle too much fantasy. No offense to the worlds of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, but to me, when EVERYTHING is magical, it’s almost like nothing is. As I mentioned before about the book Mail-Order Wings, I like it when there’s ONE THING in the story that’s magical to truly set it apart from the realistic elements. It’s more memorable that way, I think. I like playing with the idea of how does this one magical item affect the everyday real world?

14. The dirt bike-building journey becomes symbolic in many ways. What does it personally represent to you—both as a narrative device and a metaphor?

It’s interesting because originally, the idea to build the Action Bike was just a vehicle (no pun intended) to round out the book and introduce other elements/characters in the storyline I was trying to tell, but so many reviews and readers have mentioned how symbolic that bike is, how building it piece by piece is akin to Robert remaking himself and trying to heal his psychological scars (both from his brother’s absence and his father’s negligence). I actually never thought of that before, but it definitely works. When you’re writing and in a groove, you’re just letting the words and ideas flow out of you; you’re not necessarily meditating on the meaning. Sometimes you need people to point out the obvious.

15. Many readers, both young and old, have connected with the themes of grief, healing, and courage in your book. What do you hope readers take away from Robert’s climb up Danger Peak?

I hope people realize that first of all, it’s good to have a dream in the first place, and secondly, if you work hard enough and don’t give up, it can be achieved, no matter what it is. It’s like the line from Back to the Future: “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” That line certainly inspired me to try writing a novel in the first place. (As a bonus, George McFly actually writes a novel himself at the end of the movie – forty-year spoiler alert!) Lastly, with regard to Robert’s and Danny’s relationship, I hope people take away the idea that just because the person you loved is gone doesn’t mean the love you have for that person has to be gone as well.

16. How long did it take you to actually write the book? What were the toughest and the easiest parts of writing the book?

It took me 4 months to write the first draft of Danger Peak, which is shorter than I thought it’d take. I thought it would take a year! But once I started, I couldn’t stop. It just poured out of me. As I said before, I had this story rolling around inside my head for decades, and I desperately wanted to tell it.

The toughest part to write was probably the Prologue, since I wasn’t sure I was going to even be able to finish the book. I rewrote that part more than anything else in the novel. Originally, the book opened with Robert just walking towards Danger Peak, but then I realized: “Hey, this is a book about a motorbike-riding gang. I should probably have him zooming down the block on his motorcycle.” So I did that, and it made the intro much more exciting. Even the notoriously harsh Kirkus Reviews agreed, writing, “Perone immediately engages the reader in the Prologue.” The easiest part to write in the book was the dialogue between the three main characters, mostly because they were based on my own interactions with my best friends growing up.

17. Are you working on a new book? What’s it going to be about?

I just finished the first draft of my fourth book (sixth, if you count my poetry and blog books). It’s going to be different from my other books because there’s nothing supernatural in it. Also, it’s a romance, which is a subject I haven’t really written about before.

18. What are your plans for the future?

Besides editing and publishing my new book, taking a well-deserved break!

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In other MTP news, my books are now on sale at The Islip Arts Council bookstore at Westfield Mall (formerly The South Shore Mall) at 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, NY (next to Dick’s Sporting Goods). If you had told me when I was young that one day I would not only write and publish books but that they’d be sold at the mall where I hang out all the time, I never would’ve believed you. So if you’re in the Long Island area, drop by and visit their beautiful gallery of local art, and pick up a book or two from some talented authors. (I know one I could recommend!)

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In other, other MTP news, I’ll be having a book signing at Fire Island Vines (17 E. Main Street, Bay Shore, NY) on Thursday, July 24th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This Books and Bites event is hosted by Long Island Authors. There will be book and gift card raffles, and food will be served, as well as delicious wine for purchase. Attendance is free. I’ll be selling discounted copies of Danger Peak, Déjà View, and The Electric God and Other Shorts. Come say “Hi,” get your book signed, and also get a free ‘80s-themed gift with any purchase. Other amazing writers will be in attendance, so come celebrate local authors, drink wine, and be merry. Hope to see you guys there.

MTP

P.S.: Next blog: I return to hacky listicles!

P.P.S.: Don’t forget the Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

P.P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble: