Author Interview: Thom Stanley

Today I’m sitting down with my buddy Thom Stanley to talk about his two books. His books are, to say the least, unique. Although the two books are similar in tone, they are still very different even from each other. We’ll take them one by one.

Amazon says this about My Chupacabra Ate My Homework: A satirical and humorous look into all things paranormal. Through the years, there have been many questions that have gone unanswered regarding ghost, aliens, UFOs and other paranormal topics. This book attempts to answer some of those questions with a bent toward the light and humorous.

It looks to me like Thom has some serious explaining to do. So without further ado, we’ll get to it.

MJB: Thom, would you tell us first about My Chupacabra Ate My Homework? What the heck is a chupacabra, and what does it have to do with homework?

THOM: A chupacabra is literally Spanish for “goat sucker.” From Puerto Rico to the Americas, chupacabras have allegedly been responsible for animal mutilations, especially livestock. While scientists have yet to acknowledge its existence, witnesses have described the menacing beast as resembling a small bear on hind legs with spines protruding from its neck and back.

MJB: Hmm, I have a sneaking feeling that most teachers wouldn’t fall for this excuse from a student in class, but the kid might get an A for effort. How did you gather all this information on the paranormal?

THOM: For more than ten years, I research books and online paranormal sites to discover what people were asking and allegedly sighting.

MJB: So would you consider yourself an expert on these weird goings-on?

THOM: Absolutely not. First I believe there are no experts on any topic, as life is in constant flux. I find a question I appreciate for whatever reason and exaggerate the answer based on the nonsense of the question.

MJB: So you answer nonsense with exaggeration? Sounds reasonable. What do you think is the most amazing and unbelievable incident in your book?

THOM: People who claim to have been abducted by extraterrestrials, probed, and returned to tell their story fascinate me. I just don’t understand the human orifice fetish that life clearly more advanced than ours has.

MJB: Gee, when you put it that way…  (*Hides DVDs of the X Files*) Okay, now tell us about Frankly Fanny By Herself: Questions that Could Not Be Answered By: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Oprah Winfrey, Ann Landers, Dear Abby, Dr. Ruth, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, Yoda. Is the book longer than the title?

THOM: The title length is due to the vast number of revered consultants. People seem more apt to follow the advice of celebrities, some with and some without credentials, than to trust their own instincts or seek the help from a loved one or friend.

MJB: What was the impetus behind this book? Did you find the usual advice-givers were falling down on the job?

THOM: The usual advice givers are no more qualified than Frankly Fanny to advise people who have reached out to outside influences to solve their problems. The intent of these answers is to offer comic relief to what seem to be issues of concern.

MJB: What would you say is the weirdest question that you cover in your book?

THOM: I find questions from parents about the appropriate time to talk with their children about the things their parents never talked with them about to be most perplexing. The simple answer is that you will always be too late to tell your kids what they already know about sex.

MJB: I think you’re right about that. That’s a conversation that everyone seems to want to avoid for as long as possible, and by the time they get around to it, it’s almost obsolete. Maybe they could just hand the kid your book.

Obviously you gravitate toward the weird, the funny and the strangely useful. What are you working on now? What subjects do you have planned for the future?

THOM: I am compiling original horoscopes for my book: Astrology For The Weak, The World’s First and Only Multiple Choice Horoscopes. Again, a lengthy title, sorry. Also, I’m working on a book of what I believe are the world’s best quotes. My intent through these books is to offer people a respite from the trials and tribulations of daily life and the sorrow or pain it may bring.

MJB: Giving people an alternative to the stress and teeth-gnashing of our complex society? That’s commendable. I think we all need a break from that once in a while. If people want to find out more, how can they find you?

THOM: I’m on Facebook, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Still working on website, but other works available at SedonaExcentric.com.