We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Guy Quintero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Guy below.

Guy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

As a black author interested in writing horror, my work has always been scrutinized in an unfair manner by the gatekeepers of the mainstream. While I’ve been complimented by many sources on my imagination and storytelling, I’ve always found my possibilities truncated due to preconceived notions. I’ve had agents tell me that my work is too experimental, not being something that major publishers would look at with interest because of its creative nature. There is an overarching rigid dogma about the industry and change is very difficult, only achieved if you are lucky enough to find someone willing to take a huge gamble on your creative vision. A rare feat in a slow business filled with second movers and trend conformists.
I’ve learned more about the industry through trial and error. When I first started seeking an agent and publisher, I kept noticing the words ‘we prioritize BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) authors’ along with what I believed to be an earnest declaration of more representation within the community. After numerous submissions, I decided to take a gander at those BIPOC authors who were selected, wondering what they had that I did not. Which is when I discovered the most alarming and hurtful part of my journey; racial segregation was still alive and going strong in the literary community. Almost every single BIPOC author had written about their experience as a BIPOC, or something related to their race. Blacks had written about an African theme or a ghetto experience. The industry and its many so-called progressive minds had effectively segregated the very same individuals they claimed to be helping, masquerading their covert racism through an altruistic facade.
“Trying to be ‘the nigga Stephen King’ is going to be a tough sell with zero connections,” My stepfather’s warning rang through my mind (may he rest in peace). “You know how they are. You’ll have to be twice as good as your competition, just to even be looked at, and even better than that to be considered. But, I also know how you are, and that’s not going to stop you from trying.”
Not letting racism stand in my way, I moved forward by creating my own company ‘Sinister Raven Publishing.’ I’m proud to announce that my third novel reached number two in Military/Thrillers/Fiction for IngramSpark worldwide distribution across all outlets.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My series is about a clandestine agency that recruits combat veterans and psychics to battle supernatural terrors. One of my readers has likened it to “Tom Clancy meets Stephen King.” The Unholy Slaying Agency is a classified department of defense that searches for combat veterans who have proven immune to a psychological phenomenon known as the shroud of entropy. This mental ailment makes it so that normal humans are incapable of functioning around supernatural entities, causing fainting or addled minded fear when encountering such beings. Veterans who happen upon chance encounters with the supernatural in the field and have proven mentally and physically resilient, are chosen for training as USA agents. These brave men and women perform the secret operations, battling; savage werewolves, bloodthirsty vampires, nigh unstoppable demons, maniacal dark sorcerers, unhinged backwater cultists, and much worse. Those who dare to brave the horrors of my books will be sent on an adventure entailing intense action, mystery, horror, and thrills.
As a vet and former reconnaissance soldier, I like to incorporate the technical aspects of my operational experience along with a SoCal backdrop in some of my stories. The Unholy Slaying Agency series is written in standalone books featuring combat teams with varying specialties. During my time in the service, I met people from all walks of life, so inclusion is a very important aspect in my writing. My books feature strong women characters that will hopefully inspire those who seek to join the service someday and protect our country. Saving the world should be a group effort.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Without a doubt it’s knowing someone enjoyed reading my work. That is the greatest accolade I can ever receive. Even better than literary awards. Knowing that someone spent their hard-earned money and time, reading my work, and that they were entertained. There is no greater high as an author.
I keep an open door to all my readers in my social media. It’s always a pleasure to hear from them.
Also, working with other creatives. Please come check out my live action book trailers on my Instagram @GuyQuintero. We utilized an outstanding local San Diego production company named Star Fox media and local actors. An endeavor of love for our readers and to help expand the Unholy Slaying Agency’s universe.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My main goal is to entertain. Beyond that I want to someday see my characters on the big screen. I think that my series has a lot of potential for crossover success into the film and gaming industry. Especially because it would be easy to produce in comparison to some of the massive budget projects we’re seeing nowadays. I also believe that with the ending of the shows X-files, Supernatural, and Evil, we have a vacuum in the entertainment industry for this genre, which I believe my writing fits perfectly. Maybe someday we’ll see the Unholy Slaying Agency streamed in homes via Netflix or Amazon, fighting supernatural terrors for the world to behold. My brand of inclusive world-saving mixed with no-holds-barred horror, would be a refreshing reboot for the genre that everyone can enjoy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.guyquintero.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guyquintero/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Guy-Quintero-103030378038363
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcqMRhU_oiNYSR9Z4q3FJQ
• Other: Discord: https://discord.gg/xAB9wAYUcA

  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@guyquintero

Image Credits

All images are owned by Guy Quintero and taken on his personal cellphone.