Vince Arnold Savarin

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I am a medical doctor by profession. Although, I have always loved stories since I was a child, and I have been writing and drawing as long as I can remember. The Roseau Public Library (in Dominica) was like my second childhood home. I spent hours there every afternoon getting lost in worlds of science fiction, mystery and fantasy. It was there that I discovered Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Arthur C. Clarke amongst others.

When and why did you start writing books?

I started seriously writing during the Covid-19 Pandemic. My lovely wife had given me a notebook to pen down my thoughts and ideas. At the time, our small island of Dominica was struggling against the pandemic along with the rest of the world. My wife and I were assigned to work in the isolation units. Not long after she had given me the notebook, that I woke up one night in a cold sweat from a vivid dream that would eventually become my first book: Prodigal of Dominica. I saw it clearly like I was watching a film, playing in my mind's eye, and I immediately pulled out the notebook and began writing it down. I'm so thankful that my wife gave me that notebook. I still have it with me.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Although I began writing in the Pandemic, it wouldn't be until my mother passed on, in 2022 that I would get the final push to finish the manuscript and dare to publish it. I guess my mother's final lesson was that life is too short to live in fear and regret. So I took a chance and decided to finally put my work out there. Thank you, Mom.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

I experienced a period of writer's block in 2024, and in my frustration, began writing poetry instead. Around these poems I developed a character called Dr Fergusson. He is such a hard working ER doctor, struggling against superstition, despite the weird and inexplicable things which happen in his ER. These poems, short stories and some inspired drawings would eventually become "A Night at the ER, Other Tales and Musings." It's my most personal book, I poured my frustrations, loss, hopes and dreams into those poems. I was hesitant to put my poetry out there... but then I remembered my motto, since my Mom's passing "life is too short to live in fear." So I compiled everything and released it in late 2024.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

So far, Mr. Earl is the longest book I have written. It's near double the length of my first book and I really had to push myself. The idea was there, but making sure everything flowed at a longer length definitely was a learning experience. This was my first real attempt at horror. Just like my first book, it began with a dream where I saw a young man pick up a seemingly innocent hitchhiker and all the mystical, and scary events that would follow. I wish I could explain where the name came from, but the dreamscape is its own force, I just distinctly remember an eerie voice introducing himself saying "I am Mr. EARL," and I woke up just knowing, this was the next book to write, and the title.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Stephen King is my favourite author and my favourite book is The Dark Tower (series).

What book are you reading right now?

Many. I am reading the "Detective Hodge" series of Stephen King; the Brody's Ghost series by Mark Crillie.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

So far? My dreams. I dream it, a wake up and I write it.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Writing, of course! Medicine is very, very hectic. Writing is a way for me to unwind and give my analytical mind a rest whilst I give way to my artistic mind. I also enjoy dabbling with my guitar and singing karaoke.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I am currently working on the sequel to Prodigal of Dominica. It's title will be "Valley of Desolation" that is the name of an actual site in Dominica. You will understand its significance more, once the book is out. Thanks for dropping by, I hope you find something of mine interesting.