Medina native Adam Wakefield writes debut horror novel

Medina native Adam Wakefield will debut his first book at 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at Author’s Note, 519 Main St.

MEDINA – A Medina native with a career in marketing is testing the waters as a first-time novelist.

Adam Wakefield grew up in Medina, a son of Mike Wakefield and Jackie Lundgard and grandson of the late Donald “Doc” and Janet Wakefield. He graduated from Medina High School in 2001, plays drums and considers himself a local history buff.

He has always been a horror enthusiast and admirer, and always wanted to write books.

Encouraged by his wife Megg, Wakefield wrote his first book, The Usher, which he will debut and sign copies at 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at Author’s Note, Medina’s independent book store.

The Usher is a cosmic horror set in nostalgic small-town America. While carding for his grandparents, Wakefield said he was inspired by stories his grandma told him about the theater in Medina.

“There has never been a better time than now to write a horror book,” Wakefield said. “There is a big appetite for it now. People like to be scared.”

He took seven years to write his first book, often getting up at 5 a.m. to write before going to work. His second book is in the works and on schedule to be completed in seven months total.

 “The next book is going to be very different,” he said.

The Usher appears at first to reminisce about an affectionate view of the Americana of yesteryear, but soon introduces a supernatural and thrilling twist. The novel follows the main character John Bradford, a lost soul at the end of his rope struggling to find his place in the world. Amidst his difficulties, a chance encounter with an impossible visitor from the past changes everything and sets John on a journey to save everyone dear to him.

“Inspired by Wakefield’s upbringing in Western New York and his personal experiences, this love letter to a bygone era blends cosmic horror with nightmarish sense of paranoid psychedelia and existentialism,” said Author’s Note owner and best-selling author Julie Berry. “A haunting tale of small-town America addiction and redemption, Wakefield’s debut is a twisting, dreamlike quest to set the wrong things right.”

The Usher is perfect for lovers of horror, fans of comebacks against insurmountable odds and Western New York locals who want to see their home brought to life on the page, Berry added.

The Saturday afternoon event at Author’s Note is free and open the public. Pre-ordering copies is recommended. For those unable to attend, signed books can be ordered at www.authorsnote.com.