Non-MX Interviews: Michael Easton (1/11 Soap Opera Digest)
Soap Opera Digest 1/11/11: Michael Easton, found on Michael Easton Fan Tribute
The Entrepreneur: Michael Easton (John)
His line of work: Author of the graphic novels The Green Woman (2010, with Peter Straub), Soul Stealer Book Three: Last to Die (2010), Soul Stealer Book Two: Blood And Rain (2009), Soul Stealer (2008)
How did you hook up with renowned horror writer Peter Straub to pen The Green Woman?
"I always remember reading the book Koko to my mom during her chemoherapy treatments. Fourteen years later and a world away, I received a copy of that book in my mailbox at the ABC studio inscribed to me by the author, Peter Straub. He had left it for me following a tour of the set. It took two months for me to get the courage up to contact him and tell him the story. We bonded over a few whiskeys, he became a good friend, and out of that inspired madness came The Green Woman."
Why did you dedicate the book to co-star Robert S. Woods (Bo)?
"He's a good man, it just felt right. Also, like one of the characters, Bob Woods was a Green Beret officer in Vietnam. He and Franklin Bachelor lived amongst the same mountain tribe, the Bru."
What kind of feedback have you received from your daytime fans?
"The response has been wonderful and humbling. Words don't do it justice. their kindness and generosity inspires me to do even better next time out."
Have you encountered new fans who had no idea you were on soaps? Any good stories there?
"We were promoting Soul Stealer at the San Diego Comic-Con a couple years ago. During a break from signing, I found myself at a urinal. The guy next to me was in a full Boba Fett costume. He turned to me and asked, 'Are you the guy from the stories?' I nodded. He shook his helmeted head, 'Damn, your fans are crazy.' "
You have also published a book of poetry, written several screenplays and are a talented photographer. Do you consider yourself an actor, an author, a photographer or just an all-around Renaissance man?
"I just consider myself very fortunate. Working with someone like Peter Straub, you get an understanding of what a true author is. I have a long way to go, but maybe I'm getting there. For now, I'm just trying to get the right words in the right order."
Would you like to continue to act and write, or would you eventually choose one over the other?
"I can't think too far ahead, but I really like where I am right now."
© Soap Opera Digest