NIU Alumni Matthew Scott has earned five-star reviews on Amazon.com for his first novel, “Alucard,” which was published in July.

Scott spent nine years writing his novel, a period that began when he was a junior at NIU. He said his journalism education at NIU helped with writing and editing. “Alucard” is available on BarnesandNoble.com and Amazon.com.

Q: What is your novel about?

A: It’s a new take on the Dracula legend, except it includes original characters and answers a bunch of questions about vampire myths that have always been shown in the media, but have never been answered. Dracula’s half-vampire, half-human son, Alucard, which is actually Dracula spelled backwards, is the main focus. Everything is centered around him. There are other characters that are important, as well. He intervenes when something bad is about to happen, but he’s being very cold to everyone and everyone is very wary of him. It lets the readers form their own opinions of him. No one knows if he will be a force for good or evil.

Q: How long did it take you to write the novel?

A: It took me about a nine year period to write it. I started writing it when I was a junior at NIU, and then I wrote bits and pieces when I could after I graduated in between work and having a family.

Q: How did you get your novel published?

A: I had actually submitted it to a couple of publishers, and finally this publisher, Xlibris, decided to publish it. I went to basically any publishing companies that I could find. I sent the prolog, and then about a year later, [Xlibris] asked for the full manuscript. They said they loved it and wanted to publish it.

Q: Why did you decide to write a novel?

A: I’ve always been a big reader of fantasy and horror, and when I was in college I realized that I couldn’t find anything else to read, so I began to write my own book to read and enjoy.

Q: Is writing your current career or just a hobby?

A: It’s my passion, I went to NIU and got a Bachelor’s in journalism, because I’d always wanted to write. I got my master’s in Accounting and Finance, and I work in accounting now, but I am about half-way through my second book.

Q: Do you think that your education at NIU helped with your writing abilities?

A: Definitely. I was a journalism major, and I briefly worked at the Northern Star, and I think that helped me with writing and editing.