Holiday Guest Author: Teal Haviland

This holiday season, I’ve decided to promote some of my writer friends and ask some of the questions that folks ask me. Today’s guest/victim is:

Teal Haviland

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First, a little something about Teal.

Teal Haviland grew up with a love for anything fantastical or outrageous. As a teen she spent much of her time writing poetry and children’s stories, but set it aside for two decades before allowing her passion for it to take root (or, as she describes, take over her life). After years of dreaming of worlds where fairies, angels, demons, and shape shifters (to name a few) exist, she finally decided to begin writing her stories down. Inception, book one in her series The Reaping Chronicles, is her first published novel. Nowadays she happily spends her writing time penning urban fantasy novels and is testing out her horror/suspense writing abilities. In addition to completing her debut series, Teal is also working on the first book in her second series, The Silver Rift, her first horror/suspense, Whispers of Stacey Glen, and several other works-in-progress.

Residing in Tennessee with her daughter and her four-legged friends, Teal enjoys photography, travel, reading, music, cooking, daydreaming, writing (of course), and above all spending time with her family and friends.

 

At what age did you start writing or know that you wanted to write?

I don’t remember the exact age, but I know I was in elementary school.

 

Where do your ideas come from?

Oh my goodness . . . tons of places and ways, but I’m a big daydreamer, always have been, so most of them come to me that way. I’m always creating random characters and situations in my mind and just let them have a conversation. Sometimes what they talk about and/or do sparks a story idea, and sometimes they just chat and nothing else comes of it. I’ve also gotten ideas from songs, something I hear someone say, and dreams I have at night

 

Do you base your characters on people you know or know of? Family or celebrities? Surprisingly, I rarely create characters based on someone I know or celebrities. What I’ve found so far, is that my characters are all different parts of myself, the good and bad side of me.

 

Do you plot out your stories or just make it up as you go?

I’m definitely a pantser by nature, but I sometimes write out very general ideas of things I think I want to make happen to characters. Most of the time I just let my characters lead the story.

 

Do you listen to music while you write and if so, what do you listen too?

Yesyesyesyesyes. I love to listen to music when I’m writing. I used to listen to a lot of music with words, but over the last couple of years I tend to listen mostly to movie scores and contemporary classical music. Listening to music with no words seems to help me stay focused on my story. BUT . . . when I’m editing I listen to music with words, and that ranges from county to top 40 to classic rock to singer/songwriter, and pretty much everything in between.

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Which of your characters would you most like to meet in person? Which character of another author would you want to meet?

I would LOVE to meet my character Gabrielle, The Angel of Karma. As far as someone else’s character . . . umm . . . probably Gandalf from Lord of the Rings.

 

Which of your stories/books/works do you consider the best?

The one I feel is the best is the first in a series I’m writing called, The Silver Rift. But, I’m still a new writer, really, since I’ve only published two books so far.

 

How much do you write each day/week?

Lol . . . well, not nearly as much as I need to be. I’ve only been writing about 5000 words a week, but that WHEN I actually write. I’m not the poster child for writer productivity over the last couple of year. When I’m being more productive, I write between 15,000 and 30,000.

 

Can you tell about your experiences working with publishers? Any juicy or painful experiences?

My only experience with a publisher did not go as I had hoped and didn’t end well. In a nutshell, contractually I had equal say in everything concerning my book and let the publisher do what they thought was best for my series, sometimes things I didn’t agree with, until it came to the cover. They wanted to use a cover that was very “Harlequin Teen Romance” and it would have branded my series completely wrong. When I voiced my opinion it wasn’t received well and I was basically told to sit in the corner and shut up because I was just an author. Needless to say that didn’t go over well with me, at all, and the publisher did not honor our contract. I walked away from that publishing deal and took my book into my own hands. It was a lot to take on since I didn’t know much about publishing, but I’m glad I did it. My book, hence the series, was branded properly and I’m very pleased with the end result.

 

Do you have a routine when you write?

Not anymore, which is part of the problem I’m having with productivity. I need to fix that, huh?

 

What is your latest project/release?

Currently, I’m mostly trying to get my series, The Reaping Chronicles, completed. I’m hoping to release the series in its entirety next year. I’m also dipping in and out of my other projects that are next on my to-write list, including The Silver Rift, Figments, and untitled project, Cupid’s Cousin, Whispers of Stacey Glen, and That Yesterday.

 

Do you have any signings or appearances coming up?

Only Utopia Con 2016. I’m laying low until I have more titles released. 2017 should be a busy year for cons and appearances.

 

Who were your inspirations?

Marion Zimmer-Bradley, JK Rowling, J. R. R. Tolkien, J.R. Ward, Neil Gaiman, and Kristin Cashore, to name a few.

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Favorite authors?

All the above that I cited as inspirations.

 

What book do you read over and over the most?

Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Graceling

 

Is there a book or book series that you recommend to people?

Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Graceling.

 

Do you have a dream project that you want to write in the future?

Not one in particular. All my writing projects are “dream projects”.

 

Do you have a special way of generating story ideas?

Daydreaming.

 

How much of you is in your characters?

Part of me is in every one of them, how much depends on the character.

 

If you could live the life of one of your characters, who would it be?

Definitely Gabrielle, The Angel of Karma.

 

What genre do you prefer to write?  To read?

Fantasy, of any kind, for both writing and reading.

 

Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?  And why?

Definitely long. I’m not sure why. I just have a very difficult time writing short stories. I just always have so much more I want the characters to do.

 

Is Writer’s Block ever a problem for you?

If so, how do you deal with it. No. I don’t believe in writer’s block. I think it’s just us writers getting in our own way because of fear. When that does happen to me, I find if I just write something . . . anything, I’ll find my writing flow again pretty quickly. Now, procrastination, on the other hand, is a HUGE issue for me. I’m working on that, though.

 

What 3 things do you feel every aspiring writer should know?

No one’s work is perfect, so stop trying to make yours that way. You won’t please every reader with your writing, so let the negative reviews go, with the exception of if you keep reading the same issues over and over. If that happens, you might want to pay attention to what the readers who didn’t like something about your book are saying . . . they might have a valid point and fixing the problem in future writing can make you a better author. And, finally, find other writers to spend time with. There’s nothing like having awesome writer friends.

 

Do you read reviews of your books?

If so, have you ever engaged a reviewer over comments they’ve made? I do, but I have a pretty strict rule of not engaging a reviewer or comments others have made. That goes for the good, bad, and the indifferent.

 

 

Thanks Teal. To find her books, click below:

Amazon.com – Teal

Book Review: Tales from the Flipside

Tales from the Flipside: The Adventures of Big Daddy Cool and the Bombshell Kittens.

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Tales from the Flipside is a fast-paced, over-the-top adventure that doesn’t know when to stop. Johnny Dellarocca aka Big Daddy Cool and his Bombshell Kittens are determined to protect the universe and his Chicago-based club, The Roxy, from the sinister forces hell-bent on conquest. With the help of masked vigilantes and other heroes of the day, Dellarocca and his Kittens face off against enemies like Adolph Hitler and his army of vampires, Dracula, and the great monster, Cthulhu.

 

For a debut novel, John Pyka knocks this adventure out of the park.  With so much action going on, he manages to tell the tales without losing or confusing the reader. The world he creates is rich with possibilities, many of which are explored, but plenty of room is left for further adventures. The only complaint I have is the number of characters thrown at the reader. With so much going on and so many folks involved, there is little in the way of character exploration. I’d love to have gotten to know more about Big Daddy Cool and the Kittens. Perhaps in the next volume.

 

Click below to find the print, ebook and audio versions:

Amazon.com – Flipside

Holiday Guest Author: Susan Burdorf

This holiday season, I’ve decided to promote some of my writer friends and ask some of the questions that folks ask me. Today’s guest/victim is:

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Susan Burdorf is an avid reader, photographer and lover of all things sparkly. Writing is a passion that is only quenched when THE END is written on the last page of a manuscript. Nothing says home to her, though, like the presence of her family. Susan encourages you to correspond with her and is available for public appearances at schools and conferences.

 

At what age did you start writing or know that you wanted to write?

When I was in 4th grade we had to do that essay “What I Did This Summer” – remember that one? Mine was twelve pages long, back and front pages in super tiny script. MY teacher, as she kept handing me extra paper asked if I was drawing pictures to go with the story – I handed in the pages to her and went home. Next day she called my mom and said I should be a writer because all my words were spelled correctly, and I used commas. Keep in mind this was before computers and spell check, of course, I was only in 4th grade… how big could my vocabulary be, right?

 

Where do your ideas come from?

Everywhere. I strongly urge people to experience something new and to keep track of how it makes them feel and how it affects the people around them. Measure your experience by the number of times you think “wow, that was cool.” Or “I probably shouldn’t have done this” because these are all very real emotions or reactions to what has happened and ones you need to recognize in order to make your characters feel real to your readers.

 

Do you base your characters on people you know or know of?

Sometimes, yes, I do create characters based off qualities or physical characteristics I see in people around me. Everyone who knows me knows I might write them into a story or novel if they are not careful. I have a dear friend I dogsit for, and her two dogs ended up as characters in a short story about a murder… she, however, was the victim! And I like her…

Family or celebrities?

I try not to do celebrities, most of them are too plastic to be real, anyway. But family are fair game, I just know too many of their secrets not to throw in a joke here or there that they will only understand.

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Do you plot out your stories or just make it up as you go?

I am kind of in the middle. If I am writing a longer novel I will write a synopsis that details pretty much how it will go because there are usually so many characters I cannot keep them all straight if I don’t do that. For shorter novels, novellas, or short stories I will pants it… much more fun to see where the characters will take you and who will take over as boss of the show.

 

Do you listen to music while you write and if so, what do you listen to?

I do listen to music, or leave the TV on (usually Bones or Law and Order reruns). For music it depends on what I am writing. I love Enya; Taylor Swift (and her sick beat); 2Cellos (instrumentals are so soothing… unless it is something wild they are covering like AC/DC); The Calling; Chris Tomlin (love his song Waterfall); James Blunt (saw him in concert once and will NEVER forget him surfing on top of the piano – that dude is awesome); keith urban; Adam Levine; and once in a while I will throw something weird in, like a techno beat.

 

Which of your characters would you most like to meet in person?

I have a character that is based on a friend. This character is a PI (Paranormal Investigator) and he has a huge Great Dane named Blue. Blue is a ghost dog, and I want to meet Blue… although if Cristo comes with him that is okay.

 

Which character of another author would you want to meet?

I am not sure about this one. I think I would love to meet Anne of Green Gables fame more than any other character. She still makes me want to go to Prince Edward Island and have tea with Diana and her.

 

Which of your stories/books/works do you consider the best?

I have just started writing and publishing novels, so I will withhold judgment on this one until I have a few more under my belt.

 

How much do you write each day/week?

I don’t count words as much as I count time. I try to write at least one hour every day. If I am not writing I am reading, editing, proofing, tweaking,…etc, so I am still involved in the writing process.

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Can you tell about your experiences working with publishers?

I am self published but work through a friend’s publishing company that is small press. I have no horror stories, but I know people who have them.

Any juicy or painful experiences?

For their stories I guess the biggest suggestion/tip I have is to really investigate whomever you are going to work with. They might be great friends – but as business partners they might not be so great. Be smart, do your homework, and when you make a decision go in knowing it might not work – do not live with regrets or “what ifs”.

 

Do you have a routine when you write?

I do not really have any routine. I just get comfortable, put my laptop on my knees, and type away.

 

What is your latest project/release?

I released “A Cygnet’s Tale” which is a YA Contemporary retelling of the story of The Ugly Duckling. I worked on it for three years before finally hitting publish. The story touches lightly on the topics of bullying, teen alcoholism, and identity crises. NOTE: a young lady read my book and as a bullied teen she resonated with the character of Helen. Using that motivation, she created the movement called #AuthorsAgainstBullying and started a blog for book reviews and comments about teen life. She became an advocate for other bullied teens instead of staying a victim. That was pretty powerful stuff for me. A Cygnet’s Tale was released this past May. I am currently shopping a novel to a publisher. It is called Breaking Fences and is about a young man who is on the edge of getting in serious trouble until he is sent to live with his uncle for a few weeks, with the help of a neighbor girl he learns to accept life as the gift it is, and to let go of his past guilts. Oh, and along the way they meet some cattle rustlers, rabid coyotes, and manage to save a life in spite of some bad choices.

 

Do you have any signings or appearances coming up?

I am scheduled to appear at several events in 2016, the most well known locally is Utopia Con, a conference in Nashville for people who enjoy reading. I will have a table there with prizes and my books, of course. I also will have appearances at Penned Con in St Louis; Once Upon A Book in Frankenmuth, MI (yep that is really the name and the venue is a cool old German style castle); and I will be at the Authors at the Opry event later in the year.  Check my website at www.susanburdorfwrites.com for the complete list of appearances and check back often, who knows where I will turn up.

 

Who were your inspirations?

My writing inspirations were all the folks I have met at the Nashville Writer’s meetup Group and all the authors I have met at the various signings and conferences and writer’s retreats I have been to.

 

Favorite authors?

Way too many to list.

 

What book do you read over and over the most?

Anne of Green Gables (replaced that book several times due to reading too much. As well as the rest of that series); Harry Potter (any of them, of course); The Hobbit and all its sequels.

 

Is there a book or book series that you recommend to people?

I steer clear of doing this – recommending books, because what appeals to me may not appeal to you, so you are on your own with this one.

 

Do you have a dream project that you want to write in the future?

Yes, I do. But I cannot speak of it or I will not ever write it.

 

Do you have a special way of generating story ideas?

Nope. I just listen to the words around me, I am kind of backwards in that I usually hear the words of a title and build a story around it.

 

How much of you is in your characters?

You know, most of us are told to “write what you know” and I get why – we want our writing to be real to our intended audience. But I want to take that sentiment a step further and advise you to “Write what you want to know” – if you only write what you already know you will shortly grow bored with what you are writing, and if you get bored your readers will too. So go out and experience life… I went skydiving to get how one of my characters would feel facing a fear they had for coming out of their shell; and while skydiving is an extreme way to experience a fear (and expensive too) it did help me nail down the way my character might react physically and emotionally to a fear. I watched the others that jumped with me, their elation at conquering their own set of fears; or the cringing that went on before they made that leap. So, I guess my characters are all a part of me – my experiences, emotions, fears, failures, and successes, but they are also a compilation of everyone I know – because I am, literally, watching everyone I meet. Not creepy at all, right?

 

If you could live the life of one of your characters, who would it be?

Too soon to tell who I want to be like.

 

What genre do you prefer to write?  To read?

I love to read YA Contemporary (which is what I write. But while writing I will not read it) and I love to write Steampunk, Fantasy, and NA Contemporary… but I will never write Erotica (nor read it) and I am addicted to audiobooks!

 

Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?  And why?

Until I wrote and published my first novel I would have said I was happiest writing short stories, but now that has changed. I love to write both almost equally.

 

What are you working on now?

I have several projects I am working on to release in the coming months – one is an episodic series about a fairy tale ball that goes horribly awry when a demon attends uninvited. Another is a trilogy about a political situation in a world populated by deceivers and only a young girl with no power or courage of her own must battle those with all the magic at their control for her world to survive. And several short stories will be coming out in numerous anthologies throughout the year.

 

Is Writer’s Block ever a problem for you?  If so, how do you deal with it?

Anyone who writes will suffer this at one time or another. I usually step away from the project I am working on and do something totally different. I will go to the Zoo and walk around taking pictures, or I will hike, or chat with friends – anything to exercise another part of my brain.

 

What 3 things do you feel every aspiring writer should know?

This is a great question and one I wish I had asked myself and others before I got into writing.

  1. My first suggestion is that as a writer you should be an avid reader. It doesn’t matter what you read, just make sure you read. You will pick up phrasing, or word structure, or how to format, etc from reading. You will also need to read to research, and even if you are writing fantasy or something that requires you to create your own world you will still need to research to make sure you get the parameters of that world logical.
  2. You are not alone. Reach out to others, whether you join a writer’s group, attend conferences on writing with workshops and panels, or just talk writing with groups online – make sure you connect with other writers. Networking is a great way to learn about trends (which you should never write to EVER), or find out about workshops or signings, or to find beta readers or Critique Partners, all of which are essential whether you publish independently or traditionally or are considered a hybrid author (both trad and indie published).
  3. Learn to take criticism well. Remember: not everyone is going to like what you write and that is okay. Do not take personally what someone says in a review, and never engage in a war of words with someone who writes a one star review – their opinion is appreciated and then move on. And yes, there are trolls out there who use reviews to drop an authors’ standing, but that is not in your control. Keep writing, keep asking for reviews, and keep on the path you want to take. Don’t change what you are writing because of what anyone else says – this story is your voice, not anyone else’s.

 

What is your funniest/ awkward moment at a convention/signing event?

I have a very small fan base, almost three people like my book – truth. And I am okay with that. So I have absolutely no funny or awkward stories to talk about. I live such an average life, don’t I?

 

How do you use social media in regards to your writing?

Ahhhh social media… well, this is a novel all in itself and many have written a book about it. I have attended workshops and panels and lectures and read lots of books about how to use it. I have a website, a facebook author page, a twitter account, a pinterest account, an instagram account, and  of course several email addresses and I converse daily on Facebook with fans and fellow authors. I have almost 500 friends on my facebook page and that is plenty for me. I am more of the old fashioned type of author – I want to meet my fans, and talk about the real issues of teens today because that is what I write about. So, the lesson here is – don’t email me, come talk to me!

 

Do you read reviews of your books?  If so, have you ever engaged a reviewer over comments they’ve made?

No. I don’t read the reviews and never will. I just want to write and not be weighed down by what people write about my work – got questions, come talk to me. Got comments, come talk to me. I cannot write better without talking to those who read what I write.

Thanks Susan. To find her books, click below:

Susan Burdorf

Holiday Guest Author: Andrea Judy

 

This holiday season, I’ve decided to promote some of my writer friends and ask some of the questions that folks ask me. Today’s guest/victim is:

Andrea Judy

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First, a little something about Andrea.

Andrea is a writer who makes her home in Atlanta, Ga. Passionate about language, she writes in multiple genres, and has had poems and short stories appear in various literary magazines as well as in several anthologies. She also studies and writes about fandom and video games. Her first digest novel, The Bone Queen, was published in October 2013 with the sequel, Blood and Bone released in February 2015.

 

At what age did you start writing or know that you wanted to write?

From as early as I can remember? When cleaning out my room once I found a terrible short story that like 10 year old me wrote. I’ve always wanted to write but never really realized it was an option until later in life.

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Do you plot out your stories or just make it up as you go?

Both and neither? I like to describe myself as a pantser with a belt. I sometimes have very detailed 5000 word outlines and other times I have no outline and just wing it. Usually I have at least a basic idea of my plot. The more I write, the more I tend towards outlines.

 

Do you listen to music while you write and if so, what do you listen too?

I make playlists for what I’m working on and then listen to them when I work. It helps get me into the mindset of the book. Once I find the right musical tone, the book usually flows a lot smoother.

 

Which of your stories/books/works do you consider the best?

I really love my origin story for the Bone Queen. That’s probably my favorite because she’s one of my favorite characters I’ve put together.

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How much do you write each day/week?

I’ve fallen off the writing horse for a while lately but I usually aim for at least 750 words a day. Lately I’ve been hitting 3000 a words a day.

 

What is your latest project/release?

My latest project I just finished is a male/male murder mystery about a recovering drug addict whose sober sponsor is murdered. It’s a dark book that I’m really excited about. I’m currently revising it but it’ll be ready for the world soon.

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Favorite authors?

Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, Lisa Mannetti, Delilah S. Dawson, Gwenda Bond, Claudia Rankine and many, many more.

 

Do you have a dream project that you want to write in the future?

I would love to write a YA featuring Harley Quinn. I NEED THIS TO HAPPEN.

 

How much of you is in your characters?

It’s hard to gauge. Sometimes I don’t think there’s anything of me in my characters but people who read it can peg parts of me immediately. I draw on my own experiences so I’m sure my reactions and wordage tends to infiltrate.

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What are you working on now?

I am currently writing a YA murder mystery set in a girl’s boarding school for monsters.

 

What 3 things do you feel every aspiring writer should know?

  1. You’re going to write awful, crap drafts and it’s okay.
  2. You’ll never learn anything if you don’t finish a story.
  3. Learn from other writers and make friends.

 

What is your funniest/ awkward moment at a convention/signing event?

The time a drunken Pikachu started hitting on me then was picked up and carried away by a very large friend of mine.

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How do you use social media in regards to your writing?

Ah social media. Honestly it’s hard. I like to tweet random thoughts and opinions, my Facebook pages I mainly blog and article posts, and my tumblr is everything and then some. Social is a hard beast to rangle if you think about it too hard. You need to be authentic and engage with people and not treat it like a bull horn or a billboard.

 

Do you read reviews of your books?  If so, have you ever engaged a reviewer over comments they’ve made?

Nope. Nope. Nope. Do not engage.

 

 

Thanks Andrea.  To checkout her website, click below:

Andrea Judy

Holiday Guest Author: John G. Hartness

 

This holiday season, I’ve decided to promote some of my writer friends and ask some of the questions that folks ask me. Today’s guest/victim is:

John G. Hartness

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First, a little something about John.

John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the best-selling author of EPIC-Award-winning series The Black Knight Chroniclesfrom Bell Bridge Books, a comedic urban fantasy series that answers the eternal question “Why aren’t there more fat vampires?” He is also the creator of the comic horror Bubba the Monster Hunter series, and the creator and co-editor of the Big Bad series of horror anthologies from Dark Oak Press and Media. 2015 has seen John launch a new dark fantasy series featuring Quncy Harker, Demon Hunter.

In his copious free time John enjoys long walks on the beach, rescuing kittens from trees and recording new episodes of his ridiculous podcast Literate Liquors, where he pairs book reviews and alcoholic drinks in new and ludicrous ways. John is also a contributor to the Magical Words group blog. An avid Magic: the Gathering player, John is strong in his nerd-fu and has sometimes been referred to as “the Kevin Smith of Charlotte, NC.” And not just for his girth.

 

At what age did you start writing or know that you wanted to write?

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was very young, and started writing creatively around age eight. My first published work was a poem for my 3rd grade English class called “Kool Kitty” that I wrote about Garfield. My teacher ran it in the school paper, and that probably sealed my fate right there.

 

Where do your ideas come from?

Almost everything I’ve written comes from “What If” questions about something I see, read, or experience. The Black Knight Chronicles happened when I read Laurel K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series and wondered “What if there were fat or nerdy vampires?” Harker came from hearing that Constantine was going to network TV and wondering “What if somebody wrote Hellblazer right again, like Garth Ennis did in the ‘90s?” So most of my ideas come from seeing something in the big world and turning is 20 degrees off center.

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Do you base your characters on people you know or know of? Family or celebrities?

Not really. There may be one characteristic they share, or a physical look that they share, but the root of the character is mine.

 

Do you plot out your stories or just make it up as you go?

I outline religiously, even my short stories. I can’t get through even a 10,000-word short without a road map.

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Do you listen to music while you write and if so, what do you listen too?

What I listen to depends on what I’m writing. If I need to focus, it’s probably instrumental. Lindsey Stirling is my current favorite for that. I’ve written entire novels to Jason Isbell, Turnpike Troubadours, and The Avett Brothers. I dig the new outlaw country stuff, not the big hat bro-country BS, although I’ll listen to that in the car. I like Rob Zombie for fight scenes. More Human than Human gets my adrenaline pumping and I can spray some blood on the page.

 

Which of your characters would you most like to meet in person? Which character of another author would you want to meet?

I’d like to party with Bubba, but a fair number of people would say that partying with me is parting with Bubba, so that could end in tragedy (or hilarity). I’d like to hang with Silk, from David Edding’s The Belgariad. Or Jimmy the Hand from Raymond Feist’s Riftwar Saga.

 

Which of your stories/books/works do you consider the best?

Well, I was fortunate enough to win the EPIC award for Best Horror Novel for Paint it Black, but I think In the Still of the Knight (Black Knight #5) is even better. It’s more honest.

Bubba Season 2 Cover

How much do you write each day/week?

On a good day, I get 2,500-4,000 words done. That’s Monday-Friday. I usually don’t write on weekends. My mileage varies depending on what else I have to work on. Like yesterday I spent half the day designing postcards, so I only got half a day’s worth of writing done.

 

Can you tell about your experiences working with publishers? Any juicy or painful experiences?

I love my publishers, so all my stories are boring. But I will say that when the publisher asks to use one of your edited pages as an example of how detailed their editing process is, it means there’s a LOT of blood on that page. J

Hard Day's Knight

Do you have a routine when you write?

Not really. Since moving to doing this full-time, I sit down in the home office in the morning and hammer at it until I’m done.

 

What is your latest project/release?

I just released a brand new Bubba the Monster Hunter novella, Moon over Bourbon Street, this week. In it, Bubba and the gang travel to New Orleans for vacation but get dragged into local supernatural politics and have to save the city from itself.

 

Do you have any signings or appearances coming up?

I’ll be at the Charlotte Comicon on December 6th, but that’s it until Arisia in Boston in January.

Hell on Heels Cover

Favorite authors?

David Eddings, Pat Conroy, Neil Gaiman, Vince Flynn, Richard Kadrey, Jim Butcher, Seanan Mcguire

 

What book do you read over and over the most?

The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

 

Is there a book or book series that you recommend to people?

On Writing by Stephen King and The Belgariad by Eddings

 

Do you have a dream project that you want to write in the future?

Yes. There’s a literary fiction novel brewing, but it’s not ready to come out yet. It’s a coming of age story.

In the Still of the Knight

Do you have a special way of generating story ideas?

Nah, I just drink too much like everybody else.

 

How much of you is in your characters?

A fair chunk of my voice and snark, but that’s mostly it. A lot of them reflect some aspect of myself that I’m trying to work on, but none of them are “me.”

 

If you could live the life of one of your characters, who would it be?

NOBODY! Have you seen what happens to those guys? They have to fight monsters, and demons and shit! I don’t want do that, it’d be terrifying.

 

What genre do you prefer to write?  To read?

I write urban fantasy/horror. I read urban fantasy, epic fantasy, southern gothic, southern lit, military fiction, all sorts of shit

 

 

Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?  And why?

I’ve recently found that my natural storytelling length seems to be about 30,000 words, so I’m really enjoying novellas right now.

 

What are you working on now?

I’m working on Man in Black (Black Knight #6), Hell Freezes Over (Harker #4) and the beginnings of other things.

Raising Hell Cover

Is Writer’s Block ever a problem for you?

If so, how do you deal with it. Writer’s Block is bullshit, it doesn’t exist. Depression happens, and real life interferes, and sometimes what you’re writing is shit and your subconscious won’t let you torture the universe with your turd-droppings anymore, but fucking take time to self-analyze, figure out what’s causing your freeze, and fix it. But don’t just fucking whine about writer’s block. Pros don’t get writer’s block. Pros get the fucking work done.

 

What 3 things do you feel every aspiring writer should know?

1) This shit is hard. Really hard. Like, go do something else if it makes you happy, hard. But if this is what you’re put here to do, there’s no more rewarding thing in the world. 2) Fuck convention – do your thing your way and make them take notice. Be the best and they have to deal with you no matter whether you’re doing shit their way or not. 3) Own your mistakes and learn from them. Don’t be an idiot and keep doing the same stupid shit again and again, realize what doesn’t work and fix it.

 

How do you use social media in regards to your writing?

I pimp my shit and other people’s shit pretty relentlessly on Twitter and Facebook. And people can sign up for my email newsletter at my Facebook page – facebook.com/johnghartness.

 

 

Do you read reviews of your books?  If so, have you ever engaged a reviewer over comments they’ve made?

Sometimes. The only time I’ve engaged was when a reviewer said I didn’t know the geography of Charlotte, where my books are set and where I’ve lived since 1995. They said there was no cemetery at the corner of Monroe Rd. and Sharon Amity Blvd. I replied that since I drove past it every week on my way to my Monday night Magic the Gathering game, I figured I knew what I was talking about.

 

Thanks John.  To checkout his website, click below:

JohnHartness.com

Holiday Guest Author: A.G. Porter

This holiday season, I’ve decided to promote some of my writer friends and ask some of the questions that folks ask me. Today’s guest/victim is: 

A.G. Porter

 Me

First, a little something about A.G.

A.G. Porter is the author of The Darkness Trilogy, a YA Paranormal Thriller. She is an Independent Author who enjoys writing scary stories as much as she loves reading them. A.G. enjoys writing stories about real people in supernatural situations. She also puts a lot of her faith into her books because she knows that without Christ she is lost and without God she is nothing. Currently, A.G. is working on the last book in the trilogy. When she isn’t writing, she’s either taking pictures, reading, making nerdy jewelry, watching movies, or spending much needed time with her family. A.G. lives in New Hope, Alabama with her husband, Billy, stepson, Brenton, and their 4 dogs.

At what age did you start writing or know that you wanted to write? Oh gosh, I feel like I’ve always written at some point or another. I remember my mom typing away at the typewriter when I was around 6. I wanted to be just like her so I convinced her to buy me a diary soon after that. It just blossomed from there really. It wasn’t until the 9th grade that I really started writing on a daily basis, mostly poetry, but I started writing a book in one of my 5 subject notebooks that was meant for school work.

Where do your ideas come from? From a lot of places. Some of them have come from personal experiences and some have come from dreams. I find inspirations in a lot of things and people I meet or know.
Do you base your characters on people you know or know of? Family or celebrities? I don’t necessarily base characters on people I know, but some of characters are influenced by them.

Do you plot out your stories or just make it up as you go? I am a horrible plotter. I procrastinate as well so if I took them time to plot I’d never get a book finished! The only time I even attempted to plot was when I started on a fantasy story, which still isn’t completed. Things change as I write anyway so plotting, for me, was a waste of time.
Do you listen to music while you write and if so, what do you listen too? Oh yes! I love listening to music while I write. I’m doing that right now actually. I have a playlist of “writing songs” and it consists of Three Days Grace (before Adam left), Breaking Benjamin, The Killers, Evanescence, mostly rock. I do listen to some moping love songs from time to time as well from artist such as Adele, Taylor Swift, Elvis, and The Civil Wars.
The Forsaken

Which of your characters would you most like to meet in person? Which character of another author would you want to meet? I would love to meet my main character Rayna. I think she’s fascinating. She’s got almost any supernatural talent you can think of and, to me, I find that amazing and horrifying at the same time. If I could meet Odd Thomas from Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas series that would be awesome! He’s my literary soul mate. I would also give him a hug because he’s been through so much loss and still tries to save the world or his little part of it.
How much do you write each day/week? I should write more, but I don’t want to force myself. I think if you do then what your write is going to be crap. Some authors claim that you have to write every day, but I don’t think that’s true for everyone. Don’t force it.
Do you have a routine when you write? Other than listening to music, not really. I do have to be comfy. Sometimes I sit in my chair at my desk, but then sometimes I’m lazy and use the recliner.

What is your latest project/release? Currently I’m trying to wrap up my trilogy in my Paranormal Thriller. It has been a challenge. You want to make it the best you can because it’s the last book, but you also want to make sure you aren’t leaving any issue unresolved. It’s fun, yet draining. I think I put too much pressure on myself.
Do you have any signings or appearances coming up? I do. I have YomuCon in Tuscaloosa, AL on November 14th at the Tuscaloosa Public Library. After that, I don’t have anything until March of next year, so far. I’m sure I’ll be adding events along the way.

Who were your inspirations? I’ve had many inspirations, but my Mom will always be number one. She is such an artsy person. Mom spent most of her life taking care of others, being a mom and CNA, but she shines when she’s painting, crafting, or doing anything that allows her to be creative. She’s always into something and I want to be like, always looking for something new to learn.
Favorite authors? There are so many! Rowling, Tolkien, Stein, but one that has always been at the top is Dean Koontz. I devour everything that he writes. I want to be that kind of writers, one that writes straight from the heart, even if it’s a bit scary.
What book do you read over and over the most? I’ve reread the Harry Potter series numerous times. I also love Odd Thomas, by Dean Koontz. I think I could read that book a billion times and not get tired of it.
Is there a book or book series that you recommend to people? Yes! The Odd Thomas series, of course. If you like anything to do with the Paranormal or following characters with supernatural gifts then it really is a great series. I mean, he sees the ghost of Elvis! Yes, that Elvis.
Do you have a dream project that you want to write in the future? I’ve been working on a fantasy series for so many years that I’ve lost count. I plan to get it finished one day.
The Shadow

Do you have a special way of generating story ideas? I don’t think there is one way that a story has come to me. Some stories are derived from personal experiences, although beefed up, and some I’ve actually dreamed about. One that I’m working on, when I’m not writing Book 3 of The Darkness Trilogy, is a true life story that I heard. It’s not word for word, but it gave me an idea for the story. By the time I’m finished you’d never put two and two together, but it was inspired by something that actually happened.
How much of you is in your characters? I think a lot of me is in some of my characters and some of them are things that I fear about myself. Then there are those characters that I wish I could be. I don’t think you can write something without leaving a bit of your soul behind.

If you could live the life of one of your characters, who would it be? This would be easy if my characters lived charmed lives, but all of them are facing some dire circumstances. However, I would want to be my main character, Rayna, because she has some amazing supernatural gifts. It’s not the gifts themselves that I find appealing, but how she is called to use those gifts. I think she takes her mission in life with as much as grace as one could.
What genre do you prefer to write?  To read? I prefer to write in the paranormal vein, but my reading preference is all over the place.
Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?  And why? Well, when I write, I’m writing with a novel in mind. I’ve written short stories and let me tell you, they can be a challenge. You have so much story to tell in a certain amount of words.

Is Writer’s Block ever a problem for you?  If so, how do you deal with it. I think there is always a moment in your story or writing career when you look at something you’re working on and go: “Uh….” It happens. When it does, I either leave it alone for a couple of days and completely not write or I’ll work on another project. When you pick it back up, more times than not, you start seeing things a bit more clearly. I have to sit and think about my characters sometimes. I act out what they might do in my mind and then I write it down.
What 3 things do you feel every aspiring writer should know? 1. Not everyone is going to love your writing, it sucks, but that doesn’t mean you give up. 2. Don’t rush it. Just because your other author friends and pumping out books doesn’t mean you’re going to get left behind. Yes, work your butt off, but don’t put out a halfway finished book just to say you have book out there. 3. Invest in yourself. It can be on cover art, editing, marketing, or writing classes. Whatever you do, remember to take care of yourself. You are a brand, a small business; treat yourself that way.

What is your funniest/ awkward moment at a convention/signing event? I feel like I’m always awkward at conventions. They have brought me out of my shell though.
How do you use social media in regards to your writing? Social media is very important for me. I’ve developed great relationships with my readers over Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. I believe that authors should try their best to utilize those tools as much as possible. It’s validating as an author to hear from a reader who enjoyed your books and the readers feel apart of your process when you reach back out to them. Nurture those relationships.
Do you read reviews of your books?  If so, have you ever engaged a reviewer over comments they’ve made? I do read reviews. As an Indie Author, reviews are really important. Word of mouth is how we make a living. I don’t want to question a reader’s review of my books. I understand that my books aren’t for everyone. The last thing I want to do is make a reader feel attacked.

Thanks A.G.. Checkout her website by clicking below:

AG.Porter

Holiday Guest Author: Jana Oliver

This holiday season, I’ve decided to promote some of my writer friends and ask some of the questions that folks ask me. Today’s guest/victim is:

janaolivercs3

Jana Oliver has the perfect job—she listens to the voices in her head and then writes their stories. Her latest creation, BRIAR ROSE, is a dark steampunk retelling of Sleeping Beauty, complete with Hoodoo, a vengeful Civil War ghost, and metal magic.

In Jana’s young adult Demon Trappers series, Riley Blackthorne, Atlanta’s first girl Demon Trapper, takes on a host of Hellspawn and their diabolical masters. This multi award-winning series has spread across the globe, with editions in ten countries.

When she’s not daydreaming new stories, she can be found savoring a growing collection of single malt scotch and old books. Visitors are always welcome at her website: www.JanaOliver.com

 

At what age did you start writing or know that you wanted to write?

I started late – I was in my mid-forties.

 

Do you plot out your stories or just make it up as you go?

I do a little of both. Sometimes I can see the entirety of the story, sometimes not. Usually I sort of fog-walk my way through the first draft, then go back and put each scene into an Excel spreadsheet so I can get a better handle on the story.

 

Do you listen to music while you write and if so, what do you listen too?

Yes, I listen to music when I write because I need that stimulation. What I listen to depends on the book. I vary all over the map from Rock to Classical to Celtic bands. Each book has a playlist and I post them on Spotify for my readers. Here’s the one for the first Demon Trappers book: https://open.spotify.com/user/1220411649/playlist/0oqv2id7DYUDw4QcIl9zde

 

Which of your stories/books/works do you consider the best?

I am immensely proud of two of my works: the Demon Trappers series and the Time Rovers series. The first is the story of a teen taking on Hellspawn in Atlanta and the other is a time travel/alternate history story set in London during the Autumn of Terror (1888 – Jack the Ripper). Both have pushed me far out of my comfort zone as a writer and they’re my best work so far.

 

What is your latest project/release?

My latest release is MIND GAMES (Book #5 of the Demon Trappers). It came out last Halloween and since it’s all about demons, that was perfect.

 

Do you have any signings or appearances coming up?

I’ve cut way back on appearances and signings, mostly so I can write more books (grin). My next appearance is at Con Nooga in Chattanooga, TN (Feb. 19-21) http://www.connooga.com/

 

Is there a book or book series that you recommend to people?

As a devote lover of Urban Fantasy, I always recommend Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series. It’s set in a future Atlanta which is home to some pretty big bad monsters and Kate and the Curran (the Beast Lord of Atlanta) takes them all on. The series never flags.

 

How much of you is in your characters?

There is some of me in my characters. It’s hard to incorporate bits of yourself. An example: Jacynda Lassiter, my heroine in the Time Rovers series, has a few quirks. She hates being in a tunnel under water. I’m the same. Freaks me out. Still, I forced myself to walk from the south side of the Thames (London) to the north side in a Victorian Era tunnel just to experience the anxiety/fear. I don’t usually do that kind of thing, but it seemed right for the book. Obviously I survived. I still hate tunnels under water.

 

What genre do you prefer to write?  To read?

I write across the genres so there’s not one favorite. As to my reading habits, I’m an omnivore. I adore Regency romances, love a gritty and badass Urban Fantasy and can thoroughly enjoy a classic British murder mystery.

 

Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?  And why?

I prefer novels and the occasional novella. Short stories are actually harder as they have so little real estate in which to tell the story. I’ve written a few, but I just prefer a broader canvas.

 

Is Writer’s Block ever a problem for you?  If so, how do you deal with it.

I don’t have Writer’s Block, per se. I do get stymied every now and then so I wander off and do something completely different: clean the cat box, do laundry, something dull. While I’m doing that mundane task my brain usually spins out the problem and then I go back to work on the book.

 

What 3 things do you feel every aspiring writer should know?

This job isn’t easy. It’s hard, then it gets harder. You have to have that fire in your gut to stick with it, but if you do the beauty of seeing your words being read by another is incredible. Not everyone is going to like your work. Build up your writer calluses now because the rejection is going to hurt.

Your ability to pen stories is a gift. Never let anyone take that from you.

 

Do you read reviews of your books?  If so, have you ever engaged a reviewer over comments they’ve made?

It’s a no-no to engage with reviewers, but I have on a couple of occasions when I felt they really went over the line. I carefully pick my battles and 99.9% of the time I just walk away. Social Media can exacerbate conflict and the last thing I want is for my author rep to get nailed because someone didn’t like what I had to say.

You can find Jana at the links below:

Jana Oliver website: www.JanaOliver.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/janaoliver

Twitter: @crazyauthorgirl

Holiday Guest Author: J. E. Lowder

This holiday season, I’ve decided to promote some of my writer friends and ask some of the questions that folks ask me. Today’s guest/victim is:

J. E. Lowder

Jay Lowder-9 LOW RES 

 

First, a little something about J. E.

Aside from being the author of the War of Whispers fantasy series, he has also played bass for Shania Twain, had a black rhino charge him while on safari, and has been in the Oval Office. In high school, he went backstage to interview groups like Bob Seger, Rush and Kansas, sorta like “Almost Famous” but without Kate Hudson! As an author, he draws from all these experiences (and then some) when crafting his stories. The quote that sums him up the best is by G.K. Chesterton: “Nay, the really sane man knows that he has a touch of the madman.”

He is married, the father of four wonderful children, and a proud grandfather. Jay currently live near Nashville, TN where he writes, bikes and is always on the prowl for adventure and stories.

 

At what age did you start writing or know that you wanted to write?

The first documented case was when I was in my mom’s womb…I tapped out Morse code to let her know I was okay and planned on staying inside. But mom kept pushing and pushing and pushing…

Do you plot out your stories or just make it up as you go?

I brainstorm over the story while I’m painting, which is mindless anyway, and develop the characters & story until I have a concept that moves me emotionally. Then I write and let the characters breathe life into the tale.

Do you listen to music while you write and if so, what do you listen too?

No. My background is music so when I hear a song, I start analyzing it to death which nullifies any attempt at writing. I did listen to classical music for the War of Whispers series but only as a catalyst for story ideas. For example, Gustav Holst’s “Mars: The Bringer of War” was inspiration for conceptualizing the Ebonite (the bad guys) storyline.

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Which of your stories/books/works do you consider the best?

My latest release, When Kings Clash. It’s Book III of the War of Whispers series and I had FUN kicking the story into high gear. And without sounding cocky, my writing style has matured.

How much do you write each day/week?

Since I write part-time, I go in spurts. Right now I’m focused on promoting When Kings Clash. After the Holidays, I’ll get back into writing Book IV. When I do, I probably average 3-4 days a week but in small chunks of time, all of which I do early in the morning.

Can you tell about your experiences working with publishers? Any juicy or painful experiences?

Back when I had an agent, we pitched my murder/thriller novel to some big name publishers. A month later, my agent called with elated news: one of the contacts showed interest and wanted to talk. My agent said this was HUGE because he only takes writers/books with potential. Two weeks later, and still on cloud 9, my agent called with an update: his contact had been fired. And just like that, the dream died.

Tears of Min Brock

What is your latest project/release?

Book III, When Kings Clash. It came out last month so I’m in the process of promoting.

Who were your inspirations?

The first story to ignite my writing passion was O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.” His prose and plot twist made me start paying attention in English class. Next would be Ray Bradbury. Brilliant plots, twists and prose. Oh, and you can add Rod Serling and Hithcock films, too.

Favorite authors?

Aside from the few I’ve mentioned, I like Anthony Doerr, John Hart, Daniel Woodrell.

What book do you read over and over the most?

The honest answer is the Bible, but that’s not what you were really asking. I LOVE Anthony Doerr’s book, “All the Light We Cannot See.” Brilliant writer! When I’m bored with my style or feel my writing is dull, I skim his book for a good butt kicking.

Do you have a dream project that you want to write in the future?

I’m waiting for Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams to call to ask if I’d like to submit any stories. Naturally, they’ll get into a bidding war which I’ll settle by offering my services to both.

How much of you is in your characters?

Great question. Since the War of Whispers series was written to express my crisis of faith, I poured my pain into the main character, Elabea. But that’s where it ends because she’s nothing like my personality. Linwith, on the other hand, is my Doppleganger: skinny, introvert, snarky, melancholic, insecure. By the way, this was not done intentionally but was something I noticed after the fact.

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What genre do you prefer to write?  To read?

Well, if you look at who my favorite authors are, you’ll note that none, aside form perhaps Bradbury, are fantasy authors. And yet, I’m writing a fantasy series. Go figure!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on Book IV of the War of Whispers series. The bulk of it was written years ago, but now that my style has changed, along with the storyline, I’m starting from scratch.

What 3 things do you feel every aspiring writer should know?

Writing is a craft that takes time to hone: “write/edit/read” repeat. You’ll need a thick skin to handle rejection as well as friends to encourage you when you feel like quitting. Make sure your passion is for writing, not fame or fortune.

Do you read reviews of your books?

If so, have you ever engaged a reviewer over comments they’ve made? The rule of thumb is that authors are to never contact a reviewer. However, I had one reviewer who gave well-founded critiques and even caught a storyline continuity issue that others, including myself, missed. I reached out to this person to thank them and to ask if they’d be interested in being a beta reader. They agreed and provided wonderful feedback for When Kings Clash.

Thanks.  To checkout his website, click below:

J. E. Lowder

Holiday Guest Author: John Pyka

This holiday season, I’ve decided to promote some of my writer friends and ask some of the questions that folks ask me. Today’s guest/victim is:

John Pyka

 CAP 

First, a little something about John.

John Pyka is best known for his work onstage as a new vintage variety artist, fusing music and magic with comedy and dance in a 1920s – 1940s style in what is described as “Dieselpunk.” He can be seen performing in theaters, at festivals and conventions around the country.

He is also the author of 4 books on magic, including the best-seller Theatrical Magic. His first novel, Tales From the Flip-Side is published by Pro Se Press and available wherever books are sold – also available as an audiobook!

John is also the producer and host of the Diesel Powered Podcast, THE Voice of Dieselpunk on iTunes and Stitcher, which consistently is ranked in the top 10 performing arts podcasts. He is also the producer and host of the weekly live stream web-show Comixstravaganza Live, hosted bywww.graphicpolicy.com
and boasting over 25,000 viewers per week!

 

 

At what age did you start writing or know that you wanted to write?

I never knew that I wanted to be a writer. But looking back I was writing stories for my original comic book characters as early as age 8. I still have those old plot outlines and synopsis. I’m finding a lot of good stuff there. It wasn’t until around 2000 when I started writing for stage, that I realized I might have some aptitude for it.

 

Where do your ideas come from?

Mostly my inspiration comes from what other creators DON’T do. I see missed opportunities and those missed opportunities spark my imagination and creativity. One of the major plot points on my new novel Tales From The Flip-Side becaue I didn’t see anyone writing about Nazi Vampires and that seemed like a natural theme to me.

 

Do you base your characters on people you know or know of? Family or celebrities?

Yes and all of the above. I grew up the son of a former con man turned Teamster. I was around people with names like Mickey the Mechanic, and No Neck Minelli. And those colorful characters made it into my stage and prose work.

 

Do you plot out your stories or just make it up as you go?

I have a pretty good idea of the direction and outline it, but I allow for organic inspiration. I find that sometime character’s write themselves and their story even surprises me. The revelation of Harker Van Helsing’s origin in Tales From The Flip-Side took me completely by surprise!

 

Do you listen to music while you write and if so, what do you listen too?

I prefer it to be quiet.

 

Which of your characters would you most like to meet in person? Which character of another author would you want to meet?

Of my characters, Professor Maxwell Marvel. Of another author? Mara Jade, of Timothy Zahn’s Star Wars novels.

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Which of your stories/books/works do you consider the best?

The script “The Vizier’s Love” from my book Theatrical Magic (performance scripts for magicians) is the story I really am the most proud of. It should be the standard for the Origami Box, in my opinion.

 

How much do you write each day/week?

I don’t set time aside. I write as inspiration hits.

 

Can you tell about your experiences working with publishers? Any juicy or painful experiences?

I’ve never had anything but good experience with the publishers I’ve worked with. Most recently Pro Se Press has been incredible to work with!

 

Do you have a routine when you write?

No.

 

What is your latest project/release?

Tales From the Flip-Side from Pro Se Press

 

Do you have any signings or appearances coming up?

Nashville Comic & Horror Fest

Geekonomicon

Murfreesboro Anime and Comic Kon

MisSouth Con

 

Who were your inspirations?

Orson Welles, Michael Jackson, Jon Anderson of Yes.

 

Favorite authors?

Timothy Zahn and Jim Butcher

 

What book do you read over and over the most?

Danny, Champion of the World by Roald Dahl

 

Is there a book or book series that you recommend to people?

Yes, my own Tales From The Flip-Side. I also love Timothy Zahn’s “Thrawn Trilogy” and recommend it to all Star Wars and sci-fi adventure fans.

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Do you have a dream project that you want to write in the future?

I would love to write an Avengers comic series with a team led by Hank Pym. I’ve plotted the whole series and would love to submit it to marvel.

 

Do you have a special way of generating story ideas?

Believe it or not, when I swim ideas start flowing like the water I am moving through.

 

How much of you is in your characters?

Well, the lead character of “Big Daddy Cool” Johnny Dellarocca in Tales From The Flip-Side IS me. He is a magical character I created as my alter ego for shows onstage. I wrote a show around the character and the show became foundation of the book.

 

If you could live the life of one of your characters, who would it be?

The character of “Big Daddy Cool” is a reflection of the kind of life I would love to live, so I guess he would be the one.

 

What genre do you prefer to write?  To read?

I really prefer short stories, action and high adventure.

 

Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?  And why?

I don’t have a preference. I write to tell the story, whether that is two pages or two hundred.

 

What are you working on now?

A short story for the next installment of the Tales From The Flip-Side anthology series from Pro Se Press. I’m really exploring the time travel abilities of “Big Daddy Cool.”

 

Is Writer’s Block ever a problem for you?  If so, how do you deal with it.

It is. I work on other projects until new inspiration hits.

 

How do you use social media in regards to your writing?

Social Media is primarily a marketing tool.

 

Do you read reviews of your books?  If so, have you ever engaged a reviewer over comments they’ve made?

I do read them. I’ve never engaged a reviewer other than to say thank you for the review.

 

Thanks John.  To find his books, click below:

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Holiday Guest Author: L. Andrew Cooper

This holiday season, I’ve decided to promote some of my writer friends and ask some of the questions that folks ask me. Today’s guest/victim is:

L. Andrew Cooper

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First, a little something about Andrew

L. Andrew Cooper teaches film and digital media at the University of Louisville. He specializes in horror film and in horror more generally, from eighteenth-century Gothic to whatever comes after torture porn and found footage. His publications includeGothic Realities(2010), Monsters (2012, co-edited with Brandy Ball Blake), and Dario Argento (2012). He also dabbles in fiction; if that takes off, it may seize control of the site: his first novel, Burning the Middle Ground, was published on November 30, 2012. His B.A. is from Harvard, and his Ph.D. is from Princeton.

At what age did you start writing or know that you wanted to write?

I remember learning to write in kindergarten—the vivid challenge of “owl” on a spelling test—but I don’t remember knowing how to write and not writing stories. I first tried a novel in the second grade, a choose-your-own-adventure, but I didn’t finish one until I was eighteen (totally unpublishable). I know people live without writing. How odd.

 

Where do your ideas come from?

Anxieties, fascinations, passions, which I turn into problems that I must solve by transforming them into stories, strange and disturbing stories.

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Do you base your characters on people you know or know of? Family or celebrities?

Aspects of people I know creep into my characters, but because most of my writing tends to be… dark… most of my characters experience terrible things, which means I avoid basing any character on any one person. I have, at times, made characters superficially resemble people with whom I am presently unhappy. When those characters experience terrible things, I get some shadenfreude, but I always make those characters differ from the people they resemble in major ways, too, so that I don’t feel like I’m ever truly imagining someone real.

I don’t base characters on celebrities when I craft them, but I fantasize about casting people to play them after I’m done writing them. I’ve approached celebrities at conventions, handed them books, and said, “You’d be perfect for…” and named characters. None of the celebrities has ever gotten back to me directly, but one did accept a Facebook friend request. Perhaps coincidentally, perhaps not, the character I imagine her playing has a bigger role in the novel I’m working on now… so if Hollywood calls me, I will definitely call her (she’s been a fave for years).

 

Do you plot out your stories or just make it up as you go?

All my novels and books have outlines first, but a lot of improvisation happens in between the larger points on the outlines, which are often just chapter-driven tables of contents. That said, my brain usually plots far ahead of where I’m writing, and I almost always have an ending before I begin. The ending I start with is never complete, however, particularly where characters are concerned. Characters have minds of their own: they can live, die, kill one another, and intervene in events in unexpected ways. They rarely change the major outcomes for which they were born, but they change the shapes of things, and who knows? They could start taking over.

 

Do you listen to music while you write, and if so, what do you listen too?

Some ideas require quiet. Extreme horror or action might need some Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, or another industrial goody from my younger years. Lately, as my prose has played more with film elements, I’ve been listening to Philip Glass and Angelo Badalamenti.

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Which of your characters would you most like to meet in person? Which character of another author would you want to meet?

Many of my characters would kill me if we met. If we could stipulate safety, I would like to meet Dr. Allen V. Fincher, author of The Alchemy of Will, the book of rituals with horrific results in my novels and short stories. He’s also the architect behind the massive conspiracy that began in my novel Burning the Middle Ground and continues in the novel I’m writing now, Manufacturing Miracles. If meeting him somehow weren’t a very, very bad idea, I’d love for us to chat. As for another author’s character, J.D. Salinger’s Buddy Glass.

 

Which of your stories/books/works do you consider the best?

My answer varies from day to day. Different works are better for different audiences. My horror short story collection Leaping at Thorns is a cross-section of twenty years of my life, so I’m rather fond of it.

 

How much do you write each day/week?

I might write a twenty-page short story in a day and then write nothing for a week. When I’m working regularly on a book, I draft on average ten pages in a day, with editing as I go.

 

Can you tell about your experiences working with publishers? Any juicy or painful experiences?

I’ve known small presses and publications that folded because of economic circumstances, which sucks, but my personal dealings with publishers have been good. I’ve published in fiction, non-fiction, and textbooks, and I have and will continue to get rejections, but everyone I’ve met in publishing itself has been professional. Early in my career, I got picked up by two different agents at two different times, both of whom dropped me when they quit agenting, the first because he got into a prestigious journalism school and the second because she got her own book deal. Agents are not the same as publishing, but as a younger person trying to break in, I of course thought I was on the verge of being “discovered” and had my heart trampled. I only recently—a decade later—decided to go with an agent again, and luckily she’s the real deal.

 

Do you have a routine when you write?

With book-length projects, yes. After the preliminaries—outlining, research—I try to develop a rhythm so that I have a block of hours during which I sit down, usually with coffee or espresso, and read whatever I’ve last written. I do light editing as I go until all the threads are in hand, and then I write until I reach a stopping point. Characters and cadence tell me how far to go.

 

What is your latest project/release?

In early 2016 Seventh Star Press is re-releasing my co-edited collection Reel Dark: Twisted Projections on the Flickering Page as well as the collection of my own work, Leaping at Thorns, the new edition of which will feature three previously uncollected stories. Also in 2016, Seventh Star will release a new collection of my work, Peritoneum, which is… insane. Almost all the stories are interconnected. I think it’s like Sherwood, Ohio on acid, especially the final sequence of stories, which begins with “The Eternal Recurrence of Suburban Abortion” and ends with “The Broom Closet Where Everything Dies.”

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Is there a book or book series that you recommend to people?

If people want to understand how Gothic horror has withstood time, they need to read Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho. Anyone who wants to craft disturbing fiction should read Jack Ketchum’s The Girl Next Door. One imperfect piece of writing that could be a limitless source? Poe’s Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym. Just ask Lovecraft.

 

Do you have a dream project that you want to write in the future?

If I fantasize long enough about writing something, I figure I’ll write about it. I refer to it as a kind of intellectual Darwinism—if a concept survives long enough in my brain, weathering the decay of brain cells and other perils, it is likely worth recording, and perhaps worth publishing. I don’t try to publish everything I write, and not everything I try to publish makes it, so “don’t dream it, be it” doesn’t exactly “make it so,” but the philosophy tends to make action.

 

Do you have a special way of generating story ideas?

Showering.

 

How much of you is in your characters?

Quite a lot, but not always (I hope) where people expect. In Burning the Middle Ground, for instance, Ronald Glassner is a snarky gay writer, and I am a snarky gay writer, so people tend to think he’s me, but I don’t identify with him that much. On some days he’s just that obnoxious guy from New York… and I’m from the South, uncomfortable when I’m in NYC… on other days he’s a hero… and I’m not. Another example is a character in a short story that will appear in my new collection Peritoneum: her name is an obvious parody of mine, and I give her about two sentences to seem important before someone bashes her head in. When I show up in my work, I’m like the other people who do. I only show up partially, and when I do, I’m in for some abuse.

 

If you could live the life of one of your characters, who would it be?

Susan Penser. She’s a badass grandma with a conscience, and she has a lot of money and power to help deal with the crap life throws at her. She plays an important role in my horror novel Descending Lines as well as my (hopefully) forthcoming thriller The Blue Jacket Conspiracy. She’s not done yet, either.

 

Do you read reviews of your books?  If so, have you ever engaged a reviewer over comments they’ve made?

Yes, and unfortunately, yes. Fortunately, the only misstep I made in the engagement category involved an academic book, and while I would advise folks just to leave reviewers alone, I think that if there’s a circumstance when engaging a reviewer is appropriate, it’s this one: the reviewer made factually inaccurate claims about what my book says. I was annoyed. The review’s claims made for good soundbites, but they also made no sense given what I actually wrote. Yes, reviewers have deadlines and don’t always read carefully or read at all. It’s a reality. The writer must rise above. I did not.

 

What are you working on now?

Manufacturing Miracles is book two of The Last World War, the sequel to Burning the Middle Ground, which I always planned as the first installment of a series. It picks up five years after the events of the first book, with continuing characters (those who survived and otherwise kept going) scattered across the United States. Whereas the first book takes the scope of a small town, this book takes the scope of the entire nation falling into Dr. Allen Fincher’s conspiracy. Going beyond mind control, a major goal in the first book, the conspiracy is now destroying cities as the Consortium, a group of characters familiar not just from Burning but also from Leaping at Thorns and Peritoneum, hatches new plans and new monsters in Miami, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Cincinnati, Louisville, Los Angeles, and elsewhere. Not only is the range of the evil boggling, but the mayhem is the most visceral and colorful I have crafted. The work is slow but delightful, as well as seriously disturbing, so far.

Thanks Andrew. To find his books, click below.

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