A.F. Stewart's Blog, page 47
May 16, 2017
A Spotlight on Clockwork Wonderland
Today we drop down the dark, dark rabbit hole to emerge in a Wonderland of horrors. Today, the spotlight shines through the shadows on the creepy horror anthology Clockwork Wonderland...
Plus, I have an excerpt from one of the stories, so enjoy!
HorrorAddicts.net Press presents… Clockwork Wonderland
Clockwork Wonderland contains stories from authors that see Wonderland as a place of horror where anything can happen and time runs amok. In this book you’ll find tales of murderous clockworks, insane creations, serial killers, zombies, and a blood thirsty jabberclocky. Prepare to see Wonderland as a place where all your worst nightmares come true. You may never look at classic children’s literature the same way again.
Edited by Emerian Rich
Cover by Carmen Masloski
Featuring authors:
Trinity AdlerEzra BaranyJaap BoekesteinDustin CoffmanStephanie EllisJonathan FortinLaurel Anne HillN. McGuireJeremy MegargeeJames PyneMichele RogerH.E. RouloSumiko SaulsonK.L. Wallis
With Foreword by David Watson
Clockwork Wonderland is available on Amazon
Excerpt from Jabberclocky by Jonathan Fortin
As the fist hit Henry’s jaw, the impact rippled through his whole body.“That the best you can do, you little shit?” his father roared, looming over him like an irate bear. His father’s hands, Henry knew, were accustomed to detailed, delicate work, bearing tools tiny enough to make clocks tick again. Then, when night fell and the shop closed, one of those hands would curl around a bottle, and the other would form a beefy fist. Henry’s father’s hands, it seemed, could take whatever shape the situation required.Henry had never had dexterous hands like his father’s. Henry’s hands were clumsy and frail, and shook when he tried to grip tiny tools. If he ever tried to throw a punch, it would be his hand that was hurt. And just then, as he fell to the floor, the pain seemed to rattle his very bones.“Try again!” His father picked up a clock and threw it to the floor. Gears blasted out, one nicking Henry in the cheek. “Try again, or no dinner!”Although it hurt to even move, Henry pushed himself up and crawled like a rat to pick up the scattered pieces of clock. As he examined them, he had a rush of panic.“They’re...dented,” Henry said.His father brought the bottle to his lips for another swig before coughing.“Dented? Must have been because you weren’t careful enough the first time, you ungrateful little shit. Dented. Pft. I’ll show you what’s dented.”He stomped over. Henry, hypnotized in fear, dropped the clock, and even more pieces scattered away.***Father had a very bad hangover the next morning.“Go open the shop,” he grunted from his bed, and Henry obeyed. Henry knew how to man the register and take orders. In truth, he didn’t mind doing it all on his own. It was quieter. Less stressful.The way Henry saw it, all he needed was a chance. Every day, he watched his father in the shop, seeing him smile so sweetly to the customers. The bear that came out at night was a purring teddy during business hours. But even sober, his father might glance at Henry from the corner of his eye, and the ferocity would be there, warning what might come once night fell. The fear was suffocating. Whenever Henry tried to repair a broken clock, his father’s eyes would be on him, and Henry knew what would be coming if he failed. If he could just work on a clock without his father watching, then maybe he’d get it right.Henry opened the drapes in the front window and saw the most peculiar thing outside. A man in a top hat was twirling through the streets like some kind of gentleman ballet dancer. Only, the more Henry looked, the less the man seemed like a gentleman at all.The man’s clothes were tattered, with many rips and brown stains that might have been from mud, or perhaps tea. His hat was absurdly tall, and his waistcoat and tailcoat both had exceedingly long tails that snaked down to the backs of his knees and swished in wide, hungry arcs.It was a cold, rainy morning, and the street was empty save for the man. He seemed to take no notice of the rain, but merely continued to spin and spin, his arm outstretched, perpetually pointing every which way his body turned. What on Earth could possess a man to do such a thing? He had to be mad. Yes, he was obviously a gentleman who’d lost his mind and—for whatever reason—had not yet been escorted to Bedlam.So, it was quite alarming when the man stopped spinning at the exact moment his outstretched finger pointed in Henry’s direction.Henry’s heart stopped. It was the first time he could see the man’s face clearly, and his visage froze Henry to the core. It was a gnarled face, with a nose that seemed as long and jointed as a bent finger. The man’s eyes were wide with glee, and his smile was twisted into a grin that resembled a jagged series of arches.Panicking, Henry ducked away from the window, but only a moment later, he heard a knock upon the door.“Is this a clock repair shop?” came a muffled voice. “I find myself in need of your services.”Henry crouched in the corner, quivering. Unlocking the door was the last thing left to do, and it was certainly the last thing he wanted to do.“Pardon my rudeness, but are you indeed open?” The knock became a furious rapping. Above Henry were shelves where clocks ticked incessantly. Combined with the rapping on the door, Henry’s head rattled. All the same, his father had ordered him to open the shop and if Henry did not do that, he would certainly be in danger of a beating. The man in the tall hat was strange, but that didn’t necessarily mean he was dangerous. Henry’s father, however, most certainly was.Henry reluctantly pulled himself to his feet and went to open the door. The man stood outside, his eyes and grin both unnaturally wide.“I apologize for any trouble. I seem to, herm, my clock seems to be broken. I should very much like aid.” There was an unusual affectation to the man’s speech, and his eyes had a confused wildness to them, as though he wasn’t quite certain whether Henry was real or not.“I would be happy to help you, sir. May I see the item in question?” Despite his fear, Henry greeted him with the same smile he’d seen his father give customers many times before.“But of course, child.” The man with the tall hat dug into his pocket and pulled out a pocket watch. Henry couldn’t help but notice the man’s remarkably long fingers.Henry took the watch and jerked his hand back, as if trying to snatch a paper from a roaring fire. The man took no notice of Henry’s nervousness. Instead, he tossed a bundle of notes onto the floor and bowed.“I shall check in tomorrow at nine o’clock precisely. I trust it will be done by then?”“Well, er—” “Splendid!” the man interrupted and disappeared back into the rain
To read the full story and more Clock-inspired, Alice Horror, check out Clockwork Wonderland
Plus, I have an excerpt from one of the stories, so enjoy!
HorrorAddicts.net Press presents… Clockwork Wonderland
Clockwork Wonderland contains stories from authors that see Wonderland as a place of horror where anything can happen and time runs amok. In this book you’ll find tales of murderous clockworks, insane creations, serial killers, zombies, and a blood thirsty jabberclocky. Prepare to see Wonderland as a place where all your worst nightmares come true. You may never look at classic children’s literature the same way again.
Edited by Emerian Rich
Cover by Carmen Masloski
Featuring authors:
Trinity AdlerEzra BaranyJaap BoekesteinDustin CoffmanStephanie EllisJonathan FortinLaurel Anne HillN. McGuireJeremy MegargeeJames PyneMichele RogerH.E. RouloSumiko SaulsonK.L. Wallis
With Foreword by David Watson
Clockwork Wonderland is available on Amazon
Excerpt from Jabberclocky by Jonathan Fortin
As the fist hit Henry’s jaw, the impact rippled through his whole body.“That the best you can do, you little shit?” his father roared, looming over him like an irate bear. His father’s hands, Henry knew, were accustomed to detailed, delicate work, bearing tools tiny enough to make clocks tick again. Then, when night fell and the shop closed, one of those hands would curl around a bottle, and the other would form a beefy fist. Henry’s father’s hands, it seemed, could take whatever shape the situation required.Henry had never had dexterous hands like his father’s. Henry’s hands were clumsy and frail, and shook when he tried to grip tiny tools. If he ever tried to throw a punch, it would be his hand that was hurt. And just then, as he fell to the floor, the pain seemed to rattle his very bones.“Try again!” His father picked up a clock and threw it to the floor. Gears blasted out, one nicking Henry in the cheek. “Try again, or no dinner!”Although it hurt to even move, Henry pushed himself up and crawled like a rat to pick up the scattered pieces of clock. As he examined them, he had a rush of panic.“They’re...dented,” Henry said.His father brought the bottle to his lips for another swig before coughing.“Dented? Must have been because you weren’t careful enough the first time, you ungrateful little shit. Dented. Pft. I’ll show you what’s dented.”He stomped over. Henry, hypnotized in fear, dropped the clock, and even more pieces scattered away.***Father had a very bad hangover the next morning.“Go open the shop,” he grunted from his bed, and Henry obeyed. Henry knew how to man the register and take orders. In truth, he didn’t mind doing it all on his own. It was quieter. Less stressful.The way Henry saw it, all he needed was a chance. Every day, he watched his father in the shop, seeing him smile so sweetly to the customers. The bear that came out at night was a purring teddy during business hours. But even sober, his father might glance at Henry from the corner of his eye, and the ferocity would be there, warning what might come once night fell. The fear was suffocating. Whenever Henry tried to repair a broken clock, his father’s eyes would be on him, and Henry knew what would be coming if he failed. If he could just work on a clock without his father watching, then maybe he’d get it right.Henry opened the drapes in the front window and saw the most peculiar thing outside. A man in a top hat was twirling through the streets like some kind of gentleman ballet dancer. Only, the more Henry looked, the less the man seemed like a gentleman at all.The man’s clothes were tattered, with many rips and brown stains that might have been from mud, or perhaps tea. His hat was absurdly tall, and his waistcoat and tailcoat both had exceedingly long tails that snaked down to the backs of his knees and swished in wide, hungry arcs.It was a cold, rainy morning, and the street was empty save for the man. He seemed to take no notice of the rain, but merely continued to spin and spin, his arm outstretched, perpetually pointing every which way his body turned. What on Earth could possess a man to do such a thing? He had to be mad. Yes, he was obviously a gentleman who’d lost his mind and—for whatever reason—had not yet been escorted to Bedlam.So, it was quite alarming when the man stopped spinning at the exact moment his outstretched finger pointed in Henry’s direction.Henry’s heart stopped. It was the first time he could see the man’s face clearly, and his visage froze Henry to the core. It was a gnarled face, with a nose that seemed as long and jointed as a bent finger. The man’s eyes were wide with glee, and his smile was twisted into a grin that resembled a jagged series of arches.Panicking, Henry ducked away from the window, but only a moment later, he heard a knock upon the door.“Is this a clock repair shop?” came a muffled voice. “I find myself in need of your services.”Henry crouched in the corner, quivering. Unlocking the door was the last thing left to do, and it was certainly the last thing he wanted to do.“Pardon my rudeness, but are you indeed open?” The knock became a furious rapping. Above Henry were shelves where clocks ticked incessantly. Combined with the rapping on the door, Henry’s head rattled. All the same, his father had ordered him to open the shop and if Henry did not do that, he would certainly be in danger of a beating. The man in the tall hat was strange, but that didn’t necessarily mean he was dangerous. Henry’s father, however, most certainly was.Henry reluctantly pulled himself to his feet and went to open the door. The man stood outside, his eyes and grin both unnaturally wide.“I apologize for any trouble. I seem to, herm, my clock seems to be broken. I should very much like aid.” There was an unusual affectation to the man’s speech, and his eyes had a confused wildness to them, as though he wasn’t quite certain whether Henry was real or not.“I would be happy to help you, sir. May I see the item in question?” Despite his fear, Henry greeted him with the same smile he’d seen his father give customers many times before.“But of course, child.” The man with the tall hat dug into his pocket and pulled out a pocket watch. Henry couldn’t help but notice the man’s remarkably long fingers.Henry took the watch and jerked his hand back, as if trying to snatch a paper from a roaring fire. The man took no notice of Henry’s nervousness. Instead, he tossed a bundle of notes onto the floor and bowed.“I shall check in tomorrow at nine o’clock precisely. I trust it will be done by then?”“Well, er—” “Splendid!” the man interrupted and disappeared back into the rain
To read the full story and more Clock-inspired, Alice Horror, check out Clockwork Wonderland
May 14, 2017
Interview With Author Ty Arthur
Today I have an interview with writer Ty Arthur, who chats about writing and his new dark fantasy novel, Light Dawning. For more on his book, check out yesterday's spotlight on
Light Dawning
.
Interview With Ty Arthur
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
Certainly, and first off, thanks for having me as a guest at your blog! I'm a new dad living in the perpetually frozen Montana with my wife Megan and our son, Gannicus Picard. I've worked as a freelance writer and editor primarily covering heavy metal news and gaming guides for nearly a decade, with the occasional tech piece here and there thrown in for good measure. Making the move to fiction has been my latest endeavor, and it’s been a wild ride of ups and downs. Even for all the low points though, it’s been well worth the effort, meeting some amazing people in the indie fiction scene and getting to experience the accomplishment of seeing my words finally landing on print and digital devices to be devoured by the readers.
How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?
In terms of fiction, I've been at this for about four years now, and it’s quite the trip to look back at those first short horror stories I came up with when getting serious about writing anything that wasn't news or entertainment related. The meat grinder that is the book industry nearly chewed me up and spit me out in those early days, but I can say without hesitation I came out the other end a better writer. So far I've had two short stories published in anthologies (with a whole mess of eye-opening rejections along the way), a standalone sci-fi / horror novella titled Empty, and now my full-length dark fantasy novel Light Dawning is slated to arrive at the end of the month.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
Although it takes place in a low fantasy world, Light Dawning is primarily a horror story. Those horror elements come from multiple angles: cosmic horror from ancient things beyond human understanding that are inimical to sane life, but also the more down-to-earth horror of the awful things people are willing to do to one another.The story revolves around four main characters who are all trying to deal with the grim reality of living in Cestia, an occupied city. It's been three years since the invaders arrived, and no crusading army has ever arrived to oust the soldiers or save the civilians left behind. Conditions have deteriorated significantly for the lower class, with death always around the corner and things much worse than death becoming an everyday fact of life.It’s in this bleak setting that the characters have to decide how they plan on living out the last dying days of Cestia's former glory. Some will do anything to survive just a little bit longer and want to avoid the notice of their oppressors, while others have embraced rebellion and are willing to engage in any act of barbarity to seek revenge or freedom. While very much a fantasy tale involving monstrous beasts and people with the ability to wield supernatural powers, the focus is more on a study of how these characters react to their surroundings and how the occupation changes them. For instance, how does one deal with a concept like motherhood in a city where rioting is routine and people being beaten to death in the street is a regular occurrence? Do you embrace friendship and lean on those around you, or reject everyone else entirely since it won't be long before anyone you grow to love will be taken away from you?Very much in the grimdark genre, I've entirely thrown out the stereotypical fantasy notion of a humble and unsuspecting hero rising to greatness and defeating the world's great evils, and turned most of the standard genre tropes on their heads.
Do you have a favourite character? If so, why?
Of all the characters in the book, two stand out most to me. My favorite would probably be Tala, who is the strongest character of the bunch. Despite having been dealt a very band hand in life, she always soldiers on, and she's managed to keep going despite extreme hardship that would have destroyed anyone else. Harboring a dangerous secret within her, she has no choice but to remain strong in face of unrelenting adversity. Representing how so much is expected of women in a society while they are frequently treated poorly despite their contributions, Tala has to spend every waking moment working to keep a maelstrom of insane whispers and screams from spilling out of her mind. If she lets her guard down for even a split second, no matter what physical or emotional hardship being endured, she could inadvertently open a doorway between sane reality and another place filled with nightmare things. Sadly, very few will ever acknowledge her constant efforts, but if she ever lapses in her vigilance, the world will suffer for it.Besides Tala, I loved writing the character Father Erret. Not your typical priest or cleric of a fantasy novel, Erret is an extremist who managed to anger his own religion's hierarchy and ended up having to leave his home to spread his beliefs elsewhere. Rather than descending into despair over the city's current condition, Erret is in a constant state of religious rapture, believing the entire invasion and occupation to be a testing of his faith and an opportunity to turn the citizens to his way of thinking. He believes pain to be the proper expression of a life worth living, and would happily watch the entire city burn if it would convert the survivors to his religion.
You write in several genres. Do you have a favourite? And if so, why?
It’s actually surprising to me that I ended up bouncing back and forth between different genres with each release. I've been reading epic high fantasy since I was old enough to pick up a book, so I always figured if I ever got serious about writing that would be my focus, but that didn't turn out to be the case. Most of my work is based on personal experiences that I translate into fictional settings and then expand upon, and it just happened that my first real attempt at a short story was a modern day horror tale. My previous novella Emptywas actually first conceived as a story about a man contracting lycanthropy and having to hide it from those around him, but as the story progressed I didn't feel like anything was clicking, so I shifted to a space setting with some of the same themes presented through a sci-fi filter.Considering that my next upcoming work again shifts genre, I'd have to say at this point I don't actually have a favorite, and am having more fun exploring many different facets of fiction rather than sticking to one single style.
Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?
I work from a “write what you know” perspective, starting with a small kernel of truth and then extrapolating it out into something more fictional. It’s easier to get invested in the characters and create an emotional or riveting experience if I'm personally attached to the story because it’s something I actually lived through.There's an old joke that gets thrown around about “being a drinker with a writing problem,” and that's actually the process I use for the core of my stories. Before writing a single word, I spend a lot of time putting together music playlists featuring the themes or tones I'll be trying to express in upcoming scenes, and then I focus entirely on building that world with headphones on and a shotglass close at hand.When the basic framework of the story is built and several major scenes written, from there I switch to a more sober approach with less music, honing in on the details and making sure all the various concepts are meshing as I intended and that my key ideas are coming through.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
If you couldn't tell from the way I switch back and forth between genres, sometimes it’s maintaining interest in one single tale and not writing the frameworks for five or six at a time! When I'm on one specific project and seeing it through to completion, I've learned over time to look for specific mistakes that are easy to miss as you get too close to a project. For me, those tend to be things like repeating specific words and phrases far too often. You don't notice things like that when you're wrapped up in a story, and it takes some time away and returning with fresh eyes to realize where those mistakes lie. Having reliable editors to give you blunt feedback and not just say “it's great, don't change a thing!” is an absolute must.
What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
Hah, well, these days most of my time goes into exclaiming “what is that in your mouth?!?” or “why are you bumping your head repeatedly against that wall?!?” as my son learns to walk and explores our home. Outside of keeping a toddler from swallowing who knows what and stopping him from getting into electrical outlets, I'm a huge fan of horror films, and love following all the latest on indie projects and crowd-funded movies. The Void was the big one I'd been anticipating for years, and I wasn't disappointed by its portrayal of a Call Of Cthulhu roleplaying scenario in movie form. On a similar note, gaming is probably next biggest passion as I work to build a collection of everything from classic old pen and paper systems like Earthdawn to newer entries like Shadow Of The Demon Lord.
What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?
Light Dawning spent a very long time in the gestation and creation stages, originally starting in late 2015, so I'm excited to get onto something else finally. I'm really in need of a sort of “palette cleanser” that lets me explore other styles of writing, so I'm doing something way outside my comfort zone and putting together a collection of horror-themed erotica coming out towards the end of the year. I realize that's not going to be for everyone though, so no hard feelings if anyone who loved Empty or Light Dawning passes on that anthology.After that I'm diving into a new full-length novel exploring an action-packed, dystopian noir future. That book is going to be a wild ride, and I can't wait for details on that to finally become available. Looking further into the future, sequels to both of my previous books are absolutely in the works, so if you want to know what happened following Hansen's decision in Empty or need more of the grimdark world of Light Dawning, rest assured they are both coming.
Ty Arthur gets to meld his passions with his work while freelancing for the likes of Metalunderground.com and GameSkinny. His debut sci-fi / horror novella “Empty” was released in early 2016, with many more dark tales still to come. Arthur writes to exorcise his demons and lives in the cold, dark north with his amazing wife Megan and infant son Gannicus Picard.
Website Amazon Page Goodreads
Interview With Ty Arthur
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.Certainly, and first off, thanks for having me as a guest at your blog! I'm a new dad living in the perpetually frozen Montana with my wife Megan and our son, Gannicus Picard. I've worked as a freelance writer and editor primarily covering heavy metal news and gaming guides for nearly a decade, with the occasional tech piece here and there thrown in for good measure. Making the move to fiction has been my latest endeavor, and it’s been a wild ride of ups and downs. Even for all the low points though, it’s been well worth the effort, meeting some amazing people in the indie fiction scene and getting to experience the accomplishment of seeing my words finally landing on print and digital devices to be devoured by the readers.
How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?
In terms of fiction, I've been at this for about four years now, and it’s quite the trip to look back at those first short horror stories I came up with when getting serious about writing anything that wasn't news or entertainment related. The meat grinder that is the book industry nearly chewed me up and spit me out in those early days, but I can say without hesitation I came out the other end a better writer. So far I've had two short stories published in anthologies (with a whole mess of eye-opening rejections along the way), a standalone sci-fi / horror novella titled Empty, and now my full-length dark fantasy novel Light Dawning is slated to arrive at the end of the month.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
Although it takes place in a low fantasy world, Light Dawning is primarily a horror story. Those horror elements come from multiple angles: cosmic horror from ancient things beyond human understanding that are inimical to sane life, but also the more down-to-earth horror of the awful things people are willing to do to one another.The story revolves around four main characters who are all trying to deal with the grim reality of living in Cestia, an occupied city. It's been three years since the invaders arrived, and no crusading army has ever arrived to oust the soldiers or save the civilians left behind. Conditions have deteriorated significantly for the lower class, with death always around the corner and things much worse than death becoming an everyday fact of life.It’s in this bleak setting that the characters have to decide how they plan on living out the last dying days of Cestia's former glory. Some will do anything to survive just a little bit longer and want to avoid the notice of their oppressors, while others have embraced rebellion and are willing to engage in any act of barbarity to seek revenge or freedom. While very much a fantasy tale involving monstrous beasts and people with the ability to wield supernatural powers, the focus is more on a study of how these characters react to their surroundings and how the occupation changes them. For instance, how does one deal with a concept like motherhood in a city where rioting is routine and people being beaten to death in the street is a regular occurrence? Do you embrace friendship and lean on those around you, or reject everyone else entirely since it won't be long before anyone you grow to love will be taken away from you?Very much in the grimdark genre, I've entirely thrown out the stereotypical fantasy notion of a humble and unsuspecting hero rising to greatness and defeating the world's great evils, and turned most of the standard genre tropes on their heads.
Do you have a favourite character? If so, why?
Of all the characters in the book, two stand out most to me. My favorite would probably be Tala, who is the strongest character of the bunch. Despite having been dealt a very band hand in life, she always soldiers on, and she's managed to keep going despite extreme hardship that would have destroyed anyone else. Harboring a dangerous secret within her, she has no choice but to remain strong in face of unrelenting adversity. Representing how so much is expected of women in a society while they are frequently treated poorly despite their contributions, Tala has to spend every waking moment working to keep a maelstrom of insane whispers and screams from spilling out of her mind. If she lets her guard down for even a split second, no matter what physical or emotional hardship being endured, she could inadvertently open a doorway between sane reality and another place filled with nightmare things. Sadly, very few will ever acknowledge her constant efforts, but if she ever lapses in her vigilance, the world will suffer for it.Besides Tala, I loved writing the character Father Erret. Not your typical priest or cleric of a fantasy novel, Erret is an extremist who managed to anger his own religion's hierarchy and ended up having to leave his home to spread his beliefs elsewhere. Rather than descending into despair over the city's current condition, Erret is in a constant state of religious rapture, believing the entire invasion and occupation to be a testing of his faith and an opportunity to turn the citizens to his way of thinking. He believes pain to be the proper expression of a life worth living, and would happily watch the entire city burn if it would convert the survivors to his religion.
You write in several genres. Do you have a favourite? And if so, why?
It’s actually surprising to me that I ended up bouncing back and forth between different genres with each release. I've been reading epic high fantasy since I was old enough to pick up a book, so I always figured if I ever got serious about writing that would be my focus, but that didn't turn out to be the case. Most of my work is based on personal experiences that I translate into fictional settings and then expand upon, and it just happened that my first real attempt at a short story was a modern day horror tale. My previous novella Emptywas actually first conceived as a story about a man contracting lycanthropy and having to hide it from those around him, but as the story progressed I didn't feel like anything was clicking, so I shifted to a space setting with some of the same themes presented through a sci-fi filter.Considering that my next upcoming work again shifts genre, I'd have to say at this point I don't actually have a favorite, and am having more fun exploring many different facets of fiction rather than sticking to one single style.
Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?
I work from a “write what you know” perspective, starting with a small kernel of truth and then extrapolating it out into something more fictional. It’s easier to get invested in the characters and create an emotional or riveting experience if I'm personally attached to the story because it’s something I actually lived through.There's an old joke that gets thrown around about “being a drinker with a writing problem,” and that's actually the process I use for the core of my stories. Before writing a single word, I spend a lot of time putting together music playlists featuring the themes or tones I'll be trying to express in upcoming scenes, and then I focus entirely on building that world with headphones on and a shotglass close at hand.When the basic framework of the story is built and several major scenes written, from there I switch to a more sober approach with less music, honing in on the details and making sure all the various concepts are meshing as I intended and that my key ideas are coming through.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
If you couldn't tell from the way I switch back and forth between genres, sometimes it’s maintaining interest in one single tale and not writing the frameworks for five or six at a time! When I'm on one specific project and seeing it through to completion, I've learned over time to look for specific mistakes that are easy to miss as you get too close to a project. For me, those tend to be things like repeating specific words and phrases far too often. You don't notice things like that when you're wrapped up in a story, and it takes some time away and returning with fresh eyes to realize where those mistakes lie. Having reliable editors to give you blunt feedback and not just say “it's great, don't change a thing!” is an absolute must.
What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
Hah, well, these days most of my time goes into exclaiming “what is that in your mouth?!?” or “why are you bumping your head repeatedly against that wall?!?” as my son learns to walk and explores our home. Outside of keeping a toddler from swallowing who knows what and stopping him from getting into electrical outlets, I'm a huge fan of horror films, and love following all the latest on indie projects and crowd-funded movies. The Void was the big one I'd been anticipating for years, and I wasn't disappointed by its portrayal of a Call Of Cthulhu roleplaying scenario in movie form. On a similar note, gaming is probably next biggest passion as I work to build a collection of everything from classic old pen and paper systems like Earthdawn to newer entries like Shadow Of The Demon Lord.
What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?
Light Dawning spent a very long time in the gestation and creation stages, originally starting in late 2015, so I'm excited to get onto something else finally. I'm really in need of a sort of “palette cleanser” that lets me explore other styles of writing, so I'm doing something way outside my comfort zone and putting together a collection of horror-themed erotica coming out towards the end of the year. I realize that's not going to be for everyone though, so no hard feelings if anyone who loved Empty or Light Dawning passes on that anthology.After that I'm diving into a new full-length novel exploring an action-packed, dystopian noir future. That book is going to be a wild ride, and I can't wait for details on that to finally become available. Looking further into the future, sequels to both of my previous books are absolutely in the works, so if you want to know what happened following Hansen's decision in Empty or need more of the grimdark world of Light Dawning, rest assured they are both coming.
Ty Arthur gets to meld his passions with his work while freelancing for the likes of Metalunderground.com and GameSkinny. His debut sci-fi / horror novella “Empty” was released in early 2016, with many more dark tales still to come. Arthur writes to exorcise his demons and lives in the cold, dark north with his amazing wife Megan and infant son Gannicus Picard.
Website Amazon Page Goodreads
May 13, 2017
Book Spotlight: Light Dawning
Today I have a book spotlight and a sneak peek at the dark fantasy novel Light Dawning by Ty Arthur. The book releases May 26th and is available now for pre-order. And be sure to pop back tomorrow when I present an interview with Ty Arthur.
Light Dawning by Ty Arthur
Once known as the City on the Hill and revered far and wide for its independence and boundless opportunity, Cestia has become home only to the damned. Surviving under the brutal occupation of a southern empire for three long years, the oppressed populace has lost hope of liberation, turning instead towards an increasingly desperate rebellion willing to commit any atrocity for a chance at freedom.
As total war approaches, four lost souls trapped behind Cestia's walls are on a collision course with fate, destined to either save the city or see it utterly destroyed while calling on forces beyond mankind's comprehension. For good or ill, the light of a new day is about to dawn.
Light Dawning is available on:
Amazon
Goodreads
“As with all my work, this story is inspired by a real life experience translated into a fictional setting, and completing this book took a lot out of me,” Arthur said of the upcoming release. “Its set in an unquestionably fantasy universe, but you won't find any elves or farm boy chosen ones saving the world. My take on the genre draws more from cosmic dread and the horror of war than anything with unlikely heroes or lovable rogues. Don't expect any happy endings.”
Like its predecessor, Ty Arthur's debut sci-fi / horror novella Empty, the creation of Light Dawning was driven forward by the power of music. To get an advance preview of the themes and tone of the novel, a music playlist matching several scenes can be heard via Spotify at http://goo.gl/dYxaVq
Author Bio:
Ty Arthur gets to meld his passions with his work while freelancing for the likes of Metalunderground.com and GameSkinny. His debut sci-fi / horror novella “Empty” was released in early 2016, with many more dark tales still to come. Arthur writes to exorcise his demons and lives in the cold, dark north with his amazing wife Megan and infant son Gannicus Picard.
You can find out more about the author and his book at these sites:
Amazon PageWebsiteGoodreadsFacebook
Light Dawning by Ty Arthur
Once known as the City on the Hill and revered far and wide for its independence and boundless opportunity, Cestia has become home only to the damned. Surviving under the brutal occupation of a southern empire for three long years, the oppressed populace has lost hope of liberation, turning instead towards an increasingly desperate rebellion willing to commit any atrocity for a chance at freedom.
As total war approaches, four lost souls trapped behind Cestia's walls are on a collision course with fate, destined to either save the city or see it utterly destroyed while calling on forces beyond mankind's comprehension. For good or ill, the light of a new day is about to dawn.
Light Dawning is available on:
Amazon
Goodreads
“As with all my work, this story is inspired by a real life experience translated into a fictional setting, and completing this book took a lot out of me,” Arthur said of the upcoming release. “Its set in an unquestionably fantasy universe, but you won't find any elves or farm boy chosen ones saving the world. My take on the genre draws more from cosmic dread and the horror of war than anything with unlikely heroes or lovable rogues. Don't expect any happy endings.”
Like its predecessor, Ty Arthur's debut sci-fi / horror novella Empty, the creation of Light Dawning was driven forward by the power of music. To get an advance preview of the themes and tone of the novel, a music playlist matching several scenes can be heard via Spotify at http://goo.gl/dYxaVq
Author Bio:
Ty Arthur gets to meld his passions with his work while freelancing for the likes of Metalunderground.com and GameSkinny. His debut sci-fi / horror novella “Empty” was released in early 2016, with many more dark tales still to come. Arthur writes to exorcise his demons and lives in the cold, dark north with his amazing wife Megan and infant son Gannicus Picard.
You can find out more about the author and his book at these sites:
Amazon PageWebsiteGoodreadsFacebook
May 10, 2017
Book Spotlight: No Rest for the Wicked
Today dawns on another book spotlight, this time for the paranormal novel and new release, No Rest for the Wicked by Krystal Jane Ruin. Enjoy!
No Rest for the Wicked by Krystal Jane Ruin
Since her release from the psychiatric facility and into the smothering guardianship of her aunt, twenty-one-year-old psychic Tatum Torabi has been sneaking away to sell curses and plagues in the underground, a black market known for illegal and supernatural wares.
Tatum’s unique abilities catch the attention of a hella-creepy trash peddler who offers her a job tracking down people who owe his boss “a favor.” She couldn’t be less interested, but when she refuses, the company forces her compliance by threatening the lives of the only family she has left.
Because tracking barely scratches the surface of what they really want from her. There’s a reason Tatum is so good at making curses, and they want her to use those skills for a much darker purpose.
No Rest for the Wicked is available on:
Amazon
Goodreads
Author Bio:
Krystal Jane Ruin is a writer of supernatural and paranormal fiction living in the Tennessee Valley. She can often be found knee deep in Sudoku, in a Youtube hole, or blogging about books, writing, and random things at www.krystalsquared.net.
No Rest for the Wicked by Krystal Jane Ruin
Since her release from the psychiatric facility and into the smothering guardianship of her aunt, twenty-one-year-old psychic Tatum Torabi has been sneaking away to sell curses and plagues in the underground, a black market known for illegal and supernatural wares.
Tatum’s unique abilities catch the attention of a hella-creepy trash peddler who offers her a job tracking down people who owe his boss “a favor.” She couldn’t be less interested, but when she refuses, the company forces her compliance by threatening the lives of the only family she has left.
Because tracking barely scratches the surface of what they really want from her. There’s a reason Tatum is so good at making curses, and they want her to use those skills for a much darker purpose.
No Rest for the Wicked is available on:
Amazon
Goodreads
Author Bio:
Krystal Jane Ruin is a writer of supernatural and paranormal fiction living in the Tennessee Valley. She can often be found knee deep in Sudoku, in a Youtube hole, or blogging about books, writing, and random things at www.krystalsquared.net.
May 3, 2017
Drabble Wednesday: Tears and Gods
Today on Drabble Wednesday, come cry with the Gods...
Consequence
Can one tear destroy the world?I gaze out at the rising tide. I never noticed before how dark the water is beneath the sea foam and the waves.Can sorrow bring annihilation?The wind is growing stronger. The trees along the shore are starting to bend, and the waves are turning to fury.Can one teardrop defile a sanctuary?Soon the flood will reach this place and I’ll drown with the rest of my world. The gods took their terrible revenge for my trespass, hunted me for tarnishing their sacred soil.So can one tear destroy the world?Yes.
~*~
The Drowned Book
“Shush now. Quiet child. Don’t cry.”“But, mother. I am afraid.”“Why, child? You are safe here.”“Can’t you hear the drumbeat of the rain and the persistent howl of the wind? The storms are coming.”“Oh, child, there are no storms on the horizon.”“But I can hear them. And the screams of the Drowned Book.”“The Drowned Book?” She gasps, and stares at her daughter in grief-stricken horror. “Only the...” A sob whispers into pity, a tear sliding down her cheek. “Only the damned hear that accused voice. The gods are coming for you, my child. Be afraid.”
~*~
Hubris
Mercy.How many times had they begged, shouted that word as his ax swung?Too many times to count.How many tears fell as he crushed their armies, as their fellow gods died?Enough to fill a sea, enough to drown a city.But they shed not one tear when they demanded tribute, watched their worshipers starve. They gave no mercy of their own, but wished it from him.Fools.He was their creature after all, fashioned from their discarded hearts and set loose to quell rebellion.Too bad for them his mind was his own.Now the gods scream.
© A. F. Stewart 2017 All Rights Reserved
Please Note: Drabble Wednesday will not be posted next week due to a spotlight for a new book release. It will return the following week.
Consequence
Can one tear destroy the world?I gaze out at the rising tide. I never noticed before how dark the water is beneath the sea foam and the waves.Can sorrow bring annihilation?The wind is growing stronger. The trees along the shore are starting to bend, and the waves are turning to fury.Can one teardrop defile a sanctuary?Soon the flood will reach this place and I’ll drown with the rest of my world. The gods took their terrible revenge for my trespass, hunted me for tarnishing their sacred soil.So can one tear destroy the world?Yes.
~*~
The Drowned Book
“Shush now. Quiet child. Don’t cry.”“But, mother. I am afraid.”“Why, child? You are safe here.”“Can’t you hear the drumbeat of the rain and the persistent howl of the wind? The storms are coming.”“Oh, child, there are no storms on the horizon.”“But I can hear them. And the screams of the Drowned Book.”“The Drowned Book?” She gasps, and stares at her daughter in grief-stricken horror. “Only the...” A sob whispers into pity, a tear sliding down her cheek. “Only the damned hear that accused voice. The gods are coming for you, my child. Be afraid.”
~*~
Hubris
Mercy.How many times had they begged, shouted that word as his ax swung?Too many times to count.How many tears fell as he crushed their armies, as their fellow gods died?Enough to fill a sea, enough to drown a city.But they shed not one tear when they demanded tribute, watched their worshipers starve. They gave no mercy of their own, but wished it from him.Fools.He was their creature after all, fashioned from their discarded hearts and set loose to quell rebellion.Too bad for them his mind was his own.Now the gods scream.
© A. F. Stewart 2017 All Rights Reserved
Please Note: Drabble Wednesday will not be posted next week due to a spotlight for a new book release. It will return the following week.
May 2, 2017
Book Spotlight: The Other One
Today, I bring you a book spotlight on Amanda Jay's debut science fiction/steampunk novel, The Other One. Enjoy!
The Other One by Amanda Jay
Ezra Orson never intended to be a murderer, but he's on the brink of discovering something that will destroy not just his family, but the world as they know it. Tom has spent his whole life barely surviving in the Underbelly of a city that runs on cogs and cables. Felix is forced to leave the safety of his home to find a twin he never knew existed. Kaelyn wants to save a child. Onyx, a nation.
But for Mliss, a clockwork city, there is very little time left. A world like a spinning coin. Two sides - never the twain shall meet. Except for when the balance is disrupted and the delicate thread, which holds everything together, starts unravelling.
The world is spinning out of control now. The Twin Faced Gods are not happy. And someone needs to stop it.
The Other One is available at Amazon
And the book will be free for its initial launch, so be sure to check it out!
Author Bio:
Amanda Jay left her hometown in Colombo, Sri Lanka when she was 18, keen to travel the world and never return. After living in the Californian Bay Area and the British countryside, she is now eating her words back at her beautiful, sunny island.Amanda works as a corporate trainer, heads the communications department at her insurance startup, and spends an unfortunate amount of time daydreaming about when she can take a nap (there’s one scheduled for next summer, hopefully). The Other One is her first novel. She has no idea what her second novel will be about. But she intends to start working on it right after her nap.
The Other One by Amanda Jay
Ezra Orson never intended to be a murderer, but he's on the brink of discovering something that will destroy not just his family, but the world as they know it. Tom has spent his whole life barely surviving in the Underbelly of a city that runs on cogs and cables. Felix is forced to leave the safety of his home to find a twin he never knew existed. Kaelyn wants to save a child. Onyx, a nation.
But for Mliss, a clockwork city, there is very little time left. A world like a spinning coin. Two sides - never the twain shall meet. Except for when the balance is disrupted and the delicate thread, which holds everything together, starts unravelling.
The world is spinning out of control now. The Twin Faced Gods are not happy. And someone needs to stop it.
The Other One is available at Amazon
And the book will be free for its initial launch, so be sure to check it out!
Author Bio:
Amanda Jay left her hometown in Colombo, Sri Lanka when she was 18, keen to travel the world and never return. After living in the Californian Bay Area and the British countryside, she is now eating her words back at her beautiful, sunny island.Amanda works as a corporate trainer, heads the communications department at her insurance startup, and spends an unfortunate amount of time daydreaming about when she can take a nap (there’s one scheduled for next summer, hopefully). The Other One is her first novel. She has no idea what her second novel will be about. But she intends to start working on it right after her nap.
April 27, 2017
Book Spotlight: The Dread Lords Rising
Today I have a book spotlight for everyone, on the fantasy novel The Dread Lords Rising by J. David Phillips. Enjoy!
The Dread Lords Rising by J. David Phillips
Centuries ago, the human race was nearly crushed in its struggle to defeat the evil forces of Aboleth. Led by a powerful order known as the Valier, humankind prevailed, but at a terrible price. In their desperate attempt to achieve victory at any cost, the Valier fell and became a curse on civilization known as The Dread Lords. Time has passed. The world has moved on. The Lake Valleys of Sheridan has known peace for centuries. Only, for Niam Maldies, life has been anything but tranquil. All of his life he has been hounded by a gang of ruthless bullies; and to make matters worse, a year ago, his brother and sister died in a mysterious accident that left him reeling in pain. When Niam hears a mysterious Voice that leads him into a series of dangerous situations, he and his two best friends are set on a collision course with an evil sorcerer. As the three friends struggle to uncover the culprit behind a string of ghastly and supernatural murders, they discover a greater plot that may spell doom for their homeland. Now they must rely on the strength of their friendships if they are to survive, for they were born in fulfillment of a dire prophecy: The Dread Lords must rise once again if mankind is to survive its most ancient and implacable enemy.
The Dread Lords Rising is available on Amazon
Author Bio:
J. David Phillips lives in on the Atlantic coast in beautiful Southport, NC, where he currently divides his time between writing and working in the local school system. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a BA in English, and earned an MA in English from UNC Pembroke. The Sorcerer's Fury, sequel to The Dread Lords Rising, will be out by December 25th. I Scream of Genie, the first novel in the comic fantasy Demon's Playground series will be arriving on June 3rd.
The Dread Lords Rising by J. David Phillips
Centuries ago, the human race was nearly crushed in its struggle to defeat the evil forces of Aboleth. Led by a powerful order known as the Valier, humankind prevailed, but at a terrible price. In their desperate attempt to achieve victory at any cost, the Valier fell and became a curse on civilization known as The Dread Lords. Time has passed. The world has moved on. The Lake Valleys of Sheridan has known peace for centuries. Only, for Niam Maldies, life has been anything but tranquil. All of his life he has been hounded by a gang of ruthless bullies; and to make matters worse, a year ago, his brother and sister died in a mysterious accident that left him reeling in pain. When Niam hears a mysterious Voice that leads him into a series of dangerous situations, he and his two best friends are set on a collision course with an evil sorcerer. As the three friends struggle to uncover the culprit behind a string of ghastly and supernatural murders, they discover a greater plot that may spell doom for their homeland. Now they must rely on the strength of their friendships if they are to survive, for they were born in fulfillment of a dire prophecy: The Dread Lords must rise once again if mankind is to survive its most ancient and implacable enemy.
The Dread Lords Rising is available on Amazon
Author Bio:
J. David Phillips lives in on the Atlantic coast in beautiful Southport, NC, where he currently divides his time between writing and working in the local school system. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a BA in English, and earned an MA in English from UNC Pembroke. The Sorcerer's Fury, sequel to The Dread Lords Rising, will be out by December 25th. I Scream of Genie, the first novel in the comic fantasy Demon's Playground series will be arriving on June 3rd.
April 26, 2017
Drabble Wednesday: Silence
Today on Drabble Wednesday, travel with me past the noise, beyond the chatter into the eerie world of macabre silence...
Stares
Painted masks and mute tongues. That thought races in my brain as I stare at the three shrouded figures standing in judgement. In judgement? Yes, that’s how I feel. I know they wait for me at the end of this dark corridor, bathed in a soft blue light. I watch them, fear shuddering through my body. Why am I frightened? Perhaps because I feel compelled to move towards them. Perhaps I cower because I’m screaming, but no sound comes from my mouth. I don’t want to face them. Perhaps I fear my sins wait at the end of the corridor.
~*~
Depletion
It is peaceful here. In this empty room. Only four walls, a floor and a ceiling. Nothing else. Not even sound. Not even my own voice. Then again, it is hard to speak without a tongue. I lost that appendage somewhere along the way. I don’t remember where, or when. A few other parts are missing too. She took them, the little girl with black eyes. She appears sometimes and whispers in my ear. Her mouth never moves, but I hear her in my head. That’s when pieces of me go missing. I expect she’ll take all of me eventually.
~*~
Flawless
Welcome to the Perfect Metropolis! Welcome to Solaris!The flashing sign blinked noiselessly on the outskirts of the colony. A beacon leading into an urban sprawl of symmetrical spires and towers, all pristine silver and grey. Immaculate streets, no trash, no debris, no traffic.Blocks of apartment complexes, office buildings, city structures, municipal centers, hospitals, security headquarters, laid out in neat rows. All lifeless. But not empty.Robotic maintenance still moved, silent shadows doing their duty. Sweeping, cleaning, recycling the air. Keeping the oh so quiet city running.While the flesh of the colonists’ corpses slowly rotted from their bones.
© A. F. Stewart 2017 All Rights Reserved
Stares
Painted masks and mute tongues. That thought races in my brain as I stare at the three shrouded figures standing in judgement. In judgement? Yes, that’s how I feel. I know they wait for me at the end of this dark corridor, bathed in a soft blue light. I watch them, fear shuddering through my body. Why am I frightened? Perhaps because I feel compelled to move towards them. Perhaps I cower because I’m screaming, but no sound comes from my mouth. I don’t want to face them. Perhaps I fear my sins wait at the end of the corridor.
~*~
Depletion
It is peaceful here. In this empty room. Only four walls, a floor and a ceiling. Nothing else. Not even sound. Not even my own voice. Then again, it is hard to speak without a tongue. I lost that appendage somewhere along the way. I don’t remember where, or when. A few other parts are missing too. She took them, the little girl with black eyes. She appears sometimes and whispers in my ear. Her mouth never moves, but I hear her in my head. That’s when pieces of me go missing. I expect she’ll take all of me eventually.
~*~
Flawless
Welcome to the Perfect Metropolis! Welcome to Solaris!The flashing sign blinked noiselessly on the outskirts of the colony. A beacon leading into an urban sprawl of symmetrical spires and towers, all pristine silver and grey. Immaculate streets, no trash, no debris, no traffic.Blocks of apartment complexes, office buildings, city structures, municipal centers, hospitals, security headquarters, laid out in neat rows. All lifeless. But not empty.Robotic maintenance still moved, silent shadows doing their duty. Sweeping, cleaning, recycling the air. Keeping the oh so quiet city running.While the flesh of the colonists’ corpses slowly rotted from their bones.
© A. F. Stewart 2017 All Rights Reserved
April 22, 2017
Interview With Author David Malcolm
Today I have another great interview. This time author David Malcolm stops by to chat about his writing and his latest book, the spy thriller The German Messenger. Enjoy.
Interview with David Malcolm
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I was born and grew up in Aberdeen in the north east of Scotland. I went to the same school as Lord Byron did briefly over a hundred years earlier. I went to university in Aberdeen, Zürich, and London. I worked for a while in rural Oxfordshire. Then I went to Japan, Poland, and the USA. I lived in Poland for four years in the mid-1980s, and after six years in the USA I went back there in 1994. I’ve lived in Poland ever since in a little seaside resort called Sopot, near Gdańsk.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
The German Messengeris a spy thriller set mostly in England and Scotland in late 1916 and early 1917. There are sections that go back into the past and to continental Europe. The main character, Harry Draffen, is an agent of the British Empire who is asked to unravel a mysterious plot that the Central Powers seem to be weaving against Britain. He’s a clever but hugely damaged and embittered man, and in his investigations into the German plot he brings death and troubles with him everywhere.
Why did you decide to write in the spy thriller genre?
It’s all about lies, illusion, and betrayal. These seem to me to be what a lot of our lives are wrapped up in and made up of.
What is the hardest part of writing spy thriller fiction?
For me, it’s finding a plot that is complicated and credible enough. That’s because I’m more interested in setting, atmosphere, and character – both in the spy fiction that I write and that I read. But the demands of writing a good solid plot are much more difficult to meet than they were in, say, John Buchan’s day.
You write in several genres. Do you have a favourite? And if so, why?
I’ve been writing recently in lots of different genres and mostly short stories – crime, noir, supernatural, apocalyptic-future, Western, as well as thrillers. My favourite is, I suppose, the one that I’m writing just now. I like the possibilities that different genres lay out for you. You can go to the mean streets of LA one time, and to a post-apocalyptic England the next.
What was your inspiration?
The inspiration for The German Messenger is clear
What did you find most challenging about writing your book?
I find the time commitment required for writing a novel daunting. The novel gives you space to do all kinds of things. But it ties up years of your time – especially if you’re not a full-time writer. That’s why I like writing short stories. You finish them faster.
Did anything surprise you about the process of writing your book?
I was very surprised by some of the things that happened in the novel and what the characters did as I was writing it. Obviously that’s nonsense. I was writing it. I had the final word. But then a character would suddenly want to do something, and I would let him or her do it. It was very strange.
What’s your next project?
To finish the prequel to The German Messenger. I have part of it already. But there’s another section to be written, set in London, Paris, Lodz, and Reval (Tallinn) in 1908, involving anarhists, Tsarist agents, the Wilhelmstrasse, and the Bund (the Jewish workers’ organization). Then there’s all the other Draffen novels that are piling up in my mind. The Polish-Bolshevik War. Izmir/Smyrna. And a series of thrillers set in late 1940s and 1950s Europe with a Scottish secret agent digging into all the nastiness left over from the War. All I need is time.
You can find The German Messenger on Amazon
David Malcolm was born in Scotland. He was educated in Aberdeen, Zürich, and London.For over thirty years he has lived and worked in Japan, the USA, and Poland. He currently resides in Sopot, Poland. His collection of short fiction, Radio Moscow and Other Stories was published by Blackwitch Press in 2015.
Interview with David Malcolm
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I was born and grew up in Aberdeen in the north east of Scotland. I went to the same school as Lord Byron did briefly over a hundred years earlier. I went to university in Aberdeen, Zürich, and London. I worked for a while in rural Oxfordshire. Then I went to Japan, Poland, and the USA. I lived in Poland for four years in the mid-1980s, and after six years in the USA I went back there in 1994. I’ve lived in Poland ever since in a little seaside resort called Sopot, near Gdańsk.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
The German Messengeris a spy thriller set mostly in England and Scotland in late 1916 and early 1917. There are sections that go back into the past and to continental Europe. The main character, Harry Draffen, is an agent of the British Empire who is asked to unravel a mysterious plot that the Central Powers seem to be weaving against Britain. He’s a clever but hugely damaged and embittered man, and in his investigations into the German plot he brings death and troubles with him everywhere.
Why did you decide to write in the spy thriller genre?
It’s all about lies, illusion, and betrayal. These seem to me to be what a lot of our lives are wrapped up in and made up of.
What is the hardest part of writing spy thriller fiction?
For me, it’s finding a plot that is complicated and credible enough. That’s because I’m more interested in setting, atmosphere, and character – both in the spy fiction that I write and that I read. But the demands of writing a good solid plot are much more difficult to meet than they were in, say, John Buchan’s day.
You write in several genres. Do you have a favourite? And if so, why?
I’ve been writing recently in lots of different genres and mostly short stories – crime, noir, supernatural, apocalyptic-future, Western, as well as thrillers. My favourite is, I suppose, the one that I’m writing just now. I like the possibilities that different genres lay out for you. You can go to the mean streets of LA one time, and to a post-apocalyptic England the next.
What was your inspiration?
The inspiration for The German Messenger is clear
What did you find most challenging about writing your book?
I find the time commitment required for writing a novel daunting. The novel gives you space to do all kinds of things. But it ties up years of your time – especially if you’re not a full-time writer. That’s why I like writing short stories. You finish them faster.
Did anything surprise you about the process of writing your book?
I was very surprised by some of the things that happened in the novel and what the characters did as I was writing it. Obviously that’s nonsense. I was writing it. I had the final word. But then a character would suddenly want to do something, and I would let him or her do it. It was very strange.
What’s your next project?
To finish the prequel to The German Messenger. I have part of it already. But there’s another section to be written, set in London, Paris, Lodz, and Reval (Tallinn) in 1908, involving anarhists, Tsarist agents, the Wilhelmstrasse, and the Bund (the Jewish workers’ organization). Then there’s all the other Draffen novels that are piling up in my mind. The Polish-Bolshevik War. Izmir/Smyrna. And a series of thrillers set in late 1940s and 1950s Europe with a Scottish secret agent digging into all the nastiness left over from the War. All I need is time.
You can find The German Messenger on Amazon
David Malcolm was born in Scotland. He was educated in Aberdeen, Zürich, and London.For over thirty years he has lived and worked in Japan, the USA, and Poland. He currently resides in Sopot, Poland. His collection of short fiction, Radio Moscow and Other Stories was published by Blackwitch Press in 2015.
April 21, 2017
Interview With Author Mary Woldering
Today I have an interesting treat, a re-post of an author interview from Our Write Side with writer Mary Woldering. She is the author of the intriguing historical fantasy series, Children of Stone. Enjoy!
Interview With Author Mary Woldering
(Please note: Two of the questions, #9 and #19, have been slightly altered to adjust for the passage of time. None of the answers have been changed.)
1. How long have you been writing?
About the time I could write a sentence on paper. Poetry was first. Novels began at about age 14
2. What kind(s) of writing do you do?
Some poetry, but mostly novels. The genre is Historical Fantasy.
3. Why did you choose that particular field or genre?
It chose me. I have always looked at period in history and thought about “What if?” or found the offbeat stories and myths more interesting than the standard tales.
4. What inspires you?
My dreams and meditations inspire me. Life and people’s journey through life has always fascinated me. I am a chronicler of dreams.
5. Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing, etc. come from?
I can’t think of a specific place. I always loved adventure stories and theater. When I was older I discovered my father was a writer of mostly scientific articles. He self-published a few copies of a fiction series.
6. How do you find or make time to write?
I try to write every day. I can do more of it now that I am retired.
7. Do you write more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two? Summarize your writing process.
I write by intuition exclusively. There was a standing joke about me being all right brain and the antithesis of logic. I agree with that assessment.
8. How did you get to be where you are in your life today?
I lived and experienced life.
9. What are some of your latest projects?
Book 3 of my Children of Stone Series Opener of the Sky and a short story spin-off in the Steampunk genre that features two characters from the novels.
10. What process did you go through to get your work published?
Many years ago I tried traditional publishing but never sold a manuscript. In 2012 I discovered Indie Publishing and the following year published my first of the Children of Stone Series.
11. What is the hardest part of writing for you?
The mechanics and the revision are hard...Marketing is worse.
12. What do you enjoy most about writing? Share your favorite work.
Telling a good story with characters people can actually care about. My ONLY work so far is the Children of Stone Series...so yes that one.
13. What is the biggest thing people THINK they know about your subject/genre, that isn't true?
I have no idea what they think about the genre. As my stories deal with unconventional concepts of mythology and ancient history/culture/religion, some might find it hard to understand or might disagree with the worlds I build.
14. What is the most important thing that people DON'T know about your subject/genre, that they should? That it can include the paranormal, sci-fi, romance, and epic… It takes real history and actual historical figures and re-casts them in fantasy. So far, no actual person has risen from the grave to bother me about my depiction of them...yet.
15. For those interested in exploring the subject/theme of your work, where should they start? Study history, art and culture. Look at what exists from the literature of the day.
16. What are some ways in which you promote your writing? Do you find that these add or detract from your writing time?
Marketing ALWAYS cuts into my writing time. I wish I had the money to pay other people to do it. I try anything that isn’t illegal, immoral or fattening.
17. Who are some of your favorite authors? Robert E. Howard, Evangeline Walton, Joseph Campbell, Herman Melville. I love adventure, personal journey, mythology and legends.
18. What makes your writing stand out from the crowd? I have been told my writing is “very deep” and mystical; that it makes you think. I’ve been told that my characters are very, very real and that people care what happens to them.
19. What have you read recently?
The Lost Princess of Mona - Guy Donovan
20. What do you think is the future of reading/writing?
As long as there are stories to be told...
You can check out the Children of Stone series on Amazon.
And if you'd like to lend social media support to the Children of Stone Thunderclap, check it out here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/55697-voices-in-crystal-bk-1
Author Bio:
Mary R. Woldering is an author, artisan and art historian, devoted wife to Dr. Jackie Woldering, mother of two and grandmother of three. She lives in Euclid, OH
Interview With Author Mary Woldering
(Please note: Two of the questions, #9 and #19, have been slightly altered to adjust for the passage of time. None of the answers have been changed.)
1. How long have you been writing?
About the time I could write a sentence on paper. Poetry was first. Novels began at about age 14
2. What kind(s) of writing do you do?
Some poetry, but mostly novels. The genre is Historical Fantasy.
3. Why did you choose that particular field or genre?
It chose me. I have always looked at period in history and thought about “What if?” or found the offbeat stories and myths more interesting than the standard tales.
4. What inspires you?
My dreams and meditations inspire me. Life and people’s journey through life has always fascinated me. I am a chronicler of dreams.
5. Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing, etc. come from?
I can’t think of a specific place. I always loved adventure stories and theater. When I was older I discovered my father was a writer of mostly scientific articles. He self-published a few copies of a fiction series.6. How do you find or make time to write?
I try to write every day. I can do more of it now that I am retired.
7. Do you write more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two? Summarize your writing process.
I write by intuition exclusively. There was a standing joke about me being all right brain and the antithesis of logic. I agree with that assessment.
8. How did you get to be where you are in your life today?
I lived and experienced life.
9. What are some of your latest projects? Book 3 of my Children of Stone Series Opener of the Sky and a short story spin-off in the Steampunk genre that features two characters from the novels.
10. What process did you go through to get your work published?
Many years ago I tried traditional publishing but never sold a manuscript. In 2012 I discovered Indie Publishing and the following year published my first of the Children of Stone Series.
11. What is the hardest part of writing for you?
The mechanics and the revision are hard...Marketing is worse.
12. What do you enjoy most about writing? Share your favorite work.
Telling a good story with characters people can actually care about. My ONLY work so far is the Children of Stone Series...so yes that one.
13. What is the biggest thing people THINK they know about your subject/genre, that isn't true?
I have no idea what they think about the genre. As my stories deal with unconventional concepts of mythology and ancient history/culture/religion, some might find it hard to understand or might disagree with the worlds I build.
14. What is the most important thing that people DON'T know about your subject/genre, that they should? That it can include the paranormal, sci-fi, romance, and epic… It takes real history and actual historical figures and re-casts them in fantasy. So far, no actual person has risen from the grave to bother me about my depiction of them...yet.
15. For those interested in exploring the subject/theme of your work, where should they start? Study history, art and culture. Look at what exists from the literature of the day.
16. What are some ways in which you promote your writing? Do you find that these add or detract from your writing time?
Marketing ALWAYS cuts into my writing time. I wish I had the money to pay other people to do it. I try anything that isn’t illegal, immoral or fattening.
17. Who are some of your favorite authors? Robert E. Howard, Evangeline Walton, Joseph Campbell, Herman Melville. I love adventure, personal journey, mythology and legends.
18. What makes your writing stand out from the crowd? I have been told my writing is “very deep” and mystical; that it makes you think. I’ve been told that my characters are very, very real and that people care what happens to them.
19. What have you read recently?
The Lost Princess of Mona - Guy Donovan
20. What do you think is the future of reading/writing?
As long as there are stories to be told...
You can check out the Children of Stone series on Amazon.
And if you'd like to lend social media support to the Children of Stone Thunderclap, check it out here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/55697-voices-in-crystal-bk-1
Author Bio:
Mary R. Woldering is an author, artisan and art historian, devoted wife to Dr. Jackie Woldering, mother of two and grandmother of three. She lives in Euclid, OH
