Theresa Jacobs's Blog

A big thank you to Jill Girardi (Kandisha Press) and Andrea Broussard (Edith Garland Dupré Library, University of Louisiana at Lafayette) for championing women in horror and this massive book drive.

SCREAM FOR BOOKS – WOMEN IN HORROR BOOK DRIVE

Novelist and Screenwriter, Brian Fitzpatrick

Brian Fitzpatrick is the author of the bestselling science fiction trilogy, MECHCRAFT, and the
co-screenwriter for the upcoming science fiction film, THE SIMIAN TRIALS.
Fitzpatrick’s writing journey began at the age of seven after accidentally watching the horror
classic, Night of the Living Dead. After a week of sleepless nights, Fitzpatrick put pen to paper
and has been creating tales of wonder and terror ever since.
Fitzpatrick grew up on Spielberg, Carpenter, Lucas, Cronenberg, King, Rice, Koontz, and Barker.
Science fiction and horror are in his DNA.
His bestselling novel series, MECHCRAFT, has been dubbed The Matrix meets Harry Potter with
a dose of Terminator violence.
Industrial rock band, Chemical Straightjacket, wrote and released a song based on Mechcraft’s
villain, Sasha and her maniacal ruthlessness. The song, “Tendril and Blade,” is the title track
from their 2021 release, Dark Progression: https://chmclstr8jkt.bandcamp.com/track/tendril-and-blade

Recently, his new scifi horror short story, Deus Ex Synthetica, was published in the Blood
Fiction v2 anthology.
His current project is a commission to write an epic fantasy adventure novel set in the
upcoming Dungeons & Dragons campaign, The Black Ballad.
Fitzpatrick navigates Hollywood and the fiction world with hope and perseverance, and a dose
of strategic marketing to push his writing career to new heights.
When he’s not writing, Fitzpatrick enjoys investigating the paranormal with his wife and their
team.
Fitzpatrick enjoys engaging with an audience in person and online, and talking shop over coffee

Author interview with Brian

At what point did you decide to be an author and what was your path to publication?

I’ve been writing stories since age 7, but I got serious about making this a career about a dozen years ago. I originally focused solely on screenwriting, having a lifelong love of cinema. My scripts performed well in competitions and got me meetings with agents and studios, but fell short of a sale. So I converted my most popular script, Mechcraft, into a novel with the goal of gaining enough book sales to grab the attention of Hollywood to get the story made into a film.

When it came to publication, I debated between traditional or self. This was back in 2016, so self-publication was fairly new and held many obstacles that have since been removed. I went the traditional route, but I knew none of the major players would take on an unknown author. I sought out indie publishers, and quickly found one. The first edition of Mechcraft was released in 2018.

By 2020 I decided to part ways with this publisher and seek out a new one that could help further my career goals. I utilized social media- Facebook groups and LinkedIn mainly, and the querytracker site for their massive database of publishers and agents. I was working on the sequel novel, and the publisher I had hoped to get not only wanted to publish this sequel, but also re-release the original Mechcraft.

Black Rose Writing decided to launch both books on May 4, 2021. But in January 2021 they had an unexpected opening to release a book in November of 2021. They asked if I had a manuscript ready to go. At that time I only had the outline for book 3, but I took a huge risk and told them I’d have book 3 ready by their deadline.

I wrote every available moment for 5 weeks straight, had my editor work her magic, then I gave it one final edit before turning in the manuscript on the eve of the deadline. In the end, Black Rose Writing published all 3 novels in the Mechcraft trilogy in 2021.

Tell us what you enjoy most about writing SCIENCE FICTION / HORROR.

My first encounter with horror was accidentally watching the classic, Night of the Living Dead. After getting past my nightmares I developed a love for the scares. Then growing up in the 80’s with the epic scifi and horror books and movies of the era, it seemed inevitable the genres would become part of me.

What I love most is the escapism. I love to take readers and viewers into worlds they’ve never experienced, full of wonders, adventure, and terror.

Describe your [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

Mechcraft: sentient nanotechnology, warring factions, teen singularity, ruthless villain, scifi action

Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Have an honest conversation with yourself and ask how badly do you want to publish a novel, sell a script, or make a career out of writing. Dedicate the time to learn the craft and practice. Write when you can and cut yourself slack when you’re not able to meet your own goals. A professional editor is worth every penny, but do your due diligence when researching them. And lastly, perseverance is vital: never give up.

What is your favorite line from your book?

“It’s hard to be an angel unless you’ve been a demon first.” –Sasha, Mechcraft: Disruption, book 2

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

For the past 17 years I’ve enjoyed investigating the paranormal with my wife and our team. I also love to cook- especially Jambalaya.

https://linktr.ee/BrianFitzpatrickAuthor

Opps, I’ve been too busy for FB and here I am in a final 5 showdown, please vote!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199211926755548

The Alien Buddha’s 2023 Horror Showdown Final 5

Live with Horror Author Edmund Stone

Here’s the recording of my live chat with Edmund Stone, author or Within a three part horror. Learn about the new release, upcoming projects, where he’ll be live and in person and so much more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAmByWzIaqA&t=646s

Stalk him here and find all his work! https://linktr.ee/edmundstoneauthor?

Happy Goat Horror review

The Cimmerians – by Theresa Jacobs – Book Review

Author interview with mystery, suspense, and romance author Tammy Mack.

Austin Hart is a good guy, with bad boy intentions. At what point did you decide to be an author and what was your path to publication?

I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a  little kid. I actually won an award for a story about a puppy I wrote in second grade, I got to read my story to the principal and everything. I enjoy different kinds of writing as well. In high school I was big into poetry writing. I have also written song lyrics.

I have only found Amazon self publishing. I’ve never even tried getting a real publishing company involved because I don’t even know where to start.

What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?

I usually will at least write the idea down. Sometimes I will write down what has come to me in full and will stop once the idea has completed itself and return to my other work.

Who is your favorite character to write, and why is that person your favorite? If picking a favorite character would be like picking a favorite child, which character seems to be the most demanding or your attention and detail as a writer?

I don’t know if I have a favorite. All the characters I’ve written are so different in personality. I do know that my main male character in my Hart & Michaels series are kind of difficult to deal with. He’s a reformed bad boy, so if an emotional scene comes up it’s hard to tell how he would react in that situation.

Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?

I am organic. I hate planning out stories, it causes writer’s block for me. I need a story to be able to grow naturally. I need the character’s to be able to tell their story.

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

Allison Brennan, Iris Johansson, Nicholas Sparks, Lisa Jackson, Karen Harper, Vince Flynn

Tell us what you enjoy most about writing .

While I’ve dabbled a lot in other genres, mystery/thriller with some romance thrown in is my main genre. I love being able to twist and weave the plot enough to throw people off. To make them think “oh this has to be the bad guy” and switch it up but in a believable way. I also like surprising people with why a bad guy has done what he has done. I don’t like cop out storyline that you can see a mile away

What have you found to be most challenging about writing mystery?

While it is my favorite part, it’s also difficult to continue to find ways to shake up a storyline in a mystery and it feel real.

Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?

The two main characters in my new book series are polar opposites of each other, and neither are like me. They might have some qualities I share, but I rarely write a character that I identify with.

Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?

The main objective of the book is that no one’s personality or life in general is set at eighteen. The book involves the “good girl” Anna Michaels, “bad boy” Austin Hart, but you will quickly realize that Anna isn’t necessarily the good girl you think she is, and Austin isn’t the bad guy you think he is. But in the world we live in today people think that who you are when you graduate high school or start college, that your personality is set, but any number of things can change your thoughts and beliefs over time.

What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The toughest was when I first started writing for real, not school based stuff, and I didn’t know much about formation and stuff, I had someone tell me my writing was completely unreadable. I almost gave up at that point.

The nicest is that a review I got on Amazon saying that my description of the town that I was writing about was just vivid enough to allow them to visualize the town, without being overbearing.

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

Easy. The last chapter I wrote for the second book. It was a small sex scene and I always get flustered writing that kind of stuff. It caused bad writer’s block.

What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?

It depends on the book. The one I’m writing Austin isn’t setting any bar for being perfect. I think Austin is like a real life man, in that he accepts he’s not perfect and has commitment issues in the past that has branded him a bad boy.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

I get a scary amount of writer’s block. Mostly when working on genre’s I’m not used to. I’m having trouble with my second book because I had to plan it out a bit more for everything to come together correctly and make sense. It’s not allowing for my organic brand of writing and its getting me stuck.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I like doing different things on the computer. I build websites and create art with photoshop. Listening to music, watching movies and TV shows. Hanging out with my cat.

I have two book series out. The first one, which I completed a few years back is titled The Black River Chronicles. It’s a four part novella series, and the first thing I ever published. It’s about a small town detective Sabrina Conklin, and her new partner fresh from New York City with a giant chip on his shoulder, Luke Cobb. The sheriff that runs the station that Sabrina works at is also her ex. Sabrina and Luke solve murders, kidnappings, disappearances and the attraction between themselves.

My newest book series is The Hart & Michaels series. It follows Austin Hart, bad boy extraordinaire, and Anna Michaels, the good girl who helps her grandfather run a ranch that helps reform young men from the bad boy who is on their way to prison, to a semi self respecting young men that happen to fall for young, good girl ranch hands. Along the way Austin and Anna realize their pasts aren’t so different than what they originally thought and have to band together to solve the mystery of what really happened to their families before they become the next victims.

Find all Tammy’s work here https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B014BEJQXM/allbooks

Did you change your Facebook image to this for a week? Or even a day?

Are you against cancelling a writer’s career, having them shunned from society, and raked over the coals for writing fiction? Then here is where you can show your support.

Pre-Order 666 Flags anthology and all proceeds go towards funding legal aid for authors in need. The copies will come to you direct from the publisher and not Amazon! Show your support for the indie horror community because you never know next time it could be you.

https://www.psychotoxin.com/product-page/666-flags-a-fundraising-anthology

Spicy Romance on Kindle Vella

Set in 1990, Heather sets off to the country to find her brother, who mysteriously stopped calling. Unfortunately, she breaks down just outside of his town and meets a gorgeous tow truck driver and his stunning twin sister. She finds herself drawn to these beautiful people and becomes TORN between them.

Read Episode One Now https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0CB77K8RR

Like and Follow for more, you never know what will happen next! https://theresajcbs.wixsite.com/authorpage

Live Chat Right Now with Author David Kummer

Hi everyone, why am I telling you about this Live Chat now? Because it’s happening NOW and if you get this you can join in. I mean who likes getting a link weeks in advance and then completely forgets about it? I don’t! And if you are busy and not receiving this email until after the live, you’re ahead of the game because now you can watch the interview already completed.

I’m chatting today with David Kummer on his new series, The House On The Hill Book 1 : The Misery House. Grab a copy below and come see what all the fuss is about.

No time now? Save it and come back anytime! LIVE HERE

PRE ORDER TODAY – RELEASES JULY 7th

Follow David and find all his information below.

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A New Selection of Free or Sale Books -don’t miss out!

FREE Monstrous (book one) 6/30 to 7/4
Hoarfrost (book two) is 99c Sanguine (book three) is a new release $3.99

Books by Angel Van Atta below Pre Order 0.00 -other titles .99c – $2.99 click to see more https://www.amazon.com/stores/Angel-Van-Atta/author/B0B57FDMPY?r

Read more: A New Selection of Free or Sale Books -don’t miss out! $2.99

George Adamczyk $1.99 or Free with KU Click for more. https://www.amazon.com/Minds-Wandering-Souls-George-Adamczyk-ebook/dp/B07ZNBRR3Y/

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Jamie F Kort A Puppet Scorned .50 c On GODLESS click image or .99c on amazon below

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Daemen Manx The Dead Girl PERMA FREE ON GODLESS

LB Stimson $1.99 – $2.99 Free with KU

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Free KU until Mid July – Most EBooks Less than 3$

You can never go wrong with GODLESS! Always Freebies or Discounts to be had. There is something for all horror lovers here, not only the extreme, check it out! https://godless.com/?fbclid=IwAR1tiF_M5l2w9NaK-o7YrDabHeeTPX3i6BWdJl-fGYxTu2ynv4KVyYO6EDU