Steve Stred's Blog, page 25

3Q’s – Ryan Meyer accepts he’s no Prefontaine!

Another 3Q’s with another author I’m hoping people will discover and read! That’s been the goal of 3Q’s since the very first one way back in 2022 – no matter whether a first time author or a best-seller!

Today’s 3Q’s is with the always fun Ryan Meyer!

Welcome Ryan!

Steve: What does your process look like once you finish your first draft? Do you immediately dive back into it, or do you take some time away?

Ryan: I usually take some time away, especially since a lot of what I write is poetry. It’s also nice to take some time and come back with a refreshed set of eyes. Often, I’ll think of a piece differently after the fact than I did initially. With longer prose, it depends on the piece! I’m working on more short stories now, my most recent being included in the upcoming HorrorScope: A Zodiac Anthology, so the process has proven to be different than I’m used to. Definitely a different ball game, but exciting, nonetheless.

Steve: You win a very prestigious award and are invited to receive it. The award is a bronze plated copy of the book that means the most to you in your life. What book is it and why?

Ryan: That is so tough! I’m torn, but maybe ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King. Like many authors who write horror, I’ve read King for so long, and ‘Salem’s Lot was one that truly scared me—you know the window scene. At the time, that type of more mature writing opened my eyes to being scared in different ways, much deeper than surface level. The poet in me wants to choose a collection of poetry, but King has basically been a favorite of mine since the start of my writing journey.

Steve: Of the books or stories you’ve released, which is your personal favorite and why?

Ryan: Both of my books, Haunt and Tempest, are so different from each other, as are the individual pieces I’ve had published. I’d have to say my most recent full collection of poems, Tempest, is my favorite of mine, because it encompasses so much of who I am, and even thought I don’t classify it in the horror genre, there are still a few pieces in there that cross that line of fear, unease, & the unknown. You can take the writer out of horror, but you can’t take horror out of the writer!

Steve: Bonus Fun Question – You’re on a camping trip when suddenly a wild animal confronts you. You take off running and it follows. What animal are you confident in thinking you could outrun?

Ryan: In most cases I would be animal chow… Maybe a beaver? We can make it a gnarly wild monster beaver for intensity, but I would hope I could outrun a beaver. I’m no Prefontaine. Let’s hope my background in outdoor adventure publishing could help me survive.

Steve: Oh, good answer! The only thing would be if the beaver had set a course of downed trees beforehand to slow you up! They’re crafty!

Thanks so much for doing this!

To find more of Ryan’s work – check the links!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ryan-Meyer/author/B07B3YSSV8

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustATwinge

Website: https://www.nothingpeak.com/

Book Review: Birds in the Black Water by Kodie Van Dusen

Title: Birds in the Black Water

Author: Kodie Van Dusen

Release date: September 22, 2022

Huge thanks to Kodie for sending me a digital copy of this novel!

I’m always keen to discover and see what other Canadian authors are creating, and especially love it when they’re new-to-me authors!

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one. The synopsis holds this line; ‘Neviah has seen the Other Side since she was a child, a dark world trapped somewhere between past and present where shadowy creatures ominously keep watch.’ I mean, c’mon! If that line doesn’t have you excited to dive in, I don’t know what will. I’m a huge fan of portal horror, whether characters physically entering into another realm or able to travel there subconsciously, so knowing that was a potential, I was ready to go!

What I liked: The novel follows our main character, Neviah, who struggles with her life following the death of her brother. The two were linked together, as siblings and creatively and now, her relationship with her mom is at an all-time low and she holds her family at a distance.

One thing you should know going in is this line here, also in the synopsis; ‘Birds in the Black Water is dark, paranormal drama at its best.’ Paranormal drama is a spot on description of this one. Don’t expect buckets of blood, gore central and rapid fire scenes. Instead, Van Dusen takes her time moving the chess pieces across the board.

The novel itself is drenched with grief and sorrow (especially considering the introduction of the ‘why’ this book was written) and that sentiment will definitely create a number of lumps to grow in the readers throat. At times, this book is frankly devastating, a kick to the heart and a kick to the shins.

The ending works really nicely, seeing a number of questions answered and giving us the briefest glimpse of sunlight.

What I didn’t like: It did take a bit longer than I expected to kind of get into Neviah and what she can do/what happens around her. I would’ve loved it if we opened with a bang and then had a conservative return to it, just so we know what is coming and what it is we’re in for.

Why you should buy this: While ‘Birds in the Black Water’ is a somber affair, it is really elegantly written and moves along at a respectable pace, not too fast and not too slow. We get to really learn these characters and determine so much about why they do things and what it is they’re willing to do, or how far they’re willing to go.

This was such a solid, emotional filled novel.

4/5

3Q’s – Samuel M. Hallam and the art of dodging the question!

Today’s 3Q’s is with an author who I connected with over on Instagram some time ago!

Samuel M. Hallam has been working diligently on destroying his readers.

Because of that very reason – I knew I had to have him come do a 3Q’s!

Please welcome Samuel!

Steve: What does your process look like once you finish your first draft? Do you immediately dive back into it, or do you take some time away?

Samuel: I used to dive straight back into it and edit right after the first draft was over, but now I’m changing my approach and taking a few weeks away after the first draft. Mostly so I forget part of the story and I have fresh eyes when I return, rather than the story grinding on at me, and that sort of “when will it end?!” sensation hanging over me.

Steve: What’s the one thing you’d change now if you’d have known it when you started writing?

Samuel: I’d have given myself more time with “Haunted Souls” for a couple of things looking back. Mostly, a better title, as it was a working title, that I never changed and to rewrite or expand some areas of the story. A lot of people have noted in reviews they wanted more from the book, so that is something I have thought about when looking back. I might reboot it one day, we shall see.

Steve: Of the books or stories you’ve released, which is your personal favourite and why?

Samuel: That is an evil question. I have three answers to give really. “All Hail The Coral Queen!” was my first publication, and first time I felt like I was an “author”, because I was published at last. That might sound odd, but it is how I felt at the time. “Haunted Souls” as it was my first solo release, and I am proud of how it’s done, albeit with some regrets. Lastly, I am really proud of “Project Jotunheim” which was a team-up with Andrew Jackson. It’s a really fun and exciting story, and one that I am really proud of.

Steve: Bonus Fun Question – Would you rather be lost at sea or in the mountains?

Samuel: Mountains. With the seas, you’re exposed a lot more, and there is so many more risks than being stuck on a mountain. Although, if possible, I’d rather be lost on neither.

Steve: I think most people would choose neither, but I respect the thought process used to dodge answering, haha!

Thank you so much, Samuel! To find more of his work – check the links!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Samuel-M.-Hallam/author/B0B2M4QN2H

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/still_reading_sam/

3Q’s Special – In which Michael Clark forgets about the Ninja Turtles!

Over the last few years, today’s Special 3Q’s guest has rightly earned the nickname (or is it moniker now?) of The King of Swag. Michael Clark is known just as much for his books, as he is for the delicious goodies sent throughout the reading community. From stickers, bookmarks, cups, shirts and so much more, Michael has used his swag to promote his work and get people excited.

With his newest novel, ‘Hell on High,’ about to drop through Brigids Gate Press, it seemed like the perfect time to have Michael over for a 3Q’s!

(Note – due to some Amazon issues – please follow this link for Hell on High – https://brigidsgatepress.com/product/hell-on-high)

Welcome Michael!

Steve: What does your process look like once you finish your first draft? Do you immediately dive back into it, or do you take some time away?

MC: I keep at it because I find it hard, in general, to get to my desk and write. By the time my first draft is done, I’ve ALREADY taken too much time away!

Steve: You win a very prestigious award and are invited to receive it. The award is a bronze plated copy of the book that means the most to you in your life. What book is it and why?

MC: Are you trying to trick me into damning my soul by naming something other than the Bible, Steve? I’m not a “holy roller,” but I believe in God, so other than the Bible, I’d say “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris. (Runner-ups: “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton and “The Shining” by Stephen King. I read all of these before the movies came out).

Steve: Of the books or stories you’ve released, which is your personal favorite and why?

MC: I’d have to say “The Patience of a Dead Man (Book One)” because of 1) the divorce element, 2) the “alone in a haunted house” element, and 3) the house and property in which it is set. I lived there as a kid, so writing about it was vivid and nostalgic.

Steve: Bonus Fun Question – You’re on a camping trip when suddenly a wild animal confronts you. You take off running and it follows. What animal are you confident in thinking you could outrun?

MC: Oh, that’s easy. If it is anything other than a turtle, I’m dead meat!

Steve: Haha, great answer! Unless of course it was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle!

Thanks again for doing this, Mike!

To find more of his work, check the links!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michael-Clark/author/B07QZBP4SN

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikeclarkbooks

Website: https://sleek.bio/michaelclarkbooks

3Q’s – T.J. Tranchell and the great gravel fake out!

Another super fun 3Q’s today with the always loveable TJ Tranchell! We connected some time back over on Twitter and it’s been great seeing his new releases come out and continue to attract more and more readers!

Please, do welcome TJ!

Steve: What does your process look like once you finish your first draft? Do you immediately dive back into it, or do you take some time away?

TJ: I tend to let short stories sit, mostly because I rarely know exactly what do to with them. I’ve only done a couple to meet requests, so I have the time to let them linger. For my three published novellas, I’ve turned into a revise as I go, so once I hit THE END, they tend to be done, but I will go back and see if I missed anything. Time wise, it’s more a matter of what else I’m doing rather than a certain length of time.

Steve: Do you believe cryptozoological creatures exist? If so, which one do you think has the best chance of being proven to exist?

TJ: There are places in the world that still not fully explored, so I certainly believe in the possibility of cryptids. My favorite is chupacabra, but I think we are more likely to discover a deep sea creature that we’ve never seen.

Steve: Of the books or stories you’ve released, which is your personal favorite and why?

TJ: That’s always a tough question. I think my newest, THE LAMENTATIONS OF BLACKHAWK, is my favorite. Not just because it’s the newest, but because it’s the one that is the most genuinely mine. It’s the one that sounds the most like me, the one that is purely me and not an homage to something else. That also makes it the hardest to compare to other books. There are experimental aspects to it that I think are successful but that I doubted along the way. It’s the book that most matches me at this moment in my life.

Steve: Bonus Fun Question – What was the best practical joke you’ve ever been involved in?

TJ: I still had some leftover fake blood when April Fool’s Day rolled around when I was in sixth grade. For PE, we would run around a huge field and one part of the run was over gravel. The gravel portion was also the farthest point away from where the teacher stood. When I got there, I bent down, spread the fake blood over my forearm then covered it with gravel. Then I screamed and ran back to the teacher and told her I fell. She bought it and I only revealed the joke once we were on the way to the school nurse.

Steve: Haha! Love it. That’s great!

Thank you so much, TJ!

To find more of his work – check the links!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/T.J.-Tranchell/author/B01B75XFSA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TJ_Tranchell

Website: https://tjtranchell.net/

3Q’s – P.A. Sheppard shares his bare necessities!

Really great 3Q’s today with the always awesome Paul Sheppard!

Paul continues to destroy his legion of fans with his dark fiction!

Super happy to have him stop by today!

Welcome Paul!

Steve: What does your process look like once you finish your first draft? Do you immediately dive back into it, or do you take some time away?

Paul: That depends on the story really, with novellas, I tend to dive straight into the edits. With full-length novels, I like to let them sit for a month or two before making any major changes. It’s worth mentioning that I write all my first drafts with pen and paper, then make some minor adjustments when I type them up. I enjoy writing by hand because it feels more creative, but the editing process is much easier on a computer screen.

Steve: Do you believe cryptozoological creatures exist? If so, which one do you think has the best chance of being proven to exist?

Paul: I want to believe. I think a lot of cryptid stories stem from sightings of unknown creatures or medical conditions that could be explained with modern science but were unexplainable at the time. I also think that there are a lot of places that have yet to be explored and could easily harbour fantastic creatures, especially in the deep oceans. I’m particularly fascinated by the once-human creatures that appear in multiple cultures across the globe, things like vampires and zombies. I think the crypto zoological creatures from the deep are most likely to be found and accepted as real. Maybe Megalodon or a giant kraken-like quid.

Steve: Of the books or stories you’ve released, which is your personal favorite and why?

Paul: 100% The Nightcrawler. I had the idea burning away in the back of my mind for a long time, but I was in a bit of a writing slump until I saw Aphotic Realm’s submission call with a rapidly approaching deadline. That deadline was the motivation I needed to step away from the problematic novel I was working on and write the shorter horror novella that had been distracting me.

I put a lot of myself into that book, and the people who know me well all say they can see it in a particular character. The interesting thing is that I self-inserted myself as a different character to the one everyone assumes is me. Even the old 4×4 in the story is based on the Land Rover I lived in for a while when I was travelling.

Steve: Bonus Fun Question – What was the best practical joke you’ve ever been involved in?

Paul: I once told my mountaineering friends that I couldn’t get the time off work to meet them in Poland for our next trip but explained that they should go without me. After planning the prank with one friend who promised not to tell the others, I booked a flight to get there a day before them. During the first night in the woods near Zakopane, I paid a visit to their campsite while playing bear noises on my phone. One of them was in on the prank, so I knew no one had a firearm, and confidently stomped around their hammocks for ten minutes before switching the soundtrack to the bare necessities song from the jungle book. Can you believe they swore at me?

Steve: Haha, that is fantastic! Love that!

Thank you so much, Paul!

To find more of his work, check the links!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/writingnomad999

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/P-A-Sheppard/author/B0BRJFL4GY

Website: https://paulsheppardwrites.wixsite.com/an-eye-for-knowledge

Book Review: Hell on High by Michael Clark

Title: Hell on High

Author: Michael Clark

Release date: March 15, 2023

Huge thanks to Michael for sending me a digital ARC of this one!

Michael Clark is the author of the The Patience of a Dead Man series, a trilogy of novels that own, all of them on my Kindle, but have yet managed to get to any of them. My good pal, George, has told me to read them close to a dozen times, but like many of you out there, my TBR is a mile high and I’m hoping to get to them shortly (like within a year or so… haha!).

‘Hell on High’ caught my interest (not from the fantastically ominous cover art) but from the climbing synopsis. As you’ll be aware, I’m a huge fan of wilderness based dark fiction. But I also love watching/reading non-fiction set in the wilderness. Extreme athlete documentaries and works such as ‘Into Thin Air’ by Jon Krakauer. There’s been a few horror novels I’ve read that deal with high-up mountain stuff, ‘Ararat’ by Christopher Golden and ‘The Mourner’s Cradle: A Widow’s Journey’ by Tommy B. Smith, so I was really intrigued with what Michael was going to do.

What I liked: The story follows two characters before their plots become interwoven. We have Juliana, who discovers the truth of her father and is whisked away to the US in the hopes of being safe and finding a way to get her sister out of South America as well, and Patrick, a douchebag, spoiled son of dentist’s. He himself is now also a dentist, but being a total dick, he likes to travel and spend money as though it grows on trees.

Their worlds intersect when Juliana, now having changed her name, meets Patrick in the US. Patrick has returned after being detained in Greece, the results of him letting his girlfriend die while on a hiking trip. He tries to play it off as though he desperately attempted to help her, but the evidence is stacked against him and without his parents paying off the government officials, he’d still be in jail.

Juliana is constantly worried about her father catching her. One big aspect of this is his connection to black magick and it works well to keep a growing sense of dread. No matter the distance she puts between them, she knows he has the ability to find her.

When Patrick and Juliana go to Everest, things really ramp up another level and we get some wonderful environmental revenge/supernatural elements that leak in and show just how much doing wrong to someone can get you in deep water over your head.

Clark does a great job of keeping these two at polar opposites of who the readers will side with, while also having us desperately want things to work out very differently than you can expect it to happen.

The ending is a blast, it rips along and I really loved seeing the tides turn and the various elements get wrapped up.

What I didn’t like: I spend an awful lot of time on Twitter and interacting there. With that in mind, I found myself constantly pulled out of the realm of the story with the significant amount of characters named after people I interact with a lot. It made it hard to suspend some disbelief in parts because all I could picture was the real life person. I know some people don’t mind, but for me it was a tougher aspect to ignore throughout.

Secondly, I know Michael has discussed his usage of short chapters before, but this is a roughly 225 page book with 225 chapters. At times the shorter chapters worked to slow the pace in places it would’ve been great to have it ramp up.

Why you should buy this: This has a ton of elements that’ll have dark fiction fans happy. We get some great characters, tons of back story and ‘why’s’ over various actions and of course a ton of action involving the outdoors and mountains. Clark has really delivered a fun read, one that definitely does the cover art justice.

Really engaging read.

4/5

https://brigidsgatepress.com/product/hell-on-high

3Q’s – Tyler Wright and the case of the wrong car!

One thing I’ve learned through this entire 3Q’s interview series, is that I’ve managed to connect with so many amazing authors – from folks who’re about to release their first book – to internationally recognized and best-selling authors. It’s been great seeing the processes of all of them, and today’s is no exception. With his debut novel now out in the world, I’m super happy to have Tyler join me today!

Welcome Tyler!

Steve: What does your process look like once you finish your first draft? Do you immediately dive back into it, or do you take some time away?

Tyler: As I write the first draft, I make notes of scenes and moments that are especially weak, or if there are major changes that occur to me (a new beginning, introducing a new character or subplot, etc.). I always force myself to finish the first draft, so I have something to work off of, but after it is done I compile all my notes and sit down to replan. I’m a big planner and listen to the playlist I have made for that novel as I write and plan to get into the mindset for that story.

Steve: Do you believe cryptozoological creatures exist? If so, which one do you think has the best chance of being proven to exist?

Tyler: I don’t, I am a fairly skeptical person, but I really hope Bigfoot is real. As a Coloradan, there are a lot of references to him in the state (Them? It’s supposed to be a species, right?) and also since cultures across the world have similar stories, I think it would be cool if there was some truth behind all the legends.

Steve: Of the books or stories you’ve released, which is your personal favorite and why?

Tyler: I am currently working on my debut novel! (Steve’s note – it is now out!) However, I am also proud of this one. I really think it’s a good story and I have put a lot of effort into it. Think of it as a character driven SciFi political thriller with a dash of military SciFi elements. Dune meets Red Rising, for two easy comps.

Steve: Bonus Fun Question – What was the best practical joke you’ve ever been involved in?

Tyler: I had an old teammate who went camping for his birthday. When he was gone, we called his very fun dad and asked for help pranking him. His dad told us where he went to camp so found his car, covered it in condoms and tampons, and then discovered the day he got back that the person next to his site had the same car and we put them on their car instead!

Steve: Oh man haha! That is hilarious! Wonder how long it took you to clean it up! Reminds me of the episode where Homer’s car gets covered in seashells and starfish on The Simpsons!

Thanks so much for doing this, Tyler!

To follow along – check the links!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Writer_Wright12

Website: https://www.writer-wright.com/

3Q’s – Michael R. Collins and the joke that didn’t stick!

3Q’s today is with Texan, Michael R. Collins!

Michael continues to creep out his ever-growing legion of readers and it was with that in mind that we connected! I’m super happy to have him stop by today!

Welcome Michael!

Steve: What does your process look like once you finish your first draft? Do you immediately dive back into it, or do you take some time away?

MC: Once the first draft is done, I like to set is aside and let it rest. I feel it’s important to approach each draft with fresher eyes. This way I can catch issues with story and add nuances that I planned on but forgot to on the first pass. Depending on what other projects are in the works, I might let it sit for a few days to a few weeks.

…And sometimes I’m kinda excited about it and just barrel right back into it immediately.

Steve: Do you believe cryptozoological creatures exist? If so, which one do you think has the best chance of being proven to exist?

 MC: I’ve never really been one for cryptids. They’re fun to read about and write stories of, but I don’t think they are real.  That being said, I’m open to the possibility. It’s a weird, wide world out there and who knows what other surprises it has.

I guess from my time living in Texas, I secretly hold out for the existence of the chupacabra. He’s and ornery, goat eating sonofagun, and I appreciate that about him.

Steve: Of the books or stories you’ve released, which is your personal favorite and why?

MC: It’s hard to pick favorites. But I suppose if I were to single one out it is my first novel, Night Shall Overtake.  Not only is it my first but that book is the reason I met my partner. If she hadn’t have read it and we started talking about it, life wouldn’t be as wonderful as it is today. (Yes, I’m sappy like that.)

Also, it’s just such a fun story. I enjoyed writing it and the world I created. With some luck, I’ll have a sequel written for it’s tenth anniversary next year.

Steve: Bonus Fun Question – What was the best practical joke you’ve ever been involved in?

MC: I’m drawing a blank on this one. Guess the jokes weren’t that good. Lol.

Steve: It happens to the best of us!

Thanks so much for doing this, Michael!

To find more of his work – check the links!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michael-R.-Collins/author/B00LV3RZF8

Website: https://michaelrcollins.wordpress.com/

Book Review: Faces of Beth by Carver Pike

Title: Faces of Beth

Author: Carver Pike

Release date: April 10, 2022

When the nominations for the 2022 Splatterpunk Awards were announced, I took a look at the list to see who had made it (and was surprised and elated to see my name on the list – yeah, yeah, humble brag!), for one specific reason – I wanted to see who I still needed to read that I’d not read yet. The first name on that list was Aron Beauregard, which I fixed by recently reading his nominated novel, The Playground. The second was Carver Pike. I connected with Carver a number of years back and have always loved seeing how passionate and supportive he is. I felt a bit like a d-bag that I hadn’t gotten around to reading any of his work yet, but after reading the synopsis, I was super intrigued.

What I liked: The story follows possibly one of the most caring main characters you’ll ever come across. Andrew is an orderly/assistant at a long-term mental health institution. While there, he fell in love with a patient who had checked herself in, Beth. Even with her multiple personalities, Andrew doesn’t care – he loves her and decides to consider the other personalities as extended family members. It takes a turn when one of those personalities appears to take a very malicious turn and ‘detaches’ itself from Beth physically.

Carver has simply done a phenomenal job with this novel. This reminded me of the books/movies I used to watch as a teen that really had me excited upon discovering. We get thoroughly fleshed out alternative personalities, so much so that when Andrew is dealing with each one individually, it doesn’t come across as him talking to his wife while she pretends to be a different version of herself. It also makes us feel and connect with each one, which means later on, when things get truly horrific, there is a LOT of emotional moments and big scenes that’ll make you root hard for that personality as well as Andrew, to make it out alive.

The ending is fantastic and we get a ton of events that not only give us answers about what happened, but also solidly show us/reaffirm to us just how much Andrew loves Beth and the lengths he is willing to go to save her and be with her.

What I didn’t like: I did find the ‘reveal’ of Beth and her personalities to be a very jarring moment early on. Even though I knew what the deal was with the book, it still felt like a hard shift.

Secondly, I wondered how this novel would’ve played out had it not gone with the religious events/background and focused more on just Gore and Andrew attempting to keep things in check with his life and with Beth and her personalities.

Why you should buy this: This novel rips along from page one and never really lets up. Masterfully crafted, with some really great characters, I found that I desperately wanted to get back to the book whenever I was away from it, which tells you a lot about how awesome it was.

Pike has really crafted a gem here, one that I think casts a wide net for horror readers and their interests, but never falters in his deliver. A phenomenal read.

5/5