Steve Stred's Blog, page 52
September 9, 2022
3Q’s – Beau Johnson – FUN WAS HAD!
OH CANADA! WE HAVE ANOTHER 3Q’s FOR THEEEEE!!!
That’s right, everybody’s favorite and unabashedly supportive Canuck drops by the craziness that is 3Q’s today!
Everyone, please welcome …………. Beau Johnson!
Welcome, Beau!
Steve: What does your writing time look like? Do you try and write at the same time each day? Do you have a word count you attempt to hit?
Beau: My writing time is as fickle as the wind, my friend. I’m a panster by nature so whenever an idea strikes is whenever an idea strikes. Do I wish things were different? At one time, sure, but this has been me for so long, I’ve come to dig it.
Steve: If you started a series and for some reason had to have another author finish it, who would you choose?
Beau: Hmm. My first thought is King, of course. I mean, that man is my own personal Vader. Not Anakin. VADER. But someone closer to home I’d go with Nick Kolakowski or Laird Barron. Shawn Cosby too, for sure, as well as Jordan Harper. Each of them could do justice to a bad man attempting to do good things in other words.
Steve: Tell me about your newest release (novel/story/poem/novella) and why someone should read it!
Beau: Well, my newest release happened a year ago this month. A couple of stumbling blocks hurt me (no pre-order link from Amazon until a week before release) and I feel BRAND NEW DARK has never really gotten a fair shake. Does it sting? Sure, but there’s nothing I can do to fix that particular problem except to say BRAND NEW DARK is now my most reviewed book (yay!) and is dedicated solely to the life of Bishop Rider, a man who for quite some time has been attempting to save the world the only way he knows how.
Steve: Bonus Question! If they made a movie about your life, what actor or actress would you suggest they get to play you?
Beau: A movie? About my life? Who would play me? ‘HOW YOU DOIN?’
Great casting choice!
Thank you once again, Beau!
For more about Beau, follow the links!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beaujohnson44
September 8, 2022
Book Review: The Deep (The Rise Trilogy Book Two) by Robert P. Ottone
Title: The Deep (The Rise Trilogy – Book Two)
Author: Robert P. Ottone
Release date: August 8th, 2022
Having read the first book in this series and really loving it, I had wanted to dive into book two when it came out right away, but life and my TBR (and some review requirements) got in the way. Now, having finished this one up, I’m so excited for the finale and how Azlynn’s storyline comes to its conclusion.
Book One set the stage – and some of this will mildly fall into spoiler territory – so read no further if you’ve not read Book One!!
OK – here we go – last warning!
In Book One our characters travelled into The Triangle and retrieved The Pearl, the mythical ship. Onboard the ship was the sphere, the mysterious orb that was the gateway to Dagon. We ended with The Pearl being docked and Azlynn deciding to carry on and continue searching the ocean’s in the hopes of finding the island she keeps seeing in her visions.
We all know that the second book in a trilogy is often purely a means to an end. It fills the middle space to get us to the third and final act, so I was intrigued to see what Ottone could do to make this special all on its own.
What I liked: Book Two is essentially a 150 page Hollywood Summer Blockbuster. It’s filled with tons of action and finishes with an insane battle that sets us up for the finale. This was both a good thing and a bad thing (I’ll discuss what I didn’t like so much in the next section) but it worked really well to get us from where we ended to where we need to be and just what awaits Azlynn.
I mentioned it in my review of the first book, but I love this ‘Waterworld’ setting. With the world having been flooded, we get little tidbits of just how much throughout, even at one point we get a character mentioning they found something on the tip of Mount Everest that still juts out of the water. The imagery even in my description is so profound, but Ottone’s vivid descriptions of settings drives how difficult this new world is.
In this book, Azlynn finds an unlikely ally, Eux, leader of a group that is known to be cannibalistic, but who has also experienced Dagon’s pull and visions. It makes for a solid pairing and an emotional stake when the battle rages and people fall.
How Ottone ends this was spot on and exactly where it needed to leave, especially for setting up for the finale.
What I didn’t like: As I mentioned, this one is battle heavy, with the final third being mainly the battle between The Deep and the group that is forced to work together. I found it to be a bit much, especially considering how much ‘what needs to happen next’ is added in. It became a bit jumbled, but that might’ve been just this reader.
Why you should buy this: If you read and loved Book One, then Book Two is a must. If you’re a fan of Lovecraft’s lore but dislike him or his writing, this is a great spot to dive in and learn about the mythos and find some fantastic new characters to follow.
A solid sequel. Now, we wait for the finale!
4/5
3Q’s – Cailyn Lloyd takes her Elders to The Mill!
Good grief, sometimes my titles for these are awfully punny. My apologies to Cailyn for this one! HA!
Well, well, well, welcome to this 3Q’s with the awesome Cailyn Lloyd! I’ve had the pleasure of reading Lloyd’s The Elders series as well as her latest, The Mill, and have to say – she has no problem delivering creeps and frights!
Welcome, Cailyn!
Steve: What does your writing time look like? Do you try to write at the same time each day? Do you have a word count you attempt to hit?
Cailyn: I write the same time every day from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Though I have no specific word count targets, I’m happy with 3K words a day. I work longer hours when I edit, which is most of the time. Writing is about 80% editing for me.
Steve: If you could write a story for another author’s fictional world/series, which would it be and why?
Cailyn: What an interesting question, one I haven’t considered—and yet, none of us are writing fully unique works. We are influenced by everything that came before and therefore, in some sense, we are writing in the fictional worlds of the authors we admire. Is this another way to determine our influences? To answer the question directly: although I love and write horror, it would be thrilling to write an installment of the Jack Reacher series.
Steve: Tell me about your newest release (novel/story/poem/novella) and why someone should read it!
Cailyn: I’ve just finished the first draft of a new novel, tentatively called The Farm. The title may change as Amy Cross has a book by the same name.
Kat Lundquist, a woman on the run, seeks refuge in an old farmhouse. Soon, she is joined by a geologist and a medium, both in search of a mysterious force rising in the rock beneath the house. In the end, she must deal with the problem underneath the house, the people around her who are acting ever more strangely, and the cartel killers pursuing her. It will be fast paced with lots of action and plenty of spooky elements.
Steve: Bonus Question! Do you have a cherished book?
Cailyn: Carrie, The Shining, Cujo, The Dead Zone, Different Seasons, and Christine are all a tie.
All excellent choices!
Thank you so much, Cailyn!
Follow the links to keep up to date with her work!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cailyn-Lloyd/e/B07SPDPPC5/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cailynrox
Website: https://www.cailynlloyd.net/
September 7, 2022
3Q’s Special – Mike Thorn shares his superpower!
Welcome back to a special bonus 3Q’s! You know it’s funny – I’ve probably had close to 100 3Q’s now, but haven’t posted/scheduled one in probably a month! So, when Mike sent in his replies and I said I’d slap them up for a special 3Q’s, I realized I was out of sync with doing it! Rusty for some reason! But I got my mojo back and here we are!
When you hear the name Mike Thorn, your reading brain should automatically squirm. He crafts brutal darkness, unsettling situations and characters that you want to root for. His short fiction is phenomenal, his long fiction is fantastic and he has been a massive supporter of so many writers, myself included!
Please welcome Mike!
Steve: What does your writing time look like? Do you try and write at the same time each day? Do you have a word count you attempt to hit?
Mike: I rarely maintain consistent writing schedules for extended periods of time. When I have writing assignments (anthology invites, collaborative projects, etc.), I tend to work fast and furious. In cases like those, I’ve sometimes written upwards of eight hours a day. When it comes to my own work, I’m not always so regimented. I’ll write in bursts, sometimes I’ll have periods of stasis, sometimes I’ll chip away a little bit every day. I often get much more obsessive and zoned in during the editing process.
Having said all that, I believe that a regular writing routine is the ideal way to go, if possible. Do as I say, not as I do.
Steve: You end up at an estate sale and discover an unpublished manuscript from an author you love. Do you keep it just for yourself or do you share it with the world?
Mike: Well, to be overly literal about it, I’d need to look into the rights situation, because chances are slim that I’d even be legally allowed to share this unpublished manuscript with the world. But if I could help get it out into the world, of course I would!
Steve: Tell me about your newest release (novel/story/poem/novella) and why someone should read it!
Mike: My most recent release is the short story collection Peel Back and See. I think it’s probably the most pessimistic book I’ve written. It features sinister Internet-dwelling entities, occult artwork, an otherworldly orgy gone wrong, and several deals with the devil (among other things).
I also have a new story called “The Events” in Shattered & Splintered, edited by the awesome Laurel Hightower and James Sabata. All proceeds from that anthology go to the Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department.
Steve: Bonus Question! You wake up in a comic book. What is your comic book character and what is your superpower?
Mike: My comic book character would be Writer Able To Sustain Himself Purely On Earnings From Creative Work Man. My superpower is evident in the name.
Well played, Mike, well played!
Thank you again for doing this! As always, check the links to find more of his work!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mike-Thorn/e/B07XQHXNGW
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeThornWrites
Website: https://mikethornwrites.com/
3Q’s – Ronald Kelly – a Horror Veteran continues to drop New Scares!
Look, I’ll level with you – today’s guest is an author who has been around for a long time. Ronald Kelly has been on the Horror world rollercoaster for four decades. His renewed vigor and output have been truly inspirational to watch and not only is one of the nicest guys out there, he’s also one of the most supportive.
It truly is an honor to have Ronald Kelly as today’s 3Q’s guest!
Welcome, Ronald!
Steve: What does your writing time look like? Do you try to write at the same time each day? Do you have a word count you attempt to hit?
RK: Currently, my writing time is pretty much whenever I can fit it in. I mostly write an hour or two after work and late at night – five to six hours – on the weekends. I’m planning on retiring soon and writing full-time, so that will give me the opportunity to be a helluva lot more productive without the stress of having to scramble for writing time between family life and a nine-to-five job. I don’t worry about word counts at all. I just take it as it comes. When the story or novel is finished, it’s finished. Of course, sometimes I have to focus and keep a steady flow going on a daily basis if there are deadlines involved.
Steve: If you could write a story for another author’s fictional world/series, which would it be and why?
RK: There’s a couple of authors’ mythos I can think of offhand that I’d love to explore. First, Manly Wade Wellman’s Silver John and his Appalachian dark magic/horror universe. I always loved those stories and their dark rural atmosphere. Secondly, Brian Keene’s character Levi Stoltzfus has always intrigued me. I can imagine him fighting dark magic and snake critters in Fear County.
Steve: Tell me about your newest release (novel/story/poem/novella) and why someone should read it!
RK: I actually have several. First, my extreme post-apocalyptic horror collection, After the Burn, was just released by D&T Publishing and Crossroad Press has done a new paperback release of my novel The Dark’Un. A couple of old RK favorites that haven’t been available for a while. Also, on September 6th, Stygian Sky Media is releasing my memoir and writing guide, Southern Fried & Horrified, which I’m very stoked about. There’s whole lot of my personal journey and horror genre history in that book, as well as writing advice and tips, and some fun and informative essays. And my three-chapbook series, Somewhere South of Hell, from Death’s Head Press is up for pre-order; a sampling of my brand of Southern-fried rural horror both now and then.
Steve: Bonus Question! Do you have a cherished book?
RK: My favorite book of all time is Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Growing up in the South, I really connected to it when I read it as a fourteen-year-old and motivated me to try my hand at writing. It’s my favorite movie, too. As far as my own work, Fear holds a special place in my heart. Writing it was a pure joy and it was one of those rare occasions in a writer’s career when the prose flowed effortlessly. I consider it to be the best novel I ever wrote… my magnum opus.
Fantastic! Thank you so much!
There is much, much more to discover from Ronald!
Check the links and grab some great books!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ronald-Kelly/e/B0055Q14YK/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonaldKelly4
Website: https://www.ronaldkelly.com/
September 6, 2022
3Q’s – Kerry E.B. Black delivers us an early Spring!
Yeeeeeeettt another fun one today! I’ve had the pleasure of reading Kerry’s work, both novel length and short stories and I’m a big fan of the way she crafts her tales! So, what better way to share my love of her work than by getting you all to learn more about her!
Please welcome Kerry!
Steve: What does your writing time look like? Do you try to write at the same time each day? Do you have a word count you attempt to hit?
Kerry: I write between work and appointments for the family. I seize little moments here and there as I can, and I always have stories floating about in my grey matter. The only time that is specifically my “writing time” is after I’ve tucked the kids in for the evening. Since one of my little darlings has ADHD and fights sleep, sometimes I don’t get to start until quite late. However, I can check in on social media during the day even if sitting at a doctor’s appointment or whatever, so even stolen snatches of time can be productive. I try to write at least 1000 words a day, and I am committed to sending out at least one short piece of some sort every month.
Steve: You win the lottery and the only condition is that you need to fund another author’s book to be made into a movie. What book would you choose to be filmed?
Kerry: Question 2 is rough! I’ve befriended so many great Indie authors, including you. I’d want to start a production company and film many of the books I’ve read and enjoyed. If I must pick, though, Zoje Stage’s Baby Teeth would make an incredible film, as would one of Nuzo Onoh’s atmospheric African horror stories.
Steve: Tell me about your newest release (novel/story/poem/novella) and why someone should read it!
Kerry: My most recent release was Spring of Spirits, which is my second YA novel. It follows an unlikely hero and her friends as they come to terms with spiritual changes they’ve experienced as the result of an autumn equinox ceremony on their school campus. This second book introduces a few new characters and, as the “big bad,” a shapechanger intent on mischief. Later this year, I’m releasing a poetry collection through Tree Shadow Press, and I’m working on a new collection of short stories. (I adore short stories!)
Steve: Bonus Question! If you could be an extra on any TV show, which one would it have been and why?
Kerry: Oooh, a bonus question! Fun! I would adore a spot on the newest Creep Show incarnation. If it was still running, it would be great fun to meet Mulder and Scully or the Winchester Brothers. Alas, though I adore the show, I’m too ancient to be of use on Stranger Things. However, I would probably make a great zombie!
Oh, excellent choice! Thank you so much, Kerry!
To discover more of her work – click the links!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kerry-E-B-Black/e/B00IKURGVS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackKerryblick
Website: https://kerrylizblack.wordpress.com/
September 5, 2022
3Q’s – Tim Meyer believes in dinosaurs!
It’s crazy for me to think back to discovering Tim’s work with the brutal slasher ‘Kill Hill Carnage.’ Tim has put out some truly stunning releases and he continues to deliver the goods time and time again. I’m truly honored that he agreed to do a 3Q’s!
So, welcome today’s guest – Tim Meyer!
Steve: What does your writing time look like? Do you try to write at the same time each day? Do you have a word count you attempt to hit?
Tim: For me, I like writing early in the morning. As soon as I wake up (usually around 4-5am) I get some exercise in, then hit the word processor. It’s the quietest time in my house, so I’m more productive in those early morning hours. I have a weekly word count goal of 10k, but I don’t always hit it. Anything above 5k a week and I’m usually satisfied.
Steve: You win the lottery and the only condition is that you need to fund another author’s book to be made into a movie. What book would you choose to be filmed?
Tim: This is a good one! I’ve longed for an adaptation of Robert McCammon’s novels. One of his more epic stories, like Swan Song or The Wolf’s Hour, would be awesome to see on the big screen. Both are perfect for a summer blockbuster release.
Steve: Tell me about your newest release (novel/story/poem/novella) and why someone should read it!
Tim: Sure! My newest novel is Pteranodon Canyon, and it’s about a trio of bounty hunters tracking down an infamous outlaw in an alternate Old West populated by prehistoric creatures. It’s a fun action/adventure western that’s filled with dino carnage, so if cowboys and dinosaurs are your thing, I think you might enjoy it!
Steve: Bonus Question! If you could be an extra on any TV show, which one would it have been and why?
Tim: Any TV show ever? Oh, this is difficult to choose, but I’m going with one of my all-time favorite shows, LOST. Why? The show is bonkers in the best of ways, and I’ve been told many, MANY times that I’d make a pretty good plane crash survivor marooned on a mysterious island.
Fantastic choice! Awesome answers, Tim! Thank you so much for doing this!
Check the links and grab some great reads!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tim-Meyer/e/B009ISFTZ6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/timmmeyer11
Website: https://timmeyerwrites.com/
September 2, 2022
Book Review: Ghosts of Grief Hollow (Return to Grief Hollow Book 2) by Shawn Burgess
Title: Ghosts of Grief Hollow (Return to Grief Hollow Book 2)
Author: Shawn Burgess
Release date: October 18, 2022
Back in early 2020, I read Shawn Burgess’ debut novel ‘The Tear Collector.’ It was a dark, atmospheric, coming-of-age horror novel that introduced us to a group of kids dealing with something stalking the woods near their homes, in Grief Hollow. Just the other day, I read the prequel novella, ‘Sour Roots,’ which expanded upon the mythology of the location and the ‘why’ of arriving at ‘The Tear Collector.’
Now, we get to return to the town, to the woods and to the group of friends who are a group Shawn has done a stunning job with capturing that feeling of being a teenager, who doesn’t fit in, but who’ve all found a group of friends that connect with them and lift each other up.
I read this as an advanced ARC – and have saved this review until now, having read it back in late 2021. I’m super excited for this one to arrive.
What I liked: In ‘Ghosts of Grief Hollow,’ we pick up a short time after the events of the previous novel. I’ll do my best to remain spoiler free for both books, but be warned, that may not be completely possible.
The friends, the police and the town itself have even had time to process what has taken place a short time ago, when suddenly odd things begin to happen again and strange things are seen.
Burgess does a great job of keeping the same dread throughout this book that was in the first, while also using previous set pieces to the reader’s advantage. We get a return to a certain house, which allows for some truly unnerving moments and of course we get a return to the woods and Shiner’s Gorge where nothing good ever happens.
Throughout, we get some new relationships, more inter-group dynamics, which works really well when some beloved members leave us and we get to see, once again, the belief they all have in each other as they band together to try and destroy this evil which has found its way to them.
What I didn’t like: Three things I found, personally, really stuck out for me this go-around. The first was, the police make a stunning discover below a place early on. It’s kind of completely glossed over after that and we never really go back or hear any more about it. That may be purposeful, in the event of a follow up, but boy did I want to read more about that. The second – and this is a completely personal thing – I’m typically not a fan of the specific evil the ‘bad guy’ practices within. It’s never something I actively seek out to read and it’s turned me off previously while watching movies or TV shows it the past. Burgess does a great job with it, but not my cup of tea. And lastly, and again more of a personal thing, I got a bit annoyed with the POV change between chapters. I’m an odd reader, in that sometimes it just doesn’t bother me and other times it grinds me. Not sure why!
Why you should buy this: If you loved ‘The Tear Collector’ you’ll absolutely love what Burgess has done with the follow up. This has a ton of emotions, lots of dark, dreadful scenes and ultimately the group shows why they’re better when together and have the support of each other than apart.
This ticks off a ton of boxes for why horror can be so amazing and I think this will make many people very happy.
4/5
3Q’s – Julie Hiner is here to get you Back on Track!
Hey friends! Welcome back!
I hope you’re still loving all these 3Q’s. It’s funny because I’m scheduling these at the end of July, and over a month later along they come! So, it’s like I’m predicting the FUTURE! I’m like Nostradamus! The winning Lottery numbers for this week are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21!! (Imagine if these actually are and I didn’t buy a ticket!!!)
Anywho – today’s guest is a always here to deliver the goods!
Please welcome, Julie!
Steve: What does your writing time look like? Do you try to write at the same time each day? Do you have a word count you attempt to hit?
Julie: My writing time – Usually I write in the mornings when I first get up. I make a cup of coffee, head into my writing office, and write for a while, usually a couple of hours. I am most creative during this time. If I am deep into a book or story, then I might do another push in the afternoon. If I am doing a Nana or writing boot camp, I will set word counts. Usually I simply try to get in a couple good, focused hours.
Steve: You win the lottery and the only condition is that you need to fund another author’s book to be made into a movie. What book would you choose to be filmed?
Julie: Wow. Great question. Slash – the book. To my knowledge, this in depth account of what it was like through his eyes has not been brought to life on the screen. I would love to see a visual version of him stealing snakes from pet shops and facing demons in a heroin haze.
Steve: Tell me about your newest release (novel/story/poem/novella) and why someone should read it!
Julie: My newest release is Back Track. This is book 3 in my #80sMetalMurder series. Heavy metal horror. Psychological serial killer thriller series. The first book is infused with 80s metal. The second book still has a solid 80s metal baseline, but also digs deep into 70s Acid Rock. This third book, Back Track, is laced with Gothic Rock.
BACK TRACK: It’s 1989. The moon is full. Rock is Gothic. A detective haunted by a cold case. A serial killer with a taste for gothic rock and blood – both in the vein of Type O Negative.
This delight was brought into the world with an epic 80s metal party (live band and lots of head bangs).
Steve: Bonus Question! If you could be an extra on any TV show, which one would it have been and why?
Julie: I would have LOVED to have been an extra on either Mind Hunter (so I could meet John Douglas – one of the creators of criminal profiling) or True Detective season 1 because it seethes the type of atmosphere and characters that I strive to write.
Fantastic! Keep crushing it Julie and it looks like if you enjoy music with your dark fiction, Julie’s work will be right up your alley!
As always – visit the links and discover more!
September 1, 2022
Book Review: Sour Roots (Curse of Grief Hollow #1) by Shawn Burgess
Title: Sour Roots (Curse of Grief Hollow #1)
Author: Shawn Burgess
Release date: August 1st, 2022
Have you read ‘The Tear Collector’ yet?
Released back in 2019, it was a novel that grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go. I loved it. Featuring a solid cast of characters, a creepy-as-all-heck setting and a backstory riddled with questions for us readers, Burgess delivered the goods. I’ve also been in a fortunate position of having read an advanced, advanced, advanced copy of the follow up – which Shawn will be announcing shortly.
Now, in order to get readers excited for that release, he’s also released this novella, ‘Sour Roots,’ which clocks in right around 75 pages or so. This is a prequel, set about 90 or so years prior to the events in ‘The Tear Collector,’ and introduce us to the thing that lives within the woods and the reasons for all of the carnage that ensues.
What I liked: ‘Sour Roots’ showcases Burgess’ scope as a writer. He really infuses the characters with a sense of ‘timelessness’ while having them solidly rooted (sorry about that!) in the year this takes place. He’s done his due diligence regarding both dialect/drawl and character interactions.
That comes into play with an unfortunate character, one in the wrong place at the wrong time. Set in 1932, it frustratingly could be something that happens in the present day. This does a great job of getting an emotional response from us readers, but also works as a piece to showcase the rage that is prevalent in the father, Mr. Davis, whose twin daughters have gone missing.
For such a short read, Burgess packs a wallop of story into these pages, but it doesn’t feel bloated or burdened by excessiveness. It hummed along and can be easily read in a single sitting.
What I didn’t like: While I did like the reveal (if that’s the correct word for our thing in the woods), I thought it was a bit too TAH-DAH! I would’ve loved a longer teasing out of it, but no matter, it will have you squirming!
Why you should buy this: Oops, totally forgot to mention – you don’t have to buy it! Shawn is offering this up for free through Book Funnel! So, if you’re looking for a fast-paced story that sets the stages for the two novels, look no further. If you’ve read ‘The Tear Collector’ already – this is a must read for you then. If you’ve not, this is a great entry point, especially before the next novel is released.
5/5
You can get your free copy here;
