C.B. Calsing's Blog, page 30
April 16, 2013
Review of "The Odd Job Squad" and Interview with Author Karl Fields
Make sure to check out all the stops on this tour. One commenter from each stop will win a box of "Pinks," which are pink fortune cookies that Ander, the main character has a fondness for. One $25 Amazon gift card given to one random commenter at the end of the tour. http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/02/virtual-book-tour-odd-job-squad-by-karl.htmlBlurb
Thirteen-year-old Ander Cartwright is an expert on two subjects: fortune cookies and payback. Especially payback.
When he’s not struggling with algebra, Ander is the leader of an anonymous revenge club that operates within the walls of Marina Middle School. Got a beef with a classmate? Shoot Ander’s crew an email and, if your case if legit, they’ll deliver some retribution on your behalf.
It’s not easy to right wrongs and stay under the radar at the same time. That’s why Ander developed three simple rules designed to keep him and his friends from blowing their cover.
But when Ander spots the opportunity to settle an old score of his own, he ignores his own rules, setting off a chain of events that threatens to blow his cover, and it’ll take all the butt-kicking, detention- dodging skill he can muster to keep a lid on his secret.
ExcerptThat afternoon, the four of us sat around the computer in our “office” – the guesthouse Christian’s mom let us use (she thought we were just playing video games) – to decide if we should take the job. It was good having us all together again. Sure, we hung out during the summer, but it seemed like somebody was always on vacation, had cousins visiting from out of town or, in Shooter’s case, at basketball camp.
Christian pointed to Alan’s email, still up on the screen. “Come on, obviously we take this one. I mean, Greg Bilski’s a tool.”
Joe wagged a finger at him. “Uh, uh, uhhh, amigo. I think somebody forgot the rules over the summer. ‘Not personal’ and all that.”
Joe and Christian. Not exactly peas in a pod. Joe was tall and lanky, with this spiky black hair that never moved. Almost everything he wore was black, including the polish on his thumbnails. It seemed like he never got worked up over anything. On the other hand, Christian’s look was mostly skate shop, with a little Gap thrown in. He had a head full of kinky brown hair that Joe called a bowl of lettuce and glasses that refused to stay up on his nose. Plus, he’d been on the small side ever since second grade, so he knew how it felt to get pushed around.
“I think we ought to hack into the school database and change all his grades from last year to F’s,” Christian said. “Let’s see how he likes going back to sixth grade.”
InterviewTell us about The Odd Job Squad.
The Odd Job Squad?
writers?
I work with students the age of Anders and his friends, and I know how hard it can be to write kids this age realistically. So often, adult authors resort to stereotyping or trying to sort of recreate themselves as teens in their books. I didn't get that impression here. The narrator, Anders, was engaging, funny, and most everything he did -- his reactions, his vocabulary -- seemed age appropriate without feeling as if he came right out of a Disney Channel sitcom. I enjoyed his quirks, his ups and downs, and his determination.
Being originally from California, and having written stories set in San Francisco myself, I am partial to that city. There were enough touchstones to make it familiar without overburdening with details or making it feel as if the city is the main character, which can happen sometimes in stories set in such iconic places.
I would recommend this read to my students, and look forward to the author's other works.About the AuthorKarl Fields is a writer of fiction for teens and young adults. His other interests include jazz, golf
and collecting flash drives, the more unusual the better. He was an army brat and by the seventh grade, he had attended six different schools on three continents. His first book, The Odd Job Squad, is about the exploits of three eighth graders who operate an anonymous revenge club at
their school. He recommends that you not attempt the stunts portrayed in this book. His second, Instant Preplay, is about a boy who discovers that his DVR records shows before they air. He recommends that you get one of those if you can.
www.karlfields.com
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Odd-Job-Squad-ebook/dp/B00560R9BC
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-odd-job-squad-karl-fields/1103800835?ean=9781463537890
Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Odd-Job-Squad/book-qHs3VJyBxEmMs0UaGNlx8g/page1.html?s=uUC_07B_Hk-5_N1qzhxLUA&r=1
Thirteen-year-old Ander Cartwright is an expert on two subjects: fortune cookies and payback. Especially payback.When he’s not struggling with algebra, Ander is the leader of an anonymous revenge club that operates within the walls of Marina Middle School. Got a beef with a classmate? Shoot Ander’s crew an email and, if your case if legit, they’ll deliver some retribution on your behalf.
It’s not easy to right wrongs and stay under the radar at the same time. That’s why Ander developed three simple rules designed to keep him and his friends from blowing their cover.
But when Ander spots the opportunity to settle an old score of his own, he ignores his own rules, setting off a chain of events that threatens to blow his cover, and it’ll take all the butt-kicking, detention- dodging skill he can muster to keep a lid on his secret.
ExcerptThat afternoon, the four of us sat around the computer in our “office” – the guesthouse Christian’s mom let us use (she thought we were just playing video games) – to decide if we should take the job. It was good having us all together again. Sure, we hung out during the summer, but it seemed like somebody was always on vacation, had cousins visiting from out of town or, in Shooter’s case, at basketball camp.
Christian pointed to Alan’s email, still up on the screen. “Come on, obviously we take this one. I mean, Greg Bilski’s a tool.”
Joe wagged a finger at him. “Uh, uh, uhhh, amigo. I think somebody forgot the rules over the summer. ‘Not personal’ and all that.”
Joe and Christian. Not exactly peas in a pod. Joe was tall and lanky, with this spiky black hair that never moved. Almost everything he wore was black, including the polish on his thumbnails. It seemed like he never got worked up over anything. On the other hand, Christian’s look was mostly skate shop, with a little Gap thrown in. He had a head full of kinky brown hair that Joe called a bowl of lettuce and glasses that refused to stay up on his nose. Plus, he’d been on the small side ever since second grade, so he knew how it felt to get pushed around.
“I think we ought to hack into the school database and change all his grades from last year to F’s,” Christian said. “Let’s see how he likes going back to sixth grade.”
InterviewTell us about The Odd Job Squad.
It’s set in a San Francisco middle school, where a group of friends operate an anonymous revenge club.The way the club works is, if a fellow student has been wronged (bullied, been the victim of rumors, had their homework stolen, etc.), he or she emails the Odd Job Squad, who seeks to even the score on the victim’s behalf. For instance, when an eighth grader, who happens to be a huge San Francisco 49er fan, bullies a sixth grader, the Odd Job Squad kidnaps his 49er jersey and takes pictures of people pretending to blow their noses on it. The bully gets the message and doesn’t bother anyone else. But things get interesting for the team when someone at school discovers their identity and threatens to make trouble for them if…certain conditions aren’t met.What made you decide to write for tweens?
There’s something about that age range – when you’re not little kid anymore, but you’re not quite a young adult either – that has so many possibilities for a novel. In short, up to this point, your life has been all about you, but now we start to become more aware of the world outside of ourselves and then seek to fit into it. That last part really provides fertile ground for a writer.Who do you look to for inspiration as a writer?
I wouldn’t say I look to a specific person, but for me, inspiration is everywhere. The Odd Job Squad, was inspired by a newspaper article about bullying. I got the idea for Instant Preplay, my other novel for tweens, while watching a reality show. I also have a novel for adults that was inspired one day when I walked by a poster advertising a play. So, at least for me, inspiration comes from all sorts of places. I think the key is to keep an open mind because you never know when an idea will go upside your head.Which book of yours do you love the most? Why?
Of mine? That’s tough, but I’d have to say The Odd Job Squad. For one, it’s my first book and there’s always something about that “first love.” Another reason I like that book is because of the reaction it gets. Typically, as soon as I say the words “anonymous revenge club,” people are like, “Really? That sounds cool.”Music when you write or no? If so, was there a particular song that you listened to while writing
The Odd Job Squad?
For the most part, no, which is interesting because I listen to music when I’m doing almost anything else. When I’m writing, music tends to fade into the background and I end up paying almost no attention. That said, there are songs I associate with certain scenes in the book. For instance, there’s a scene that takes place in a fancy hotel and the main character, Ander, hears a Muzak version of a Green Day song coming from the speaker system, so that scene always reminds me of “American Idiot.”What advice would you give to my middle-school readers who want to become professional
writers?
The first thing most people will tell you is that to become a writer you have to first be a reader, but I’m guessing most people following your blog already fit that category, so let’s skip past that one. The one thing I’d say to anyone who wants to write is this: be honest. You have to write the story that’s within you to write. Even though they’re very popular, I don’t write zombie or werewolf stories, because that’s just not me and it probably be painfully obvious. So, write with honesty and never try to put one past your readers.Anything else? (links, comments, etc)
Just that I think this blog does a great job with all of the various how-to articles in addition to the reviews and interviewing people like me. Keep up the great work and thanks so much for the time!My ReviewThis was a pretty fun story. It was fast-paced, and the plot was tight.
I work with students the age of Anders and his friends, and I know how hard it can be to write kids this age realistically. So often, adult authors resort to stereotyping or trying to sort of recreate themselves as teens in their books. I didn't get that impression here. The narrator, Anders, was engaging, funny, and most everything he did -- his reactions, his vocabulary -- seemed age appropriate without feeling as if he came right out of a Disney Channel sitcom. I enjoyed his quirks, his ups and downs, and his determination.
Being originally from California, and having written stories set in San Francisco myself, I am partial to that city. There were enough touchstones to make it familiar without overburdening with details or making it feel as if the city is the main character, which can happen sometimes in stories set in such iconic places.
I would recommend this read to my students, and look forward to the author's other works.About the AuthorKarl Fields is a writer of fiction for teens and young adults. His other interests include jazz, golf
and collecting flash drives, the more unusual the better. He was an army brat and by the seventh grade, he had attended six different schools on three continents. His first book, The Odd Job Squad, is about the exploits of three eighth graders who operate an anonymous revenge club attheir school. He recommends that you not attempt the stunts portrayed in this book. His second, Instant Preplay, is about a boy who discovers that his DVR records shows before they air. He recommends that you get one of those if you can.
www.karlfields.com
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Odd-Job-Squad-ebook/dp/B00560R9BC
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-odd-job-squad-karl-fields/1103800835?ean=9781463537890
Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Odd-Job-Squad/book-qHs3VJyBxEmMs0UaGNlx8g/page1.html?s=uUC_07B_Hk-5_N1qzhxLUA&r=1
March 28, 2013
Review of "Lords of Prophecy" by Michael A. Rothman
Leave a comment for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Amazon!
Check out all the stops to improve your odds:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-tour-lords-of-prophecy-by.html Blurb
The Riverton brothers have completed their training, and despite their own personal skills, they worry about the forces arrayed against them. Knowing the barrier that's kept the people of Trimoria safe for over five centuries is weakening, the brothers ready their ragtag army of humans, dwarves, and elves for battle.
In the meantime, on the other side of the ancient barrier, a growing army of demons have readied themselves for the final battle against the people of Trimoria.
As the barrier weakens, Ryan is struck by bouts of debilitating madness. As the barrier crumbles, so does the hope of Trimoria's citizens. ExcerptA light-hearted scene where the main characters are watching their youngest siblings interacting with a mysterious young dwarf.
As the soldier affirmed the order, Ryan turned toward the window and watched the children.
Zenethar, the king’s son showed the dwarf a wooden block. “Can you float this around? I wanna do my archery practice.”
Rebecca looked puzzled. “Archery?”
Zenethar tossed the block to the dwarf and Ramai caught it, letting Maggie drop as his interest in the doll waned.
“Maggie!”
Rebecca ran over, dusted her doll off, and gave her a hug. She sat back on the pillows and watched the boys.
Ramai studied the plain wooden block and looked puzzled. “Is this a fun game?”
Zenethar nodded enthusiastically. “Ryan does this lots! Just float it slowly.”
Ramai levitated the block and allowed it to float aimlessly around the stone chamber.
Zenethar flicked his finger and a sparkling bolt of energy flew at the block, hitting it and sending the wooden toy spinning.
Rebecca laughed and clapped with glee. “You got it Zenny! Do it again!”
Ramai smiled as the block moved around and the darts of energy flew throughout the room. When he increased the speed of the movement, Zenethar missed, leaving a tiny scorch mark on the stone ceiling. “This is a fun game!”
Ryan muttered to his brother. “This could get out of hand quickly.”
Aaron covered his mouth, suppressing the sound of his amusement as he watched the dwarf challenge Zenethar’s aim. Rebecca screamed with laughter.
Aaron leaned over and whispered, “Let them have fun. They can’t exactly burn down a stone castle.”
The wooden block swooped down and Zenethar accidentally sent a bolt of energy at Ramai. The bolt bounced off of his white robe and singed his beard.
Ramai slapped at his beard, as Zenethar’s face went from amused to shocked. With a puff of smoke coming from his beard, the dwarf announced, “That is not a fun game!”My ReviewThis book has a lot to love, integrating many of the tropes that make fantasy great, from young love to dragons returning to a world from which they had been long absent. I'm reminded of, as one other reviewer stated, The Hobbit, but also Game of Thrones, and in some of the cheekiness of the newlyweds, Piers Anthony's Xanth stories. The villains are sufficiently villainous, the heroes quite heroic, regardless of their weapon of choice. It's a fun read with enough variety to satisfy a wide range of fantasy fans. Amazon.com WidgetsAuthor InformationI've been writing throughout my career as an engineer, however my writing had been relegated to technical
books and technical magazine articles. Heck, you might even find a couple of those musty tomes still for sale if you look hard enough.
With my foray into epic fantasy, I've shed the shackles of technical writing and created novels that I hope will be attractive to a much wider audience.
I've always admired truly epic tales. You know the ones I mean. The book you crack open, wander through and utterly get immersed in. The story takes you on twists and turns you never expected, run into dead-ends that make you wheel your arms backward to prevent you from falling into an endless abyss. By the time you reach what you think is the end, you've read hundreds of pages and realize the end is really only the beginning of the story.
You close the book and wonder out loud, "Do I have the next book? Is it out yet?"
My goal when I started writing the first book, Heirs of Prophecy, that involved the Riverton family was to make a story that would allow a younger audience access to such a tale. Since then, a second book, Tools of Prophecy, was released, and now I introduce the third book in the series with Lords of Prophecy.
As to my other writing activities, I've completed another as of yet unreleased novel in the Prophecies series, and they are scheduled to be released as soon as - well, as soon as the paperwork on them is complete, and the lawyers nod their heads up and down.
I hope you enjoy the novel.
In the meantime, if you want to see my ramblings, I lurk at the following social media portals:Twitter: @MichaelARothmanFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelARothmanBlog: http://michaelarothman.com/http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17416007-lords-of-prophecy
Check out all the stops to improve your odds:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-tour-lords-of-prophecy-by.html Blurb
The Riverton brothers have completed their training, and despite their own personal skills, they worry about the forces arrayed against them. Knowing the barrier that's kept the people of Trimoria safe for over five centuries is weakening, the brothers ready their ragtag army of humans, dwarves, and elves for battle. In the meantime, on the other side of the ancient barrier, a growing army of demons have readied themselves for the final battle against the people of Trimoria.
As the barrier weakens, Ryan is struck by bouts of debilitating madness. As the barrier crumbles, so does the hope of Trimoria's citizens. ExcerptA light-hearted scene where the main characters are watching their youngest siblings interacting with a mysterious young dwarf.
As the soldier affirmed the order, Ryan turned toward the window and watched the children.
Zenethar, the king’s son showed the dwarf a wooden block. “Can you float this around? I wanna do my archery practice.”
Rebecca looked puzzled. “Archery?”
Zenethar tossed the block to the dwarf and Ramai caught it, letting Maggie drop as his interest in the doll waned.
“Maggie!”
Rebecca ran over, dusted her doll off, and gave her a hug. She sat back on the pillows and watched the boys.
Ramai studied the plain wooden block and looked puzzled. “Is this a fun game?”
Zenethar nodded enthusiastically. “Ryan does this lots! Just float it slowly.”
Ramai levitated the block and allowed it to float aimlessly around the stone chamber.
Zenethar flicked his finger and a sparkling bolt of energy flew at the block, hitting it and sending the wooden toy spinning.
Rebecca laughed and clapped with glee. “You got it Zenny! Do it again!”
Ramai smiled as the block moved around and the darts of energy flew throughout the room. When he increased the speed of the movement, Zenethar missed, leaving a tiny scorch mark on the stone ceiling. “This is a fun game!”
Ryan muttered to his brother. “This could get out of hand quickly.”
Aaron covered his mouth, suppressing the sound of his amusement as he watched the dwarf challenge Zenethar’s aim. Rebecca screamed with laughter.
Aaron leaned over and whispered, “Let them have fun. They can’t exactly burn down a stone castle.”
The wooden block swooped down and Zenethar accidentally sent a bolt of energy at Ramai. The bolt bounced off of his white robe and singed his beard.
Ramai slapped at his beard, as Zenethar’s face went from amused to shocked. With a puff of smoke coming from his beard, the dwarf announced, “That is not a fun game!”My ReviewThis book has a lot to love, integrating many of the tropes that make fantasy great, from young love to dragons returning to a world from which they had been long absent. I'm reminded of, as one other reviewer stated, The Hobbit, but also Game of Thrones, and in some of the cheekiness of the newlyweds, Piers Anthony's Xanth stories. The villains are sufficiently villainous, the heroes quite heroic, regardless of their weapon of choice. It's a fun read with enough variety to satisfy a wide range of fantasy fans. Amazon.com WidgetsAuthor InformationI've been writing throughout my career as an engineer, however my writing had been relegated to technical
books and technical magazine articles. Heck, you might even find a couple of those musty tomes still for sale if you look hard enough.With my foray into epic fantasy, I've shed the shackles of technical writing and created novels that I hope will be attractive to a much wider audience.
I've always admired truly epic tales. You know the ones I mean. The book you crack open, wander through and utterly get immersed in. The story takes you on twists and turns you never expected, run into dead-ends that make you wheel your arms backward to prevent you from falling into an endless abyss. By the time you reach what you think is the end, you've read hundreds of pages and realize the end is really only the beginning of the story.
You close the book and wonder out loud, "Do I have the next book? Is it out yet?"
My goal when I started writing the first book, Heirs of Prophecy, that involved the Riverton family was to make a story that would allow a younger audience access to such a tale. Since then, a second book, Tools of Prophecy, was released, and now I introduce the third book in the series with Lords of Prophecy.
As to my other writing activities, I've completed another as of yet unreleased novel in the Prophecies series, and they are scheduled to be released as soon as - well, as soon as the paperwork on them is complete, and the lawyers nod their heads up and down.
I hope you enjoy the novel.
In the meantime, if you want to see my ramblings, I lurk at the following social media portals:Twitter: @MichaelARothmanFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelARothmanBlog: http://michaelarothman.com/http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17416007-lords-of-prophecy
March 9, 2013
February 17, 2013
New Collection in the Works
I realized today that I've been sitting on a whole bunch of horror stories that have never seen the light of day. Most of them were accepted to various anthologies that were never published. I figured I'd put them together and release it on Smashwords.
Want to write horror? Here's a book you may want to check out.
Want to write horror? Here's a book you may want to check out.
November 22, 2012
Requisite Thanksgiving Blog Post
So it's Thursday, it's Thanksgiving... I feel that calls for thirteen things. Here are thirteen things I'm thankful for on this Thanksgiving Thursday.
Alliteration.
My husband who worked with me on my days off this week to build a new coop for my chickens.
Yellow Dog, who is the stray that lives among the weeds and rubble of the vacant lot next door. No one can catch him, he won't let me get within ten feet of him, but he is our first line of defense! Right now he's standing sentry at the front gate, facing the street, ready to attach any bicycles or cars that dare threaten the block.
My own dogs, Zato and Hamlet. They are getting on and years, but still make a good team in home protection, plate cleaning, and snuggles.
Fashion inspiration at five a.m. I now know what to where to opening day at the track today.
This flippin' weather. It's been outstanding.
Winter break is less than a month away.
Hot tea.
An east facing front porch in winter.
Work, work, and more work.
My readers, if any are still out there. I promise to finish and publish something soon. Really.
My friends, family, and coworkers. Their kindness, generosity, and good cheer constantly amaze me!
Whatever is coming next!
Alliteration.
My husband who worked with me on my days off this week to build a new coop for my chickens.
Yellow Dog, who is the stray that lives among the weeds and rubble of the vacant lot next door. No one can catch him, he won't let me get within ten feet of him, but he is our first line of defense! Right now he's standing sentry at the front gate, facing the street, ready to attach any bicycles or cars that dare threaten the block.
My own dogs, Zato and Hamlet. They are getting on and years, but still make a good team in home protection, plate cleaning, and snuggles.
Fashion inspiration at five a.m. I now know what to where to opening day at the track today.
This flippin' weather. It's been outstanding.
Winter break is less than a month away.
Hot tea.
An east facing front porch in winter.
Work, work, and more work.
My readers, if any are still out there. I promise to finish and publish something soon. Really.
My friends, family, and coworkers. Their kindness, generosity, and good cheer constantly amaze me!
Whatever is coming next!
June 20, 2012
Where I have been?
Writing and editing have always been my second job. Or sometimes third. What I did in the evenings, early mornings Saturday and Sunday.
We bought a house to renovate last November, however, and that's been taking my time. It had to be redone from top to bottom -- from flooring to roofing, and we aren't even halfway done yet. This is why I haven't sent out any new short stories or worked on any new novels.
Currently, in the few moments I have here and there, I am working on revisions of Storm Summer, a young adult historical set in Louisiana during World War II. I'd like to start sending this out to publishers in the fall. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
We bought a house to renovate last November, however, and that's been taking my time. It had to be redone from top to bottom -- from flooring to roofing, and we aren't even halfway done yet. This is why I haven't sent out any new short stories or worked on any new novels.
Currently, in the few moments I have here and there, I am working on revisions of Storm Summer, a young adult historical set in Louisiana during World War II. I'd like to start sending this out to publishers in the fall. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
March 26, 2012
Interview with Armand Rosamilia and Contest!
Today I'm welcoming horror writer Armand Rosamilia, author of Dying Days.
Tell us about Dying Days.
Dying Days is my extreme zombie series, centered around Darlene
Bobich, a regular woman trying to survive. So far three books have been
released, and there are many more to come. As long as readers keep responding
to them. While the themes might be dark and graphic, at the core of the stories
is a human just like you and me, who cries, has panic attacks, and isn't
superhuman. Unless you're superhuman, in which case, ignore what I said.
What is up with pop culture's obsession with zombies? It doesn't
seem to be waning at all. Why do you think that is?
Eventually (sooner than later) it
will go away, but right now we're in a great time as a zombie writer and
reader. With the end of the world coming right before Christmas (and we'll have
already spent all our money on presents - nice job, Mayan Calendar!) the
apocalypse is in our thoughts, on every History and Discovery Channel program,
and in our videogames. But, like everything else, it will fade. The Walking
Dead season seven will be lambasted for not killing teenage Carl already, there
will be three network comedy shows starring zombies, and Brendan Fraser will
make six bad zombie movies in a row. Then the world will indeed end.
Who do you look to for inspiration as a writer? The great masters of
horror? Or is there an incongruous author you cite as an influence?
My favorites growing up were Dean
Koontz and Robert E. Howard. I read a ton of others but those two set the
foundation for me as a writer. But I read all the time, and not just horror.
Mostly horror. Writers like Scott Nicholson, Joe McKinney, Brian Keene, John
Everson, JA Konrath, and W.D. Gagliani are my favorites right now, but who
knows what new author I'll discover?
Your site says Dying Days is going to be made into an independent
film. What is that process like?
It's like pulling teeth, and that
has nothing to do with Reality's Edge Films. When we decided to work together
on the project, one of the stipulations was for me to write the first draft of
the screenplay and then have final say. No big deal, right? It would be around
100 pages and I wrote a dozen pages of fiction a day with no problem. Plus, it
was only taking the basic story of Dying
Days and making it into a script. The plot and dialogue were all there! All
I had to do was cut and paste the book into a screenplay format and we have
ourselves a movie. Only it doesn't work that way. Script writing is so alien
and different for me that I had to step back, study it, and start from scratch.
I find it harder to write, but in the end it will be great. I hope.
What book of yours do you love the most? Why?
If I had to pick one, it would be
Death Metal. It was my first release
through another company in January 2009, right before the explosion of Amazon
and eBooks. It was only sold on the company's website and a defunct horror book
selling site, so it didn't do well. But for me it was a great experience to
write it, edit it, and have a print copy in my hand. It was promoted as an
urban horror novella, but I'm not sure what that is. It's horror but there's
nothing supernatural and it's more of a horror thriller, if I had to tag it. I
re-released it through Rymfire Books last year and its still available and
doing quite well with sales. Someday I'd like to swing back around and do the
sequel to it. Until then…
Music when you write or no?
Sometimes, if I'm working on a
specific chapter or scene, I'll put something on that fits the mood. I'm 42 and
grew up on 80's Metal, so there's always Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Manowar,
Slayer and Anthrax playing. For really gruesome scenes (especially zombie) I'll
put on some hardcore music from my teens like Bad Religion, Black Flag, Minor
Threat, Bad Brains or Dead Kennedys. For love scenes? Light a candle, some
Barry White… nah, just kidding…
Thanks for the interview! I hope
it piques some interest to actual read some of my work! If not, I hope it
piques interest to read another author's work!
I can be found on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Armand-Rosamili...
* *
* * *
Want to know more about the
Dying Days series? Want to win free eBooks and maybe print books of
them? My contest is simple: e-mail me at armandrosamilia (at) gmail (dot) com
with DYING DAYS in the subject line and I'll enter you into the daily giveaway… Also, post a comment here and you get another chance… follow my blog at
http://armandrosamilia.com for yet another chance, and friend me on Twitter
(@ArmandAuthor) and simply post DYING DAYS to me, and you'll get another shot…
nice and easy, right? If I get enough people joining in the giveaway there will
be a print book given away that day!
Dying Days series
information can be found here: http://armandrosamilia.com/dying-days...
Tell us about Dying Days.
Dying Days is my extreme zombie series, centered around Darlene
Bobich, a regular woman trying to survive. So far three books have been
released, and there are many more to come. As long as readers keep responding
to them. While the themes might be dark and graphic, at the core of the stories
is a human just like you and me, who cries, has panic attacks, and isn't
superhuman. Unless you're superhuman, in which case, ignore what I said.
What is up with pop culture's obsession with zombies? It doesn't
seem to be waning at all. Why do you think that is?
Eventually (sooner than later) it
will go away, but right now we're in a great time as a zombie writer and
reader. With the end of the world coming right before Christmas (and we'll have
already spent all our money on presents - nice job, Mayan Calendar!) the
apocalypse is in our thoughts, on every History and Discovery Channel program,
and in our videogames. But, like everything else, it will fade. The Walking
Dead season seven will be lambasted for not killing teenage Carl already, there
will be three network comedy shows starring zombies, and Brendan Fraser will
make six bad zombie movies in a row. Then the world will indeed end.
Who do you look to for inspiration as a writer? The great masters of
horror? Or is there an incongruous author you cite as an influence?
My favorites growing up were Dean
Koontz and Robert E. Howard. I read a ton of others but those two set the
foundation for me as a writer. But I read all the time, and not just horror.
Mostly horror. Writers like Scott Nicholson, Joe McKinney, Brian Keene, John
Everson, JA Konrath, and W.D. Gagliani are my favorites right now, but who
knows what new author I'll discover?
Your site says Dying Days is going to be made into an independent
film. What is that process like?
It's like pulling teeth, and that
has nothing to do with Reality's Edge Films. When we decided to work together
on the project, one of the stipulations was for me to write the first draft of
the screenplay and then have final say. No big deal, right? It would be around
100 pages and I wrote a dozen pages of fiction a day with no problem. Plus, it
was only taking the basic story of Dying
Days and making it into a script. The plot and dialogue were all there! All
I had to do was cut and paste the book into a screenplay format and we have
ourselves a movie. Only it doesn't work that way. Script writing is so alien
and different for me that I had to step back, study it, and start from scratch.
I find it harder to write, but in the end it will be great. I hope.
What book of yours do you love the most? Why?
If I had to pick one, it would be
Death Metal. It was my first release
through another company in January 2009, right before the explosion of Amazon
and eBooks. It was only sold on the company's website and a defunct horror book
selling site, so it didn't do well. But for me it was a great experience to
write it, edit it, and have a print copy in my hand. It was promoted as an
urban horror novella, but I'm not sure what that is. It's horror but there's
nothing supernatural and it's more of a horror thriller, if I had to tag it. I
re-released it through Rymfire Books last year and its still available and
doing quite well with sales. Someday I'd like to swing back around and do the
sequel to it. Until then…
Music when you write or no?
Sometimes, if I'm working on a
specific chapter or scene, I'll put something on that fits the mood. I'm 42 and
grew up on 80's Metal, so there's always Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Manowar,
Slayer and Anthrax playing. For really gruesome scenes (especially zombie) I'll
put on some hardcore music from my teens like Bad Religion, Black Flag, Minor
Threat, Bad Brains or Dead Kennedys. For love scenes? Light a candle, some
Barry White… nah, just kidding…
Thanks for the interview! I hope
it piques some interest to actual read some of my work! If not, I hope it
piques interest to read another author's work!
I can be found on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Armand-Rosamili...
* *
* * *
Want to know more about the
Dying Days series? Want to win free eBooks and maybe print books of
them? My contest is simple: e-mail me at armandrosamilia (at) gmail (dot) com
with DYING DAYS in the subject line and I'll enter you into the daily giveaway… Also, post a comment here and you get another chance… follow my blog at
http://armandrosamilia.com for yet another chance, and friend me on Twitter
(@ArmandAuthor) and simply post DYING DAYS to me, and you'll get another shot…
nice and easy, right? If I get enough people joining in the giveaway there will
be a print book given away that day!
Dying Days series
information can be found here: http://armandrosamilia.com/dying-days...
January 8, 2012
Under a House
Here are some things you will probably find while doing renovation work under a house in New Orleans. It is supported with anecdotal evidence.
Car tires, some still on rims.
Tricycle parts
Pepsi bottles with the old, foam shrinkwrap labels on them. You remember those? They used to have them at the Chinese place on Palm Street in San Luis Obispo. I used to try to tear off the foam label in one long spiral.
Chip bags with the graphics you remember from when you were a kid. Man, Chester Cheetah has really changed.
Broken, antique bottles that would be worth something if they were whole.
Old pipe that they replaced and then just left there.
Thousands of plastic shopping bags whose integrity has broken down. They create a sort of distopian mat of dirty, fluttery snow flakes. And they always conceal broken bottles.
Car tires, some still on rims.
Tricycle parts
Pepsi bottles with the old, foam shrinkwrap labels on them. You remember those? They used to have them at the Chinese place on Palm Street in San Luis Obispo. I used to try to tear off the foam label in one long spiral.
Chip bags with the graphics you remember from when you were a kid. Man, Chester Cheetah has really changed.
Broken, antique bottles that would be worth something if they were whole.
Old pipe that they replaced and then just left there.
Thousands of plastic shopping bags whose integrity has broken down. They create a sort of distopian mat of dirty, fluttery snow flakes. And they always conceal broken bottles.
November 9, 2011
Saturday
This Saturday I am performing my first marriage ceremony. It's actually quite easy to be able to do this. Well, I mean to become a legal officiant is easy. What's not easy is getting up in front of the family and friends of the bride and groom and quite possibly botching one of the most important days of their life (I hope they don't read this).
How did this all come about? I think it started as a joke. "Hey, why don't I do it?" "Yeah, that would be fun." "Haha." "Haha." And then somehow I was on the computer, ordaining myself at themonastery.org and ordering my official certificate to take to the notary and parish clerk of courts. About $100 and a few trips to the Sears for their notary services, and I was able to perform weddings in Orleans and Jefferson Parish.
That all happened months ago, but now... Now it's real. I am possession of their marriage license. I have a black leather binder with the ceremony printed out in big font. I have a dress to wear -- I decided to skip the vestments. And on Saturday at 3:30 I will stand up in front of some people and perform a marriage. One of the most sacred acts in all of human ritual, and I am permitted to do it.
What does that say about the state of our culture?
How did this all come about? I think it started as a joke. "Hey, why don't I do it?" "Yeah, that would be fun." "Haha." "Haha." And then somehow I was on the computer, ordaining myself at themonastery.org and ordering my official certificate to take to the notary and parish clerk of courts. About $100 and a few trips to the Sears for their notary services, and I was able to perform weddings in Orleans and Jefferson Parish.
That all happened months ago, but now... Now it's real. I am possession of their marriage license. I have a black leather binder with the ceremony printed out in big font. I have a dress to wear -- I decided to skip the vestments. And on Saturday at 3:30 I will stand up in front of some people and perform a marriage. One of the most sacred acts in all of human ritual, and I am permitted to do it.
What does that say about the state of our culture?
August 28, 2011
Six Things Sunday -- movies on TV
I'm a bit wonky when it comes to certain movies. I have to watch them if they are on TV -- even when edited for time and content. No matter what, if I'm flipping stations and I see one of these films is on, I have to stop and watch it. So I thought today we'd do a "six things Sunday" of my must-watch movies.
You may question my taste, but these are all great for procrastinating the weekend away. I don't own any of the DVDs, nor would I rent them. There's no need, because they are all on some sort of Spike/ FX/ AMC rotation, it seems.
These are in no particular order.
Pitch Black. Damn good sci fi, really, and you haters can keep quiet. I do put my fingers in my ears and say "Lalala" whenever the term "Furian" comes up. Really? That's the best they could do when coming up with a name for a people know for their, well, fury?
Chronicles of Riddick. It's got Dame Judi Dench in it... and you know you want to know how Riddick did with his five-year plan.
Hellboy. One of the best comic concepts turned movie. Plus, I'll watch anything with Ron Perlman in it. Problem is, he's in everything! (Tangled is great, by the way)
Hellboy II: The Golden Army. See above.
Constantine. This has been the longest running must-watch movie on the list. Even Shia LaBeouf couldn't ruin this for me. I love Tilda Swinton as the androgynous, really evil angel. I was excited to see on IMDB that a sequel is in the planning stages.
Serenity. This one is even on Watch it Now on Netflix, but I'll still watch it on TV. I kneel at the alter of Firefly.
You may question my taste, but these are all great for procrastinating the weekend away. I don't own any of the DVDs, nor would I rent them. There's no need, because they are all on some sort of Spike/ FX/ AMC rotation, it seems.
These are in no particular order.
Pitch Black. Damn good sci fi, really, and you haters can keep quiet. I do put my fingers in my ears and say "Lalala" whenever the term "Furian" comes up. Really? That's the best they could do when coming up with a name for a people know for their, well, fury?
Chronicles of Riddick. It's got Dame Judi Dench in it... and you know you want to know how Riddick did with his five-year plan.
Hellboy. One of the best comic concepts turned movie. Plus, I'll watch anything with Ron Perlman in it. Problem is, he's in everything! (Tangled is great, by the way)
Hellboy II: The Golden Army. See above.
Constantine. This has been the longest running must-watch movie on the list. Even Shia LaBeouf couldn't ruin this for me. I love Tilda Swinton as the androgynous, really evil angel. I was excited to see on IMDB that a sequel is in the planning stages.
Serenity. This one is even on Watch it Now on Netflix, but I'll still watch it on TV. I kneel at the alter of Firefly.
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