Chantal Boudreau's Blog, page 26

A Current Endeavor – Closing in on the End

I’m part way through Chapter 19 of Endeavor with only one chapter to go after this, and I’m hoping to see the last of this first draft by the end of the month. Being a horror writer, October is always a very busy month for me, with book releases and Halloween celebrations. I also have a Submission Blitz planned for this October since the one in April went so well. Here are a few of the things I have coming up:

My first chance at buying my work in a local bookstore! Dead North, an anthology containing one of my short stories is being released by Exile Editions in October. It has already received a great review and it is available for pre-order.

Horrified Press has announced the release of their horror anthology ‘Nightmare Stalkers & Dream Walkers’ edited by Suzie Lockhart & Bruce Lockhart which “dares you to confront the dark behind your eyelids, as no-one is safe to dream in this collection of frightening tales from some of the biggest names in horror.” I have a story in that one. ‘Nightmare Stalkers & Dream Walkers’ will be available in both digital and print formats.

The release of Prisoners of Fate, the third book in my Masters and Renegades series is rapidly approaching. Here’s a sneak peek (above) at the cover. I’ll share more news as it becomes available and I’ll soon be offering up “The Field Test” a teaser tale for the novel involving Urwick, one of the main characters (he was Barb’s favourite character in the series).

Also, I’m hoping to finally release the third book in my Snowy Barrens trilogy. I’ve been procrastinating there, dragging my feet on the last few details.

And finally, I’m eying November and NaNoWri Mo. I’m not sure if I’ll be participating this year. Without Barb to push me, I doubt I can meet the pace required. If I do go for it, I won’t be working on anything new, but attempting to put 50,000 more words into “Sifting the Ashes,” which will bring me close to finishing that novel. We’ll see – I just don’t have the inspiration or enthusiasm without her around.

Anyway, back to Chapter 19…

The Blurb on Other People’s Words – My Favourite Bruce

In celebration of the upcoming release of his new epic fantasy series called ‘The Small Gods’, here is a sample of Bruce Blake’s upcoming release (I’d call him my Favourite Blake, but that title goes to one of my characters, Reid Blake.). The main story line revolves around a prophecy found by Prince Teryk and his sister, Danya. It speaks of the rise of the Small Gods—who were banished by the Goddess a long time ago—and the fall of mankind. The story follows the siblings, who think Teryk is the saviour of mankind named in the prophecy, as well as a priestess of the Goddess, a sailor who hates the sea, and a little gray fellow named Thorn.

From WHEN SHADOWS FALL Chapter Two

“Quiet,” Teryk snapped and raised his hand. A hurt expression on her brow, Danya opened her mouth to protest, but didn’t. “Do you hear that?”

A tiny sound—completely unnoticeable when either of them spoke, lost amongst their footsteps when they moved, hardly there compared to their heartbeats—but he heard it. The faintest of hums masquerading as a buzz, pretending to be a breath. He took another step toward the lectern.

The sound emanated from the roll of parchment.

“I don’t hear anything.”

“Sshh.”

Teryk crept closer. The noise didn’t grow any louder, but it became more distinct—not a hum or a buzz or an exhalation, but a susurrant tangle of whispers, each indistinct on their own, but together combining to the softest of murmurs.

“It’s saying something,” he said, near enough now to reach out and touch the scroll if he wanted. He leaned his head closer still, listening, straining to perceive a recognizable word. “You can’t hear that?”

The pad of Danya’s bare feet on the stone floor sounded a cacophony in comparison, assaulting the prince’s ears and making him want to press his hands to the sides of his head, but then she stood beside him and the tumult ended. They both held their breath, the only sounds in the room the beat of their hearts and, hidden beneath, the whispers of the scroll.

Teryk counted twenty heartbeats pass before Danya shook her head and parted her lips, but he raised his finger, stopping her. Ten more beats, the scroll murmuring to him, talking to him. If only he understood it.

Why can’t she hear it?

A feeling easily mistaken for satisfaction settled into the prince at knowing a thing she didn’t, but it disappeared in an instant. Danya understood languages better than he, as she was better at most things. He wished she could tell him what language it spoke, what it said, what it wanted from him. He leaned closer, his sister leaning with him, his ear a handspan away from the edge of the rostrum, and then he understood.

“It wants me to take it with us.”

“What?” Danya straightened and put her hand on his arm. “No, Teryk. We can’t. We don’t even know how to get out of here.”

“I have to.”

He shrugged her off and took the last step to the lectern, raised his hand toward the scroll. Before he stretched his fingers out to touch it, before Danya did or said anything to stop him, the roll of parchment leaped into his hand and the whispering ended.

I was right.

Teryk held it up, staring, sensing his sister’s eyes on it, too. The parchment was rough against his fingers and smelled old—two qualities one might reasonably expect of a ancient paper. A spot of blue wax pressed with an unfamiliar seal held the scroll from unrolling. When the prince rubbed his thumb across it, chunks of the brittle material flaked away.

“We have to find a way out, Teryk,” Danya said.

“What’s your hurry?” He didn’t move his gaze from the roll in his hand.

“Trenan will be looking for us, remember? You have pike training.”

Teryk redirected his gaze from the scroll to his sister, his eyes moving lazily, as though mired in the royal cook’s version of oatmeal. They crossed the void between them, seeing the dust dancing in the light, the gleaming stone floor, the red with white pillars soaring toward the ceiling.

And the battle suits crossing the floor in silence behind her.

What a tasty niblet, eh? Looking forward to sinking my teeth into the whole thing. Bruce has a giveaway planned on Goodreads – enter for your chance to win.

10 Simple Questions – WWW Edition – Julianne Snow

My next Wicked Woman Writer has shared pages with me in the Darlings of Decay anthology, but she’s more than just a pretty face who writes about zombies:

Who are you?

My name is Julianne Snow and I am an author. I’ve released one book to date and have others in different stages of production. I’ve also had numerous short stories published in different anthologies and publications. Aside from all of that, I’m the Co-owner and Publicist for Sirens Call Publications (sweet! – CB).

What have you written and in particular, what have you written that’s wicked?

Gosh – hard question! If you’d like to see my complete bibliography you can check out my blog at http://theflipsideofjulianne.wordpress.com. If you’re talking thematically, I’ve written horror, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic stories, science fiction, some dark comedy here and there, stories that would border on the bizarre and even a little romance (I’ve tried my hand at that a couple of times too – it’s really not my thing – CB).

As for writing anything truly wicked, I have a few tales that fall into that category – Madeleine (Childhood Nightmares: Under the Bed, The Best of The Horror Society 2013), Six Millimeters (The Sirens Call eZine #2), and Fade to Black (Serial Killers: Tres Tria) just to name a few.

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but why do you write?

I write because it’s in my blood and the stories twist themselves around in my psyche until I release them (sort of like verbal brain worms? – CB).

Do you have a preferred theme or topic (zombies, serial killers, demons, etc…)?

I don’t have a preferred theme at all. I write what comes to me at the time it fights for its chance. I find it interesting to mash genres together (I love cross-genre – CB)and sometimes the outcome works out, and in orders it doesn’t.

Are you a pantser or a plotter and why?

I’m a pantser the majority of the time. When I sit down to write, I let the storyline develop as I write. At times, I have a beginning and an end in mind, but I have to trust my process to get me to the end. There have only been a few times where the end was a complete surprise even to me.

What do you like most about writing?

I like creating. There’s a part of my logical mind that likes the whole process of crafting a story (funny – my logical part likes plotting and my creative part like crafting – CB). I like the feeling of getting to the end and then re-reading only to find out that what you’ve actually put down on paper is better than what you had imagined.

What challenges you the most about writing?

Sometimes it’s finding the right way to capture the emotion of a scene that plays out in my head. I can see it, but sometimes the words escape me in the moment of its genesis. After a little time, it comes to me though.

Who or what inspires you most?

I’m inspired by many things. Sometimes I’ll see something play across the screen at a movie and then wonder what would happen if… In others, it can be the flash of a colour, or a smell that triggers the entire plot (A smell? Wow, most of my inspirations are visual or verbal – CB)

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to keep writing and honing my craft.

Why Wicked Women Writers?

I saw the call for writers and read about the challenge. I was immediately sold on the idea of writing an apocalyptic story.

Thanks, Julianne. Can’t wait to see the next wicked thing you have in the works.

10 Simple Questions – WWW Edition

with Rebecca Snow

And now a few words from a lady I consider my horror writer alter ego. It’s like she’s the horror yin to my dark and freaky yang. Someone asked me once who I’d want to finish any unfinished stories, were I to kick off tomorrow, and she’s top of the list.

1) Who are you?

I am me…Rebecca Snow. I have a super power that no one can see. Anything else I’d say here would be rambling blather and sleep inducing (sleep…what is this thing sleep? – CB).

2) What have you written and in particular, what have you written that’s wicked?

Words…I’ve written lots of words. Not as many as some, but more than others. As for being wicked, just about everything I write is wicked in one way or another (I can vouch for that – CB). Even the humor is a little evil. As for all the places I’ve had a story published, instead of type them out, here’s a link. http://cemeteryflowerblog.wordpress.com/publication-credits/

3) I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but why do you write?

If I don’t write, the voices get too loud. If I ignore them too long, I start to twitch (that might be kind of fun to watch – CB).

4) Do you have a preferred theme or topic (zombies, serial killers, demons, etc…)?

To read, I prefer anything that doesn’t make me roll my eyes like dice. In writing, I rather enjoy horror in general. I’ll try any topic once as long as it doesn’t make me want to scrub off my skin. I find horror to be a great way to relieve any frustration that lingers throughout the day.

5) Are you a pantser or a plotter and why?

Having had to ask what a pantser is, I have deduced that I am a pantser. Granted, sometimes I plot my pants. Most of the time, I get an idea, grab a few characters out of the closet, and throw them into the middle of things to see what they do (I always marvel at those who can do this, because it never works for me – CB). It isn’t always successful, but it is fun to watch.

6) What do you like most about writing?

I like getting the stories out of my head so other people can see them. They aren’t always well received, but I’m not the greatest vocal storyteller. It’s much easier to scribble the tales than tell them.

7) What challenges you the most about writing?

I wrestle with interruptions. I have a writing room, but the cats always know where to find me.

8) Who or what inspires you most?

Breathing (that must make life easy – CB).

9) What are your plans for the future?

Funny, other than short term, I rarely make big plans. I’m in middle of a few shorts. Hopefully, my next endeavor will be another novel that has more of a chance at being published than either of my others. (I wish I could be so laid back…I always have new unachievable goals to add to my list. CB)

10) Why Wicked Women Writers?

Why not? And the company is outstanding.

Awwww – a woman after my own heart, even if she would be likely to dig it out with a sharpened spoon. I hope you give her story consideration along with the other Wicked Women Writers. She’s #8 on the list. Read more about her at http://cemeteryflowerblog.wordpress.com/

10 Simple Questions – WWW Edition

With D. M. Slate

The next Interview on my roster of Wicked Women Writers competitors – a lovely lady by the name of Danyelle:

Who are you?

Hi! My name is Danyelle, and I write under the name of D.M. Slate. I live in Colorado, but guess what – I hate skiing… (So do I. Skiing…blech! – CB) Fishing, camping and hiking are activities that I enjoy, though. I’m 31 years old (just a young’un – CB), and am married to my high school sweet-heart. We have 2 young kids, a business, and 8 pets that keep us busy! (Do chickens count as pets? If they do, I have her beat – CB)



What have you written and in particular, what have you written that’s wicked?

In 2009 my first novella was released. Day 94 is based upon world apocalypse, in the form of disease epidemic. A young family fights all odds, barricaded within their home, as the world crumbles around them. Jasmine keeps a journal of the events – until she reaches day 94…

Isolated was my first novel, and its terror is drawn from a real-life experience that my husband and I found ourselves in, deep within the Mexican jungle. We obviously made it out okay (are you sure about that? – CB)… but my characters aren’t so lucky – muhahahahha!

Roots of Deceit is a paranormal horror novel, stretching the span of 5 decades. Old farmer Peterson finally comes to the realization that the secrets of the past aren’t easily buried, as the tortured soul of a young girl plagues the new city folk who buy the property next-door.

After the release of the last book, I changed focus a bit, and began writing shorter stories. Grizzly Possibilities is a flash fiction story featured in the Frightmares anthology, dealing with an unfortunate camping experience. I also have a short story in Morpheus Tales Apocalypse Special Addition called Sun Catcher. In this version of apocalypse the sun has exploded, causing a chain of events that destroy humanity. Survivors are forced to join the NWS. If they run and hide, and are found…they become dinner.

(Woo! She has been busy – CB)



I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but why do you write?

I have a VERY overactive imagination – the kind of person who scares themselves in the dark – LOL! I love the ability to create an alternate reality – and then move all the “players” around, seeing what happens. It’s almost like a game of chess, and I have to outsmart my opponent…which is really just myself. (Is she saying she plays with herself? – CB) Then, I get to weave all the complexities of the plot throughout the story, never revealing too much, too soon. I like the challenge of it all.

Do you have a preferred theme or topic (zombies, serial killers, demons, etc…)?

I like real-life situations… things that could plausibly happen, under certain circumstances. In general, I tend to write more on a psychological level… how do people react when you put them in ______ scenario. I like to focus on human nature – and the driving forces behind each of the character’s actions. (favourites of mine as well – CB)

Are you a pantser or a plotter and why?

For books, I’m a plotter – for sure. I tend to work backward. I know how things are going to end, but then I need to figure out all of the events leading up to the ending (Just like me! – CB). I make a massive “web”, linking all of my major events, before I ever start writing.

On the short stories – I fly by the seat of my pants (Not like me… – CB).

What do you like most about writing?

Creative freedom. This is my “world”, and I can make whatever happen in the story that I want. It’s invigorating. (Like a cold shower – CB)

What challenges you the most about writing?

Finding the time to write is one of my main challenges. I work full time in addition to owning a business, and I have a family (and a small zoo) as well. Trying to find a happy balance is always difficult. Beyond that, finding the right publisher is always tricky, as well.

Who or what inspires you most?

My inspiration is a deep burning within my soul. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I was a child… but I’m also a logical person, so I opted for a business career, instead of writing. I’ve accomplished the goal of getting published, but that is only the 1st step in my personal journey. (This all sounds so familiar – CB) Making the switch from hobby to career is something that I strive for.

That internal drive to succeed is what inspires me the most.

What are your plans for the future?

I have 2 current WIP’s: a survival horror novella called Moral Frostbite, and a psychological thriller novel, Oculus Sinister. My plans are to attend the International Thrillerfest conference in NY next year, and hopefully catch the eye of an agent. (with a sharpened hook? – CB)



Why Wicked Women Writers?

I love a challenge – and this caught my eye right away, especially since the theme was apocalypse. After I got my specific scenario, I was truly challenged. I had to research quantum physics to understand strange matter, and at that point it became clear that a gasmask as a weapon would do little against a black hole – LOL! My characters were unable to leave the interstate, so in the end, I chose darkness as the constraint that would keep them on the road.

The podcast was a completely new experience for me – so I liked that aspect, as well. This was the 1st time I’ve ever recorded a story, and I learned SO much in the process. It was a really fun experience to be part of!!

There you go; she has 10 years on me but I have 3 chickens on her …that sounds dirty Plus she picked up on the podcast thing quickly while this is my third year and I’m still a podcast dunce. Proof you can’t teach an old chicken new tricks. Such is life *shrug*

Thanks Danyelle! Find out more about D. M. at:

http://www.dm-slate.com/

10 Simple Questions – WWW Edition

With Chantal Noordeloos (aka the other Chantal)

This month I’ll be interviewing my co –conspirato…er…fellow competitors in the Wicked Women Writers challenge from Horror Addicts. I’ll begin with my namesake – a rare thing when you have a name like mine.

Who are you?

I am the great and powerful Oz… oh wait, no… I’m slightly less impressive. I’m Chantal Noordeloos, a writer from the Netherlands. If you want to know who I am on a more philosophical level… I’m not quite there yet, I need to get in touch with my ‘inner zen’. (I’ve touched my ‘inner zen’ – it recoiled away…CB)

What have you written and in particular, what have you written that’s wicked?

I’ve written a ‘bunch’ (yes really specific here) of horror short stories, some of which are particularly wicked (I prefer ‘oodles’ – CB). In fact, my story ‘Mirror Mirror’ is featured in the ‘Someone Wicked Anthology’, so I would like to think that was wicked. I’m not a horror writer per se, but I do like to write stories with a bit of a wicked twist. I’ve also written a Steampunk novel (Coyote: The Outlander) and other genre stories.

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but why do you write?

That is a favourite question(and annoying as heck, but I’m a sadistic interviewer-CB). In a nutshell, it’s an outlet of creativity. Before I wrote I turned to all sorts of hobbies to ‘fill the empty space in my soul’ (and I mean that with as much drama as I can possibly muster). Now that I write, my life is much more fulfilled. Also more wacky and stressful, but let’s not go into that.

Do you have a preferred theme or topic (zombies, serial killers, demons, etc…)?

Ehm… I really like using mythology or religion in my work. I also love fairytales and urban legends, but I don’t use those too often yet. I guess Angels and Demons are a bit of theme in some of my stuff.

Are you a pantser or a plotter and why?

YAY!! I love this question, I ask people all the time. I’m a plotting pantser (wow! Never got that one before – CB). I need a iddy bitty structure, or I lose the plot, but I tend to plot a lot, and then use about 10% of my plotted work and pants the rest. Because I just seem to like extra work for some reason.

What do you like most about writing?

Creating that little world that a reader can nestle into. (Most folks don’t want to nestle anywhere near what I write – CB) I guess I like ‘being read’ the most about writing. I like it when I can make people happy with my stories. Or miserable (when I write horror)… heck any emotion I’ll take.

What challenges you the most about writing?

Editing. I hate it… with a passion… a big stinky passion (Oooh *clap* *clap*- a kindred spirit – CB). I could start a picketing group against it. But it’s a necessary evil, and it takes me such a long time. I’m quite a fast writer, so all my extra time goes into whipping my stories into shape.

Who or what inspires you most?

*blank stare* Ehm… *wipes a bit of drool from the side of her mouth* Not just one thing, I couldn’t narrow it down. Other writers really inspire me. Having a good conversation with Apple Ardent Scott can really fuel my writing engine, but to be honest, a lot of things in life inspire me. Reading books I like (or I hate, that can be inspirational too in a twisted way) Seeing a good movie, watching people in the street… you name it (that makes my picking pictures out of floor tiles sound weird – CB).

9)     What are your plans for the future?

To try and take over the world! Narf… wait… no, wrong again. I have a great many plans for the future. I’m currently working on the rest of my Coyote series (there will be five books in total and the next will be called the ‘Clockwork Dragonfly’) and on my own horror collection (yes, a bit of wickedness will be present) called ‘Deeply Twisted’. Otherwise I’ll be working on my ‘Celestials’ trilogy angels and demons, as you might have guessed) and my ‘Even Hell has standards’ series. I have a lot of plans for my future. (And maybe get some help for that drooling problem?-CB)

10) Why Wicked Women Writers?

Well first of all, because it had the word ‘Wicked’ in there, that drew me to it immediately. Then because it was a podcast. I’ve never done a podcast before, and since I’ve dabbles with a lot of other things, a podcast needed to be on me ‘This I have done’ list J

Okay, I confess – not namesake. The name similarity was just a coincidence.But she has the same witty sense of humour that I have. I’ll have to hae her visit Word Blurb again in future.

You can find out more about Chantal here:

http://www.chantalnoordeloos.info/

Something in the Air

Reblogged from Guild Of Dreams:

 by Chantal Boudreau

When people think of fiction, they usually think of film or books. Those tend to be the most common forms of media used to tell a tale in modern times, whether they be delivered by more traditional means of TV or print, or the more technologically advanced offerings of the Internet or ebooks.

What people don't tend to think of as often, but is certainly another method to share a story, is audio.

Read more… 278 more words

A Current Endeavor – Getting Back on Track

I’m not back up to posting regularly, but I’m trying. This is the time of year my brain turns to goo – overtime at work, trying to get the kids back to school, attempting to clean up after summer and ready things for winter , pulling in the tail end of the garden and deadlines galore. Add to that the last few chapters of Endeavor (still working on Chapter 17), extra promotions for upcoming podcasts, and the last few tweaks before The Blood Flows True is ready for release and I’m ready to sit gibbering in some corner.

Normally, I start contemplating NaNoWriMo at this point, but I don’t think I can manage it without Barb to spur me on. So Bed of Bones will wait and I’ll pass on NaNo this year. I’m going to focus on catching up after a prolonged vacation, getting Endeavor in the bag and another submission blitz in October. After that, I’m just going to kick back and enjoy the holidays, saving my energy for the new year and hopefully, new prospects. If I have more “go” than expected, I’ll try to finish up Sifting the Ashes.

My top three ambitions for the next year beyond the things I’ve listed?

Get my first pro-rate sale.
Get feedback from Baen on Elements of Genocide (whether they accept it or not)
Find some incredible and original way to get my name out there – I’m terrible at marketing

All things beyond my control, but one can hope, right?

A Current Endeavor – Quiet

I haven’t posted in quite some time, but that’s in part because I went on vacation for two weeks and decide to make it a true vacation in that I stopped any extraneous activities that felt like work to me – even regular posts on social media.

Blogging is definitely work. Like many writers I’m an introvert and aside from my stories, I’m not inclined to communicate. A relaxing day for me is writing, artwork, gardening, playing a few computer games or puzzles, reading or floating happily in the water at some beach. Note that these are all solitary activities. I like doing many of these activities side-by-side with my friends or family, but I don’t engage easily, sometimes to my husband’s irritation who I know expects more sharing. That is what a relationship is supposed to be about after all, but that’s just not me.

Even fun social activities, like parties, are uncomfortable for me. I used to enjoy them, but I don’t relate to old friends anymore. Many of them don’t have kids and certainly not autistic ones. Most of them don’t understand my obsession with writing. Most of them have more to their lives than work, family and writing. I end up talking about writing to the odd person who is interested, or maybe gardening to a few other hobby gardeners, but that’s about it. Otherwise I feel very much out of place at social gatherings. The typical extrovert just doesn’t get me.

I like the quiet…no, make that, I love the quiet, and after going offline, and tuning out, it’s difficult and even jarring to force myself to tune back in. I oftentimes wonder if it’s worth it, especially when considering I’m happier and less stressed if I just let things be, embracing who I am and enjoying that peace of mind. I don’t have a large following on my blog. I don’t receive much in the way of communication from folks who read my work. The effort necessary in order to reach out to people seems an awful lot for the size of the return.

But I have made commitments to people and as much as I prefer the quiet, I have to make the effort. I always try to make good on my promises, especially when someone has invested time, energy and/or money in me. So I’m jumping back into social media and I’ll be posting again.

BTW – I’m working on Chapter 16 of Endeavor and I received an acceptance for a fifth short story as the result of my submission blitz. My goal was 6, but I still have some pending a response, so I’ll keep my fingers-crossed that I’ll receive at least one more. I’m planning a second blitz in October.

Life, the Universe and Everything

Reblogged from Guild Of Dreams:

By the time this post goes up, it will be two days after my forty-second birthday. Forty-two...that’s supposed to be the answer to the “big question”, but somehow I doubt everything is going to fall into place, not after the off-kilter year I’ve been having, running the gamut from minor victories to tragic losses.

Another big question I’ve been facing is: “how long is your Fervor series going to run?” That runs into the whole notion that I had never intended Fervor to be anything other than one-off science fantasy dystopian novel in the beginning.

Read more… 385 more words