C.V. Hunt's Blog, page 31

Vampires are monsters.

Well, the gates where thrown open and Legacy is off. I officially hit the publish button on the 17th of this month. I saw that a couple of people scope it up quickly, but I've yet to hear any feedback. I ordered several copies, but the manufacture still has it listed as 'being processed'. I was hoping to have them by this weekend so that I could get them to people that I know, but I don't think that that is going to happen. I think it may end up being the following weekend. If anyone is interested you can find the links to purchase it at my website, www.authorcvhunt.com.
I had a discussion the other day about Endlessly and how reviewers are like a strange double edged sword. Every vampire novel is different; different rules, different ethics, different story, ect. I think Bram Stoker would have had his stroke sooner had he read Twilight. Vampires were originally meant to be monsters.1mon·ster  noun  \ˈmän(t)-stər\Definition of MONSTER1 a : an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure b : one who deviates from normal or acceptable behavior or character2 : a threatening force3 a : an animal of strange or terrifying shape b : one unusually large for its kind4 : something monstrous; especially : a person of unnatural or extreme ugliness, deformity, wickedness, or cruelty5 : one that is highly successful
Lately vampires have become anything but this. Heaven forbid that current vampires would ever fall under definition number four. The vampires of my books are what I considered a hybrid monster. They are able to cope within society, but when it gets down to the nitty-gritty, they are still murders. They kill humans to survive… without remorse.
I don't mind a bad review, I think they help to toughen you up. What I don't care for is when I am left a one star review with no explanation. Why didn't you like it? Was it horribly written? Did you not like the story? Was it not your type of book? Two or three sentences would suffice.
Then again, sometimes I read a bad review and it's like hitting a paradox wall for me. One person stated that they didn't like how Verloren did not show remorse. (Sociopath, psychopath, monster... they are all the same, and none of them will show remorse.) Another person stated that the story was too unbelievable. (??? Am I the only person thinking, it's fiction.) Someone else made a comment about there being too many supernatural creatures. (I would think, or at least hope, that if there was a world where the supernatural did exist, that there would be a wide variety of them.) I think the one that was upsetting the most for me was, I had a reviewer tell me that they don't like writing bad reviews and refused to post a review.
These are all the reader's personal preferences and opinions, and we are all entitled to them. I would hate to live in a world where I was afraid to state my personal opinion. I particularly don't care for King's stories, and people think I'm crazy, but I could give you a list of reasons that I don't like his books. (I won't, because it's a long and boring list.)
I think some of these people stumbled on my book, and thought that they were getting another dose of modern day vampire, and were upset when they didn't get that. People have fallen away from what the real meaning of a vampire is. They are murdering monsters, not neck nibbling stud muffins. (Does anyone really use the words stud muffin?) I think Anne Rice may have gotten this one right; her vampires can't have sex, because their bodies are dead. If we eliminated the sex from the vampire book now days, would people still want to read them?

Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com

Interview with L.A. Tafe, author of Inner Horror.

I bumped into L.A. Tafe on Goodreads and found that we both have a couple of things in common. One, we both are authors, and two, we both love horror. With being in the business of helping other authors, I decided to put his book Inner Horror on my list of to-reads. It is my next to read and I fell head over heels for it after reading the first chapter on his blog (http://latafe.blogspot.com/). I decided to conduct pre-review interview.
So, L.A., tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I grew up in Southern California. Started writing small stories at the age of eight or so, I think my first attempt was some time traveling story about dinosaurs haha. Now I live in central Kentucky , soon to be moving to tennessee, with my girlfriend and our mischievous cat that thoroughly enjoys helping me write by walking across the keyboard. My writing has moved from dinosaurs, at least for now haha, into the Horror genre mostly. But I have plenty ideas for every genre fermenting on my hard drive. 
Tell us more about Inner Horror.
Inner Horror is really my greatest revealing of myself. If you have ever read "The Picture of Dorian Gray," the artist, Basil Hayward worded it very nicely about his portrait of Dorian. How every work is a reflection of the artist and the portrait reveled far to much of himself. That is what Inner Horror is for me. I had nightmares as a kid because I watched a lot of horror movies against my will haha. And over time I began fearing the vivid nightmares that followed more than the movies themselves. So the realism of dreams and the thin line between dreams and reality is the real underlining of Inner Horror. Things like the protagonists name is my real name, the villian is named after a play on words a friend once called me cuz I love practical jokes and he didn't take kindly to it haha. The protagonists fears are also my own. I was actually half asleep when I came up with the idea. Shot up out of bed and opened my computer to get it down on paper and it just went from there. I knew it was going to be my first full length novel right then. It really had all of the things I wanted for my first, it is unique, allowed me to make my own world while rooted in reality, and it had a big chunk of myself in it. I am very proud of the way the story turned out. Have a sequel planned that I am itching to begin.
What inspires you, and do you have any rituals when it comes to writing?
It sound cliche but just about anything inspires me. Media, people, places, events, my mind can see look at an empty bottle of water on my desk and that will get me thinking about what I had in it, then where that came from, then what contagion could I possibly have attained by drinking the contents haha. So I can really look at anything and my mind will end up somewhere completely different within a few seconds. Inspiration is simply infinite.
As for rituals. Most of the time I'll lay down on my bed with my head propped, Mac on my lap, and some music playing and then I just go at it. My attention tends to wander if I am editing or just not too into what I am writing so I have a bunch of things open in the background as well haha.
What is your goal with your writing?
In a few years I hope to be writing full time, getting at least three novels out a year with short stories being posted on my blog or on the kindle store for $0.99. When I really start making a living with my writing I want to give as much as I can to my fans, really getting them involved with what I am writing when I am writing it, doing giveaways, and always being available to anyone that wants to talk. Right now with a job and hectic home life to take care of, I barely have time to write let alone keep in contact with fans and fellow authors for reviews and interviews. Basically my goal is to be the best author I can be and never take myself to seriously.
Do you have any plans with future writing?
Right now I am working on Zombies Ate My Neighbors, a zombie thriller that really takes hold and doesn't let go until the last page. Pretty sure I will be changing the title before I release it, I named it that two-three years ago and kept it as a working title. Pretty sure the name is copyrighted by Sega anyway haha. After I finish with that it is really a toss up. As I mentioned before I have an outline ready for an Inner Horror sequel, but lately with all of the political stuff going on an idea I have for a anarchy thriller (not sure what to label it) has been nagging at me almost non stop.
Now I'm going to ask you some horror related questions, just so the reader can get to dig into your brain a little.
Who or what was your boogey man when you were growing up?
There were quite a few of them but the one that sticks out in my mind is Pennywise The Clown from IT. He is the soul reason for my clown fear haha.
Who do you think is scarier; a fictitious monster, such as a werewolf, or one that could be real, like a psychopath?
To be absolutely exact: Ghosts. I actually had this discussion this last weekend as my girlfriend and I debated whether or not to stay in a haunted hotel. I told her no and she asked why. I believe my words were, "Because a killer comes in your house or attacks you on the street and I am confident I have a fighting chance... You can't f***ing kill a ghost." hahaha.
If you're being chased by a monster, would you look over your shoulder behind you to see how close it was?
Nope. That is what reflective surfaces are for. And if no reflective surfaces are easily accessible, I do not need to see how close I am to being eaten.
In the way of tradition monsters, do you prefer the old tradition? Example: Vampires and sunlight, werewolves and the cycles of the moon, and stumbling zombies. Or you do you like the break out of new and improved monsters? Example: Indestructible vampires, werewolves shifting at will, and runner zombies?
I like them all. I believe they are all separate entities and dynamic in their own ways. Except for twilight vamps... 'nuff said
Here is the mother loaded question. The zombie apocalypse has fell upon us. Society and government has collapsed. All of technology and conveniences of modern day have crumbled. Groups of survivors are gathering the remnants of what is left and trying to rebuild a new world. You have to start over from scratch. You have nothing. You have to build your own house, grow your own food, and make your own fuel, medicine, and clothing. The question is this: What is the one thing (thing not person) you would miss the most in the world that you live now?
It took me a while to think something up, to be honest I can do without a lot of the shit I use everyday because if I had to work within a community for everything then I wouldn't have time for anything else. But I can not stand relentlessly hot, humid weather. So air conditioning is the thing I will miss haha.
Is there anything you would like to tell the readers?
I am not going to give twenty links to my different social sites, just to my blog http://latafe.blogspot.com/ If you want my Twitter, GoodReads, book info, etc. It is all there. And like I post just about everywhere, if you want to know more about me or just want to talk, email me: L.A.Tafe@live.com
Thank you Carrie for taking some time to interview me, hope to return the favor soon. Thanks to the readers for taking the time to read my rambles. Hope we entertained you for a brief time. And keep on reading!
I'd like to thank you for taking the time to answer my crazy questions. I look forward to reading Inner Horror soon. And to my blog followers, look for my review of it soon.
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Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com

Winner of the Legacy giveaway and two plugs.

If you didn't get a chance to enter my spontaneous giveaway, please forgive me. I now that it was sudden and short. But the winner of the proof copy of Legacy was Coylene Gill, and for those that read the book you will recognize the name. Several people graciously gave up their names and likenesses for my story. It started with Endlessly (as a joke) with one friend, and then two more people wanted in (read the acknowledgements). It grew with Legacy (again check the acknowledgements), but all of the other characters came from my head, and I did not take any volunteers for Phantom and Switch.

I want to thank all of the people that did volunteer for this. They were told in advance that their characters would have their names and likeness, but not all of their own personality. Their character would, and could, say and do things that they would not do in real life. Such as: profanity, murder, fornication, ect... And that they would know nothing of their characters, and what they have done, until the book was published and they read it. Wow, that leaves a lot of room to do evil things if you think about it, and yet each one of them never batted a lash when they raised their hands. I had more volunteers than what I used, and I would like to thank those people for their courage to willingly sacrifice themselves for my story also.

With all of this being said, I would like to announce that Legacy is now available. "What?" you say. I know, I told everyone the 27th. I told them the 27th because it may take up till that time for it to show its self on Amazon and B&N and get them linked to their e-book versions. At the moment Createspace is the only place that you can purchase it in paperback form. It will take up to seven days for it to show up on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. But for all of you E-Readers out there, you can find it on Kindle and NOOK. Check my website for the links.

And now for another plug. If you follow my reviews, you read that I left a five zombie head review for Gift of the Bouda by Richard Farnsworth. Well, I really loved that book, and I wanted to inform all of you that are Goodreads members that he is having a giveaway of his book, so run over to Goodreads and get signed up. It's a great story and if you don't win it, it is well worth the money to purchase it.

Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com

Proof copy drawing.

I am collecting names for a proof copy drawing of Legacy. Comment this post if you want in. All entries have to be in by 8/17/2011 6:00 AM EST time. Thank you and good luck.
Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com

Book Review: Werewolf by Greg Hair

Werewolf by Greg Hair

My rating: 4 of 5 stars [image error]


REVIEW: This story was face paced and action packed. I felt like it was a strange mix of vigilante/x-men/werewolves – if that makes sense. It kept my attention with the new breed of werewolves, but (as I always mention with third person writing) I felt distant from the characters. There was quite a bit of story crammed into this book and I will be looking for the sequel.

ABOUT: Landon Murphy, a werewolf who has a knack for tracking, a penchant for killing, and an affinity for the bottle, walks the streets at night removing from society those who would escape the limits of the law. Further compounding his life is a serial killer, and the addition of two individuals, LillyAnna and Jamie, whom he helps introduce to the larger world of the supernatural. Landon soon discovers, however, that he's not the only werewolf with secrets..

View all my reviews

Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com

My finger is hovering over the "publish" button. 8/27/2011

I just spent the last 12 hours getting things ready for Legacy. It's been edited, proofread, formatted (the most grueling), and uploaded. It will take another 24 to 48 hours for the file to go through the meat grinder. It will be checked over for any kind of formatting errors that could hinder it's delivery, then I will order my proof copies (not a necessary step, but I want to give some reviewers a head start), then it will be a matter of clicking a button and Legacy will be available.

It will be born just the same as Endlessly was. It will be available for purchase as a paperback through Createspace immediately. Along with the ebook through Smashwords, Kindle, and NOOK. Since the ibookstore is through Smashwords, it could take up to two weeks for it to appear there. Then it will take up to seven days for it to appear on Amazon and B&N as a paperback.

Right now I'm hoping that every aspect of it will be fully functional by 8/27/2011. So this is the date that I am telling everyone that it will be available as long as I don't hit any more major speed bumps. I hope you all enjoy it.

Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com

Legacy is near.

So Legacy is back from the editor. It is now going through the proofing and formatting process. Believe me, I already did a marathon read of it, finished it in a day. I had to see what changes were made by the editor; it was eating me alive. Once it has been proofed and formatted, I will read it again.

There are some small events that might be brewing. I have made contact with a local book store. My intent was to set up a signing, and get a little advertising. They want me to do a reading. *cringe* The funny thing is: I stumble horribly over my words when I read out loud - even my own writing. This isn't even mentioning the fact that I have terrible stage fright. I thought sitting a desk, having a couple of people I know show up, wouldn't be bad. But standing up in front of a bunch of people I know, and don't know, and reading my book... (covers face and shakes head) that's my worst nightmare. I might as well open my chest and expose my soul to you.

I can't help but think on the other hand, this is the perfect opportunity for advertisement. The store offered to advertise, and all I have to find some arses for the seats. With Legacy just around the corner, this could be a great compilation to the release. It's such a strange paradox for me. I want to do it for the release of Legacy, but for me personally... it's a mortifying thought. Being nervous will only make me stumble when I talk all that much more.

If you have a twitter account and you use smashwords you might want to follow me @CVHunt I will post some discount codes when Legacy is released.

Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com

Back cover description for Legacy.

I finally received the fully edited file of Legacy today. It still needs proofreading and formatting, but we are in the home stretch now. The editor also included the back cover synopsis. (That's right, I don't write those things.) So we will cruise right along - and as long as we don't hit any bumps in the road - we will be on track for Legacy to be released at the end of  this month.

I am in discussions with a local book store. I might do a reading. I have terrible stage fright and am trying to talk myself into it. It would be the perfect compilation to the release of Legacy.

Enough rambling, here is the teaser (oh yeah, I forgot, there is a spoiler in the teaser):


            After defeating the dreaded Quatre, dragon-vampire, Ashley, and her lover, the vampire, Verloren, take a well-deserved rest in the Pacific Northwest. Ashley wants to learn about her newfound powers, and both of these soul mates want to chart their uncertain future. What will their role be in this world of misfits? And what is the meaning of disturbing premonitions seen only by Verloren?            Living in a secret compound with other misfits, Ashley discovers what Verloren already knows: when given their freedom some misfits will do the right thing, but others are still dedicated to evil. 

Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com

Book Review: Gift of the Bouda by Richard Farnsworth

Gift of the Bouda by Richard Farnsworth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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REVIEW: Everyone knows that I'm a sucker for first person POV, so when this story started out in that writing style I have to automatically add a star. But this book gets deeper than that. The writer goes back and forth, first person on one chapter, and third person the next. The whole story bounces back and forth this way to give you the things that are happening behind the sense, and I found that completely necessary to tell the complex story line.

The incorporation of two different cultural urban legends I found fascinating. It gives the story the "something different" factor that I am always looking for.

The protagonist, John Rogers, is forced to make volition to continue through with his dual self. I found the internal struggle between his human nature and animal instincts intriguing.

I always talk about "write what you know", and it is very apparent that this is what the author did, and it makes this story shine.

ABOUT: Soldiers returning from the War on Terror bring back terrors of their own, and have trouble coping with normal life after combat. But few of these terrors are as tangible as those brought home by Special Forces Captain John Rogers, who is attacked by a lycanthrope. He survives but is infected by the curse. After returning to the real world, things fall apart for John. His wife divorces him and he struggles in the grip of this new affliction. He is finally able to get some sort of a life together when he accidentally hunts in the wrong territory and has a run-in with the local werewolf pack. Honey strips at the club where John works as a bouncer, when he's not a monster. While moonlighting as a prostitute, she accidentally roles the wrong john. This john is carrying a package meant for a werewolf pack, and when they come looking for it they find John Rogers waiting.

View all my reviews

Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com

Interview.

Here is another interview. http://www.1stauthorinterviews.com/2011/07/interview-with-cv-hunt-author-of.html

Nothing much happening in the way of words at the moment. I am taking a short break from my writing, and reading a lot of great stories from authors that I have bumped into online. I can't move forward on writing Switch until I see the final edit of Legacy. I hope to get my hands on the final edit soon; it will still need to be proof read.

I have been jotting down several ideas, and character descriptions, for another book away from the Endlessly series. I don't want to start writing it until Switch is finished. I haven't completely made up my mind where the POV where be on this unwritten project yet. It will only be one book... Endlessly was suppose to be only one book too...

Have a great and safe weekend.

Have pleasant vampire, werewolf, and zombie dreams. www.authorcvhunt.comwww.authorcvhunt.com