Suzanne Robb's Blog
August 14, 2012
Trust, by David Moody - Check it out!
An alien invasion story like no other. A novel only David Moody could write.
For U.S. Shoppers:
http://www.amazon.com/Trust-ebook/dp/...
http://www.amazon.com/Trust-ebook/dp/...
For UK Shoppers:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-ebook/d...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-David-M...
For ALL Shoppers:
http://www.infectedbooks.co.uk/limite...
http://www.infectedbooks.co.uk/Signed...
For U.S. Shoppers:
http://www.amazon.com/Trust-ebook/dp/...
http://www.amazon.com/Trust-ebook/dp/...
For UK Shoppers:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-ebook/d...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-David-M...
For ALL Shoppers:
http://www.infectedbooks.co.uk/limite...
http://www.infectedbooks.co.uk/Signed...
January 23, 2012
A.J. Brown and Suzanne Robb talking about Darkness and Dismay and writing
An Interview with A.J. Brown and Suzanne Robb – Based on a real conversation
Suzanne Robb –
Hi,
From Darkness and Dismay, would love to do an interview and same for you. I am getting questions together tonight and will send them to whoever is interested tomorrow.
A.J. Brown –
You beat me to the punch, Suzanne. I was about to send you a message as well.
I do my interviews a little different than most. I have only one set question and it is the first one. Then I build the interview from there. It can be as funny, serious or demented as you wish for it to be. And as short or long as you choose.
So, let me ask you the generic question and we can go from there. Answer it however you feel free to:
Who is Suzanne Robb?
Suzanne Robb –
I am an anxiety ridden LEGO lover.
I also do my interviews the same way, I ask really off the cuff questions and then based on the answers go from there, like you, I let the person make it as fun, demented, or serious as they like.
My question to you, milk chocolate or dark chocolate?
A.J. Brown –
Dark Chocolate all the way.
Did you say LEGO lover? We are kindred spirits then. Which LEGOs do you like?
Suzanne Robb –
Did you say dark chocolate? That seals it we are kindred spirits.
I like the Star Wars LEGO's, and have the collection issued about 5 years ago for their anniversary. My prized one is a foot and a half tall Yoda. About 4,000 pieces. My goal is the Death Star one day.
I also like the random stuff you can pick up at the LEGO store.
How about you, what are your favorite sets?
And to break tradition, I will not ask favorite horror movie, but favorite comedy.
A.J. Brown –
Favorite comedy? Hmmm... Blazing Saddles, hands down. Greatest comedy ever made.
And my favorite LEGOs are the castle ones. I have probably 50 or so of the sets. However, my second favorites are the Star Wars sets. I have the huge collector's editions of the Tie Fighter, X Wing and the Rebel Blockade Runner. I also want the Death Star one day.
I hear you have a book out now. Can you tell me a little bit about it?
Suzanne Robb –
Blazing Saddles is a great one, I like Young Frankenstein.
I already had one book out already, Z-Boat a suspense thriller with zombies,(shameless self-promotion) BUT I bet you are talking about the one with Dark Continents called Were-wolves, Apocalypses, and Genetic Mutation, Oh My!.
It is a collection of three stories. The first one is a tale that changes the myth of were-wolves a bit and has a horror/humor element. The second one is about a dysfunctional family trying to fend off the coming apocalypse. The last story is a sci-fi one in which people alter themselves in a genetic level, and well, of course something has to go wrong.
How about you? I have heard rumors from sources you also have a book out, care to share with us what we can expect?
A.J. Brown –
Young Frankenstein is one of my favorites. Teri Garr rolling in zee hay is one of the greatest scenes a young boy (as I was the first time I saw the movie) could see.
Well, I tell you what, Suzanne, the collection from DCP sounds great, but before we get to that one, why don't you go ahead and tell me a little about Z-Boat first.
And, I do have a collection coming out. Along the Splintered Path was released by Dark Continents Publishing and it features three stories. A man dealing with his childhood and the scars it left behind not just on him, but his little brother's mind; a young man trapped in a valley in the mountains after a nasty fall and in the middle of winter when a snow storm kicks up... what he finds and, well, I don't want to give too much away about that one. The last one is about a homeless man who has a bag of money land beside him on the sidewalk and where the money came from and just what he does with it.
http://www.amazon.com/Along-the-Splin...
I think readers are going to like what they read. I really do.
Suzanne Robb –
I love Marty Feldman, I- Gor, makes me laugh every time. I was just a kid too, but there is great humor in that movie no matter how old you are.
Z-Boat comes across as a zombie on a submarine story, but is actually a lot more. At least this is what I am finding. It appeals more to the mystery/thriller/suspense people. I can understand why as the zombies appear in the last act. It is also very character driven. A lot of fun to write a story in the strict confines of a submarine, though at times I have to admit feeling a bit claustrophobic.
Your collection sounds interesting, very psychological in nature. I would assume the stories are very character driven, you?
A.J. Brown –
I-gor. That cracks me up. Where wolf? There wolf.
Z-boat takes place on a submarine? Wow. That would make for a tight read... oh, I know, that was lame, but I couldn't resist. Where can we find Z-Boat?
As far as my collection goes, yes, it is very character driven. All three of the main characters are different and face their own challenges and deal with their own thoughts and it's those thoughts that drive them to do what they do. I think it's important that stories focus on characters in order to make them realistic and make the journey the reader takes worth their time and money.
Suzanne Robb –
There wolf, I love well done comedies. Galaxy Quest is another one that is very well written.
Z-Boat can be found on Amazon, and any store that has Ingrams. Yes a submarine, I always got annoyed with zombie movies as I did not think slow moving brain eaters were a real threat to people who could drive, lock themselves in an attic and so on. I decided to come up with a place and a scenario where the people were forced to deal with the zombies, and these aren't slow.
I enjoy a good character driven story; the ones that evoke an emotion at the end are the best for me. Sounds like you enjoy getting into people's heads. Do you like to scare them, show them a different way of looking at things?
I also notice that the last two stories are dependent on location, wrong place wrong time, right place right time. Was that done on purpose, or have I had too much sugar today and reading into things?
A.J. Brown –
I agree that so many of the zombie stories/movies out today make no sense. Zombies shamble. They can't run... and how in the world could other zombies be created if they all eat the brains (which, if you watch the movies, they never do)?
I like your concept for Z-Boat and will check it out. Sounds like a fun read. Now, back to your collection for Dark Continents, Were-wolves, Apocalypses, and Genetic Mutation, Oh My!. Horror, humor, an apocalyptic story and a sci fi piece, all in one collection? Did you intend to spread your wings, so to speak and show a wide range of writing or were you going for a certain feel with this book?
I love character driven stories more than any others. If you have no feelings for the characters you generally don't care much for them or what happens to them. At least that's the case for me.
When I write, the first thing I think about is the characters and the situations they are put in. How would I or someone else react in that particular situation? I try--keyword there is try--to make the characters as real as possible and if what I put them through scares someone, then that makes it all that much better.
The scenarios in all the stories are pretty much a combination of the wrong place and right time scenarios. If you think about it that is what life is. Someone goes into a bank to deposit their check. It's the right time for them to do so. But, what if someone comes in with a gun to rob the bank. Uh-oh, wrong time after all. Then what if the robber decides to shoot someone? Still, worse timing. Or maybe someone buys a lottery ticket on their way home from work and the next night they win a hundred million dollars--right time, right place. But, then say they die before they claim the winnings? Everything in life is about placement and timing--why shouldn't our stories be the same way?
Suzanne Robb –
I am in total agreement with you on the zombie thing. Probably why I prefer the 28 days series, they are at least fast. I wanted to make the zombies a challenge and the way they turn is not some experiment gone wrong, it is actually more reality based which is why they are not the typical zombies. The book itself however is very character driven and has a lot of the old mystery suspense elements to it.
As for Were-wolves, Apocalypses, and Genetic Mutation, Oh My!, it is funny because I am not a horror writer, at least I do not think of myself as that. I love to write creative non-fiction, and parody. A friend told me to give horror a shot and a year later this is where I am. I suppose I am still looking for my niche as it were, but I love the horror/parody stories. That and changing mythologies around to something new.
http://www.amazon.com/Were-wolves-Apo...
I love character driven stories, they are what make the tale worth reading. How do you "try" to make your characters real? Research, watching people in everyday situations, or some other mind reading secret?
Interesting take on the right place/right time, wrong place/right time elements. I do not think I read a lot that emphasize that element, which you are in fact right about it being a mainstay of life.
What other elements do you try and put into your stories to make them more real?
A.J. Brown –
I'm going to have to pick up Z-Boat--it sounds like it's right down my alley.
So, you don't classify yourself as a horror writer? That's fine, but tell me how do you feel about writing in the genre now that you've been doing it for a while?
What do I do to make my characters real? I pay attention to what's going on around me. Things like mannerisms and conversations. I listen to folks even when they think I'm not. I also pay attention to feelings and the way people respond to hurt, joy, sadness, anger, whatever... even sicknesses. There is desperation in all of those things, to be seen, to be heard, to be felt, even when someone is excited and happy. I try to put that in my stories.
One thing I think is crucial in character driven--or even any story--is to use your surroundings as a character. Your scenery can be used to set the mood of the entire piece, therefor creating everything you need to develop your characters as well. Think about how many times you've read a story where it starts with a storm. Immediately you have the image of what the weather is and you have somewhat of a mood created.
Suzanne Robb –
It is weird to think about writing in the genre now because I know so little about it. Most of the people I meet read all these horror authors and I have no idea who they are. I know comedy/parody/non-fiction people.
I do think that it has broadened my horizons and made me stretch my imagination to some degree, and then in another way it scares me at how easy it is to come up with scary scenarios.
Interesting what you say about your stories. I have degrees in Anthropology and Psychology and was basically taught to look at what is going on around me, look at body language, and also to look at the surrounding area to re-build the past.
I know what you mean, a storm sets a mood and is visual. A dark room, a musty hotel with peeling paper. All these little things help the reader create a picture in their head.
Do you write outside your genre?
A.J. Brown –
You're not alone, Suzanne. I've been writing in the horror genre since 2005 and I still have no clue who most of the folks are. I'm still learning with each passing day. And, you know what's really scary? It's not just coming up with the stories that chill you to the bone, it's the simple fact it's outside your box and you’re spreading your wings and trying something new. It’s a daunting task. What is the scariest thing you've come up with since writing in the genre?
I've never taken Anthropology or Psychology--I just don't think I'm smart enough to do so--but, watching folks and listening to the world as it passes by makes writing horror easy--they say write what you know and if you've lived at all, then you know a lot of stuff. If you've paid attention to the life around you, then, really, writing is not so difficult.
Sometimes I write outside the genre, but rarely. I enjoy the darker stories and the way they feel. However, I can write humor if I want to and I could probably write--gasps--romance, but that's not a road I want to go down...
Suzanne Robb –
Good to know I am not the only one who draws a blank when someone asks what horror writer inspired me to write. C.S. Lewis or Roald Dahl just does not go over well, trust me.
I agree it is daunting to step outside and create new stories. For me the one that shocked me the most was one based on a relationship gone south. Based on experiences it was a bit too easy to seek out revenge.
I think all people are smart in their own way, and I bet you could take psychology or Anthropology. I did and I am not that smart. I did take a cannibalism class that was one of the more interesting classes I have ever taken. Imagine a whole semester devoted to how to eat a body and make sure no one knows you did it.
I felt like a serial killer when I would talk to my friends.
Do you write dark humor or fun humor? Also, this romance thing intrigues me, not many men go for that genre, is it the Fabio covers?
A.J. Brown –
Roald Dahl is probably one of the more underrated writers of his time--he gave us Charlie and the Chocolate Factory after all.
Did you say you took a cannibalism class? I should have consulted you when writing Round These Bones--seeing how there is some cannibalism in there.
I tend to write fun humor, when I write it. I love to pen song parodies in the vein of Weird Al. I've tried my hand at Bizarro, but I just don't think I have it in me. One thing about romance--I never said I have written any, just that I could and NO there would be no Fabio on the covers, but maybe Ashley Judd in something skimpy...
Suzanne Robb –
I agree about Roald Dahl, I fell for his writing with The BFG. He also has many other collections that are very much adults only.
Yes I did take a cannibalism class, was one of my favorite. Not sure what that says about me?
Ah Weird Al. Have to love music, without it I could not write. In college I used to make up new lyrics to remember things for tests to Sir Mix-a-lots baby got back, again not sure what this means about me.
Ashley Judd in something skimpy, and your favorite movie by her? For me it is Kiss the Girls, she kicks butt in that one.
Fun humor, will we ever see a collection of that from you?
A.J. Brown –
That's the thing about the publishing world: there are too many underrated writers who never really get their due and then there are entirely too many who are vastly overrated. I won't name names.
Since you like to make up song lyrics as well, and without music you wouldn't be able to write, what do you listen to when you write and who are your favorite bands/singers?
And since you took cannibalism, next time I have a story that involves that subject I'll let you know. I would like to know a bit more about that anyway... not that I want to eat anyone or anything like that... no, nothing like that at all.
Favorite movie by Ashley Judd? I'm not sure I have one. Kiss the Girls was great, but I've liked most of what she's been in.
And fun humor. Maybe one day. I would like to put together a collection of stories where my parody songs segued into the next piece.
Suzanne Robb –
I know what you mean about the publishing world. There are some writers who are everywhere and I say what is the big deal, and then there are some I say WOW why don't more people read this!
As for music, I listen to a lot of scores, usually ones by Ennio Morricone or Hans Zimmer ( I have a tendency to write the lyrics of what I am listening to at times, makes for interesting beta read) Others would be Orgy, Arcade Fire, Portishead, Andrew Bird, Peter, Bjorn & John, I adore Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and a lot of indies like Reichenbach Falls, Luisa's Bones, Wolf Parade...
Anything you want to know about cannibalism I am game. One anthropologist did report that human flesh tastes a lot like marmite, just saying.
That fun humor collection sounds like a good idea.
How about you are there any musicians you prefer to listen to while writing?
A.J. Brown –
I haven't heard of some of those bands. I'll have to look them up. As far as what I listen to when writing, mostly I don't anymore, but if I want inspiration, Concrete Blond, Motorhead and Carbon Leaf all help me get into my dark place.
Is there anything else on the horizon for you, Suzanne, anything else the readers can look forward to in the near future?
Suzanne Robb –
On the horizon for me are two anthologies. One is called Read The End First I am co-editing with Adrian Chamberlin. It is apocalyptic in nature and 24 writers each took on an individual time zone and end the world in a unique way. The other is Anxiety Disorders, a collection of non-fiction stories I have compiled and edited for Hidden Thoughts Press.
And yourself? What other interesting reads do you have in store for us?
A.J. Brown –
Right now, only one slated to come out in the near future, in Night Terrors II. It's a fun little tale about boy and girl and shadows.
Suzanne, it's been wonderful talking with you. Now, I have one last question: Coffee or cappuccino?
Suzanne Robb –
Coffee, if I were to have cappuccino I would have to sign some sort of non-responsible clause for what happens. I have far too much energy as it is.
Great talking with you as well, and my last question
Dog or a cat person? (Brownie points if you like Boston Terriers)
A.J. Brown –
Coffee it is. I don't care much for the crappuccino at all.
Interestingly enough, I like both, but my real preferences are Oscars and all of their bad attitudes.
Suzanne Robb –
I have no idea what an Oscar is...though I think of the Muppets when you say that.
I like both as well, but am allergic to cats
A.J. Brown –
Hahahaha--it's a fish.
Suzanne Robb –
Ah, never would have guessed that ever.
Are they hard to keep?
I was going to get a water dragon until I found out they need an enclosure as large as my bathroom when full grown.
A.J. Brown –
They are great fish and you can feed other fish to them. And, really Oscars are pretty easy to keep, including the water chemistry. They get kind of big, but it also depends on the tank you have them in.
A Water Dragon, eh?
Suzanne Robb –
Feed other fish, I sense a cannibalism theme in the things you like...
I had Beta fish at one time and some gouramis but they had babies, fry, I guess they call them, and they ate them all! Turned me off fish. As for the water dragon, yeah, he was super cute.
I am not one to take animals to a pet store. I will try to take them all home and convince myself a Toucan, a stable of cats and dogs, and multiple fish, and a variety of rodents can live happily.
So um, out of curiosity if you had a dog, what would you feed it?
A.J. Brown –
Depends on what I have. I do have a dog and, for the most part, I try to feed her moist food since she's fourteen years old and a little long in the tooth. But, if I had to feed her meat... you know... flesh... I guess she would eat it. Or maybe not.
Suzanne Robb –
Interesting, good to know. (making mental note that if I ever have dinner at your house to eat salad)
A.J. Brown –
Hahahaha--my wife is a great cook and I don't think she's ever cooked people, though I could be wrong there....
Suzanne Robb –
You might want to check, just saying.
Though you are the cannibalism obsessed one.
A.J. Brown –
Yes, I am... and the cutting obsessed one as well.
Suzanne Robb –
Right, so keep an eye on you and sharp things too. Got it.
A.J. Brown –
Yup.
Suzanne Robb –
Hi,
From Darkness and Dismay, would love to do an interview and same for you. I am getting questions together tonight and will send them to whoever is interested tomorrow.
A.J. Brown –
You beat me to the punch, Suzanne. I was about to send you a message as well.
I do my interviews a little different than most. I have only one set question and it is the first one. Then I build the interview from there. It can be as funny, serious or demented as you wish for it to be. And as short or long as you choose.
So, let me ask you the generic question and we can go from there. Answer it however you feel free to:
Who is Suzanne Robb?
Suzanne Robb –
I am an anxiety ridden LEGO lover.
I also do my interviews the same way, I ask really off the cuff questions and then based on the answers go from there, like you, I let the person make it as fun, demented, or serious as they like.
My question to you, milk chocolate or dark chocolate?
A.J. Brown –
Dark Chocolate all the way.
Did you say LEGO lover? We are kindred spirits then. Which LEGOs do you like?
Suzanne Robb –
Did you say dark chocolate? That seals it we are kindred spirits.
I like the Star Wars LEGO's, and have the collection issued about 5 years ago for their anniversary. My prized one is a foot and a half tall Yoda. About 4,000 pieces. My goal is the Death Star one day.
I also like the random stuff you can pick up at the LEGO store.
How about you, what are your favorite sets?
And to break tradition, I will not ask favorite horror movie, but favorite comedy.
A.J. Brown –
Favorite comedy? Hmmm... Blazing Saddles, hands down. Greatest comedy ever made.
And my favorite LEGOs are the castle ones. I have probably 50 or so of the sets. However, my second favorites are the Star Wars sets. I have the huge collector's editions of the Tie Fighter, X Wing and the Rebel Blockade Runner. I also want the Death Star one day.
I hear you have a book out now. Can you tell me a little bit about it?
Suzanne Robb –
Blazing Saddles is a great one, I like Young Frankenstein.
I already had one book out already, Z-Boat a suspense thriller with zombies,(shameless self-promotion) BUT I bet you are talking about the one with Dark Continents called Were-wolves, Apocalypses, and Genetic Mutation, Oh My!.
It is a collection of three stories. The first one is a tale that changes the myth of were-wolves a bit and has a horror/humor element. The second one is about a dysfunctional family trying to fend off the coming apocalypse. The last story is a sci-fi one in which people alter themselves in a genetic level, and well, of course something has to go wrong.
How about you? I have heard rumors from sources you also have a book out, care to share with us what we can expect?
A.J. Brown –
Young Frankenstein is one of my favorites. Teri Garr rolling in zee hay is one of the greatest scenes a young boy (as I was the first time I saw the movie) could see.
Well, I tell you what, Suzanne, the collection from DCP sounds great, but before we get to that one, why don't you go ahead and tell me a little about Z-Boat first.
And, I do have a collection coming out. Along the Splintered Path was released by Dark Continents Publishing and it features three stories. A man dealing with his childhood and the scars it left behind not just on him, but his little brother's mind; a young man trapped in a valley in the mountains after a nasty fall and in the middle of winter when a snow storm kicks up... what he finds and, well, I don't want to give too much away about that one. The last one is about a homeless man who has a bag of money land beside him on the sidewalk and where the money came from and just what he does with it.
http://www.amazon.com/Along-the-Splin...
I think readers are going to like what they read. I really do.
Suzanne Robb –
I love Marty Feldman, I- Gor, makes me laugh every time. I was just a kid too, but there is great humor in that movie no matter how old you are.
Z-Boat comes across as a zombie on a submarine story, but is actually a lot more. At least this is what I am finding. It appeals more to the mystery/thriller/suspense people. I can understand why as the zombies appear in the last act. It is also very character driven. A lot of fun to write a story in the strict confines of a submarine, though at times I have to admit feeling a bit claustrophobic.
Your collection sounds interesting, very psychological in nature. I would assume the stories are very character driven, you?
A.J. Brown –
I-gor. That cracks me up. Where wolf? There wolf.
Z-boat takes place on a submarine? Wow. That would make for a tight read... oh, I know, that was lame, but I couldn't resist. Where can we find Z-Boat?
As far as my collection goes, yes, it is very character driven. All three of the main characters are different and face their own challenges and deal with their own thoughts and it's those thoughts that drive them to do what they do. I think it's important that stories focus on characters in order to make them realistic and make the journey the reader takes worth their time and money.
Suzanne Robb –
There wolf, I love well done comedies. Galaxy Quest is another one that is very well written.
Z-Boat can be found on Amazon, and any store that has Ingrams. Yes a submarine, I always got annoyed with zombie movies as I did not think slow moving brain eaters were a real threat to people who could drive, lock themselves in an attic and so on. I decided to come up with a place and a scenario where the people were forced to deal with the zombies, and these aren't slow.
I enjoy a good character driven story; the ones that evoke an emotion at the end are the best for me. Sounds like you enjoy getting into people's heads. Do you like to scare them, show them a different way of looking at things?
I also notice that the last two stories are dependent on location, wrong place wrong time, right place right time. Was that done on purpose, or have I had too much sugar today and reading into things?
A.J. Brown –
I agree that so many of the zombie stories/movies out today make no sense. Zombies shamble. They can't run... and how in the world could other zombies be created if they all eat the brains (which, if you watch the movies, they never do)?
I like your concept for Z-Boat and will check it out. Sounds like a fun read. Now, back to your collection for Dark Continents, Were-wolves, Apocalypses, and Genetic Mutation, Oh My!. Horror, humor, an apocalyptic story and a sci fi piece, all in one collection? Did you intend to spread your wings, so to speak and show a wide range of writing or were you going for a certain feel with this book?
I love character driven stories more than any others. If you have no feelings for the characters you generally don't care much for them or what happens to them. At least that's the case for me.
When I write, the first thing I think about is the characters and the situations they are put in. How would I or someone else react in that particular situation? I try--keyword there is try--to make the characters as real as possible and if what I put them through scares someone, then that makes it all that much better.
The scenarios in all the stories are pretty much a combination of the wrong place and right time scenarios. If you think about it that is what life is. Someone goes into a bank to deposit their check. It's the right time for them to do so. But, what if someone comes in with a gun to rob the bank. Uh-oh, wrong time after all. Then what if the robber decides to shoot someone? Still, worse timing. Or maybe someone buys a lottery ticket on their way home from work and the next night they win a hundred million dollars--right time, right place. But, then say they die before they claim the winnings? Everything in life is about placement and timing--why shouldn't our stories be the same way?
Suzanne Robb –
I am in total agreement with you on the zombie thing. Probably why I prefer the 28 days series, they are at least fast. I wanted to make the zombies a challenge and the way they turn is not some experiment gone wrong, it is actually more reality based which is why they are not the typical zombies. The book itself however is very character driven and has a lot of the old mystery suspense elements to it.
As for Were-wolves, Apocalypses, and Genetic Mutation, Oh My!, it is funny because I am not a horror writer, at least I do not think of myself as that. I love to write creative non-fiction, and parody. A friend told me to give horror a shot and a year later this is where I am. I suppose I am still looking for my niche as it were, but I love the horror/parody stories. That and changing mythologies around to something new.
http://www.amazon.com/Were-wolves-Apo...
I love character driven stories, they are what make the tale worth reading. How do you "try" to make your characters real? Research, watching people in everyday situations, or some other mind reading secret?
Interesting take on the right place/right time, wrong place/right time elements. I do not think I read a lot that emphasize that element, which you are in fact right about it being a mainstay of life.
What other elements do you try and put into your stories to make them more real?
A.J. Brown –
I'm going to have to pick up Z-Boat--it sounds like it's right down my alley.
So, you don't classify yourself as a horror writer? That's fine, but tell me how do you feel about writing in the genre now that you've been doing it for a while?
What do I do to make my characters real? I pay attention to what's going on around me. Things like mannerisms and conversations. I listen to folks even when they think I'm not. I also pay attention to feelings and the way people respond to hurt, joy, sadness, anger, whatever... even sicknesses. There is desperation in all of those things, to be seen, to be heard, to be felt, even when someone is excited and happy. I try to put that in my stories.
One thing I think is crucial in character driven--or even any story--is to use your surroundings as a character. Your scenery can be used to set the mood of the entire piece, therefor creating everything you need to develop your characters as well. Think about how many times you've read a story where it starts with a storm. Immediately you have the image of what the weather is and you have somewhat of a mood created.
Suzanne Robb –
It is weird to think about writing in the genre now because I know so little about it. Most of the people I meet read all these horror authors and I have no idea who they are. I know comedy/parody/non-fiction people.
I do think that it has broadened my horizons and made me stretch my imagination to some degree, and then in another way it scares me at how easy it is to come up with scary scenarios.
Interesting what you say about your stories. I have degrees in Anthropology and Psychology and was basically taught to look at what is going on around me, look at body language, and also to look at the surrounding area to re-build the past.
I know what you mean, a storm sets a mood and is visual. A dark room, a musty hotel with peeling paper. All these little things help the reader create a picture in their head.
Do you write outside your genre?
A.J. Brown –
You're not alone, Suzanne. I've been writing in the horror genre since 2005 and I still have no clue who most of the folks are. I'm still learning with each passing day. And, you know what's really scary? It's not just coming up with the stories that chill you to the bone, it's the simple fact it's outside your box and you’re spreading your wings and trying something new. It’s a daunting task. What is the scariest thing you've come up with since writing in the genre?
I've never taken Anthropology or Psychology--I just don't think I'm smart enough to do so--but, watching folks and listening to the world as it passes by makes writing horror easy--they say write what you know and if you've lived at all, then you know a lot of stuff. If you've paid attention to the life around you, then, really, writing is not so difficult.
Sometimes I write outside the genre, but rarely. I enjoy the darker stories and the way they feel. However, I can write humor if I want to and I could probably write--gasps--romance, but that's not a road I want to go down...
Suzanne Robb –
Good to know I am not the only one who draws a blank when someone asks what horror writer inspired me to write. C.S. Lewis or Roald Dahl just does not go over well, trust me.
I agree it is daunting to step outside and create new stories. For me the one that shocked me the most was one based on a relationship gone south. Based on experiences it was a bit too easy to seek out revenge.
I think all people are smart in their own way, and I bet you could take psychology or Anthropology. I did and I am not that smart. I did take a cannibalism class that was one of the more interesting classes I have ever taken. Imagine a whole semester devoted to how to eat a body and make sure no one knows you did it.
I felt like a serial killer when I would talk to my friends.
Do you write dark humor or fun humor? Also, this romance thing intrigues me, not many men go for that genre, is it the Fabio covers?
A.J. Brown –
Roald Dahl is probably one of the more underrated writers of his time--he gave us Charlie and the Chocolate Factory after all.
Did you say you took a cannibalism class? I should have consulted you when writing Round These Bones--seeing how there is some cannibalism in there.
I tend to write fun humor, when I write it. I love to pen song parodies in the vein of Weird Al. I've tried my hand at Bizarro, but I just don't think I have it in me. One thing about romance--I never said I have written any, just that I could and NO there would be no Fabio on the covers, but maybe Ashley Judd in something skimpy...
Suzanne Robb –
I agree about Roald Dahl, I fell for his writing with The BFG. He also has many other collections that are very much adults only.
Yes I did take a cannibalism class, was one of my favorite. Not sure what that says about me?
Ah Weird Al. Have to love music, without it I could not write. In college I used to make up new lyrics to remember things for tests to Sir Mix-a-lots baby got back, again not sure what this means about me.
Ashley Judd in something skimpy, and your favorite movie by her? For me it is Kiss the Girls, she kicks butt in that one.
Fun humor, will we ever see a collection of that from you?
A.J. Brown –
That's the thing about the publishing world: there are too many underrated writers who never really get their due and then there are entirely too many who are vastly overrated. I won't name names.
Since you like to make up song lyrics as well, and without music you wouldn't be able to write, what do you listen to when you write and who are your favorite bands/singers?
And since you took cannibalism, next time I have a story that involves that subject I'll let you know. I would like to know a bit more about that anyway... not that I want to eat anyone or anything like that... no, nothing like that at all.
Favorite movie by Ashley Judd? I'm not sure I have one. Kiss the Girls was great, but I've liked most of what she's been in.
And fun humor. Maybe one day. I would like to put together a collection of stories where my parody songs segued into the next piece.
Suzanne Robb –
I know what you mean about the publishing world. There are some writers who are everywhere and I say what is the big deal, and then there are some I say WOW why don't more people read this!
As for music, I listen to a lot of scores, usually ones by Ennio Morricone or Hans Zimmer ( I have a tendency to write the lyrics of what I am listening to at times, makes for interesting beta read) Others would be Orgy, Arcade Fire, Portishead, Andrew Bird, Peter, Bjorn & John, I adore Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and a lot of indies like Reichenbach Falls, Luisa's Bones, Wolf Parade...
Anything you want to know about cannibalism I am game. One anthropologist did report that human flesh tastes a lot like marmite, just saying.
That fun humor collection sounds like a good idea.
How about you are there any musicians you prefer to listen to while writing?
A.J. Brown –
I haven't heard of some of those bands. I'll have to look them up. As far as what I listen to when writing, mostly I don't anymore, but if I want inspiration, Concrete Blond, Motorhead and Carbon Leaf all help me get into my dark place.
Is there anything else on the horizon for you, Suzanne, anything else the readers can look forward to in the near future?
Suzanne Robb –
On the horizon for me are two anthologies. One is called Read The End First I am co-editing with Adrian Chamberlin. It is apocalyptic in nature and 24 writers each took on an individual time zone and end the world in a unique way. The other is Anxiety Disorders, a collection of non-fiction stories I have compiled and edited for Hidden Thoughts Press.
And yourself? What other interesting reads do you have in store for us?
A.J. Brown –
Right now, only one slated to come out in the near future, in Night Terrors II. It's a fun little tale about boy and girl and shadows.
Suzanne, it's been wonderful talking with you. Now, I have one last question: Coffee or cappuccino?
Suzanne Robb –
Coffee, if I were to have cappuccino I would have to sign some sort of non-responsible clause for what happens. I have far too much energy as it is.
Great talking with you as well, and my last question
Dog or a cat person? (Brownie points if you like Boston Terriers)
A.J. Brown –
Coffee it is. I don't care much for the crappuccino at all.
Interestingly enough, I like both, but my real preferences are Oscars and all of their bad attitudes.
Suzanne Robb –
I have no idea what an Oscar is...though I think of the Muppets when you say that.
I like both as well, but am allergic to cats
A.J. Brown –
Hahahaha--it's a fish.
Suzanne Robb –
Ah, never would have guessed that ever.
Are they hard to keep?
I was going to get a water dragon until I found out they need an enclosure as large as my bathroom when full grown.
A.J. Brown –
They are great fish and you can feed other fish to them. And, really Oscars are pretty easy to keep, including the water chemistry. They get kind of big, but it also depends on the tank you have them in.
A Water Dragon, eh?
Suzanne Robb –
Feed other fish, I sense a cannibalism theme in the things you like...
I had Beta fish at one time and some gouramis but they had babies, fry, I guess they call them, and they ate them all! Turned me off fish. As for the water dragon, yeah, he was super cute.
I am not one to take animals to a pet store. I will try to take them all home and convince myself a Toucan, a stable of cats and dogs, and multiple fish, and a variety of rodents can live happily.
So um, out of curiosity if you had a dog, what would you feed it?
A.J. Brown –
Depends on what I have. I do have a dog and, for the most part, I try to feed her moist food since she's fourteen years old and a little long in the tooth. But, if I had to feed her meat... you know... flesh... I guess she would eat it. Or maybe not.
Suzanne Robb –
Interesting, good to know. (making mental note that if I ever have dinner at your house to eat salad)
A.J. Brown –
Hahahaha--my wife is a great cook and I don't think she's ever cooked people, though I could be wrong there....
Suzanne Robb –
You might want to check, just saying.
Though you are the cannibalism obsessed one.
A.J. Brown –
Yes, I am... and the cutting obsessed one as well.
Suzanne Robb –
Right, so keep an eye on you and sharp things too. Got it.
A.J. Brown –
Yup.
January 16, 2012
Please come and see what William Todd Rose, author of the books: STFUaD, The 7 Habits of Highly Infective People, Cry Havoc, Sex in the Time of Zombies among others.
Okay, Todd. This is a little Q & A to get to know a little more about you and thicken up those stalker portfolios.
1 – Milk or dark chocolate?
I’d gladly take either if you’re offering.
2 – What are your feelings in reference to LEGO’s?
When I was a kid, I was more of a Lincoln Log and Tinker Toy type of guy. I can’t actually remember messing around with Legos until much, much later in life; but once discovered, I loved them. How can you not? And I totally want to go to Legoland in Florida. Have you seen pictures of that place? It looks awesome.
3 – I know a lot of people as what the favorites are in regard to horror movies, but my question to
you...what is your favorite comedy and why?
Does Big Trouble in Little China count as an action comedy? I love the campiness in that film, the exaggeration of characters and events. It’s actually one of my favorite movies in any genre.
4 – What is the story/novel you are most proud of?
That’s a really hard question. They all have a really special place in my heart. I feel like a parent who’s about to lean down and whisper into one child’s ear, “You know you’re secretly my favorite, right?” That being said, it would be either The 7 Habits of Highly Infective People or The Dead and Dying. I poured a lot of myself into those books, more so than anything I’ve ever written. I love the characters in both of them equally.
http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Dying-Will...
Due out from Permuted Press in February
5 – What is the most interesting thing you have learned?
That it takes the same amount of force to rip off a human ear as it does to tear through 12 sheets of regular bond paper. So if you ever want to know if you’ve got what it takes, you can now put yourself to the test.
6 – Do you do a lot of research for your writing?
Well, I didn’t learn the ear fact from personal experimentation. Or did I? I’ll never tell. All kidding aside, I really do. And that’s one of the things I love so much about the Internet. I usually write with a word processor up in one window and a web browser in the other so I can quickly toggle between the two. If I were ever suspected of committing some horrendous crime and forensics explored my browsing history, I’d have a lot to explain. “Mr. Rose, why were you looking at an article entitled How To Butcher The Human Carcass? And what about this series of links on effective torture and brainwashing techniques?” This was really driven home when the Casey Anthony case was suddenly everywhere in the Media because, not two weeks earlier, I’d been searching for an online guide to creating homemade chloroform.
7 – Tell me about the novels you have written?
My first published book was Shadow of the Woodpile, which was an attempt to combine the narrative style of the 50s Beat writers like Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs (both of whom I admire greatly) with the horror genre. I followed this up with what I think of as a pre-apocalyptic novel called Cry Havoc which is set in the beginning stages of the end of civilization. On this one, I challenged myself to write a novel of at least 40,000 words within a consecutive 24 hour period, which was a lot of fun. After that I released Sex in the Time of Zombies, which is a collection of short stories exploring the roles of sex and sexuality in an undead apocalypse. This was initially a fan freebie, but was later picked up for a print version by Living Dead Press. Sex was followed up with an experiment in brutality titled Shut the Fuck Up and Die!, which was my foray into extreme horror. That one is odd in that it is probably my least accessible book in terms of content and tone. I’ve had people tell me that they tried to read it but couldn’t get past the first chapter because it makes them too squeamish and uncomfortable. And yet I’ve sold more copies of it than all of my other works combined. Anyhow, after STFUaD, I released The 7 Habits of Highly Infective People, which is a novel of contagion, drugs, time travel, and the living dead. This one was on the market for about a month before Permuted Press asked to see it and a second, revised and expanded edition should be out this year. Before signing the contracts with Permuted I also published two novellas as fan freebies. Apocalyptic Organ Grinder is set 150 years after a religious cult brought humanity to the brink of extinction by releasing The Gabriel Virus. No zombies in this one, just “a bunch of miserable people trying desperately to survive”, as one reviewer said. The other novella is the first in a planned series. Undead Nocturne: Even Dead Men Die is kind of a homage to the hard-boiled detective/film noir genre which introduces zombies into the mix. Finally, there’s The Dead and Dying. This one is interesting in that I actually stopped working on it to write Shadow of the Woodpile and then went back and finished it up. It was submitted to Library of the Living Dead Press and was accepted, but there were a lot of delays in its publication. It should have been my second book published, but ended up taking close to two years to see print.
http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Woodpile...
8 – Do you consider yourself prolific?
Not as much as I used to be. I’ve hit a slow point because of some contractual obligations, but I’m still working away, even if I can’t publish for a while. I’ve got three major projects I’m currently working on, pretty much simultaneously.
9 – How do you like to tell a story? Character driven, location of importance, or something else entirely?
Characters are definitely the most important element in my writing. If the reader doesn’t care what happens to them then everything else is kind of pointless, in my opinion. I’ve also realized lately that weather factors a lot into my writing. Especially with The Dead and Dying. One of the minor characters in that one was a meteorologist before civilization collapsed and thunderstorms, blizzards, and tornadoes all play a role in the plot.
10– What kind of music do you listen to when writing?
That really varies. All of my books to date have had a “soundtrack” to the writing. But those soundtracks can contain country, goth, industrial, heavy metal, 1940s era, classical: they really run the gamut. While writing The 7 Habits for example my playlist contained a lot of darkwave bands peppered with electro-medieval and even some Lady Gaga thrown in for good measure. Lady Gaga may seem like an odd choice but take this challenge: read the section in the book where the song appears, when Bosley is confronted by Clarice Hudson at the bar. Think of that scene while listening to the lyrics of Bad Romance and you’ll see that song is perfect for that scene. If you take songs out of context, it’s really amazing how well they can mesh. In the revision of The 7 Habits there’s a scene which goes into more detail about how Clarice actually become infected to begin with. Since she was a Gaga fan, she was listening to Teeth at this point in the book. “Take a bite of my bad girl meat” implies something totally different in the world of the living dead.
11 – What is the most difficult thing you find about being a writer?
The most difficult part is getting your name out there. You can write the greatest novel in the world (which I’m not saying I have) and nobody will ever read it if they don’t know it exists. I do a lot of indie writing and publishing with small presses, so the advertising budget that a major publisher has just isn’t there. Which means you have to be creative in your marketing.
12 – Something about you that no one would believe.
I am actually a black belt space pirate who came to Earth in my gerbil-powered ship, The StarSucker, to plunder the planet of its coffee beans. You didn’t say it had to be true. Well, the coffee bean part … that has the ring of truth to it.
13 – Okay, now promote yourself here, what else have you done that you would like people to know about?
Well, when not writing I also have a side project called Dead Hooker Scenario, which is basically just me and my computer making electronic music. I also spend a lot of time in Second Life, where I am the U.S. Public Relations Manager for Club Re:Noize and also design avatar accessories (as you can probably tell by my interests, I’m a bit of a hermit). And of course, for more information about my books and writing, I can be found online at www.wiliamtoddrose.com
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
http://www.amazon.com/Cry-Havoc-Willi...
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Zombies-Wi...
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
1 – Milk or dark chocolate?
I’d gladly take either if you’re offering.
2 – What are your feelings in reference to LEGO’s?
When I was a kid, I was more of a Lincoln Log and Tinker Toy type of guy. I can’t actually remember messing around with Legos until much, much later in life; but once discovered, I loved them. How can you not? And I totally want to go to Legoland in Florida. Have you seen pictures of that place? It looks awesome.
3 – I know a lot of people as what the favorites are in regard to horror movies, but my question to
you...what is your favorite comedy and why?
Does Big Trouble in Little China count as an action comedy? I love the campiness in that film, the exaggeration of characters and events. It’s actually one of my favorite movies in any genre.
4 – What is the story/novel you are most proud of?
That’s a really hard question. They all have a really special place in my heart. I feel like a parent who’s about to lean down and whisper into one child’s ear, “You know you’re secretly my favorite, right?” That being said, it would be either The 7 Habits of Highly Infective People or The Dead and Dying. I poured a lot of myself into those books, more so than anything I’ve ever written. I love the characters in both of them equally.
http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Dying-Will...
Due out from Permuted Press in February
5 – What is the most interesting thing you have learned?
That it takes the same amount of force to rip off a human ear as it does to tear through 12 sheets of regular bond paper. So if you ever want to know if you’ve got what it takes, you can now put yourself to the test.
6 – Do you do a lot of research for your writing?
Well, I didn’t learn the ear fact from personal experimentation. Or did I? I’ll never tell. All kidding aside, I really do. And that’s one of the things I love so much about the Internet. I usually write with a word processor up in one window and a web browser in the other so I can quickly toggle between the two. If I were ever suspected of committing some horrendous crime and forensics explored my browsing history, I’d have a lot to explain. “Mr. Rose, why were you looking at an article entitled How To Butcher The Human Carcass? And what about this series of links on effective torture and brainwashing techniques?” This was really driven home when the Casey Anthony case was suddenly everywhere in the Media because, not two weeks earlier, I’d been searching for an online guide to creating homemade chloroform.
7 – Tell me about the novels you have written?
My first published book was Shadow of the Woodpile, which was an attempt to combine the narrative style of the 50s Beat writers like Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs (both of whom I admire greatly) with the horror genre. I followed this up with what I think of as a pre-apocalyptic novel called Cry Havoc which is set in the beginning stages of the end of civilization. On this one, I challenged myself to write a novel of at least 40,000 words within a consecutive 24 hour period, which was a lot of fun. After that I released Sex in the Time of Zombies, which is a collection of short stories exploring the roles of sex and sexuality in an undead apocalypse. This was initially a fan freebie, but was later picked up for a print version by Living Dead Press. Sex was followed up with an experiment in brutality titled Shut the Fuck Up and Die!, which was my foray into extreme horror. That one is odd in that it is probably my least accessible book in terms of content and tone. I’ve had people tell me that they tried to read it but couldn’t get past the first chapter because it makes them too squeamish and uncomfortable. And yet I’ve sold more copies of it than all of my other works combined. Anyhow, after STFUaD, I released The 7 Habits of Highly Infective People, which is a novel of contagion, drugs, time travel, and the living dead. This one was on the market for about a month before Permuted Press asked to see it and a second, revised and expanded edition should be out this year. Before signing the contracts with Permuted I also published two novellas as fan freebies. Apocalyptic Organ Grinder is set 150 years after a religious cult brought humanity to the brink of extinction by releasing The Gabriel Virus. No zombies in this one, just “a bunch of miserable people trying desperately to survive”, as one reviewer said. The other novella is the first in a planned series. Undead Nocturne: Even Dead Men Die is kind of a homage to the hard-boiled detective/film noir genre which introduces zombies into the mix. Finally, there’s The Dead and Dying. This one is interesting in that I actually stopped working on it to write Shadow of the Woodpile and then went back and finished it up. It was submitted to Library of the Living Dead Press and was accepted, but there were a lot of delays in its publication. It should have been my second book published, but ended up taking close to two years to see print.
http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Woodpile...
8 – Do you consider yourself prolific?
Not as much as I used to be. I’ve hit a slow point because of some contractual obligations, but I’m still working away, even if I can’t publish for a while. I’ve got three major projects I’m currently working on, pretty much simultaneously.
9 – How do you like to tell a story? Character driven, location of importance, or something else entirely?
Characters are definitely the most important element in my writing. If the reader doesn’t care what happens to them then everything else is kind of pointless, in my opinion. I’ve also realized lately that weather factors a lot into my writing. Especially with The Dead and Dying. One of the minor characters in that one was a meteorologist before civilization collapsed and thunderstorms, blizzards, and tornadoes all play a role in the plot.
10– What kind of music do you listen to when writing?
That really varies. All of my books to date have had a “soundtrack” to the writing. But those soundtracks can contain country, goth, industrial, heavy metal, 1940s era, classical: they really run the gamut. While writing The 7 Habits for example my playlist contained a lot of darkwave bands peppered with electro-medieval and even some Lady Gaga thrown in for good measure. Lady Gaga may seem like an odd choice but take this challenge: read the section in the book where the song appears, when Bosley is confronted by Clarice Hudson at the bar. Think of that scene while listening to the lyrics of Bad Romance and you’ll see that song is perfect for that scene. If you take songs out of context, it’s really amazing how well they can mesh. In the revision of The 7 Habits there’s a scene which goes into more detail about how Clarice actually become infected to begin with. Since she was a Gaga fan, she was listening to Teeth at this point in the book. “Take a bite of my bad girl meat” implies something totally different in the world of the living dead.
11 – What is the most difficult thing you find about being a writer?
The most difficult part is getting your name out there. You can write the greatest novel in the world (which I’m not saying I have) and nobody will ever read it if they don’t know it exists. I do a lot of indie writing and publishing with small presses, so the advertising budget that a major publisher has just isn’t there. Which means you have to be creative in your marketing.
12 – Something about you that no one would believe.
I am actually a black belt space pirate who came to Earth in my gerbil-powered ship, The StarSucker, to plunder the planet of its coffee beans. You didn’t say it had to be true. Well, the coffee bean part … that has the ring of truth to it.
13 – Okay, now promote yourself here, what else have you done that you would like people to know about?
Well, when not writing I also have a side project called Dead Hooker Scenario, which is basically just me and my computer making electronic music. I also spend a lot of time in Second Life, where I am the U.S. Public Relations Manager for Club Re:Noize and also design avatar accessories (as you can probably tell by my interests, I’m a bit of a hermit). And of course, for more information about my books and writing, I can be found online at www.wiliamtoddrose.com
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
http://www.amazon.com/Cry-Havoc-Willi...
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Zombies-Wi...
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
January 12, 2012
An interview with Daniel I. Russel and a great promotion from him!
Okay, Dan. This is a little Q & A to get to know a little more about you and thicken up those stalker portfolios.
1 – Milk or dark chocolate?
Milk, preferably rocky road please.
2 – What are your feelings in reference to LEGO’s?
I have a love and hate relationship with Lego, mainly hating it on Xmas day. My eldest son is mad on Lego Star Wars and Xmas day is usually spent building all the various ships and things. There is such a thing as too much Lego. However, I do adore the videogames and am currently building a Tatooine landscape out of recyclables for my son to play on.
3 – I know a lot of people as what the favorites are in regard to horror movies, but my question to
you...what is your favorite comedy and why?
Shaun of the Dead…and not for the obvious horror reason! It has most of my favourite comedians in it and just has the right vibe of some of the best comedy shows out there.
4 – What is the story/novel you are most proud of?
I think, oddly enough, Critique. It’s something that is way out of my writing comfort zone, swapping my usual blood and guts for something more restrained and thoughtful. It also has some strong messages in there, which goes against my normal writing for entertainment’s sake stance.
5 – What is the most interesting thing you have learned?
To play the drums. Something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a teenager and last year I thought what the hell and bought a kit. Not such an alien concept to me anymore and it’s bags of fun!
6 – Do you do a lot of research for your writing?
I try to write what I know, so I’ve had lots of characters with similar jobs, circumstances and problems as myself. But sometimes research is a necessary evil. For example, a curry or lasagne is the most fancy thing I can cook from scratch, so for Critique, I needed to learn a few elaborate dishes.
I even got to interview porn stars for my novella Come Into Darkness. That was interesting, just how it’s just another day at the office for them and all the other behind the scenes stuff you wouldn’t think about.
7 – Tell me about the collection you have with Dark Continents?
My novella Critique is my part of the Dark Continents line up released on New Year’s Day. It’s a story about desolation and redemption. A food critic who hasn’t had the most noble of lives meets a force that is determined to change him for the better…whether he wants to or not. Lots of horror and very fine food!
http://www.amazon.com/Critique-ebook/...
8 – How do you like to tell a story? Character driven, location of importance, or something else entirely?
I don’t really think about it to be honest, I just do it. I consider character to be the most important thing I suppose, as without having the reader on their side, no one cares what happens. Perhaps it’s our voyeuristic nature. Even though the character is fictional, we like to place them in a situation and see what they’ll do. Like watching a rat in a maze.
9 – What kind of music do you listen to when writing?
Swedish rock, it seems, has to be the first run of the day. Plenty of Whale and Psycore. Then it depends what I’m in the mood for. Punk for action and Portishead for tension.
10 – What is the most difficult thing you find about being a writer?
Honestly? Finding readers and controlling jealousy. There’s a lot of competition out there, lots of readers all wanting you to read their work, which is great! Means we always have great stories and I wish everyone’s hard work would pay off. But trying to carve out your own readership is tough and takes more time than writing a book in the first place.
And it’s a bitter pill to swallow when after writing a book, editing it, submitting and finding a publisher and going through the process with your editor, cover artist, etc, that a writer with no experience whatsoever can release a self-published Twilight rip off that is full of grammar issues, poor plot and barely formatted only for it to sell more copies. You can at times feel there’s no justice, or that you’re the sour old hack throwing venom at his monitor…but just like the music and movie industry, that’s life. Get on with it or get lost. I always have to write so that’s that.
11 – Something about you that no one would believe.
Tough question as I’m really quite open about everything and don’t have any deep, dark secrets. Actually, there is something…but I can’t divulge it yet. Ask me again this time next year and I’ll spill my guts!
12 – Okay, now promote yourself here, what else have you done that you would like people to know about?
Okay, we; besides the new novella releases Critique and Come Into Darkness, I also have the novel Samhane which is available in paperback and digital and was nominated for a 2011 Tin Duck Award. I also have various bits and pieces of republished works on my Amazon Kindle page.
If readers are intrigued and want to combine a few of these, we have a special offer for January. Simply buy Critique for Kindle and forward your proof of purchase to admin@danielirussell.com and the guys will send you the three ebooks Roots, Penanggalan and The Bell Jar Heart for free!
1 – Milk or dark chocolate?
Milk, preferably rocky road please.
2 – What are your feelings in reference to LEGO’s?
I have a love and hate relationship with Lego, mainly hating it on Xmas day. My eldest son is mad on Lego Star Wars and Xmas day is usually spent building all the various ships and things. There is such a thing as too much Lego. However, I do adore the videogames and am currently building a Tatooine landscape out of recyclables for my son to play on.
3 – I know a lot of people as what the favorites are in regard to horror movies, but my question to
you...what is your favorite comedy and why?
Shaun of the Dead…and not for the obvious horror reason! It has most of my favourite comedians in it and just has the right vibe of some of the best comedy shows out there.
4 – What is the story/novel you are most proud of?
I think, oddly enough, Critique. It’s something that is way out of my writing comfort zone, swapping my usual blood and guts for something more restrained and thoughtful. It also has some strong messages in there, which goes against my normal writing for entertainment’s sake stance.
5 – What is the most interesting thing you have learned?
To play the drums. Something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a teenager and last year I thought what the hell and bought a kit. Not such an alien concept to me anymore and it’s bags of fun!
6 – Do you do a lot of research for your writing?
I try to write what I know, so I’ve had lots of characters with similar jobs, circumstances and problems as myself. But sometimes research is a necessary evil. For example, a curry or lasagne is the most fancy thing I can cook from scratch, so for Critique, I needed to learn a few elaborate dishes.
I even got to interview porn stars for my novella Come Into Darkness. That was interesting, just how it’s just another day at the office for them and all the other behind the scenes stuff you wouldn’t think about.
7 – Tell me about the collection you have with Dark Continents?
My novella Critique is my part of the Dark Continents line up released on New Year’s Day. It’s a story about desolation and redemption. A food critic who hasn’t had the most noble of lives meets a force that is determined to change him for the better…whether he wants to or not. Lots of horror and very fine food!
http://www.amazon.com/Critique-ebook/...
8 – How do you like to tell a story? Character driven, location of importance, or something else entirely?
I don’t really think about it to be honest, I just do it. I consider character to be the most important thing I suppose, as without having the reader on their side, no one cares what happens. Perhaps it’s our voyeuristic nature. Even though the character is fictional, we like to place them in a situation and see what they’ll do. Like watching a rat in a maze.
9 – What kind of music do you listen to when writing?
Swedish rock, it seems, has to be the first run of the day. Plenty of Whale and Psycore. Then it depends what I’m in the mood for. Punk for action and Portishead for tension.
10 – What is the most difficult thing you find about being a writer?
Honestly? Finding readers and controlling jealousy. There’s a lot of competition out there, lots of readers all wanting you to read their work, which is great! Means we always have great stories and I wish everyone’s hard work would pay off. But trying to carve out your own readership is tough and takes more time than writing a book in the first place.
And it’s a bitter pill to swallow when after writing a book, editing it, submitting and finding a publisher and going through the process with your editor, cover artist, etc, that a writer with no experience whatsoever can release a self-published Twilight rip off that is full of grammar issues, poor plot and barely formatted only for it to sell more copies. You can at times feel there’s no justice, or that you’re the sour old hack throwing venom at his monitor…but just like the music and movie industry, that’s life. Get on with it or get lost. I always have to write so that’s that.
11 – Something about you that no one would believe.
Tough question as I’m really quite open about everything and don’t have any deep, dark secrets. Actually, there is something…but I can’t divulge it yet. Ask me again this time next year and I’ll spill my guts!
12 – Okay, now promote yourself here, what else have you done that you would like people to know about?
Okay, we; besides the new novella releases Critique and Come Into Darkness, I also have the novel Samhane which is available in paperback and digital and was nominated for a 2011 Tin Duck Award. I also have various bits and pieces of republished works on my Amazon Kindle page.
If readers are intrigued and want to combine a few of these, we have a special offer for January. Simply buy Critique for Kindle and forward your proof of purchase to admin@danielirussell.com and the guys will send you the three ebooks Roots, Penanggalan and The Bell Jar Heart for free!
January 9, 2012
Say Hi to Autumn Christian
Okay, Autumn Christian This is a little Q & A to get to know a little more about you and thicken up those stalker portfolios.
1 – Milk or dark chocolate?
Milk for hangovers, PMS, and family gatherings. Dark chocolate for nights alone, glittery costumes, and writing about tragedy.
2 – What are your feelings in reference to LEGO’s?
I love them. I have never been against the LEGO movement. In fact several of my friends are LEGO’s.
3 – I know a lot of people as what the favorites are in regard to horror movies, but my question to
you...what is your favorite comedy and why?
It would have to be Ace Ventura: Pet Detective 2. And mostly for the memory of watching it with my brother and rewinding the part where Jim Carrey punches out the “Monopoly” guy about 38 times.
4 – What is the story/novel you are most proud of?
Well, I’m most proud of the bible and its influence on bringing a friendlier face to genocide. Wait, no, you mean my stories. Well, this is awkward.
No, but seriously, I’m quite fond of my dystopian horror novel The Crooked God Machine. (You can put up a link if you wish, it’s here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Crooked-God...) It’s currently published on Amazon and
5 – What is the most interesting thing you have learned?
The empire never ended.
6 – Do you do a lot of research for your writing?
Yes, but it’s not a linear process. My entire life is research. I call myself a scientist, and this makes boys wary. “What do you mean, I’m an experiment?” they ask as I bring out the hunting knives and the blotter paper. It’s brought me to interesting places, warehouses, communes and Oklahoman dairy farm. It’s had me frantically researching Cotard’s Delusion and Gnostic scriptures in the late mornings. It’s had me swallowing the pill when someone says, “here, take this. You’ll like it.” It’s had me alone in the night going down a dark road, thinking, “this is a terrible idea,” knowing that you’ll never be the same afterwards.
7 – Tell me about the collection you have with Dark Continents?
My collection from Dark Continents is called “A Gentle Hell,” and it’s four short stories of quiet tension and uncomfortable nostalgia, featuring machine implants, pathological women who get bit by rabid dogs, goddesses who kill God, and carnivorous deer. I’d recommend it for the demon or the suicidal child in your life. It can be found on Amazon in ebook format here http://www.amazon.com/A-Gentle-Hell-e...
8 – How do you like to tell a story? Character driven, location of importance, or something else entirely?
It feels very much like a ritual to me. Floating images, characters, locations, they all flow into each other. I close my eyes and type what I see.
I’m going to be pretentious and say that sometimes I feel like a shaman having to go down into the underworld to dredge this stuff up, but just as often I feel like an idiot child playing with aforementioned LEGO’s but just sort of smashing them together instead of making anything profound or beautiful.
9 – What kind of music do you listen to when writing?
I’m fond of dubstep, gothic country, dark ambient, IDM. I like to make playlists for my novels, and rearrange them depending on how the novel progresses. Some of my favourite artists for writing are Portishead, Queenadreena, Apparat, Sun Glitters, and Soap&Skin. To be obscure and hipster about it.
10 – What is the most difficult thing you find about being a writer?
Pretending you’re not a writer. This is by far, the hardest part, living your life everyday like you’re a normal human being that is not being constantly assaulted by the space monkeys of thought processes hurtling at you from all sides. When they find out you’re a writer, you’re done for, you might as well have just come out as a drug addict. No one will respect you ever again. At least, unless you pretend to be fancy and take people out for sushi and buy them Nicaraguan cocaine for their birthdays and stop crying whenever they mention bad Amazon reviews.
Oh, but aside from that, probably the suicidal tendencies that creep up on me every time I open a word processor.
11 – Something about you that no one would believe.
I’m a 1st degree black belt in Kung Fu San Soo. Does anyone believe that? I’m not sure. I wouldn’t believe it.
12 – Okay, now promote yourself here, what else have you done that you would like people to know about?
In addition to A Gentle Hell, I’ve published a dystopian horror novel called The Crooked God Machine, and it can be found here (: http://www.amazon.com/The-Crooked-God...) I’m also currently working on a demon lesbian horror/romance, and if you’d like to follow my progress or want to stalk me and send me bones in the mail you can find me at http://autumnchristian.net
1 – Milk or dark chocolate?
Milk for hangovers, PMS, and family gatherings. Dark chocolate for nights alone, glittery costumes, and writing about tragedy.
2 – What are your feelings in reference to LEGO’s?
I love them. I have never been against the LEGO movement. In fact several of my friends are LEGO’s.
3 – I know a lot of people as what the favorites are in regard to horror movies, but my question to
you...what is your favorite comedy and why?
It would have to be Ace Ventura: Pet Detective 2. And mostly for the memory of watching it with my brother and rewinding the part where Jim Carrey punches out the “Monopoly” guy about 38 times.
4 – What is the story/novel you are most proud of?
Well, I’m most proud of the bible and its influence on bringing a friendlier face to genocide. Wait, no, you mean my stories. Well, this is awkward.
No, but seriously, I’m quite fond of my dystopian horror novel The Crooked God Machine. (You can put up a link if you wish, it’s here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Crooked-God...) It’s currently published on Amazon and
5 – What is the most interesting thing you have learned?
The empire never ended.
6 – Do you do a lot of research for your writing?
Yes, but it’s not a linear process. My entire life is research. I call myself a scientist, and this makes boys wary. “What do you mean, I’m an experiment?” they ask as I bring out the hunting knives and the blotter paper. It’s brought me to interesting places, warehouses, communes and Oklahoman dairy farm. It’s had me frantically researching Cotard’s Delusion and Gnostic scriptures in the late mornings. It’s had me swallowing the pill when someone says, “here, take this. You’ll like it.” It’s had me alone in the night going down a dark road, thinking, “this is a terrible idea,” knowing that you’ll never be the same afterwards.
7 – Tell me about the collection you have with Dark Continents?
My collection from Dark Continents is called “A Gentle Hell,” and it’s four short stories of quiet tension and uncomfortable nostalgia, featuring machine implants, pathological women who get bit by rabid dogs, goddesses who kill God, and carnivorous deer. I’d recommend it for the demon or the suicidal child in your life. It can be found on Amazon in ebook format here http://www.amazon.com/A-Gentle-Hell-e...
8 – How do you like to tell a story? Character driven, location of importance, or something else entirely?
It feels very much like a ritual to me. Floating images, characters, locations, they all flow into each other. I close my eyes and type what I see.
I’m going to be pretentious and say that sometimes I feel like a shaman having to go down into the underworld to dredge this stuff up, but just as often I feel like an idiot child playing with aforementioned LEGO’s but just sort of smashing them together instead of making anything profound or beautiful.
9 – What kind of music do you listen to when writing?
I’m fond of dubstep, gothic country, dark ambient, IDM. I like to make playlists for my novels, and rearrange them depending on how the novel progresses. Some of my favourite artists for writing are Portishead, Queenadreena, Apparat, Sun Glitters, and Soap&Skin. To be obscure and hipster about it.
10 – What is the most difficult thing you find about being a writer?
Pretending you’re not a writer. This is by far, the hardest part, living your life everyday like you’re a normal human being that is not being constantly assaulted by the space monkeys of thought processes hurtling at you from all sides. When they find out you’re a writer, you’re done for, you might as well have just come out as a drug addict. No one will respect you ever again. At least, unless you pretend to be fancy and take people out for sushi and buy them Nicaraguan cocaine for their birthdays and stop crying whenever they mention bad Amazon reviews.
Oh, but aside from that, probably the suicidal tendencies that creep up on me every time I open a word processor.
11 – Something about you that no one would believe.
I’m a 1st degree black belt in Kung Fu San Soo. Does anyone believe that? I’m not sure. I wouldn’t believe it.
12 – Okay, now promote yourself here, what else have you done that you would like people to know about?
In addition to A Gentle Hell, I’ve published a dystopian horror novel called The Crooked God Machine, and it can be found here (: http://www.amazon.com/The-Crooked-God...) I’m also currently working on a demon lesbian horror/romance, and if you’d like to follow my progress or want to stalk me and send me bones in the mail you can find me at http://autumnchristian.net
