Matthew Ledrew's Blog, page 49
February 10, 2017
So I killed you… don’t be offended | Blog of the Dead
This novel is a work of fiction. All of the characters, places, and events are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, businesses or events is entirely coincidental.
These words, or some variation, are at the beginning of every piece of fiction. Whether it be a book, a TV show, or movie. So is it a coincidence that one of the characters or events in my book reminds you of yourself. Definitely not. It would be near impossible to write a character that people would care about if they did not have actions and responses that we can relate too. So when I created the characters of my novel, each one is based on a friend. Then I put them in situations and let them react the way I think they would when faced with that challenge.
Basing a character on someone you know makes it easier for you to keep their actions consistent. You can picture them in your mind and you know what they would do. Well, I think I know how they would react in the zombie apocalypse. This keeps things simple when fleshing out characters and developing them into heroes. You can use your personal experiences with their real life counter part to shape the encounters that they have with their surrounding environment. So far, I have only used friends as heroes, or in some cases the poor unsuspecting victims of zombie attacks. So to those friends that have fell victim to a zombie and became a meal for the undead, it was for a good cause. It’s just something I do to help readers connect with the characters and during the zombie apocalypse, some people just won’t make it. So why did I choose you to die? Don’t be offended, it doesn’t mean I don’t like you. Every character is a nod to a friend, someone who has an impact on my life. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery.
I base my villains on a collaboration of TV and movie characters that have made an memorable impression on me. While it is easy to picture the villains from one of my novels, this approach has made it difficult to get attached to them. They act like a well known acting portraying a role in a movie in which they are not suited for, just because they played the evil heel role in another movie and made you hate them. You want to hate them, you know you should hate them but you don’t.
This has been a dilemma for my second novel. Cookie cutter bad guys just aren’t cutting it any more. I’ve begun using friends to shape the villainous characters in my second novel, Zombies on the Rock 2: The Viking Trail. If you find yourself becoming the villain, it’s because I know that your somebody who can take a joke. Some people are just better suited to be evil, so I’m going to have to kill you off. Don’t be offended.
So I killed you….don’t be offended | Blog of the Dead
This novel is a work of fiction. All of the characters, places, and events are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, businesses or events is entirely coincidental.
These words, or some variation, are at the beginning of every piece of fiction. Whether it be a book, a TV show, or movie. So is it a coincidence that one of the characters or events in my book reminds you of yourself. Definitely not. It would be near impossible to write a character that people would care about if they did not have actions and responses that we can relate too. So when I created the characters of my novel, each one is based on a friend. Then I put them in situations and let them react the way I think they would when faced with that challenge.
Basing a character on someone you know makes it easier for you to keep their actions consistent. You can picture them in your mind and you know what they would do. Well, I think I know how they would react in the zombie apocalypse. This keeps things simple when fleshing out characters and developing them into heroes. You can use your personal experiences with their real life counter part to shape the encounters that they have with their surrounding environment. So far, I have only used friends as heroes, or in some cases the poor unsuspecting victims of zombie attacks. So to those friends that have fell victim to a zombie and became a meal for the undead, it was for a good cause. It’s just something I do to help readers connect with the characters and during the zombie apocalypse, some people just won’t make it. So why did I choose you to die? Don’t be offended, it doesn’t mean I don’t like you. Every character is a nod to a friend, someone who has an impact on my life. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery.
I base my villains on a collaboration of TV and movie characters that have made an memorable impression on me. While it is easy to picture the villains from one of my novels, this approach has made it difficult to get attached to them. They act like a well known acting portraying a role in a movie in which they are not suited for, just because they played the evil heel role in another movie and made you hate them. You want to hate them, you know you should hate them but you don’t.
This has been a dilemma for my second novel. Cookie cutter bad guys just aren’t cutting it any more. I’ve begun using friends to shape the villainous characters in my second novel, Zombies on the Rock 2: The Viking Trail. If you find yourself becoming the villain, it’s because I know that your somebody who can take a joke. Some people are just better suited to be evil, so I’m going to have to kill you off. Don’t be offended.
For the Brave: Steve Lake! | Donate
The amazingly kind-hearted Steve Lake is once again donating his time and his luscious locks to the “Shave for the Brave” effort, 2017.
“Some of you have liked my long hair, some of you have hated it,” says Lake. “I’ve liked the way it’s turned out over the last three years, but now it’s time to say goodbye to it. March 25th, 2017 I’m shaving it all off and donating my hair, along with whatever money I can raise.”
Steve Lake has penned the ‘Full Moon’ series of short stories for Engen Books and Ink’d Well Comics, a series of noir-style detective stories with a supernatural twist.
You can donate to Steve’s “Shave for the Brave” effort here.
“Wanna donate to a great cause and see me bald? Of course you do.” — Steve Lake
All donations to the Shave for the Brave help Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) provide programs to help this “forgotten generation.”
For more information, check out shaveforthebrave.ca and youngadultcancer.ca. Have a question? Email YACC at info@shaveforthebrave.ca or call 877-571-7325.
February 9, 2017
Paul Carberry announced as a “Fantasy from the Rock” author!
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The epic author of the fantastically entertaining 2015 novel Zombies on the Rock, Paul Carberry, lends his considerable talents to the fantasy genre as one of the authors in the upcoming 2017 anthology, Fantasy from the Rock.
Paul Carberry currently works as a pharmacy assistant and will soon be enrolled in the Reserves with the Canadian Armed Forces. He has always enjoyed the whole horror genre and has always had a special interest in zombies. He is currently living in his hometown of Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, with his wife, Leah. His dream is to finish this story that he has started and to travel around the world selling his books.
Carberry brings his new short story “The Light of Cabot Tower,” a departure from his typical Zombie-fare that brings us a pirate-themed story with the Newfoundland genre-spins that Carberry is famous for.
Carberry has received high praise since the release of his first novel, and is currently hard at work on its sequel.
“[Carberry] draws in his readers from the first page, effortlessly providing the tension and fear necessary to create his terrifying apocalyptic tale.”
~ Fiona Cooke Hogan, author of What Happened In Dingle
“This is truly masterful suspense by Carberry, who clearly understands that suspense occurs when the reader knows something the character does not.”
~ Matthew LeDrew, author of Cinders, Black Womb, and Infinity.
There’s only one author left to announce, and it’s massive! Who could it be?? Stay tuned! 
February 8, 2017
Amanda Labonté at the #LOLANL Writer’s Circle!
[image error]In just 14 days at the Arts and Culture Center, local St. John’s author of Call of the Sea Amanda Labonté will be co-hosting the first Engen Writer’s Circle of 2017!
Hosted as a part of the ‘Love Our Local Authors’ month going on all through February at the AC Hunter Public Library, the Writer’s Circle is a round table discussion with four of the indie writing community’s top talents: the people in charge of taking your submissions (Ellen Curtis), an Editor (Erin Vance), the author of more than 15 novels (Matthew LeDrew) and of course Amanda Labonté, the author of Call of the Sea!The #LOLAnl event has already featuring amazing local Newfoundland talent, such as Glenn Deir, Victoria Barbour, Heather Reilly, and Kevin Major! The Writer’s Circle aims to answer any question you might have about the writing and publishing process, not matter what stage of the process you’re at, from professionals with a combined 25 years experience in the competitive small-press market.
Come and get answers to your questions, meet the authors of some of the province’s most thrilling genre fiction, gets books signed and learn the different avenues to success with writing! Admittance is free, although Arts & Culture encourages calling ahead to reserve seats at: 709-737-3950. The event will be 6pm-8pm on Feb 22 2017 at the Arts and Culture Center, 95 Allandale Rd, St. John’s, NL A1B 3A3. To join the Facebook event and get more information, click here.
Amanda Labonté lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she gets much of the inspiration for the characters and places about which she writes. Though she knew she wanted to be a writer since the eighth grade, it was many years before she finally walked into a creative writing class and found a new home. As the co-owner of an educational business and mother of two she spends much of her day with kids of all ages. They give her some of the best reading recommendations.
For prospective authors, Labonté will also be involved in The 48-Hour Novel-Writing Marathon this coming June.
February 7, 2017
The 48-Hour Novel Writing Marathon
This June, a growing number of participants from the writing and business communities, are working on a novel writing marathon for writers and would-be writers in the St. John’s region!
Two years ago I attended a writing conference in Orillia, Ontario. I really enjoyed attending workshops and networking with other writers, but one of the things that really stuck with me was all the talk about novel writing marathons.
Prior to this conference, I had never heard of a novel writing marathon. Maybe you haven’t either. A novel writing marathon is pretty much what it sounds like. Writers gather under one roof and work on a brand new manuscript for a period of time (in this case 48 hours). The participants can work straight through, take a break and go home, or sleep under a desk. The only rule is that the work submitted at the end must have been completed during the marathon.
Now, other than 48 hours of dedicated writing, what’s in it for the writer? Well, at the end of the marathon, all participants are encouraged to submit their working manuscripts to a team of judges. Not only will you get feedback on your work, the winner will also get a chance to submit their full, completed manuscript to a publisher!
Who is the marathon aimed at? Any writer or potential writer who is looking for an opportunity to get a good start on a manuscript, wanting to network with other writers or looking for a break in the writing industry. The winner will be announced at a special event in August (announcement coming soon!) . All participants will be invited.
The cost for participation in this event is a charitable donation to the event’s chosen not-for-profit (TBA). There is no set minimum, so whatever amount you can get in sponsorship from family and friends will be enough.
Sound interesting? Join the Facebook event for updates and announcements, including when to register. facebook.com/…/amandalabontewrites/events
Hope to see you there!
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February 4, 2017
Nicholas Morine announced as a Fantasy from the Rock author!
[image error]Engen Books is proud to announce that Nicholas Morine, the talented authors of Kowloon Walled City, 1984, Cavern, City in the Dark, and Punish the Wicked: a Dystopian Horror, will be the next author joining Heather Reilly, Katie Little, Sam Bauer and the rest of our all-star cast in Fantasy from the Rock!
Morine’s work is atmospheric and imaginative, taking readers to other realms of possibility within the scope of reality: he crafts his fiction by melding his intense academic study with his vast array of storytelling talents, using them in concert to build believable casts of characters, situations, and worlds.
He brings with him his short story “Seat Perilous.”
Morine has previously been published with both Problematic Press and Montag Press.
There are only two authors left to announce leading up to our April 2017 release, and one of them joins Heather Reilly as one of our all-star fantasy authors! Who could it be? Stay tuned!
February 3, 2017
Other Indie | Early 2017 Edition
‘Other Indie’ is a bi-annual e-zine in which the best in independent publishing is highlighted by authors and editors that have worked in the field for over a decade, in the hopes of helping readers break through the cluster of books they may not be sure about in an age when anyone can publish via digital formats. This issue’s spotlight: Carrots by Colleen Helme, in which we review, interview Helme about her work, and include a short excerpt. Also included, review of: Damnation Code by William Massa, A Daughter’s Gift by Jacqui Tam, Flight or Fight by Scott Bartlett, Zombies on the Rock: Outbreak by Paul Carberry, Kowloon Walled City, 1984 by Nicholas Morine, and 15 Minutes by Jill Cooper, as well as an excerpt from 2016’s smash hit, Call of the Sea by Amanda Labonté!
Other Indie, Early 2017 Issue
The Engen Staff
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Purchase:
Canada:
Other Indie, Early 2017 Issue (amazon.ca)
Other Indie, Early 2017 Issue (chapters.ca)
US:
Other Indie, Early 2017 Issue (amazon.com)
Other Indie, Early 2017 Issue (Barnes&Noble)
Kindle EBook: Other Indie, Early 2017 Issue (amazon.ca)
Kindle EBook: Other Indie, Early 2017 Issue (amazon.com)
Title Information:
ISBN:
978-1-926903-37-8
Release Date:
Feb 02, 2017
Status:
Available
Book Type:
Electronic
Cover Price:
EBook: FREE
Page Count:
25
Related Titles
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Song of the Mockingjay | Erin Vance
An essay examining the nature of Katniss Everdeen’s agency in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series. Considering the current state of global affairs, and the increasing numbers of conflicts, readers of The Hunger Games will likely have to confront oppressive regimes, whether in their own country or in another. Therefore, the fact that The Hunger Games does not glorify war and condemns government oppression demands further critical analysis and recognition.
Song of the Mockingjay
Erin Vance
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Purchase:
Canada:
Song of the Mockingjay (amazon.ca)
Song of the Mockingjay(chapters.ca)
US:
Song of the Mockingjay (amazon.com)
Song of the Mockingjay (Barnes&Noble)
Kindle EBook: Song of the Mockingjay (amazon.ca)
Kindle EBook: Song of the Mockingjay (amazon.com)
Title Information:
ISBN:
978-1-926903-31-6
Release Date:
Sept 15, 2016
Status:
Available
Book Type:
Electronic
Cover Price:
EBook: $2.99 USD
Page Count:
48
Related Titles
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Reviews
Amanda Labonté pens a new ‘Call of the Sea’ story for Fantasy from the Rock!
[image error]Amanda Labonté has proven herself to be one of the driving forces behind-the-scenes of Engen’s 10-year Anniversary celebration: focused and unyielding, making sure the unique vision of her fiction stays in print and is continued. Her powerful story of intrigue and mystery, set against the backdrop of the Newfoundland coast, has gotten the attention of industry critics and readers alike as a part of a new breed of maritime YA novels — ones that perfectly mix the setting of the Atlantic provinces with the modern storytelling methods she employs, making something fresh, new, and exhilarating.
Labonté brings with her a story set in her ‘Call of the Sea’ narrative, an early tale involving twins Alex and Ben.
Amanda Labonté lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she gets much of the inspiration for the characters and places about which she writes. Though she knew she wanted to be a writer since the eighth grade, it was many years before she finally walked into a creative writing class and found a new home. As the co-owner of an educational business and mother of two she spends much of her day with kids of all ages. They give her some of the best reading recommendations.
You can meet Amanda, as well as editors Ellen Curtis and Erin Vance, at the Writer’s Circle presented by the Arts and Culture Center February 22, 2017. Come and get answers to your questions, meet the authors of some of the province’s most thrilling genre fiction, gets books signed and learn the different avenues to success with writing! Admittance is free, although Arts & Culture encourages calling ahead to reserve seats at: 709-737-3950. The event will be 6pm-8pm on Feb 22 2017 at the Arts and Culture Center, 95 Allandale Rd, St. John’s, NL A1B 3A3. To join the Facebook event and get more information, click here.
After a heated fight at sea between twins Ben and Alex, Ben vanishes from their boat without a sound or even a ripple in the water. Unwavering in his dedication to find his brother, Alex begins the adventure of a lifetime armed only with the help of a local girl named Meg and his own mysterious musical abilities… the key to which, and to the mysteries that surround him, may be tied to the alluring song of the dangerous girl he finds among the ocean’s frothing waves.
Includes a sneak preview of the upcoming book “Return to the Sea” by Amanda Labonté
Call of the Sea
Amanda Labonté
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Purchase:
Canada:
Call of the Sea (amazon.ca)
Call of the Sea(chapters.ca)
US:
Call of the Sea (amazon.com)
Call of the Sea (Barnes&Noble)
Title Information:
ISBN:
978-1-926903-32-3
Release Date:
Nov 18, 2016
Status:
Available
Book Type:
Paperback (5 x 8 in)
Cover Price:
Buy Local: $20 / EBook: $4.99
Page Count:
229
Related Titles
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Reviews
“A mysterious figure in the ocean, a suspicious loss in the waves, a riveting treasure hunt, and surprise after surprise, how could anyone not want to read this novel?”
~Alice Kuipers, author of 40 Things I Want to Tell You and Life on the Refrigerator Door.
“Call of the Sea is a vividly imagined novel of folk lore and legends smoothly mixed with realistic, colourful characters of an East Coast village. Amanda Labonte’s paranormal coming of age story effortlessly lifts you along with Alex’s journey to the brink of suspended disbelief…”
~BR Myers, author of Asp of Ascension and Girl on the Run.
