Nicky Peacock's Blog, page 48
June 26, 2013
Interview with author Angeline Trevena
My next interview is with Angeline Trevena, who is the author of ‘No Smoke Without Fire’ which is included in the Tales of the Undead: Suffer Eternal Volume II anthology.
When did you realise you wanted to be a horror writer?
I’ve always been a big horror fan; my brother and I watching every old horror movie we could get our hands on, but when it came to reading and writing, it was all about fantasy. It was only a few years ago that I started reading horror. It all began with Stephen King’s On Writing which I received one Christmas. I read it in just a few days, unable to put it down. I went on to read Green Mile and Misery, and found I couldn’t get enough. They made me jumpy and
nervous, just like horror movies do, but they got into my bones in a way that a 90 minute movie never could. This started me writing horror, and with the publication of my first short story, a ghost story, I decided that this was where I wanted to be. I still write fantasy, and a mash-up of both genres, but I tend to class myself, first and foremost, as a horror writer.
What was the first story you got published? Is there anything you’d change about it now?
The first story I had published was ‘The Vincent Orphanage’ which was picked for the Mirador Fantasmagoria anthology in January 2011. It’s a ghost story about a girl who is forced to confront her past when a journalist wants to tell her story.
To be honest, I’ve not read it since; I’m too scared that I would want to change all of it because my writing has developed so much over the last two years. That’s what I love about writing – you never stop learning, or honing your craft. And I think, left to our own devices, us writers would never consider any of our work completely finished. We could probably tweak it forever.
What’s your thoughts on authors and social media? Which sites do you prefer?
I’m a big social network addict. I’m active on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Blogger. Largely, I don’t think I’m reaching readers that much, I mostly interact with other writers. But this has been brilliant for me. I am a member of a fantastic little critique group on Google+, and they have helped me to polish and tighten up my work, just as I’ve helped them with theirs. I hear about calls for submissions, interview and guest blogging opportunities, and chances to promote myself as a writer. I love the amount of encouragement, support and advice that’s on offer. Everyone’s so willing to help each other, and I, in turn, love to pass on tips and help other writers out where I can.
What’s your favourite horror monster and why?
I’m very fond of vampires. I love the huge variety of guises and attitudes they’ve been given over the years; from the sophistication of Interview with the Vampire to the animalistic brutishness of 30 Days of Night. I think we’ll always be fascinated by a creature higher up the food-chain than ourselves, superior creatures, creatures that represent the one thing we, as a race, seem desperate to hold onto – the beauty of youth.
What is the worst mistake a new writer can make? And what advice would you give them?
One of the worst mistakes is info dumping, not just back story, but generally giving far too much unnecessary information. One of the reasons readers love to read is because they have great imaginations, and they love to use them. Don’t describe and explain everything in detail; let your readers fill in the gaps. Information should be drip-fed throughout a story, not crammed into the start of it. And it should be revealed through speech and action. Don’t narrate the story; let your characters tell it themselves.
Angeline’s website Angeline’s Twitter:
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: advice to writers, Angeline Trevena, authors, Interview, Interview with a vampire, social media for authors, Stephen King, Tales of the Undead, Vampire, writing
June 23, 2013
Book Review – Mortality by Kellie Sheridan
Synopsis:
After suriving a deadly plague outbreak, sixteen-year-old Savannah thought she had lived through the very worst of human history. There was no way to know that the miracle vaccine would put everyone at risk for a fate worse than un-death. Now, two very different kinds of infected walk the Earth, intent on nothing but feeding and destroying what little remains of civilization. When the inoculated are bitten, infection means watching on in silent horror as self-control disappears and the idea of feasting on loved ones becomes increasingly hard to ignore. Starving and forced to live inside of the abandoned high school, all Savannah wants is the chance to fight back. When a strange boy arrives with a plan to set everything right, she gets her chance. Meeting Cole changes everything. Mere survival will never be enough
My Review:
I do love a good zombie book and, with there being so many out there now (Yes, I know I’ve written one too!) you really have to have something different going on with the plot to really stand out. Mortality gives us something different. It’s a story first person from two characters’ points of view: Savannah and Zarah. It was a little dangerous for a book to do this, but with tense chapter conclusions and different timelines, it flows nicely. I must admit though, that I preferred Zarah over Savannah – I found the latter kind of self-centered and two dimensional compared to the sweeter Zarah. Maybe it was because their stories are told at different points of the zombie cycle – maybe not; but I did find myself looking forward to hers over Savannah’s chapters.
From a writer’s perspective, I enjoyed the duel narrative and the world that Kellie Sheridan created. There were 2 waves of zombies in this book, which was a stoke of genius. The plot point I had trouble with was the militia. In zombie books and movies these can be a very scary addition to your cast. In fact, in Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later the soldiers were, to me, scarier than the jerky flesh-craving zombies – and I did think that the author could have made more of them – although this is part of a series, so maybe that will happen later on.
The front cover is very apt to the feel of the book, but it does reveal a major plot twist, which would have added to the overall interest to the book if it hadn’t been ‘let out of the bag’ from the offset.
I’d give Mortality 4 out of 5 stars, as I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good zombie book.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: book review, Hitchhiker strain, kellie sheridan, mortality, Summer reads, YA, zombies
June 19, 2013
Interview with Dan Weatherer
Dan Weatherer
Interview with fellow Horrified Press author Dan Weatherer.
When did you realise you wanted to be a horror writer?
I started by writing Comedy (unsuccessfully) back in 2010, but I have always read or watched Horror. I had an idea for a story in January this year and it gathered momentum from there!
What was the first story you got published? Is there anything you’d change about it now?
The Legend of the Chained Oak (Haunted Magazine – summer 2013.) It is to be made into a movie, but it is a question I have often asked myself. The truth is after a piece is published I never read them, for the very reason you ask. I think if I found a flaw and it was too late to correct it would drive me to distraction!
What are your thoughts on authors and social media? Which sites do you prefer?
I used worthy of publishing and wattpad myself but found both those sites to be flooded with writers only interested in pushing their own work. Feedback was non-existent and so I stay away from them now.
I have used both Facebook and twitter to bring attention to my published work and any upcoming projects I am working on. I have seen interest come my way from all corners, and these sites have enabled people who would not have the chance to read my work to sample it.
What’s your favourite horror monster and why?
For me, the Hannibal Lecter/Patrick Bateman types of monsters are the most terrifying. At their core they are simply human, with no supernatural powers and all of our frailties’, yet they command such terror by the acts they are capable of committing and the lack of remorse or reason that accompanies them.
What is the worst mistake a new writer can make? And what advice would you give them?
No matter what feedback you receive, if it’s what you want to write and it’s something you believe in, there will be someone out there who wants to hear what you have to say. You just have to find them.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author interview, Dan Weatherer, Hell whore, Horrified press, horror, Horror author interview
June 16, 2013
Book Review – Beauty and the Wolf
Beauty and The Wolf by Marina Myles.
Synopsis:
Isabella Farrington’s marriage was hasty. For all her new husband’s riches, Lord Draven Winthrop is whispered about, avoided, and feared. Yet Isabella is drawn to Draven’s dark good looks, his strength, the charm he can turn on as easily as she can blink. The impoverished daughter of an Egyptologist, she knows there are rumors about her, too, and the amulet she wears. Nothing more than superstitious babble. . .
But when Isabella returns to Draven’s remote coastal manor, she senses there is something more at work in the grim gardens of Thorncliff Towers than superstition. Draven is passionate and seductive, but he has a brutal, uncontrolled side too, and a history of secrets. To live in peace she must discover the reasons behind a gypsy curse and a mother’s scorn. Especially when she learns Draven believes his sweet young bride is doomed to a fate even darker than his own. . .
My Review:
I love fairy stories – always have, and Beauty & the Beast is one of my personal favourites. Marina does a great job of weaving the old child’s fairytale into an adult version whilst adding in a few supernatural twists. I truly think that there isn’t enough romance in the world, so to spend a few hours in a gothic paranormal traditional romance novel – is precious indeed. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the guy on the front is an eye-treat! The story was solid and the twists were a welcome addition to the traditional story.
From a writer’s perspective, there were a few cliches littered through the book – but I don’t think that can be helped as she was following quite a strict fairytale plot. There were some lovely turns of phrase in there and the plot moved quickly enough for me to not even notice I’d read the whole thing in only a few days.
I’d give Beauty and the Wolf 4 out of 5 stars – if your life is feeling a bit tired, your husband/boyfriend isn’t paying you enough attention, then grab a copy of this and immerse yourself in a supernatural Wuthering Heights style fairytale with an adult twist – you deserve a romance to get your teeth into!
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: beauty and the wolf, book review, fairytales, marina myles, paranormal romance, romance novel, Summer Read
June 15, 2013
Interview with author – Katlyn Duncan
Today I have with me, Katlyn Duncan. She was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.
In Soul Taken, Maggie is sucked into the body of someone else – whose celebrity body would you like to take for a joyride in?
Fabulous question! I’ve always admired Jennifer Aniston’s lifestyle and I’d love to take a dip into her world for the day. Plus I believe she has Gerard Butler’s cell phone number and I’d like to give him a call.
Did you base any characters on people you know (naming no names of course)
In Soul Taken there was no one character I based any of mine off of, but I did base Ally’s attitude on several sneaky mean girls from my past.
Tell us about your publishing journey.
I started off a bit overzealous, wanting people to read my unfinished/unedited works and got a lot of hard truths. Eventually I took my time with developing my characters and story while enviously watching others get deals. I actually took a bit of a break from this story but when I read a call for feedback from MIRA I decided “what the heck” and it paid off! The rest is history.
What did you find was the hardest part of the publishing process?
Besides actually writing the book, I would say my revisions. The way my editor words them is fabulous but incorporating them into the story while keeping my voice was definitely a challenge.
What is your next project?
I am currently working on Soul Possessed, the 2nd book in The Life After trilogy.
What book are you reading at the moment? Who is your fav author?
I just started my book club selection for this month, Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight. I’ve heard a lot of great things and I am excited to see what all the hype is about.
I have a lot of authors that I love, but if I had to choose I’d say Kelley Armstrong. I came into her Women of the Otherworld series when there were only two left to release but I fell in love. I absolutely love the world she built for her characters and I aspire to inspire others like she did for me.
Where can fans find you online?
Loads of places. I am a social media fiend! I am working on a newsletter right now and will post on my website www.katlynduncan.com
Twitter @katlyn_duncan
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/duncankatlyn
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7060690.Katlyn_Duncan
Google + http://plus.google.com/u/0/114959068245572919756/posts/p/pub
BUY SOUL TAKEN NOW!
And remember to stop by for my review of Soul Taken on the 30th June.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author interview, Carina, Katlyn Duncan, Kelley Armstrong, Mean Girls, New author, Publishing, Reapers, Soul Taken, Summer Read, YA books, Ya Reads, YA supernatural
June 12, 2013
Interview with Radha Bharadwaj
Radha Bharadwaj
Interview with fellow author and director Radha Bharadwaj
When did you realise you wanted to be a horror writer?
The desire to write a supernatural/creature horror story came about last year, and I wrote THE HYBRID shortly thereafter. Prior to that, I’d been dealing strictly with man-made evil. Dark stuff–mysteries, etc.-but the evil agent was a human being and not a creature.
What was the first story you got published? Is there anything you’d change about it now?
In the West, that would be THE RAINS OF RAMGHAT. I wrote it years ago in a creative writing class. I’d put it away and not sought publication, since I was busy with my feature films. It is only a few months ago, in between writing books, that I looked into getting my short fiction published. Scissors and Spackle was my first publication, and I polished the story before submitting.
http://www.scissorsandspackle.com/read/equino/august/radha-bharadwaj/
What’s your thoughts on authors and social media? Which sites do you prefer?
I think social media, used well, can somewhat level the playing field. Not all books get the big marketing dollars. But one can get one’s work out. Figuring out how and what the best sites are is a task in itself. I haven’t–yet; and hence can’t unfortunately cite a site.
What’s your favourite horror monster and why?
Lots. But if I were to pick one, I’d say Frankenstein. Because of its subtext: the cruel ostracization of people (and species!) that are dissimilar to us. I’m an animal lover and strict vegetarian, and the “monster” in the book eats only fruits and berries–that endeared him to me when I was little! It’s also a highly visual book. The closing image, of the monster vanishing in the snow, is poignant and evocative.
What is the worst mistake a new writer can make? And what advice would you give them?
Listening to naysayers. Pick your circle wisely, and embrace the isolation inherent in all worthwhile pursuits. Solitude is necessary, to create. A strong sense of self is as essential as oxygen, to survive slings and arrows.
The best way for people to stay abreast of Radha’s latest activities is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Closet-Land-a-Film-by-Radha-Bharadwaj
Her stage adaptation for CLOSET LAND is available on CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/4001305
Website: http://www.closetland.com/
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: ClosetLand, Director, horror, Interview, plays, Radha Bharadwaj, Writers
June 8, 2013
Interview with Lisa Collicutt
Lisa Collicutt
A big welcome to my fellow Noble Romance author Lisa Collicutt. She likes to write dark and twisted tales of magic and romance. She has a passion for Young Adult and New Adult Paranormal. When she’s not conjuring tales about witches, demons, and other magical beings, she can be found leathered and bound to the back of her husband’s Harley, touring her homeland of Nova Scotia, Canada.
Enter Lisa’s imagination where light ends and fantasy begins. But heed these warnings . . . it’s dark, it’s magical, you may experience tingles.
The Gathering Darkness see soul mates re-uniting – do you believe in soul mates, and what’s your take on modern love?
Sure, I believe in soul-mates. I’m married to mine. Although sometimes I think we’re complete opposites. I also believe destiny brought us together. So, soul-mates and destiny – absolutely.
Modern love could use a touch of chivalry for sure. That’s where being a writer comes in handy. I can easily add all the chivalry I want – or not – into my romance novels. Here’s something I’ve said before: there’s nothing like first glances, touches, and kisses. These firsts are one of my favourite aspect to write about. It puts me back in the day
What book (out at the moment) did you wish you’d written, and why?
Great question. I’ve read so many and actually said “I wish I’d written that.” But the latest one that comes to mind is; The Red Brick Road. Now, I didn’t read the story, but I so wish I’d thought of that title first. The Wizard of Oz has deep meaning to me. And I’ve always wondered where the red brick road lead, but never thought about writing about it until I saw that title somewhere. So I’m quite bummed that I didn’t think of it first.
What’s your fav mythical creature and why?
Dragons are by far my favourite mythical creature. They can be good or bad. They come in rainbows of colors. Can be very wise or downright nasty. And they are magical. There’s so much you can do with a dragon.
If you were to cast The Gathering Darkness, which actors would you chose and why?
Well, I always saw Matt Lanter as Marcus. And Victoria Justice would make a perfect Brooke. But you know what? I’m not at all apposed to making stars from new talent, as long as I get to pick them. I haven’t really thought about the rest of the cast.
Your book The Devil’s Flower has a number of genres delicately wrapped between its petals – what’s you fav genre to write in?
That’s hard. I’d like to say paranormal romance and call it one genre, ha-ha. I need both, but I guess the one I couldn’t write without would be romance.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now, I’m working on the beginning of the second book in the Serendipitous Curse of Solomon Brandt series (Book one out July 25/13).
How can fans find you online?
I would love it if you all would visit my blog, follow me on Twitter, and like me on Facebook. http://darkedgedromance.blogspot.ca/
Thank you so much, Nicky, for your hospitality - You are very welcome, come back anytime!
To Buy Lisa’s books click on the front covers to be taken to Amazon.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author interviews, Lisa Collicutt, The Devil's Flower, The Gathering Darkness, YA author interview, YA books
June 5, 2013
Interview with Bonnie Ferrante
Bonnie Ferrante
Bonnie is one of my fellow Noble authors and she loves living in Northern Ontario, Canada even though she spends most of the long winter indoor writing. She chants, bikes, gardens, reads, stitches, volunteers, studies the Dharma, paints, plays/works on the computer, attends live theatre, enjoys being trounced in scrabble by her husband, Fred, and is often found ripping up pieces of her yard or stripping furniture. She hates cooking and cleaning and loves her robot vacuum, (too bad it can’t move the furniture). Her son, stepsons, and extended family keep her young. Once upon a time, she was a grade school teacher. She has entirely too much imagination and not enough opportunity to indulge it.
Tell us about your publishing journey.
I wrote short stories for magazines and anthologies and a newspaper column while I taught part time. When I became a full time teacher, writing fell by the wayside, although I wrote plays for my drama club and worked with a Young Authors club.
When I stopped teaching, I decided to tackle novels, which is what I really wanted to write. Noble Romance Publishing accepted my first book, Dawn’s End. I wrote two sequels, Dawn’s End Poisoned, and Dawn’s End Outworld Apocalypse, which they also published. All three are ebooks and the last is also a paperback. They can be understood in any order, although they are chronological. The trilogy is speculative (a blend of fantasy and science fiction) and written for ages 16 and up.
I have two self-published collections of short stories. Some were contest winners and some were previously published in anthologies that are now out of print. Bouquet is a trilogy of Buddhist themed fantasy and science fiction stories. Inhale contains contemporary stories, some with a fantasy twist. They are available on Amazon.com. I priced them at $0.99 as a way to bring in new readers.
My Amazon author page with links to my books
I am currently working with Tradewinds Books in Vancouver, British Columbia on a historical paranormal novel entitled Switch which will be out in 2014. It is about a young disenfranchised woman whose ability to see ghosts endangers herself and her family. When she has the opportunity to learn herbalism, it seems she may be able to contribute to her family’s survival, but this takes a macabre twist.
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I always wanted to be an author. I just didn’t have the time, training. or confidence to pursue it full-time until 2009.
What’s your views on social media for authors? Which sites do you recommend?
If you are just starting out, I’d say stay away from too much social media. It will eat up your writing time. There are, however, terrific blogs by authors and agents on writing that are invaluable. Also, keep abreast of what is happening in publishing. Some of the good ones are: Evil Editor, The Write Practice, The Creative Penn, and Janet Reid, Literary Agent.
Once you’ve reached the publication stage, it is essential to have your own professional facebook page separate from your family/friends one. Goodreads would be the next one I’d say was essential. You may want to have a blog, but if you are already struggling for writing time, I wouldn’t recommend it. There are so many out there now you really need to have a niche to pick up followers. Twitter and Linked-in can also be helpful.
What’s your favourite part of the publishing process?
The best part of writing is the first draft where my mind is free and I’m juiced at the prospect of what I’m about to create.
You’re currently writing a historical paranormal novel – what’s your fav time period and why?
I love Tudor Times in England (1485-1603). It was such a turbulent period in history, so full of extremes. Life was full of more than the usual amount of change: political intrigue, religious revolution, plague, war, female queens, and innovation in the arts.
When it comes to the paranormal – what still scares you?
I enjoy vampire and monster stories, but a part of me is always aware that it is fantasy. Ghost stories, however, shake my beliefs. There are so many strange incidents of haunting that I am never sure what is real and what is imagination.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Read and discuss what you read. Examine what propelled the plot forward, how the author made you care for and understand the characters, what worked, and what didn’t work.
Write every day. It doesn’t have to be something you plan on publishing. Be critical of your writing. Reread it and polish it.
Take writing classes, in person or on-line.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author interview, Bonnie Ferrante, Dawns End, getting published, Noble & Young, Noble Romance, paranormal books, social media for writers, Writng advice, YA, YA author interview
May 31, 2013
Interview with Nathan J.D.L Rowark
Nathan J.D.L Rowark
My first interview is with a fellow UK horror author. He’s also an editor and publisher. It’s, Nathan J.D.L Rowark.
When did you realise you wanted to be a horror writer?
I wrote my first horror novel when I was Twelve years old (unpublished – still have it), and continued to work on it until I was thirteen. I was influenced by emerging authors of the time (Clive Barker), and became a big fan of the work Stephen King produced when he was around 18. In those days we had no internet, no mobile phones, so I found it difficult when approaching publishers by snail mail. Once they found out how old I was, most wouldn’t entertain I was writing those works (Deckerland, A view of Heaven), so I found responses were laced with cynicism and suspicion. Coming from a working class background, my family were unable to support me in my chosen profession, and with little help available to me, I stopped writing around my fourteenth birthday. I knew from early on that I wanted to be a writer, had my own table in the corner for poetry classes, so that I would remain undistributed, and was the only eight year old in my class whom was allowed to write his own work rather than read someone else’s. The teachers did their best for me, but the system required that everyone achieved to the same level so I found I was held back. It was almost twenty years before I started writing regularly again.
My love of horror originally stems from my mother’s love of horror. She would record for me the Frankenstein movies of Universal and the Dracula tales from Hammer; for me to watch before I went to school in the morning. Now that’s what you call a superior education :-) The first books I remember getting in to were King’s ‘Skeleton Crew’ and the works of Alan Garner.
What was the first story you got published? Is there anything you’d change about it now?
The first poems I wrote which were published came to me just after I decided to give my writing career another shot. I didn’t know if they were any good but submitted them to an online webzine anyway (in the hopes they could give me some feedback, more than anything). That webzine turned out to be highly prestigious, ‘The Horror Zine’, edited by Jeanie Rector. She read through them and decided to publish them on the webzine and in one of her anthologies (Sanctimonious Saint at the Sinners Ball, Cross but Shan’t, Unending Battle of Self). Later, I found out that I was extremely lucky to be included, and it gave me the push I needed to continue writing. My first short story was published by Static Movement Press, a little tale I like to call ‘Word of the Warlock’. It was a short story based on the misinterpretations associated with the name ‘Warlock’, and told the story of a man gifted, yet cursed by his heritage at the same time. I think it’s about to get a third outing in Static Movement’s ‘Gifted’ anthology soon.
Would I change anything about these pieces now? I don’t thing I would. After spending so long away from the writing scene, I had to relearn a few skills; to then improve upon them, but no. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for ‘Word of the Warlock’. Maybe I’ll expand upon it, one day. In the story, I mention that the author character has his own book out called ‘Tribal Death’. Six months later I had another story accepted for an SM antho. It was for their ‘Western Ghost Stories: volume II’ collection. Guess what? ‘Tribal Death’ exists now :-)
What’s your thoughts on authors and social media? What sites do you prefer?
I’ve found that Facebook and Twitter are great mediums to gather fans. Blogs are good too. It can be hard sometimes, to grab peoples attention (there are so many people on the internet now), but if your work is good, chances are people will gather to find out more. Boy has the world changed.
As well as being an author, you are also a publisher. Tell us a bit about Horrified Press.
Well, I started Horrified Press in September of last year after months of planning and preparation. Using my experiences working for companies that had me dealing with book distributors on a daily basis, and taking on-board my own experiences as a writer (over fifty works published), I decided I could help other authors get their works noticed too. It’s been going really well, so far. It’s a lot of work, hours and hours of it, but very rewarding when you see what comes from it all. Some authors, like yourself, are very succinct when telling a story. Others have the ideas and the creative vision but need help to refine them; so that the reader will see the sights the author wishes to convey. In both cases, I enjoy the process, helping other authors develop and showcasing already developed talents. It’s what I love the most about our horror anthologies, the way you can have a first published author side by side an established name. Aside from reading the authors bios after their stories, in some cases you’d never know which author was established and which one was new.
In the end, working together, I firmly believe we give our readership a truly frightening and original reading experience. The future of ‘Horrified Press’ is very exciting :-) Oh, and I’ll give you an exclusive, right here, right now. Check out our website (horrifiedpress.wordpress.com) and our facebook page for the announcement of major new developments from Friday (31st May).
As an editor, what do you look for in submissions? Which stories tend to make the cut?
That’s a good question, Nicky. I try not to be judgemental. I read a submission as it’s laid out and then sit back and mull it over for a few hours. Did I enjoy it? More importantly, will other people enjoy it? Did it meet the submission criteria? What was particularly special about it? I look for emerging talent. Will I have the time in my schedule to give the author additional support, to work with them on their piece (if needed – it’s an extra consideration)? I needed tutelage when I first started back and there’s not enough of that literary support available. Finally, I’ll ask the most important question of all… Will our readers enjoy it? Many authors will probably disagree with me on this, but what we do has to be for our audience; not ourselves. We’re like creative public servants, in a way. Another aspect of our anthology collections I feel is unique, we have many writers contributing that normally wouldn’t write horror. It gives those tales a unique perspective, and some of those have been my personal highlights.
What’s your favourite horror monster and why?
I have many favourites, from the obscure to the obvious…
I loved the rabbit (Frank) in Donnie Darko, but he’s probably more of a victim than a monster. Freddy Kruger was a particularly clever creation (thank you, Wes Craven). I liked the old depiction of him, not the new one. It focused too heavily on the child molestation aspect which didn’t frighten me; more repulsed me. Remakes… hmm. In literature, Dracula – of course. Pinhead was a fascinating creation; so multi-layered.
What is the worst mistake a new writer can make? And what advice would you give them?
Creative writing is just that. There are no right and wrong answers. I would say that grammar is very important, firstly. If you can’t say what you want to in a way people can understand, you have a major brick wall to surmount, in terms of making it your career. I would also say (one of my great problems as a writer when I first started out) don’t over-complicate things. That’s not style. You need to replace those lines with hard substance. Another thing I come across often (and was guilty of myself, back in the day) would be the use of ‘she said’ – ‘he said’.
“I’m going to the shops,” said Tom – not – “I’m going to the shops,” the excited, scruffy young man with blonde highlights and ripped jeans gushed to his displeased friend.
These things are time things, they disappear when you write regularly, read regularly and take stock of your own work. We’ve all been there.
Oh, last but not least, check out the latest horror anthologies from ‘Horrified Press’. Our writers work for royalties, so we need horror fans to support their awesome work and enjoy their amazing stories. Our e-books are $3, that’s the price of a small bottle of fizzy drink from a bad vending machine on the good side of town. Not to much to ask for over twenty gripping stories per pop, eh?
To buy the anthologies, click on the images below to be taken through to Lulu – for US and ROW please see www.amazon.com and search for the title.
Tales of the Undead – Suffer Eternal
Tales of the Undead – Hell Whore
Tales of the Undead – Suffer Eternal: volume II
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author, Clive Barker, Donnie Darko, Dracula, Freddy Kruger, getting published, Hell whore, Horrified press, horror, Horror author interview, Nathan J.D.L Rowark, Publisher, Stephen King, Suffer eternal, Tales of the Undead, Wes Craven, witing
May 25, 2013
Interview call-out
Interview call out.
You may, or may not already know, that my book, Bad Blood is now out in the big wide world. I can only liken it to watching your child leave home (not that I have children!) To open the door, boot it out and hope that it doesn’t embarrass you, or come crawling back asking for money.
As an author there are a number of ways you can help your book along it’s little independent path; one of those is interviews. There are literally thousands of blogs and websites out there dedicated to books of every genre and most will have a section for author interviews. People like asking questions. People like getting answers. The interview is simple in its format and can really help your online exposure and promote your book. I’ve done quite a few myself already: to view my interviews click here, or specifically for my Bad Blood tour, click through to my dedicated Face Book page.
So in the spirit of delving into the dark depths of the author psyche – don’t worry the proper protective gear will be adorned – I’m putting an open call out to all authors. Would you like to be interviewed? If you would, then send me an email to: mail(at)creativemindswriting(dot)co(dot)uk or leave me a comment below so I can find your blog and make contact. Together we can take over the world! WAHAHAHA oh, no wait that’s my secret evil master plan… together we can promote you and your work – there, that’s better, less psychotic!
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author interviews, bad blood, be interviewed, interviews, Nicky Peacock, promote your book, vampires, Writers, writers interviewed, writing
