M.R. Gott's Blog, page 14

Fatale Book 2: The Devils Business

The Devil's Business unravels at a deliberate pace that never lags, and slowly builds up steam to a series of satisfying and cathartic moments.  The Supernatural elements while ever present, always linger at the edge of each page allowing the necessary grit for the story to be effective.   If you enjoy, gritty detective fiction and Lovecraft style horror you will not find a more effective merging, period.    

Click either image for full review...

M.R. Gott interviews...Werner A Lind

Please Welcome Novelist Werner A. Lind to Cutis Anserina...
Your novel Lifeblood is a century-spanning vampiric romance; what were the challenges in creating the various time periods?
Yes, Lifebloodbegins in 17th-century England, but shifts quickly to modern-day Iowa, where my vampire heroine is re-animated.  Then there are a couple of flashbacks, interspersed with the modern-day plot, that show some key events in 17th-century Transylvania, where she originated.  Of course, creating the modern setting in Iowa wasn’t too hard; I was raised there.  But the 17th-century settings required more research, especially the Transylvanian ones, although of course I already had some general knowledge.  (Luckily, I’m a history major.)  Much of what I found on Romanian life and culture (Transylvania is part of modern Romania) was from a later time, but a lot of the details would have been the same in the 1600s, too –the features of the traditional culture don’t change much over time.  The juxtaposition of time periods created opportunities as well as challenge; I had fun in some places with Ana’s total ignorance of modern culture and technology.  (It was a bit of a time travel story, too, in that respect.)
How did the character of Ana Vasilifata emerge?
Well, I knew at the outset that I wanted my vampire character to be female (that fit into the symbolism of the tale).  I also wanted her to come from peasant stock, to be a more normal person, as it were, than the typical aristocratic vampires of literature, who grew up with a silver spoon in their mouths and maybe don’t relate very well to ordinary people as equals.  And because of the type of plot I created, I wanted her to be the kind of person who could both feel love for, and attract the love of, a worthy guy; that shaped some of the kinds of personal qualities she has.  I’m attracted to strong heroines who can fight if they have to, so portraying her that way came naturally (and fits in with her physical vampire strength).  And her Transylvanian roots were something I wanted, both as a nod to Balkan vampire folklore and literary tradition and to give her a touch of the exotic.  From there, it was a matter of honing the character over the 20 years or so that it took me to write the book.
What sets your novel apart from the plethora of vampire centered romance novels in the market today?
Good question, M. R.!  The basic idea of the novel was born in my mind back in the mid-70s, well before the current explosion of vampire-themed romance novels, and for me the romantic aspect was never an end in itself.  It was something I wanted for its inherent power as a literary symbol or metaphor for the Christian gospel, the idea of salvation through the blood of Christ from the sin that corrupts our nature.  Being a Christian, that’s a message that’s important to me to present in my work, whenever it can fit naturally into the story, without being forced in.  (And here, of course, the fit is natural, because the whole concept of the premise and plot is built on it.)  So if it’s a “romance” novel (and I suppose it is!) it’s one that wasn’t self-consciously written to romance genre expectations.  (So, don’t expect sex and “Her bones melted at his touch!” prose!).  It’s also, for want of a better term, “wholesome;” I’ve found, interestingly, that it appeals to quite a few readers who say they usually don’t like vampire books.
What vampire work was the most influential to you as an author?
Actually, before I started writing Lifeblood, I’d only read two vampire works: a dumbed-down kid’s version of Dracula (which even in that form made a real impression on me!) and Les Whitten’s Progeny of the Adder.  (During the 90s, when I was writing the book, I read the original Dracula, and I’d read some of Stoker’s The Lady of the Shroud earlier, as a kid –the title character there isn’t really a vampire, but some details of Balkan culture from that novel found their way into mine.)  I was really mainly influenced by the TV series Dark Shadows, where Barnabas and the other vampires are people with moral sensibilities and free will, not automatons of bloodthirsty evil; the former model is the one I gravitated to.  So my conception of the vampire, in my work, is a combination of Stoker’s and that of Dark Shadows –pretty traditional, in terms of Undead physical characteristics and powers/weaknesses. Once I started the writing process, I deliberately didn’t read any vampire fiction by other modern authors, because I didn’t want to be influenced; I wanted to write the novel with my OWN voice.  (I’ve read and enjoyed quite a few modern vampire works since finishing the book!)
Are there any other classic horror creatures you would like to play around with?  If so, which ones?
My short story “Wolf Hunt” (which is available on Smashwords for 99 cents) deals with the werewolf mythos.  Someday I want to tell that story from the werewolf’s point of view, which will require expanding it into a novel; but that’s a project for a later time! 
Who is your favorite fictional character?  How has this character impacted you over the years?
It would be really hard for me to pick one single favorite fictional character; there are so many that I like!  As a kid, I liked the Hardy Boys, Tarzan, and Sherlock Holmes; as an adult, I discovered Manly Wade Wellman’s Silver John, and some of Robert E. Howard’s marvelous creations; in recent years, I’ve come to really admire Harry Potter and his friends, Bella and the Cullens from the Twilight Saga, and Sarah Tolerance, the sword-wielding “agent of inquiry” in Madeleine Robins’ alternate Regency London.  And there are many others, too numerous to mention!  A common thread that tends to bind all of them together, though, is that they’re brave and capable, and that they use their courage and ability to set right what’s wrong and stand up for those who need a defender.  I think they’re pretty good role models on that account; I don’t know how much they’ve impacted who I actually am, but they’ve shaped the way that I’d like to be.
What was the first truly frightening novel you remember reading?  Was your reaction to bury in the closet, or to run out and find other stories like it?
For me, the first novel I found truly frightening was the Hardy Boys book, The Flickering Torch Mystery.  Obviously, now I’d find it pretty tame!  But for my nine-year-old self, the silent, sinister hooded and black-shrouded figures, moving through the pitch-dark tunnels and recesses of a menacing cavern, and signaling who knows what with torches against the night sky, scared the bejabbers out of me and haunted my childhood dreams.  My reaction was to bury myself under the bedclothes at night –AND to keep reading every Hardy Boys mystery I could.  That’s the same reaction I had to the episodes of Boris Karloff’s old TV show Thriller, at that age and younger; I’d pull the covers over my head at night in the hope that if I couldn't see the ghoulies, they couldn't see me –but I’d be glued to the screen the next time it came back on!

What current genre authors are you following?
I’m following all the books of Krisi Keley’s On the Soul series as they come out, and finding them VERY rewarding.  The series opener is On the Soul of a Vampire; the prequel is Pro Luce Habere, which was originally published in two volumes because of its length, and the conclusion to the trilogy will be Genesis.  Hers is, IMO, the best Christian treatment of the vampire mythos I’ve ever read (and I include my own in that comparison!).
What current trends are you finding in the horror field?  Do you find them positive or negative? Why?
Truth to tell, I don’t see myself as a “horror” reader, or writer.  I’m fascinated by the fiction of the supernatural, and all the range of literary possibilities it opens up.  But not all of those are horrific; and while they certainly can be, and I like that approach if it’s well done, it’s not the be-all-and-end-all of my interest.  Horror for its own sake doesn’t interest me that much, particularly when it’s horror that’s evoked through grisly, in-your-face violence, perversion and torture porn.  That kind of thing is sort of a trend that I see in contemporary horror, from reading reviews and so forth –the whole splatter-punk school—and I do see it as a negative trend.  Another is the shift from traditional situational horror, where the horrific events are an aberration in the universe, to contemporary existential horror (reflecting modern nihilism and existential pessimism), in which the structure of reality itself is horrific and there’s no hope for deliverance.  (Those are trends that Lifebloodbucks.)
Do you have new projects coming down the pipeline you would like to share with us?
One of my friends on the social network Goodreads really liked the character Lorna, who appears in my short story “The Gift” (also available on Smashwords).  She’s begged me to write another story featuring Lorna, so I’m working on one.  I’m also a bit more than half done with my second novel (which I’ve been working on for about six years –I’m hoping it doesn't take 20 years to write, like the first one did!).  It won’t be a sequel to Lifeblood, but rather a totally different tale with different characters, set in Appalachian Virginia where I live now and drawing on the themes and premises of H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos (though with a more optimistic outlook than his).  Finding time to write, in the midst of a full-time day job and lots of family responsibilities, is the real challenge that makes finishing any work such a slow process!  But like all writers, it’s something I do because I love doing it; and that’s what makes me persevere.
Thanks so much for interviewing me, M.R.!  I appreciate it a lot.
And thank you for the kind thank you, all the best...

M.R. Interviews...Michael Brookes

Please Welocme to Cutis Anserina Michael Broookes

When writing The Cult of me did you know that there was going to be a sequel?Yes, the story has always been intended as a trilogy. 

What was the original idea that brought The Cult of Me to life?

The idea stemmed from Paradise Lost. Paradise Lost is the greatest story ever told and but it has some odd aspects. The most obvious is the less than flattering light is portrayed, while I'm sure this wasn't Milton's intention it did seem interesting to me. I originally intended to write the story from God's perspective, then changed my mind. I needed a human protagonist and The Cult of Me was the creation of that character.

What can readers expect from Conversations in the Abyss?



They can expect the revelations of how the universe came to be and the arrival of the apocalypse. It also features a man, made immortal by stealing Lazarus's miracle, now sealed with the walls of monastery.

When writing to do you write would you would like to read, or do you have a specific audience in mind?



Yes, I write for myself. If I don't enjoy the story I have created then I don't publish it.

What character do you most identify with in either The Cult of Me or Conversations in the Abyss?



They feature mostly the same characters. I had fun writing them all, but Friar Francis is my favourite character. He is bold, well educated and dedicated to his purpose.

What active genre authors are you currently following?

Ian M Banks and Clive Barker are my current favourite authors. In fact Excession by Ian M Banks is my favourite novel (http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/excession-my-favourite-novel.html).

What was the first book you remember being genuinely scared of? Was your immediate reaction to run out and find more, or lock the offending text in your closet and never breathe a word of it to anyone?



It was James Herbert's 'The Rats' that first gave me  my horror book scare. It's a very visceral horror that I'd not encountered before. I immediately looked for more books in this vein.



‘Conversations in the Abyss’ is the sequel to the supernatural thriller ‘The Cult of Me’ Stealing Lazarus’s miracle gifted him immortality. Combined with his natural ability of invading and controlling people’s minds this made him one of the most dangerous people on Earth.But the miracle came with a price. His punishment was to be imprisoned within the walls of an ancient monastery and tormented by an invisible fire that burned his body perpetually. To escape the pain he retreated deep into his own mind.There he discovers the truth of the universe and that only he can stop the coming Apocalypse.Buy now from Amazon:UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BCP08JU/US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BCP08JU/About Michael BrookesMichael Brookes is an Executive Producer with a leading UK games developer. Working in games and writing are two of his life passions and considers himself fortunate to be able to indulge them both. He lives in the east of England, enjoying starry skies in the flattest part of the country. When not working or writing he can sometimes be found sleeping. Which is good as that is where many good ideas come from.Other Books by Michael BrookesThe Cult of MeFor too long he dwelt apart, watched those who passed him by. With his unique abilities he entered their minds and inflicted terrible suffering upon them. They didn't even know who he was. The game has lasted for years, but now the game has become stale. On an impulse he decides to make a final and very public last stand. After surrendering himself to the police he enacts his plan to seize the prison for his final bloody act. 

There he discovers that he's not as unique as he once thought.http://www.amazon.com/The-Cult-Third-Path-ebook/dp/B008O7ZVXW/An Odd QuartetA quartet of dark short stories (10,000 words) to thrill and chill.

The Yellow Lady
Grave robbing is a dirty business, in more ways than one. When he disturbs the grave from a childhood scary story he discovers it's not always treasure to be found.

This Empty Place
At the heat death of the universe, Death contemplates his existence.

Forced Entry
Terrorists seize an average suburban house. A Special Forces hostage rescue team is sent in and encounter more than they were trained for.

The Reluctant Demon
A young demon prepares to take his possession exam.http://www.amazon.com/An-Odd-Quartet-ebook/dp/B009QJMMPC/

The contest is over, but the sale begins...

Congrats to Kristen on winning the giveaway, but that's not all we have to offer.  Where the Dead Fear to Tread is currently 30% at the Untreed Reads store.  And 23% over at Amazon.  

A Gritty Little Thriller...M.R reviews David Croneberg’s Crash

David Croneberg’s Crash is never beautiful, but somehow intensely sensual.  The films focuses on kinky sex and car crashes, but is not about either action.  Sex is merely a release of tension the characters feel, tension that builds from their intricate study of car crashes.
Croneberg has created a character study, with characters that have vague back stories if any. The focus is always on the present, never the past or future.  These people believe in the intensity of the moment, and the question becomes why?  And the audience in free to apply their own experiences into this question, because Croneberg is not going to help you.     
The entire cast is amazing but Deborah Unger is a clear stand out.  She purrs her lines with a layered sense of emotion, conveying intensity in her eyes that her body and words try to hide.   She does everything that she can to support her husband, as they both spiral further into a dark dangerous world.  Elias Koteas is memorizing as the main catalyst for the intense sensations that the cast searches out.  He is neither a villain or hero, he merely is.  He provides an outlet for what you feel, but will never help you truly understand it. 
David Croneberg’s Crash is a hypnotic film that draws you into a world that exists on the verge of our own.  With each viewing of this film I take something new from it.  This from a film I hated the first time I saw it, though it was the heavily censored version blockbuster carried.  (Geographic convenience sorry).  I cannot emphasize what a car wreck(get it) this version is.  Scenes aren’t just trimmed, but entirely removed, important scenes that without, the film makes NO SENSE what so ever.  If this is the only version you have access to don’t bother.  

Sandy Deluca Painting and Quote

Sandy Deluca Painting and Quote

Night of the Living Dead Volume 3 by Mike Wolfer & Dheeraj Verma

Night of the Living Dead Volume 3 by Mike Wolfer & Dheeraj Verma.  This is a tricky book to review, because you can see a great deal of effort put into it.  The two stories contained in this volume are Death Valley and an untitled bayou bonus. 
In each arc there is a clear attempt to elevate the characters involved above typical horror tropes, that being said it does not always succeed.  The art hurts especially in Death Valley in this regard as the characters are nearly identical.  They look as though they were inspired by Liefeld from the mid 90’s, so the cast they seem to be nothing more than people with perfect bodies, with a total lack of nuisance.  Again I am not being a prude, but when the cast is mostly naked, and the features are so similar it is difficult to keep track of who is who.  This is a shame, especially with the intricate back stories that were worked out to show character growth. 
The action and gore sequences though are quite well done, and I know if I stumbled on this book back when I first began reading comics they would have been ingrained in my mind in their intensity and graphic detail.  In keeping true to Romero, each story makes an attempt at some level of social commentary, however it never really works.  This collection was a fine read but frustrating as it never reached the level the creators were clearly trying for.  That being said I always prefer an honest attempt at something, rather than half asses shit even the creator has to admit they didn't give their full effort to. 

The Fountain Graphic Novel Darren Aronofsky and Kent Williams

I saw The Fountain when it was in theaters wondering if this was an amazing film, or beautiful nonsense that would fall apart if I stopped and thought about it. With each viewing of the film the story and images resonate deeper than they did before.  Until recently I was ignorant of the graphic novels existence.

Kent Williams style of painting works incredibly well, and the small differences from the film add small elements of nuance that I appreciated.  Izzi has a greater role in the future sequences.  I was captivated by this work and will be buying a second copy so tear apart and frame some of the images.  The graphic novel captures simple truth and beauty of Aronofsky's story.  Don't hesitate if you are interested, buy this now.

This Book Is Full of Spiders: Seriously, Dude, Don’t Touch It Book by David Wong

John Dies at the End was one of the most original horror/comedy hybrids I have read and I was completely blown away by it.   I was excited about the sequel, This Book Is Full of Spiders: Seriously, Dude, Don’t Touch It which, at the very least, is a great title with an amazing cover.  Read my review at Ravenous Monster...

Linnea Quigley's Horror Workout

Linnea Quigley's Horror Workout...Yes this exists and you can stream it bebelow, see how much you can make it through...