Monique Snyman's Blog, page 18
November 16, 2019
Wrong Answers Only Interview: Lex H. Jones
I recently got my hands on Lex H. Jones, author of Nick & Abe, The Other Side of the Mirror, and The Old One and the Sea. Now, yes, it’s been a while since I’ve rolled up my sleeves and got to work on a fellow author, making them lie for a Wrong Answers Only Interview … *sigh* What can I say? Sometimes my hobbies need to take the backseat as I do all the writerly things. But I thought it was about time I treated you all a little something-something.
I have to warn you, things got a little nasty during this interview. At first, Mr. Jones, thought he could be all sweet and nice and honest. *gags* I showed him, though. I showed him good and proper. Muhahaha
So, please enjoy Lex H. Jones’ reluctant interview, which is not at all truthful, but it makes for perfect procrastination material.
Tick-Tock, Mr. Jones …
What inspired you to start writing?
The fact that it was an absolute, cast-iron guaranteed way to make me a millionaire.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
Gravedigger. It’d just tie in nicely with some of my hobbies.
How do you handle writer’s block?
I just violently threaten the person who actually writes my books until they get over it and start writing again.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
I watch people in public, find someone who looks interesting, then follow them home to film them secretly through their windows. Then I just write down what I saw to make them seem real.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?
The fact that people can actually write just as fast with one hand chopped off if you properly motivate them.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Whatever is popular and selling well at the time.
Who is your favourite author and why?
Monique Snyman. She told me I had to say that or she’d beat me. Not in a good way either, I checked.
What is your favorite book?
The Hungry Caterpillar. I think it does the best job of detailing the existential angst of the twentieth century that I’ve ever read. It’s powerful stuff.
What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?
Avoiding the police, hiding the bodies, finding new ‘volunteers’ at the shelter to ghost write for me. The usual boring writer stuff.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
Not as long as I spent writing the answers to this.
About Lex H. Jones
[image error]Lex H Jones is a British author, horror fan and rock music enthusiast who lives in Sheffield, North England.
He has written articles for premier horror websites the ‘Gingernuts of Horror’ and the ‘Horrifically Horrifying Horror Blog’ on various subjects covering books, films, videogames and music.
Lex’s noir crime novel “The Other Side of the Mirror” was published in 2019, with his first published novel “Nick and Abe”, a literary fantasy about God and the Devil spending a year on earth as mortal men, published in 2016. His latest release is “The Old One and The Sea”, released 1st November 2019, which is a children’s weird fiction book centred around the reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos. Lex also has a growing number of short horror stories published in collections alongside such authors as Graham Masterton, Clive Barker and Adam Neville. He is due to release his first solo collection of short ghost stories, titled “Whistling Past The Graveyard”.
When not working on his own writing Lex also contributes to the proofing and editing process for other authors.
You Can Find Him At:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
The Old One And The Sea
Now Available
Sinister Horror Company presents a children’s book about the secret childhood of a young boy called Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
Howard is a lonely, isolated boy who lives in the run-down seaside town of Innsmouth. Most of the town’s men left to fight the Great War and didn’t come back, and those that did, like Howard’s neighbour Mr Derleth, brought their own scars and strange stories with them. None quite so strange as what is about to happen to Howard, however.
An undersea earthquake brings a strange black reef to the surface just off the coast of Innsmouth, and with it something else. Something old, and forgotten, and every bit as lonely as the young boy who discovers it. What follows is a unique and secret friendship that will change the life of both Howard and his bizarre new friend forever.
November 13, 2019
What’s New Wednesday #15: The Busiest Time of the Year
The title of this post was supposed to be “Working on my Shhh”, but I had no idea how to work that into the SEO, so I’m going with the mediocre “Busiest Time of the Year” title instead. Dull? Yes. Pragmatic? Maybe. Either way … *wave* … Hey! How’s it going? Miss me?
November 12, 2019
The Karoo Drought: A Little Help From My Friends
The Karoo is one of those places that creeps into your heart, whether you want it to or not. It’s arid, sparsely populated, hot and dry and dusty, rural as hell—I mean, you’d be lucky if some of those old farm houses have any indoor plumbing. Basically, it’s not exactly the kind of place you’d think a city girl would call “a home away from home”, but that’s what it is to me.
That’s what the Karoo is to many people who live in the other provinces of South Africa.
Truthfully, some of the finest people I’ve ever met live in the Karoo. They’re a hardworking, generous, kind people—real salt of the Earth folk.
And just thinking about their dire circumstances breaks my heart …
A Drought So Relentless and Cruel
The drought, now in its seventh year, is doing indescribable damage to not only the Karoo, but to the entire country. It’s bad. For people who’re used to weathering even the most horrible droughts, this is a nightmare. I can’t describe it better than Carte Blanche can show you, so here you go:
Help the Karoo
Good Samaritans in South Africa have gone above and beyond to help the Karoo people in whatever way they can. I know of several charity drives who have focused most (if not all) of their efforts on these desperate folks. Seven years of extreme drought can cripple not only a community, but an entire nation, especially when these are the people who feed almost an entire country.
Worst still: The animals are suffering.
This is why I’m making an international plea to readers, writers, publishers, and anyone else who may have a few dollars lying around which they would maybe like to donate.
I am accepting PayPal donations in my personal capacity, so that we can go buy bales of feed to hand over to Jump! Charity Foundation. They have already secured transportation for the feed, so it’s just about getting it filled with bales of hay and lucerne.
$5 (US) buys 1 bale of feed.
$10 (US) buys 2 bales of feed.
$50 (US) buys 10 bales of feed.
ALL donations are going directly to buying feed in your or your organization’s name (if that is what you would like) and those bales will be transported to the Karoo.
So, if you would like to donate, please send it to paypal.me/moniquesnyman. Just state in the note: DONATION FROM [enter your or your organization’s name]. Voila. I’ll make sure to hand over every cent on your behalf to Jump! Charity Foundation.
November 1, 2019
Friday Favorites: The Post-Halloween Compilation
If you’re dealing with a post-Halloween funk, rest assured, there are just 364 days left until Halloween! Okay, yeah, I’m looking on the bright side of things here for your sake. I know, however, how tough the day afterwards can be … No more spooky Halloween stuff, no more carefree candy eating, no more dressing up. *sigh* Yes, I know. Still, there are some films out there to help you with your Halloween hangover, especially if you just can’t bring yourself to let go of the best day of the year just yet …
Here’s this week’s Friday Favorites, for your enjoyment:
The Post-Halloween Compilation
The Cabin in the Woods (2014)
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There’s that saying about too much being a bad thing. Well, when it comes to horror, that’s a lie. If anything, an abundance of blood and monster may just lull you gently out of the Halloween mood. I’m not saying it’ll soothe the sadness entirely, but it’s worth a shot if your post-Halloween vibes become too much to handle. The Cabin in the Woods is, in my opinion, a fun little flick that truly gets to the heart of horror, and stimulates the senses with its “overkill”. If you need more than this movie to satiate your horror cravings, you need a psychologist.
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
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Okay, okay, I know there are those who would much rather prefer Wes Craven’s version of The Hills Have Eyes, but if you’re going to try—and probably fail—to get yourself out of the Halloween mood, I suggest you rather watch this one. Reason? Well, the scenery, of course. It doesn’t feel especially autumn, but you still get your horror fix with some disfigured humans partaking in cannibalism.
Melancholia (2011)
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So, you’re depressed because your favorite time of year is over, and you basically want to just curl up into a little ball and die. Well, there’s a movie that may just embody all of your emotions! It’s Lars von Trier’s super depressing, Melancholia. I mean, seriously, I’m usually a cup-half-full kinda girl, but this one was so freaking depro, even I felt like the world was better off without me in it. Thus, I would not advise you to watch this movie if you’re having any thoughts about suicide. It could just push you over the edge. All that aside, it’s visually beautiful, a slow-burner, and will make you totally forget about Halloween.
Cronos (1993)
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Wish you could turn back time and relive your Halloween? Yeah, I think a lot of us do. Well, we maybe can’t do that in real life, but we can watch Guillermo del Toro’s film Cronos, and sigh heavily as we imagine going back … This may not be one of the director’s more popular films, but it’s entertaining, has a good plot, and will maybe be enough for your post-Halloween treatment.
Mother! (2017)
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Is Mother! a full-blown horror? In my opinion, yes. There are some scenes that’ll make you cringe and look away, regardless of the gorgeous cinematography. Will it stay with you? Oh, yeah. It’s going to haunt the living hell out of you. This is a little bit of a brainteaser flick—or it was for me—which will definitely help you forget about missing Halloween. Honestly, I’m not sure it’s a re-watchable film, like some of the classics, because it is dark, but it must be watched at least once in your life.
Brain Damage (1988)
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You’re probably not sure if your obsession with Halloween is healthy or even natural. Well, it probably isn’t. Nevertheless, it could’ve been worse … Brain Damage is a fun little flicks that could just get you out of your Halloween funk. There was a TV series remake of the move, which—I think—only lasted a season or two, but that’s usually what happens with these things. The movie, however, is a gem. I’m sure you’ll love it for what it is.
October 30, 2019
What’s New Wednesday #14: It’s Almost Halloween!
Eeep! I love this time of year, especially when everyone gets their horror on. The best shows, books, and films get released, so whoohoo! And yes, I have noticed my overuse of exclamation marks … don’t judge me. It’s almost Halloween, what did you expect? Sheesh.
October 27, 2019
NaNoWriMo 2019: Let’s Do This!
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NaNoWriMo 2019 is fast-approaching, which means a whole lot of writers are going to do a whole lot of talking about their November writing goals … Some writers, however, will probably pull up their noses again, moan about how “real writers don’t write like that,” and blah-blah-blah. Luckily, I stopped caring about what others think a long time ago, so whatevs.
This year, I thought I’d join in on the NaNoWriMo fun! I mean, why not? I have a book to finish, after all, and most of the outline’s been done for ages, so I might as well get some words down on paper before I have to crunch for another deadline. Win-win, am I right?
What Is NaNoWriMo?
Okay, for those who don’t know, NaNoWriMo is the abbreviation of National Novel Writing Month … It’s an international event, though, so don’t let the “national” part put you off. Anyway, so the deal is to write 50,000 words in the month of November. It doesn’t matter if the words are any good, just get them down on paper. That works out on 1,666 words per day, a do-able goal even for an unsalted writer. And you get to keep track of your goal on the site. Simple.
October 16, 2019
What’s New Wednesday #13: Feeling All The Feels
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a new What’s New Wednesday post, and I’m feeling all the feels this week! So, if you don’t already know, it’s “Launch Week” for The Night Weaver, and it’s quite busy here as a result. I’ll talk a little about that later on in the post. Long story short, though, I’m feeling such relief and excitement about this book finally being available again.
A quick thanks to everyone who’s bought a copy, who shared the news, posted some gorgeous photos, and RT’ed all my Tweets. You guys are awesome! ❤️ Also, I just want to thank everyone who posted a review of The Night Weaver, whether you liked the book or loathed it, I appreciate you taking the time to leave some feedback. *super hug*
This week is going to be an interesting one.
Feeling All The Feels
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Oh, Monique, it’s probably just going to be you talking about your book the whole week.” Well, yes and no. First, of course I’m going to market the living hell out of my book and I’m super sorry if you find it annoying, but it’s part of my job. Don’t worry, regular transmissions will resume eventually.
October 15, 2019
The Night Weaver is Here and She’s Ever So Hungry!
Hold on to your children, because The Night Weaver is here and she’s ever so hungry! You’ve heard me gush in the past about how beautiful the book is, how wonderful the team at Vesuvian Books are, and how they’ve worked tirelessly for months to get my beautiful book ready for re-release. Well, time’s up … The Night Weaver is here … Are you ready to be scared?
Reception
The Night Weaver has received critical acclaim. Publishers Weekly wrote: “Snyman’s creative adoption of English folklore adds a unique twist, and satisfying frights abound. An enjoyable, frenetically paced fantasy.” Foreword Reviews have said that the novel is “unique, as well as creepy, and unsettling” and the book “introduces a world of myth, intrigue,and darkness with considerable technique.” Booktrib said that “Snyman’s storytelling takes readers down a road of fear, folklore and dark fantasy. Readers will take pleasure and have great fun.” While School Library Journal compared The Night Weaver to “Stephen King’s It meets Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight” and called it “a frightening story of horror and fantasy woven together to create a delectable tale of the macabre.”
The Night Weaver (Harrowsgate #1)
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The Night Weaver Harrowsgate - Volume 1
SHADOW GROVE IS A PERFECTLY PLEASANT TOWN
Shadow Grove isn’t a typical town. Bad things happen here. Children disappear, one after the other, and nobody is doing anything about it. Parents don’t grieve, missing posters don’t line the streets, and the sheriff seems unconcerned.
Seventeen-year-old Rachel Cleary lives on the outskirts of Shadow Grove, next to the creepy forest everyone pretends doesn’t exist. Usually the forest is filled with an eerie calm, and unmistakeable graveyard solemnity. But the trees have started whispering, forgotten creatures are stirring and the night feels darker than ever.
Something is stalking the residents of Shadow Grove, changing them into brain-dead caricatures of themselves. It’s up to Rachel to find a way to stop the devouring of her hometown before all is destroyed and everyone she loves is forever lost.
The Night Weaver is Here!
Harrowsgate Extras
The Harrowsgate Dream Cast
The Harrowsgate Series Playlists
The Harrowsgate Series Inspiration Boards on Pinterest
Fan L❤️VE
Harrowsgate In the WildOctober 12, 2019
Wrong Answers Only Interview: James Chambers
James Chambers, horror legend in his own right, one I’ve admired for a really long time.
So, what do I do with authors I admire? In James Chambers’ case, I sat him down, told him, “Lie, or the stuffed bunny gets it,” and BAM!
But here I thought I was the corrupting influence … Ha! James Chambers set me straight by being the exceptional wordsmith he is. I mean, at some points during our interview, I was almost certain he was telling the truth—almost. Yes, the stuffed bunny almost got it, much to James Chambers’ horror, but luckily I held myself back.
I have to admit, though, I have a suspicion that James Chambers is actually an undercover lawyer, because only lawyers can lie as smoothly as he does.
October 9, 2019
Scare Yourself Silly With Some Great YA Reads
October is the perfect time to scare yourself silly, and there’s no better way to do it than with some great reads. Believe me, the imagination is much more powerful in conjuring creepy things that don’t exist when you’re engrossed in a good book.
