M.C. O'Neill's Blog, page 2

Coming Up

Hello, everyone!

Been a bit scarce lately, but I have been busy with numerous short story submissions to various anthologies. I know, you might think, “You’ve tapped out two novels! Why short stories?” Here’s why:

I love anthologies. Sure, they are collections of short stories and flash where you aren’t treated to thick plots chock-full of an orchestra of characters, but sometimes, a short story can be so fun to write. I suppose it’s like sharpening your teeth for a Main Event, but they are what they are. Although I might be a bit old school when it comes to the publishing game, I have normally found new authors whom I love via these collections. And, damn it! I just want to be in one.

Already, I have been accepted into The Apocalypse Collective’s anthology Echoes of the Wasteland. My editor Michel King has been great and I would love to work with her again in the future. She’s a whip-cracker, but you will be assured a tight product. My story is called Petey Says. Like most of everything I write, this one is pretty dark, but contains no humor whatsoever. Kinda sad, actually. Michel said she cried while reading it. You might too.

After that, I have just submitted a shorty, Holiday in Modal City,  for the Neverland’s Library Anthology of Rediscovery. This is a fantasy-based, nature-themed ditty featuring a heavy use of Hindu mythology. I really want to get into this collection. Like, really bad. Please cross your fingers, guys.

William Cook is a master of the horror genre. His upcoming anthology “Fresh Fear” focuses on quiet, psychological horror. I am waiting on the scoop for my submission entitled Unholy Mortal Sin. The terror in this tale is the horrible life and mind of the featured protagonist. Sometimes real life is the worst terror of all. You’ll see.

Currently, I am working on a short called Conduct Disorder for horror maven James Ward Kirk’s anthology Serial Killers Tres Tria. It’s Mr. Kirk’s third installment of his serial killer series and, let me just say, this yarn is rough! Imagine what happens if you are born into a family of rich Satanists and you finally get Barbie’s Dream House for Walpurgisnacht when you are a little girl. Yeah… Total shit-storm.

Speaking of James Ward Kirk, I’d like to give a shout-out to my friend and fine Briton David Eccles whose story Doing it for JRD (Justice, Revenge and Deliverance), has just been greenlighted into Kirk’s anthology Sex, Drugs and Horror. It’s NASTY and raw and will hit the shelves in July. Good job, David!

As promised, I will be releasing my own anthology of shorts, flash and prose called Everybody Must be Crushed around November or December. It’s a collection of Bizarro tales focusing on the prevalent culture of anger pervading the 2010′s. Totally sarcastic and weird, these stories will make you say, “Huh?”

Not one of these submissions are YA-friendly, but, you know? I have gotta do what I have gotta do.

I’ll keep you posted to my progress, and whatever the outcome, I’ll keep writing. Thank you, guys.

Author Spotlight: ME! M.C. O’Neill (Thanks to Lada Ray)

Hey, Manaballers. I just have to say that I’ve been needing to give the old Royal Manaball more love, but May has been hectic and everything happens all at once, you know? Short story submissions, Novel releases and formatting, and, as always, editing.

Whatever. The work paid off and the tree bringeth me fruit. In my one year of first being published, I’ve had such an amazing experience. Two novels under my belt. Interviews on The Vinny Eastwood and Jeff Daugherty Shows. Interviewed by THEE Maria DeVivo, author of the Amazing Coal Elf (which is soon to be a series of books). A spotlight on the Silver Bullet Sunday, Flash fiction published by the Stephen King of Canada – James Roy Daley, as well as work published in the blog Writing Upside-Down (a big favorite of mine).

Need I brag more? Well, yeah I do. The astounding paranormal author Lada Ray, who pens the mighty Earth Shifter series AND it’s ancillary series The Earth Keeper, actually blogged an Author Spotlight on me! It’s so cool. You can read it right here.

How ya like me now? Photo credit: Indigo Moran

I can’t find the words to thank her enough! It’s a big highlight for me and I am forever grateful, mainly because she is a visionary and a forerunner of the YA Revolution. As many of you may know, the YA Revolution is a collection of YA writers who are driving this reader demographic toward the light and away from that trite nonsense which gluts the market (and may bottom it out) this very day. We aim to hold line – by doing something new.

YA Revolution!

Well, I’m going to take the rest of the day off because I need to reboot my brain. You do know that I’m a cyborg? But that’s okay!

Speaking of cyborgs, I just read a book about Mr. T who became a cyborg zombie. No foolin’. It had the funniest line of dialogue in literary history: “Don’t give Mr. T. no jibber-jabber! Lemme eat them brains, fool!”

Archons Now Available!

Folks, I have just gotta say that it has been a busy two weeks, so, sorry to be so scarce. Launching a new novel can be a daunting task. Last-minute edits, checking and double-checking. Oh, and then I had to design TWO book covers.

Anyway, with that being said, I now present unto you The Ancients and the Angels: Archons!

The saga continues as we follow Quen’die Reyliss and company. If you thought Celestials was dark, this one is even more so. Not only is it available on Amazon, but you can also find it on Smashwords.

On a grand note, Celestials is now available on Smashwords too! Finally! It had to happen. Check out this cool new cover to the e-book version!

Pretty nice, huh?

Well, even nicer, is my BRAND, NEW DEAL! As a part of my contribution to Lada Ray’s YA Revolution, I am now GIVING AWAY the e-book of Celestials – FOREVER! That’s right! Call me insane, but I’ve gotta spread the word. You can only enjoy this offer from Smashwords, as Amazon is stupid and they make me sell it for 99 cents over there. So, uh, yeah… get it off Smashwords.

So, grab a copy of each today! Go on Smashwords and enjoy TWO entries to my awesome saga for only $2.99 – TOTAL! Not too shabby.

Have fun, and happy reading!

Writing Upside-Down Flash Fiction

The talented Danielle Tauscher who is the mastermind behind the great literary blog Writing Upside-Down has just accepted my submission for her Flash Fiction challenge! Awesome!

The theme is 2nd-person POV. You know, like Bright Lights, Big City. Although my yarn is set in a big city, there are no bright lights here. The name of my new lil’ ditty is entitled Go!

Anyway, click the pic and enjoy the plunge. Oh, and, by the way, it isn’t YA-friendly. Just warning you.

No apologies to Robert Longo

Authors! Join Lada Ray’s YA Revolution

Thanks to the genius of author Lada Ray, I have been recruited into an army, and an amazing one at that. With this transmission, I present to you the YA Revolution!

Here is the YA Rev HQ!

Lada Ray has been a gigantic inspiration for me, even though I’ve only known of her for a few months. To let you know, she is the author of The Earth Shifter saga and its accompanying mini-saga, The Earth Keepers.  You can read my Author spotlight of her work here.

It bears repeating. The following is my FIVE STAR Amazon review of The Earth Shifter and I really suggest that all of you Manaballers read it. I’ve stated that it’s the best book I’ve read in two years, and I stand behind that.

*****

This is the main saga written in tandem with Ms. Ray’s series “The Earth Keeper.” Read her book “Catharsis” to get a rundown of an amazing preamble to humanity itself!

Warning: Lada Ray knows more about human nature than Gandhi himself!

With that said, she is able to craft a wonderful tale that will entertain where other writers would steer their great knowledge into penning a pedantic. I’m so glad she didn’t go that route. The Earth Shifter is a very “aware” novel, but one that fails to preach overtly, thus not suffering the reader with a moral or lesson. These elements are present, yes, but encapsulated in the guise of a thrilling tale.

But really, once you’ve read the book, you’ll be quite frightened (and I do mean FREAKED) to see how prescient the themes presented are. After all, our world has just been attacked by meteors…

In all seriousness, you can’t take my word for it. Read “The Earth Shifter” and you’ll see a new definition to YA fantasy. I cannot wait to read further into Ms. Ray’s masterful works!

Loved this!

*****

Lada will be doing a virtual world book tour for The Earth Shifter series from April 30th until May 2nd.

Look, folks, the reason the YA Revolution had to occur is for authors of the many Young Adult genres to use this opportunity to promote works that carry a positive message to the youth that read them. As stated on the YA Rev HQ, e-publishing can offer writers the ability to publish spiritually-sickening, low-frequency garbage, only to slap on the YA metatag just to drive youth traffic to their products. When I used the word “sickening,” I do mean that in a holistic sense.

But, as I’ve reviewed in my post about the dubious nature of The Hunger Games Omnibus, Big Six publishers are also guilty of pumping out negative-frequency tales. Due to the power of words and “spelling,” when a reader engages with a book, that person is experiencing an intimate form of magick. It doesn’t matter what your message or intent, it simply is what it is, and authors need to know this and take responsibility for it. It’s inherent to the craft of writing and there is no getting around that.

With that being said, and let me state for the record, that YA Revolution books have all the action and drama that you could hope to enjoy with your purchase, but the violence isn’t glorified. The “bad guys” aren’t your friends, and if they appear so, it’s all a ruse.

I vow never to underestimate the intelligence of the youth, but the human brain can continue to grow until the whopping age of twenty-six! The mind is a labyrinth and we at the YA Revolution promise to not pollute it with minotaurs. Eh… I meant that figuratively. YAR-writers can have all the minotaurs they want in their books!

At the time of this transmission, The YA Revolution has new writers joining its ranks every day! Fantasy authors such as Lada Ray, M.C. O’Neill (that’s me!), Maria DeVivo, author of The Coal Elf, and Aussie novelist Dionne Lister who pens the Circle of Talia saga have joined or expressed great interest.

You said you want a revolution, well, you’ve got it!

PEACE AND LIGHT! #YARevolution

In Response to Lisa Frideborg-Lloyd: The Power of Writing

Earlier today, I had stumbled upon my friend’s Tweet in regards to her blog about writer’s block and twenty-three ways an author/blogger can overcome it. It had some great tips, pointers and activities. You can read about it at Lisa Frideborg-Lloyd’s blog, Seer Pathways.

Lisa’s spirituality is pretty eclectic, and I’m not sure if she’s a Theosophist like me, but practically everything she posts causes me to nod my head, laugh or flat-out cheer on. So, don’t quote me, but I dig her blogs.

Lisa Frideborg-Lloyd

Anyway, many of the comments stated that writer’s block was a rarity for them, and I was amongst that lot.

In my comment, I had noted that writing is spelling, ergo, casting a spell.

I’m not going into a history of human language here, but in response to my comment, I would like to elaborate a bit.

In Kabbalah, the power of words is intrinsically linked with the universal language of numbers. Each scale of numbers is sectioned by a power of ten. This works for the human species inherently, mainly because we have ten digits, or fingers. The root of all human perception of mathematics and, ultimately, spelling is designed around our action-oriented tool of ten fingers. You don’t have fingers; you don’t have the body process to manipulate human will as we have been naturally designed (although challenged people can overcome this!).

So, say if we were a species that only had six digits in total, we’d design our mathematics to fit into a series of six. Our spelling would fall in suit with that biological paradigm.

We also write (spell) with our fingers as the driving impetus. No great surprise at all here.

As I’ve blogged before about the nature of spelling, I’ve stated there that spelling is Kabbalah-based. When you spell, you practice magick. I don’t care if you are a Hellfire-and-Brimstone Evangelical who vehemently fears magick, if you’ve ever written a cheque – you’ve just cast a spell, buddy. Sorry, but every school that teaches your child how to spell may as well be Hogwarts – and that’s ALL of them.

Why do people spell? What drives a person to write? The answer is the caster’s sympathetic action in desire for a physical or emotional reaction out of the human object. Spelling makes the world go ‘round, but in a way that convinces others to bend upon the writer’s (the agent’s) will.

Whether you are a cop writing a ticket, a kid posting a note on the refrigerator, a doctor writing a prescription, a novelist writing an omnibus or a politician promulgating legislation, you are casting a spell. You are attempting to evoke a response out of your human target(s).

Of course, all humans have free will to disregard or resist the spelling. We could toss that script or ticket in the garbage. We have the ability, the choice, to ignore the note or break the legislation enforced upon our community’s will. This all depends upon the power of the caster versus the will of the object, as all spells can fizzle.

 

Author Spotlight: Sam Pink

When there’s no more room in hell, the dead won’t say “hello.”

I do not like green eggs and ham…

Chicago is one of those places that simply does things its own way. Sure, every city on Earth has its local flavor and color, but the Windy City has the power to make things happen. Its seminal force is strong and the town possesses a track record to prove it. Industrial, post-rock, post-jazz, house and acid house all have been spawned within her city limits.

There’s just something about this burg that bends rules and pushes envelopes, but not in a “more and faster,” vertical fashion. A concept might erupt in New York, L.A. or London but once it hits Chicago – well, anything goes. The artform in question will be indistinguishable from its maiden article.

Sam Pink is an author that casts all care to the wind (pun intended) and writes from what little is left of his heart. As one Amazon reviewer had claimed, his writing “makes you feel kind of icky.”

Mr. Pink’s work is of the “Bizarro” genre (whatever that means anymore) and, yes, it’s very bizarre, yet so goddamn real that you have to wonder what in the hell happened to the American society in the last twenty years. Pink’s books actually hurt to read, and because of that, his mission is accomplished. You now have the opportunity to feel something in a world that has neutralized you.

On the topic of Chicago, Sam paints the city as a character within itself. The “L,” actual named eateries and cornershops are all present here. The streets exist here as well, and if you live in Chicago, you can actually map out where his characters are walking.

Before, I’ve stated that Andersen Prunty may be the Graham Greene of the 21st Century, but Sam Pink is its Charles Bukowski. But you have to remember, Sam lives in a different time and economy than that of Chuck. As such, he will filter his experiences in accordance to those factors. The characters that populate his pages all suffer the same lives as the protagonist and everybody is a loser, but it’s a similar mentality nonetheless. There’s no conflict of “us vs. them.” All here share the same leaking boat. It’s not about drugs or booze or any lavish parade of self-destruction. It just is.

God, the dialog! It’s so painful to read it, but this is what people actually sound like! When I go to the checkout at my local Dominick’s, I equate the brainless chatter of the cashiers with my equally-mindless responses. Sam captures this moronic parlay to a “T.” Listen to this Pailhead song, and the sampled voices are what you can expect with Sam’s craft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4WrLpnlCYQ

Plotwise, there really isn’t such in any of his books. Well, the formats aren’t rendered in some Dadaist cut-up a ’la Burroughs or Ballard, they’re quite digestible, but Pink treats you to a slice of life for the main character’s day and nothing more. The plots almost poke fun at the concept of character development, because true progress is not allowed in his world. The protagonist finishes these “tales” exactly where he begins – nowhere.

I’ve read plenty of blogs and articles about character development and how to render a character. Yes, Pink’s stories are character-driven, but the prime directives for these people rendered are to make contact with someone. In every attempt the “hero” tries to accomplish his task, it ends in a hermetic fantasy that no one will ever have the opportunity to enjoy but the reader. A schizoid ballet with only one dancer.

Bottom line: Sam Pink writes zombie novels, but novels that feature real zombies – you!

Look, I know some of you Manaballers may feel insulted by that last line (“How dare you! I’ve supped on dog meat in Kuala Lumpur! I speak fluent Albanian! I’m no zombie”), but others will relate spot-on with these notions once devouring a Pink novel. So, with that, I apologize. Well, not really… Fuck you.

But emotions are a central theme to the entirety of his catalog, and Pink captures them with such Zen grace. Fear, hate, anger and anticipation. All of these hopes for such experiences are crushed by the main character’s ego and, perhaps, medication? As stated above, everyone featured here is neutralized. Feelings are simply not allowed in his works by an invisible, unwritten law. Break it, and you could die. But maybe if I just try to…

Back when I was a state-sponsored therapist, I was instructed to teach my clients (captives) to cope. Not to deal with their issues, mind you, but to cope. Coping is a word that implies inactivity. To put up with it all. The prose of Sam Pink perfectly illustrate the lives of people who are putting up with it, whether they know it or not.

Below is a survey of Sam’s remarkable books that I have read:

The Self-Esteem Holocaust Comes Home – More of a detached foray into writing, Every story is like a rejected screenplay, but one that you secretly wish was produced.

Rontel – Not going to spoil the surprise of who “Rontel” is. Just read it.

The No Hellos Diet – The main character is YOU. Time to “live.”

Person – Five stars. Amazing.

You Hear Ambulance Sounds and Think They Are for You – A Poetry/prose hybrid. But they aren’t for you. Promise.

Hurt Others – Just don’t. Well, maybe…

Check out Sam’s site right here.  Crown Yourself Then Kill Yourself!

Ksenia Anske’s “Easter Bunny Apocalypse”

Well, it was bound to happen, but I was invited to partake in my first flash fiction compilation. The theme was (drum roll) -The Easter Bunny Apocalypse.

Whaa???

Yes, I know, be careful what you wish for, but I had so much fun!

Here’s how it all went down…

Author of The Siren Suicides, Ksenia Anske had a fevered idea to coordinate a flash fiction potluck of writers from various genres from all over the world. USA, Mexico, the UK and, of course, Canada (and two from Chicago – murder capital of the world) took a shot at kicking the tar out of the Easter Bunny (that bastard).

I want an apocalypse NOW, dammit!

And so, the plot had to be:

a)      Crazy, and

b)      About the possible end of the world in the springtime.

How ironic, don’t ya think?

Love it or hate it, those were the rules. We scribes had a world of possibilities before us!

The end product was awesome and tight, thanks to the editing wonders of Ms. Colleen M. Albert. I mean, what more could a project want than free editing! (That doesn’t come cheap). I feel a bit bad for her as she had to connect the dots with our eclectic and, admittedly, insane plot-points and styles. Some of us were poetic, some zany and others spot-on with adventure writing. British author David Eccles, was kind enough to blog the experience as well!

Twenty chapters and yours truly was number nineteen. EEKS!

After reading J. Luis Licea’s inspiring entry to the story, I just had to jump the gun and tap out Chapter Nineteen well before my time was due. You can read it right here. Very divine I must say, and I mean this literally.

Must admit, my preemptive shenanigans threw a turd in the Easter basket, but damn it, we sailed to the shores of Switzerland with this one!

READ THE EASTER BUNNY APOCALYPSE HERE! CHAPTER ONE!

The best part of it all was I had the opportunity to connect with amazing new friends in the writing field. This was something foreign to me as I’ve never hung with the scribe-crowd before.  I wish all of you guys the best, and you will be with me for as long as I can hold on to you.

In no particular order:

Ksenia Anske

David Eccles

Baz Nova

Brandon Yusuf Toropov

J. Luis Licea

Becky Flade

Colleen M. Albert

Danielle Tauscher

Dustin McKenzie

Rosalind Smith-Nazilli

Sandra Hould

Diogenes Ruiz

Michel Lee King

Lori Lesko

Aliaa Jordan El-Nashar

Kevin Nielsen (the Canadian dude)

Cat Scully

Kai Kiriyama

Doug Karlson

Sheila Hall

Andrew Hovenden

Seth Werkheiser

You guys are the greatest. Hold on to me, and I’ll hold on to you!

HAPPY EASTER!

M.C. O’Neill Interviewed by Maria DeVivo

Maria DeVivo is the esteemed author of the wonderful YA novel The Coal Elf.

Just for the record, I can sometimes be a bit of a cold bastard. Yeah, that’s right. A cold bastard, but The Coal Elf had me in tears.

The book is published by Twilight Times Press and is making some real waves in the market. I’ve reviewed it on this blog before and I’d recommend every one of you Manaballers to buy and read it. You can read my five-star review of it here.

When I was approached by Ms. DeVivo to be interviewed on her personal website, I about choked on my egg fu yong! What a remarkable honor! I felt like Stannis Baratheon charging onto King’s Landing for a proper ass-kicking!

On March 28th, the interview went live and you can read it here.

Today I felt like I was lifted upon the shoulder of a giant. Maria is a great writer and I cannot wait for her next offering. I promise to be its first customer.

Thank you so much, Maria. You are one for the YA Revolution!

 

 

Lester’s Interdimensional Midnight Outcall

James Roy Daley is not only the CEO of Books of the Dead Press, he is also the amazing author of Terror Town, Into Hell, The Dead Parade and plenty of other tales of terror. Just to warn you, NONE of his works are for the faint of heart. I had written an author’s profile detailing his career a while back and you can read about that here.

Well, today I had the honor of finally being published by Books of the Dead Press after submitting my piece of flash fiction. What a great honor and opportunity!

At first, I was nervous. How could I possibly be worthy of having anything with the BOTDP stamp of approval? We all get these jitters when faced with giants. David felt the same apprehension when facing off with Goliath.

Well, it turned out my aim was true! My piece, Lester’s Interdimensional Midnight Outcall was given the greenlight! Can you guess what the story’s about?

All right, time’s up. Click the pic and devour the creamy goodness.

As always, anything related to James Roy Daley requires a Misfits song. This one is too apropos for my story.