Konn Lavery's Blog: Posts from konnlavery.com, page 48
June 12, 2017
Mental Damnation: Reality Signing at Chapters Southpoint
I’ll now be heading over to Chapters Southpoint for a signing of Mental Damnation: Reality August 5th. Drop in for a meet & greet the author, artwork, and of course, the books themselves.
When and Where:
Saturday, August 5th from 11:00am – 4:00pm
Chapters Southpoint
3227 Calgary Trail NW
T6J 5X8
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May 29, 2017
There’s Only One of You
First off, let’s acknowledge the fact that I haven’t been very inactive on the blog in the past couple of months. This is for good reason! April and May have been heavily focused on promoting Mental Damnation: Reality across Alberta, British Columbia and in the digital realm. The blog has had a lot of event and press posts lately and very little article or blog-related posts. Now that the book launch tour of Mental Damnation: Reality is coming to a close I can return to the trade of an author – the writing. After all there is only one of me.
Welcome to May’s edition of Unprocessed Thoughts: Only One Person
Something that came very clear to me during this year during the production, to the promoting of the new novel, is how stretched you can become with your resources. Your resources being: time, energy, influence and budget. I had a conversation with a colleague of mine over coffee today and we were chatting about the minimalistic lifestyle. We are both pro for reducing what you own and lessening your living space for mental clarity. We found that the statement “you can only be in one room at a time” is applicable to both living and business.
As one person you can only do so many tasks at any given point in time. Your mind can only focus on so much at once before it become scattered and you’re unable to do anything effectively. I experienced this first hand with April and May. I was driving around Western Canada, talking at panels, giving readings and promoting at signings. In the off time I was preparing for these events and had little to no time to write, socialize or even work on the graphic/web business, which is my primary income.
You can only be at one place at one time.
You can delegate tasks as needed to have influence in multiple places but this requires people with a special skill set and you require a budget to pay them accordingly. If not, the tasks fall back to you, it’s the nature of business.
At the beginning of the year I went into April and May fully knowing that this would be the side effect of touring for the book. It was well worth it too. I made many great connections with new colleagues, friends and fans during these months. I am excited to return next year to these conventions and book stores to promote the next release and reconnect with people.
Strategize and Plan Ahead
Now that I have done a tour at this level for the first time, I can prep for next year and improve on this year’s experience. Keeping an open mind during the conventions, talks and readings can help you better prepare for next year. Planning can help provide clarity and smooth out the process for any given project.
Already I’ve got many exciting things coming down the pipeline that I cannot wait to share with everyone. This includes new stories over the next year. I also will be taking a side step to revise my graphic design and web business now that the year 3 mark is just around the corner. So expect some design-related posts to pop up.
Even though I am done the book tour (with the exception of the Calgary Comic Expo) there is no shortage of tasks to do. As the previous headline states: strategize and plan ahead.
Beer Note: Delirium Tremens
I’ve eyed this beer a number of times at liquor stores and finally decided to give it a go at BRU Coffe + Beer House. I expected this to be a darker beer considering it said “strong beer” on the cover. It’s not, it’s a very flavorful golden ale. You wouldn’t know this was 8.7% unless the label told you otherwise, very easy to drink. This ones gets a high rating of 4.5/5.
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May 28, 2017
2017 Calgary Horror Con
This year I am pleased to announce I will be a part of the Calgary Horror Con!
There are many special guests, screenings and vendors at this convention.
Find the map and full list of vendors on the Calgary Horror Con website.
When?
June 10th & 11th, 2017
11:00 am – 7:00 pm daily
Where?
Clarion Hotel
2120 16 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 1L4
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May 17, 2017
Author Simon Rose Discusses his new novel – Twisted Fate
My guest today is Simon Rose, author of many novels and nonfiction books for children and young adults. His latest novel, Twisted Fate, has just been released.
So another new book, that’s very exciting. So what’s this one all about?
Twisted Fate is the second part of the paranormal Flashback trilogy. The first instalment, entitled Flashback, was published in 2015. The novel features ghosts, psychics, and Project Mindstorm, a secret operation involving deadly mind control experiments, as Max investigates events concealed for over twenty years.
Twisted Fate begins around the time of Max’s fifteenth birthday when he receives a box of personal items that once belonged to his mother and soon begins to have strange dreams and experience disturbing visions. Max steadily learns the shocking truth about his mother and her possible connection to Project Mindstorm. Max also meets Julia, a girl with dark hidden secrets, as he attempts to alter his mother’s fate and his own, for better or worse. He and Julia embark on a seemingly impossible mission involving deadly psychics, paranormal phenomena, and multiple shifting timelines. On the run and pursued at every turn by the powerful and ruthless Kane, Max and Julia engage in a desperate race against time in an attempt to save countless lives and transform their own destiny.
Did you plan at the outset that the books would form a paranormal trilogy?
Flashback was originally a single novel but more or less as soon as it was published I realized that there was more to the story. My father also read Flashback and asked when the next one was coming out. I thought that he was referring to my next novel but he meant the next paranormal adventure and pointed out several areas in Flashback where there were opportunities for more stories. There were also some unanswered questions so I got to work on a further installment. While writing part two I knew that there was a third story and had an idea for a novel involving parallel universe that I realized would be a perfect fit to wrap up Max’s adventures. The third part of the trilogy, entitled Parallel Destiny, will be published early next year.
Is it a good idea for authors to write a series of books?
It can be, as long as you have enough material. If the reader is interested enough in the characters and the story they’d often like to read more. However, the story or theme has to be strong enough to warrant more adventures and the reader will not appreciate a novel that’s overloaded with filler, just for the sake of creating a series.
From the author’s point of view, readers are more likely to buy more books if a series is available and they enjoyed the first installment. Flashback was been very well received so hopefully the other two books will be equally popular with readers.
Do you always write in the paranormal genre?
Flashback and Twisted Fate are in the paranormal genre, but the other novels are all in the science fiction and fantasy genre. The Sorcerer’s Letterbox and The Heretic’s Tomb are historical fiction adventures set in medieval England, The Alchemist’s Portrait is a time travel story, The Emerald Curse is all about superheroes and comic books, The Doomsday Mask is all about the legend of Atlantis, and The Sphere of Septimus involves the characters traveling into another world and is in the same vein as the Harry Potter series, The Chronicles of Narnia, or Lord of the Rings. Future Imperfect is a technology-driven story featuring mysterious messages from the future.
Although most authors are usually known for writing in a particular genre, some occasionally decide to write something a little different, if only to test the waters. I’ve written seven nonfiction guides for writers, including The Children’s Writer’s Guide and The Time Traveler’s Guide, but also recently published a romantic comedy under a pseudonym. While very different to all my previous work and certainly not for a young audience, writing When Sally Met Sally was an interesting exercise. Whether I’ll be creating more novels like this remains to be seen. We’ll have to see if the novel continues to sell.
You also work with other authors, don’t you?
Yes, I do quite a lot of that these days. I’ve edited books in all kinds of genres for a wide range of writers in the last few years, offering both substantive and copy editing. I also work as a writing coach and consultant for people with works in progress or those that are struggling with writer’s block. Some of the projects I’ve worked on that have subsequently been published are here on my website. I also offer online courses for adults and ones on a variety of themes for aspiring young writers.
What are you currently working on?
I’m always working on something but currently I’m putting the finishing touches to a dystopian parallel universe novel that I hope will be published later this year. I’m also working on a historical fiction novel set in the turbulent era of the English Civil War in the 1640s. Both these novels are for young adults.
Where can a reader purchase your book?
Twisted Fate is available in paperback and as an ebook worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBooks, Indigo/Chapters in Canada, and at many other locations online. Your local bookstore should also be able to order a copy.
You can learn more about Simon and his work on his website at www.simon-rose.com or online at the following social media sites:
YouTube
Google +
The post Author Simon Rose Discusses his new novel – Twisted Fate appeared first on Konn Lavery.
Guest Author Konn Lavery
Check out author Simon Rose’s blog where he had me as a guest to chat about the second edition of Mental Damnation: Reality.
Guest Author Konn Lavery
We cover the following questions:
Konn Lavery, can you introduce yourself to us and your writing?
Thanks Konn, last year you discussed your Mental Damnation series. This year you are working on it, what is new?
What have you changed in the series?
Is the new edition of Mental Damnation Reality quite different then from the original?
Now that Reality is released, what will become of Mental Damnation Dream and Fusion?
You mentioned a fourth and final book for the Mental Damnation series?
When can we expect the fourth and final book?
What are these other books?
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May 15, 2017
G.W. Renshaw –Speculative Fiction Author
This month’s guest is G.W. Renshaw who writes speculative fiction. His work is seen in The Chandler Affairs series: “The Stable Vices Affair“, “The Prince and Puppet Affair“, and “The Kalevala Affair“. He has a wide background of being a TV writer, gunner in the Canadian Forces, forest ranger, a computer programmer, among many more.
G.W. Renshaw lives in Calgary with his lovey wife. Let’s welcome him to the blog!
G.W. Renshaw, introduce yourself to us.
Hi, Konn. Thanks for having me here. I’ve done a lot of things in my life, some of which weren’t my fault.
I was born in Toronto, did a stint in The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, was a forest ranger for a summer, moved to Calgary, went to university (once for computer science, once for psychology), and spent a long time as a computer programmer. I’ve also been a teacher, which I loved, and worked in two biochemistry research labs. After that I became an actor, because why not? That led me to being a writer, science, and military consultant for a TV show that never got made. I’ve also taught medical students how to do pelvic exams, but that’s another story. Oh yes, and my lovely wife and I are also critical incident stress counsellors.
As far as non-job things go, I’ve been ice climbing, rock climbing, caving, spent over a decade in Search and Rescue (above and below ground). Driven in car rallyes. Taught wilderness survival. Learned man tracking from Terry Grant. Spent fifteen years or so in the SCA doing medieval things including archery, woodworking and blacksmithing.
And, of course, I write.
Tell us about your Chandler Affairs series.
It’s about a woman named Veronica Irene Chandler. Despite her mother being a Calgary homicide detective, Veronica is determined to be a private investigator. Her cases, however, turn out to be weirder than she could have imagined. The mysteries are more along the lines of “what’s happening” rather than “who done it.” Something like the Dresden Files if Harry Dresden was a complete Muggle.
In Veronica’s words, “It’s frustrating. Ancient and magical beings of great power keep interfering in my cases. Depending, of course, on exactly what you mean by ancient, magical, power, and interfering. Against this vast array of cosmic forces I have my own magic. I can tie a knot in a piece of string.”
Also, she’s been trained by her father as a chef, so expect good food in the books.
Currently there are three, do you plan to write a fourth?
I’m way ahead of you. Number four, The True Love Affair, is in the hands of the editors and will be out Real Soon Now. After that will be number five, currently untitled, the rest of the series, and The Private Investigator’s Cooking Course.
I’ve written the final chapters so I do know where the series is going. It’s all outlined but I’m not sure how many books it will take to tell the story.
Nice! Do you have a preferred genre to write in? Or possibly one you do not like?
Much to my mother’s horror, I’ve always majored in science fiction with a strong minor in fantasy. She wanted me to read “real” books, but when I was a wee lad I was mostly into Tom Swift, the Hardy Boys, and Robert Heinlein.
Apart from The Chandler Affairs, I also have a short story collection called Odd Thoughts. The stories in that are definitely on the creepy, bordering on the horror, side of things.
An editor once asked me what genre The Chandler Affairs belongs to, and my answer was mystery/urban fantasy/women’s/New Adult/science fiction/paranormal.
I’ll probably never write a Western or a Regency Romance simply because I don’t connect with those cultures.
What was the first literary piece that you wrote?
The first piece I wrote with the intention of it going somewhere was an SF short story called Vacation in 2012. I entered it in a contest and won second place, then sold it to On Spec Magazine a few months later. The Chandler Affairs followed right after that.
When did you first decide to pursue writing?
The first story I remember writing was almost 50 years ago when I was in grade seven. These days it would be called fan-fic and was titled The Vulcan’s Triumph. I’ll let people guess which fandom. It was written by hand because I didn’t have a typewriter and it was awful. I think I still have it around somewhere…
For many years I did some writing but I was too busy with other things. In 2012, I decided to get serious and start writing things that would be published.
With your vast background, how would you say these experiences have helped your writing?
To quote from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: In every way.
I’ve met a lot of people would like to believe that writing fiction means that they can just make everything up. That’s not true. Even if your story is based in a world completely unlike ours, the characters will still have to have recognizable motives and actions. If they don’t, you are either the best writer the world has ever known or nobody will read your work.
The more you know about how this world works, and how people work, the more believable your stories will be. Apart from my personal experiences, I also to do a lot of research for my stories. A good example is police procedure. Almost everything we as Canadians think we know about the legal system is actually American stuff from TV. I don’t want a Canadian police officer to throw my book across the room because I’ve said something wrong.
What will be your next project?
I’m not certain. I have a pile of ideas filed away. There’s a hard SF novel about my favourite planet outlined, so that’s a top contender. There’s also a YA based on the early 1900s-era Hardy Boys/Doc Savage types of adventures, but set in modern times and with, of course, plot twists from the original testosterone-fest.
Thank you for joining us G.W. Renshaw to talk about your writing!
You can find G.W. Renshaw’s work on his website and on Amazon:
You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter at:
https://www.facebook.com/people/GWRenshaw/
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May 13, 2017
Mental Damnation: Reality Signing at Chapters Strathcona
I’ll be heading over to Chapters Strathcona (Whyte Ave) for a signing of Mental Damnation: Reality. Drop in for a meet & greet the author, artwork, and of course, the books themselves.
When and Where:
Saturday, May 27th from 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Chapters Strathcona
10504 82nd Avenue,
Edmonton, AlbertaT6E 2A4
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Capital City Press Festival Celebrating Albertan Writing
On May 20th I will be joining EPL for the first ever Capital City Press book festival! Come find me and many other great Alberta authors as we celebrate writing.
When?
May 20th from 10:00am-6:00pm
Where?
Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre
8426 Gateway Boulevard NW,
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 4B4
For a list of participating writers and panel information please visithttps://www.epl.ca/bookfestival/.
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May 11, 2017
ChiSeries YYC: Sarah L. Johnson, Adam Dreece, and Konn Lavery!
I am pleased to be a part of The Chiaroscuro Reading Series event in Calgary’s Rose & Crown Pub. I’ll be joining fellow authors Sarah L. Johnson and Adam Dreece to give live readings and mingle.
When?
Thursday, May 18 at 7 PM – 9 PM
Where?
The Rose & Crown Pub
1503 4 Street SW,
Calgary, Alberta
T2R 0Y3
Event Description
Join us for the Chiaroscuro Reading Series, Calgary Edition with host Axel Howerton! Featuring:
SARAH L. JOHNSON lives in Calgary, where she coordinates literary events for the city’s oldest indie book store, knits rectangular items, and runs ultra marathons. She does daily battle with curly hair, has a filthy mouth and is at least three years behind on television programming. Her short fiction has appeared in Room, Shock Totem, Crossed Genres, the Bram Stoker nominated Dark Visions 1 (Grey Matter Press), and Year’s Best Hardcore Horror Vol. 2 (Comet Press). Her short story collection, Suicide Stitch (EMP Publishing) was released in 2016, and her debut novel Infractus (Driven Press) is coming in 2017. Find her on Twitter @leadlinedalias or check out her website http://www.sarahljohnson.com/ for inconsistent blogging.
ADAM DREECE kicked off his indie author career with his best-selling steampunk meets fairy tale series, The Yellow Hoods, which struck a chord with kids 9-15 and adults. After four books in the series, the former software architect put out two more young adult books, the post-apocalyptic fantasy book The Wizard Killer – Season One, and then his science fiction novel, The Man of Cloud 9. The first two novels in The Yellow Hoods series, as well as The Wizard Killer, have been finalists for Book of the Year awards from the Independent Author’s Network. Find him at htp://www.adamdreece.com , on Facebook as Adam Dreece, or on twitter @adamdreece
KONN LAVERY is a Canadian horror and dark fantasy writer who is known for his Mental Damnation series. The second book, Dream, reached the Edmonton Journal’s top five selling fictional books list. He started writing fantasy stories at a very young age while being home schooled. It wasn’t until graduating college that he began professionally pursuing his work with his first release, Reality. Since then he has continued to write works of fiction ranging from fantasy to horror. His literary work is done in the long hours of the night. By day, Konn runs his own graphic design and website development business. These skills have been transcribed into the formatting and artwork found within his publications supporting his fascination of transmedia storytelling. Find him at http://www.konnlavery.com/ , on Facebook as Konn Lavery or on Twitter @konnl
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Author Interview on TooFullToWrite
I am pleased to be a guest on David Ellis’s blog, TooFullToWrite.com where we chat about why I chose to re-visit the Mental Damnation series and my joy of transmedia storytelling.
Author Interview on TooFullToWrite.com
Here’s the questions we cover:
Let’s start with your volumes that feature under the moniker of the “Mental Damnation” series. Tell us more about the background behind the series, why you chose this specific name for the books as a whole, the trials and tribulations that your lead protagonists face and what directions you see the series going in.
You also have a stand-alone novel called “Seed Me”, which has been favourably compared to “John Dies at the End” by David Wong, which if you like that novel then you are really going to enjoy this particular outing. How does “Seed Me” differ from your Mental Damnation series, what is the particular theme/premise behind it and what can we expect to find in terms of plot and character arcs (no spoilers please, though!)
If any of your novels were to be made into films (or even a TV series), who would you cast in the lead roles?
What do you find the most difficult thing about writing? And what do you find the easiest?
Who are some of the authors and historical figures that inspire you?
What sort of research do you do to write your books?
Why do you write? What inspired you to become a writer?
What keeps you motivated during creative slumps? How do you deal with Writers Block?
You have access to a time machine. What advice would you give to your younger self?
How do you spend your free time when you are not writing?
Tell us more about your upcoming projects. Are you working on anything specific or have plans in the pipeline?
Finally, are there any nuggets of wisdom that you can impart to other aspiring writers?
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