Eli Constant's Blog, page 4
July 9, 2014
Ian McClellan | Authors are People
Holiday-mixing, Cartoon-underwear-sporting, Trucker-turned-awesome-Author
Ian McClellan
Many people know that the 1969 moon landing was faked, but are unaware of the actual circumstances. Find out how the U.S. faked the moon landing to avert the zombie apocalypse as the lives of a disgraced B-movie director, a bar owner, some drunks, an Army Ranger unit, a bunch of gangsters, an affluent but very dysfunctional family, and a few cops come together in One Undead Step.
One year after Romero shocked the world with Night of the Living Dead, a small city is rocked by grisly killings, the gory details of which are only known through whispered rumors. The government presence that makes the populace all the more nervous is unable to contain the impending threat that grows out of control on a hot, humid night in Mid-July. As the city’s residents fight for their lives, the Military rushes to make a film about two men landing a small spacecraft on the moon. Will their plan work? Find out as an evil man finds redemption, some soldiers choose between their mission and duty, a young couple finds forbidden love, an older couple reignites their passion, and a bartender gets stiffed for lots of drinks in One Undead Step.
Ian McClellan was born in a small harbor town in southwest Ireland. In an effort to be cliche his parents moved the family to New York when he was thirteen. Once a promising up-and-comer in the world of competitive eating, his career was cut short by an ACL injury. He now resides in Florida with his dogs and drives a truck for a living, but is crossing his fingers and hoping his writing career will earn him enough money that he can tell his boss where to stick it.
My bio says I was a competitive eater until I injured my ACL. That’s not true. I thought it was an obvious joke, but a surprising number of people actually ask me about it. I can eat a ton for a regular sized guy. I’ve always gotten a lot of comments about my seemingly endless appetite. One day I started telling folks that I was a competitive eater in college, but tore my ACL and couldn’t go pro. It’s gotten me a few laughs, so I threw it in my bio. Are you not supposed to do that? I still don’t know.
All my underwear have cartoon characters on them. Life’s too short to take your underwear seriously.
I barely watch TV. I love The Walking Dead. Other than that, it’s just cartoons and football. I try to catch the news here and there, but it’s always so depressing.
I have three dogs. It used to be four, but I lost my girl, Sheena, last year. I love putting on zombie make-up and terrorizing Homer, Sputnik, and Riff-Raff. When I was married, I used to joke that every time my wife brought up the idea of having kids, I’d go to the pound and get another dog. I don’t dislike children, but to me they’re like boats and swimming pools- I like having friends that have them.
My wife was big on decorating for the holidays. Me- not so much. One year, I didn’t feel like taking down the Halloween decorations, so I just bought a pilgrim hat and threw it on this zombie/scarecrow thing we had up. After Thanksgiving, I gave him a Santa hat and some Christmas lights. My neighbors look at me kind of weird. That zombie/scarecrow thing eventually became the mascot for Zombie Guide Magazine, which is an e-zine I write for. His name’s Krokodil Phil.
Hope you like my stuff!
https://www.facebook.com/politicalhorrorstory?fref=nf
https://twitter.com/ianmcc2010
http://www.amazon.com/One-Undead-Step-Zombie-Novel-ebook/dp/B00IK9RQV4
Loved learning more about author Ian McClellan, a fellow with as many layers as a stinky onion… or maybe a Vidalia, the sweet kind… the ones that don’t make you cry (I mean, look at those adorable puppy pics!). Then again, looking at Ian’s idea of Christmas decorations… I think I’m leaning more towards the bright white, odorous, makes you sob sort of onion in the genus Allium.
Friday we have lovely author Stevie Kopas on the blog!
-Eli C.
July 7, 2014
David Lund | Authors are People
Weight Lifter, Skydiver, VW Super Beetle Lover
DAVID LUND
My name is Dave Lund. I hail from Texas and am a former Texas “motor-cop.” My family and photography round out my usual day-to-day passions, but post-apocalyptic zombie stories really fire me up. Before my previous stint as a motor-cop, I was a full-time skydiving instructor and competitor (in Canopy Piloting, aka swooping) with over 3,000 skydives. I am no longer an active skydiver so I can focus on my family, photography, and writing.
The characters in the Winchester series comprise some personality composites of people I have known or met in my life, but no character is based on a single real person or even two people combined. They are a complete work of fiction and do not represent any actual people, living or dead. Yes, that includes Bexar! Many of the themes, objects, weapons, tactics, and locations in the Winchester Undead series are pulled from my past and experiences, as many writers are apt to do, including my love of Big Bend National Park in Texas; although I have to admit there is no secret cache site in the small Texas town of Maypearl. At least none that I had any hand in creating. The photo in the background of this post was taken at The Window in Big Bend, and that is my wife sitting in the photo, looking out onto the desert floor. She is sitting on the waterworn smooth rock; just beyond where she is sitting is a drop-off that would be fatal at 220 feet high. The locations in Big Bend are real locations, with some minor artistic license taken, as are the cities and towns visited throughout the book. The jury is still out on the presence of the secret facilities that “Cliff” finds himself in, and the truthfulness of Chemtrails really depends on whom you speak with. If the writing about Cliff’s found Type 2 VW Transporter sounds a little detailed to those not acquainted with air-cooled VWs, that’s due to my love of air-cooled German autos, including the 1973 Superbeetle that I built and drive.
Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/winchesterundead
https://www.facebook.com/WinchesterZombies
http://www.winchesterundead.com
Photography:
http://www.facebook.com/f8industries
http://oldarmyc.f8industries.net
Amazon Purchase Links and/or Author Central Profile Site:
http://www.amazon.com/author/davelund
Blurb
The Winchester Undead series starts with “Winchester: Over” with Bexar Reed and his family. The Reeds, along with their lifelong friends and fellow preppers, were prepared for the end of the world as we know it. They had thought of nearly every possibility, but they never thought the dead would rise to hunt the living.
After the surprise attack, the mortality rate soars among the population. Their fellow survivors want what Bexar and his group have and will stop at nothing to take it. Meanwhile, across the country, Cliff, a seasoned tactical operator, has a single mission: against all odds, he must ensure the United States of America and its government survives, but first he has to live long enough.
Highlights
As I have mentioned in my blurb and on my website, I am a former skydiver. Skydiving had to come to a close in my life after the birth of my second child, not for some grand idea of safety, but simply due to logistics and my desire to be a good father and husband (spending time with my family). My wife is my best friend and my children mean more to me than any hobby or job, so the choice was easy to make.
I jumped actively for 11 years and completed over 3,000 skydives. During that time I did a stent working full time as a skydiving instructor and coach. I completed a bit over 1,500 tandem skydives as the instructor. During those 11 years I experienced 6 canopy (parachute) malfunctions, one of which also ended in a malfunction on the reserve. That was on a tandem skydive and after a few deep breaths I was able to eventually clear the tension knot on the reserve and landed (with my first time jump student) safely. I also competed in Canopy Piloting (swooping) during that time. Competing in the regional level I qualified for the national Canopy Piloting Championship in 2007 and placed high enough to earn a “Pro-Card” and be accepted on the Pro-Swoop Tour. I continued to compete on the national level in the USPA, my last competition being in 2010.
*This is me on the swoop pond at the old Skydive Houston in 2008, on a training jump*
Since giving up skydiving I began competing in Power Lifting (USAPL) and that has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I’m still chasing a 1500-pound competition total. My training personal records so far is 560lbs squat, 435lbs bench and 550lbs deadlift.
*A competition lift of 545lbs in June of 2013*
One thing’s for sure, David Lund is a character I’d truly enjoy meeting in person. His experiences make for a rather interesting read and I can imagine that David’s friends are often drafted into his pursuits- whether it be VW Beetle restoring or skydiving. (Count me in!)
Tune in Wednesday for a special segment of Authors are People with Author Ian McClellan!
-Eli
June 2, 2014
Reader’s Retreat: Eli Constant’s Dead Trees Review
Reader’s Retreat: Eli Constant’s Dead Trees Review.
Fantastic review of Dead Trees from the awesome Jerry Benns, editor of Charon Coin Press.
Thank you!
May 30, 2014
Release Day Blitz! May 30th 2014 DEAD TREES 2 | THE DEAD TREES SERIES | Eli Constant
DEAD TREES 2 | THE DEAD TREES SERIES | Eli Constant
Release Day Blitz!
eBooks:
Dead Trees Book 1 on sale @ $1.99
Dead Trees Book 2 @ $3.49
Set: Book 1 & 2 + Bonus Short Story (“Day of Amarok”) @ $4.49
Paperback: full price, available next week
Release Information: “Dead Trees 2” is the sequel to Eli Constant’s debut book, “Dead Trees”. Fans of the series include- Claire C. Riley (Odium Series, Limerence), Jerry Benns (Editor/Owner Charon Coin Press), Author TW Brown (The Dead Series, That Ghoul Ava) & more.
Book Blurb:
Two years of peace in a primitive setting can make anyone forget a past full of science, beasties, and blood.
******
On the day of her son’s birth, the past invades the Yukon valley where Elise and her family reside and they are once again forced to travel survival-road. The General has found her… tracked her across the miles. Elise is his obsession; he wants her for reasons beyond comprehension.
******
H2H was supposed to be the answer, but the world’s ‘savior’ has created a new pack of demons. The Rippers, beasties on steroids. Wild undergrounders are a mild nightmare in comparison.
Thankfully, humanity has an ace up its sleeves.
The question is: This time, when a new solution for saving humanity is put into action, what will the consequences be?
Watch the: DT2 Trailer
Book Excerpt:
Cocking my head, I was able to see the beastie pounce, its body perfectly positioned to mount mine and slam me to the ground.
I fluidly rolled, tucking the pickaxe into my body and avoiding the unsharpened point. The undergrounder hit the forest floor where I’d just been crouching. In a flash, I was on my knees, my weapon raised above my head. The beastie also rolled, but towards me, not away. Like the proverbial window of opportunity, I knew it was my time to strike. The beastie realized it too, a screech escaping its mouth as it saw my weapon raised high. The monster took an instant too long to move out of my way. Hesitation will kill you.
With both hands gripping the handle, I brought the pickaxe down. The weight of the weapon’s head combined with gravity increased the velocity of the fall, amplifying the force. When the pickaxe made contact with the very center of its chest, a bone-busting crack shot like gun fire through our surroundings.
The undergrounder’s rib cage was split apart, the cavity opening like a clamshell to reveal internal organs. The heart was still beating wildly, pumping blood to an injured body. I reveled in the sight.
My right hand, of its own volition, moved from the pickaxe handle toward that moving, thumping heart. It was warm in my hands, fluttering. I squeezed.
I squeezed.
The sack formed of myocardium muscle burst in my hands, spraying my face with warmth, getting into my hanging-open mouth. And when I contemplated eating its brain, I knew myself in the darkest places, the mental rooms in my mind that housed nightmares and ghouls. Half-beastie. Fully-realized.
I was frozen in horror, my human-self flooding into my mind and tossing out the beast. No intelligence could bear under the weight of such psychological turmoil.
The curtain of beasties had fallen, the path was open.
More undergrounders would come, attracted to the smell of blood, ready to eat, ready to consume the banquet of flesh memory we’d provided.
*Haven’t read Dead Trees 1 yet? Get Book 1 & 2 in the Dead Trees Book Set with Bonus Story*
Author Bio:
Eli Constant is a genre-jumping detail junkie, obsessed with the nature of humanity. She believes that there is beauty at the core of most everything, but that truly unredeemable characters create the best stories. Eli is the author of “Dead Trees,” “Dead Trees 2,” “Mastic,” “DRAG.N” and is a contributor to the charity anthology “Let’s Scare Cancer to Death.” (LSCtD: TW Brown, Editor | MayDecember Publications) | 100% sales proceeds go to the V Foundation, a leader in cancer research for the past twenty years).
Her works-in-progress include the final book in the Dead Trees Trilogy, a 3-author anthology exploring the psychosis of serial killers, a 6-author anthology exploring humanity in the face of hopelessness, the second companion novel to DRAG.N, and a zombie origins novel (this last work in progress comes as a huge surprise to Eli; she honestly thought she’d never write about zombies, but somehow, she fell down the zombie hole and couldn’t crawl out, or rather, didn’t want to crawl out). Keep posted on these upcoming publications by following Eli on social media (links below bio).
******
While completing coursework at USC-L, Columbia College, TAMU-CC, and George Mason University, Eli enjoyed a varied course load, but finally settled on Biology and focused on a career in lab research. She spent time in Texas volunteering at Flour Bluff Shrimp Mariculture Lab [and being paid in Pink Hawaiian Shrimp- which was, in a word, delicious.] and also spent time at NIH participating in an Animal Research Program in the Infectious Disease Dept. It took two years working in Histology/Pathology in Sterling, VA for Eli to realize she wanted to be a writer. She is still very interested in the Sciences and hopes to use her background knowledge effectively within her stories.
Eli lives in Virginia with her husband and two daughters. She is surrounded by battlefield country, farmland, and lakes. Currently, she spends her days being a devoted mother and, of course, writing. Eli feels fortunate that her marriage is one of real love and she thinks her children are the coolest people in the world. She also feels so lucky to have an extended family that is ever present with encouragement and kind words. Her other interests include art with a focus on charcoal medium, walking her American Foxhound Dottie, eating egg-drop, wonton soup from the local delivery place, and watching low-budget Sci-Fi movies with her awesome family.
Eli’s Social & Website Links
www.eliconstant.com | Twitter | Facebook | Books on Amazon | Goodreads | WordPress
May 21, 2014
The State of Horror Anthologies- SoH: Illinois & SoH: New Jersey (Charon Coin Press)
Charon Coin Press Presents:
The State of Horror Anthologies- SoH: Illinois & SoH: New Jersey
On April 15th of this year, Charon Coin Press- brainchild of Editor Jerry Benns- announced the official acquisition of Rymfire Books’ State of Horror Anthologies (along with several other Rymfire Book previously-published works).
Before the Charon Coin Press’ acquisition, I had submitted stories for both SoH: Illinois & SoH: New Jersey through Rymfire. I was already excited about State of Horror, but CC Press taking over heightened my excitement. I know this Press will do a phenomenal job! It’s such an inspired idea to begin with also. Not only does it showcase the uniqueness of each state, it showcases the talent from each state. It’s a wonderful combination to take writers who are passionate- about a hometown, U.S. landmark, tourist destination, or particular town- and let that passion work in tandem with individual author talents and prowess with word composition. The results are sometimes unusual, sometimes ‘reimagined’ norms, and so far, totally enthralling. I’m truly excited to read more of the stories. As it stands, I’ve only had the pleasure of reading two stories from other SoH authors- one from the New Jersey upcoming Antho & one from the Illinois upcoming Antho. That taste of what Charon Coin Press has chosen, the taste of the SoH Anthologies vision, was enough to keep me on board until the last state closes for submissions.
The cover art truly shows the attention to detail that Charon Coin Press is putting into these anthologies (see below). The chosen artist, Ash Arceneaux, gives me NO DOUBT that each state’s anthology cover will have its own unique characteristics and be truly professional and excitement-worthy.
See some of the awesome talent listed in the upcoming SoH Anthologies TOCs. I’m very proud to have stories in each- “Drowning in the Hazel” (SoH: IL) & “Memories of Her are Dead” (SoH: NJ)
State of Horror: Illinois Story List
State of Horror: New Jersey Story List
**Look for these releases this summer 2014**
Visit Charon Coin Press, ‘sign-up to keep-up’ with release news and submission openings!
Charon Coin Press | Like Charon Coin on Facebook | Join the State of Horror Anthology Facebook Page
If you are an author, visit Charon Coin Press to see the guidelines for the two open SoH states- Louisiana and North Carolina! Beginning of next month, June 1st, CC Press is also opening up the anthology ‘Paying the Ferryman’ for submission, the creative child of Editor M. L. Colton.
COVER ART
May 12, 2014
A review of ‘Hell’s Muse’ by author Jack Wallen **FIVE STARS**
“Hell’s Muse”
Meet Jack Wallen’s ‘author’ inside his author in this brilliant ‘book’ within a book.
Blurb:
In the beginning was the Word – and the word Was a lie.
A struggling writer dives into the dark pits of madness to create his most perfect work – a parallel of his own life, only twisted into a malignant hatred. When the written word opens a gateway to Hell, every truth the writer believes is challenged, every lie made truth.
As a trail of death and sorrow spills from the words, the writer is drawn into an unholy abyss to become Hell’s Muse.
My Review:
A Review of Hell’s Muse by Jack Wallen [The Zombie King, The Kingdom]
FIVE highly deserved STARS … for making me think and NOT putting me to sleep in the process.
Fantastically convoluted storyline that should be read by aspiring authors and seasoned professionals in the literary community. The joy, frustration, highs, lows, all the good and bad things about being an ‘author’ are infused into Wallen’s lovingly crafted book (everything from pen names to true feelings towards media). Lovingly. That might give the wrong impression. The main character is anything but lovely or dealt with ‘lovingly’. He is gritty, raw, unedited, and a bit of a depressed, anti-social, coffee addict. But there is love in this storyline (and you can tell that the author views authorship, with all its pitfalls, lovingly too), a cathartic expelling of all the things that make the authorship journey worth it, but never forgetting the nuances that make it difficult and bloody.
The intro to the book… that was the hardest section for me to read. It’s really infused with a primitive, brutal hatred that’s difficult to move past. Bob… oh… hmmm. I mean Shakespeare… I mean… (Please, don’t ever call a writer Shakespeare). Okay, Mr. Coulter. I like that, the pen name, inside this novel, inside this novel.
Learning about the MC and delving ever further into the storyline is like a spiraling downward into madness that somehow comes off as a transcendence upwards. Readers, looking inward at the life of the MC in the roach-infested sardine tin of an apartment, go to a place of psychological madness when Coulter begins to dream inspiration, hear a disembodied voice urging him ever forward to complete a work that will be, undoubtedly, life-altering (and his brilliant undoing).
Spiraling. Downward. Downward. (Upward). Readers will begin to see that psychology is only part of the issue… there is something real, tangible, fear-inducing about the voice and inspiration.
Something from Hell.
Looking for a Muse.
The ending hit me in the gut, taking the brutal beginning to a brutal climax that begs for continuation. Pens for fingers… That image alone was enough to have me picturing bright blood ink and a forever of writing. Which is wildly disturbing when one thinks that most authors aspire to do just that- write… forever.
A highly recommended piece of ‘fiction’. Jack Wallen, a work of brilliance.
So, that pretty much sums up my ’2 cents’ on this book… seriously, buy it!
Amazon.com:
Jack Wallen is a seeker of truth and a writer of words. Although he resides in the unlikely city of Louisville, Kentucky, he likes to think of himself more as an interplanetary soul … or so he tells the reflection in the mirror. He’s also the author of:
I Zombie I | My Zombie My | Die Zombie Die | Lie Zombie Lie | Zombie Radio
T-Minus Zero | Hell’s Muse | Screampark | Shero | Shero II: Zombie A GoGo
A Blade Away | Gothica | Endgame | Klockwerk Kabaret
**If you want to receive an automatic email when Jack’s next book is released, sign up here. Your email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time**
F ind out more about Jack:
Website: http://www.getjackd.net | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.jackwallen
Twitter: @jlwallen | Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+jackwallen/posts
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Wallen/e/B004MZWR3W/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4468548.Jack_Wallen
Zombie Radio: http://www.zombieradio.org
Keep an eye out for another “Authors are People” segment! =)
-Eli Constant
May 8, 2014
ODIUM II: The Dead Saga RELEASE DAY!! 5.9.2014
Claire C Riley is one of my FAVORITE AUTHORS and a rising star to watch. Her new book, ODIUM II: The Dead Saga, comes out today and I’m THRILLED. Read the book blurb & my review below!
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ODIUM II: The Dead Saga Blurb:
Fortune favors…the DEAD!
Some secrets are too horrific to ever be forgiven, and some people should never be trusted.
Tortured, starved, and on the run, Nina thinks she’s faced the worst that mankind has to offer, but she’s wrong. She may have survived this long, but she hasn’t come out of it unscathed, and there’s worse to come.
Nina’s trusty Doc Martens are showing signs of the zombie apocalypse, and she isn’t faring much better. With her snarky attitude guaranteed to get her in trouble, Nina needs to forgive the past, to live once more in the present, and learn that sometimes she needs to place her trust in other people.
Because when people are faced with the end of times, they’ll do anything to survive.
******
I have to say, this book was just… it was awesome, better than the first (and that’s really saying something since the first book was a brilliant entrance into the world of zombies).
Read my FIVE STAR Review (on amazon.com, Goodreads & Amazon.co.uk).
Twisted. Breaking. And a Reveal that Punches you in the Face. FIVE, highly deserved, STARS
ODIUM II: The Dead Saga by Claire C Riley
*****
High Five, Claire! You’ve produced another example of why you’re one of my favorite authors and a rising star to watch. Speaking of stars- can you say 5 stars? If I could rate this book higher, you bet your sweet buttocks I would.
Readers fell in love with Nina’s snark and Doc Martens in ODIUM I. And it was gut-wrenching when the first book ended, leaving us with absolutely no idea what would happen to the main characters at the hands of the Forgotten. So, when I heard that the second book was coming out in May, I marked it on my calendar- with a big, bloody red ‘X’. Well, not blood, but sharpie. Close enough.
The beginning of the book is brutal. Nina is being tortured to within an inch of her sanity, Mikey seems to have turned-coat and rejoined the Forgotten and Emily, well, she seems to be sitting pretty contributing to the community with every strand of hair unharmed. How does this make Nina feel? Understandably… pissed off.
Of course, nothing is what it seems and Claire C Riley takes us on a twisted journey where the travels of our main characters are punctuated by a new duo… a couple, the woman pregnant, running from something. Something more terrible than the Forgotten. That’s hard to imagine, that there’s something in Claire’s dystopian, deader-ridden landscape worse than brutal humans willing to do anything (and I mean anything) to survive.
Okay, I don’t want to give too much away here. What’s another point I want to make… Oh, yes.
Sometimes, when you read this type of book (this genre, etc.), you end up with a book that is either ‘too brutal’ or ‘too vague’. For example, pages and pages of gore with no levity OR, endless movement through scenes that lack descriptions that really bring a reader into the landscape of the book. Claire threads levity and heartfelt scenes throughout her book in the form of a young couple that is clinging to the world that they ‘remembered’ so they could mentally survive the apocalypse. It’s strange and causes me to quirk an eyebrow, but it’s also a perfect picture of how different people may cope with the ‘end’. On the subject of descriptions and details- Claire is aces at it. She brings every sense into the read- even evoking a sense of smell, of touch. After some zombie-killing scenes, I could actually taste the rotting, pungent flesh. Gross, but highly effective.
Now, again, I don’t want to give too much away here, but there is a huge reveal towards the end of the book, when Nina is faced with the madness of certain new characters. Just when you think Nina’s had it, a twist punches the reader square in the jaw. And… oh… that reveal. Trust me, your eyes will widen, your stomach will drop and all you’ll be able to think is ‘WTF?!’.
So, that’s my spoiler-free, 2 cents. Read the book. (Read the first book if you haven’t). It’ll capture you, lock you in a vice, and leave you dry-heaving. It’s that damn good.
******
Claire C Riley Bio
Odium. The Dead Saga is a top #100 dystopian selling book on Amazon.com for 2013, Indie book of the day winner December 2013 and Indie Author Land 50 best self-published books worth reading 2013/14
Limerence featured book in the Guardian newspaper for best Indie novel 2013
Claire C Riley’s work is best described as the modernization of classic, old-school horror. She fuses multi-genre elements to develop storylines that pay homage to cult-classics while still feeling fresh and cutting-edge. She writes characters that are realistic and kills them without mercy.
Claire is the author of “Limerence,” “Odium. The Dead Saga,” “Odium Origins. A Dead Saga Novella Part One,” “Odium II The Dead Saga” “Odium Origins A Dead Saga Novella Part Two” and a proud contributor to the charity anthology “Let’s Scare Cancer to Death.”
Claire lives in the UK with her husband, three daughters and one scruffy dog.
Coming up in 2014 are several projects including, “Odium III The Dead Saga,” “Odium Origins A Dead Saga Novella Part Three,” “Nina’s Odium,” “Limerence II: Mia,” plus anthology contributions to several exciting projects including “Fading Hope,” “The Murderous Campbell’s,” and “State of Horror: Illinois.”
She can be stalked at any of the following.
https://www.facebook.com/ClaireCRileyAuthor
http://bit.ly/clairecrileyamazon/
https://twitter.com/ClaireCRiley
https://www.google.com/+ClaireCRiley
http://www.pinterest.com/clairecriley/
https://www.authorgraph.com/authors/ClaireCRiley
Purchasing links for Odium The Dead Saga
UK Amazon Link
USA Amazon Link
Purchasing links for Odium Origins Part One.
USA Amazon link
UK Amazon link.
Purchasing links for Odium II. The Dead Saga
** To be confirmed **
Trailers. (Embedded codes)
Odium Origins A Dead Saga Novella Part One Trailer
Odium II The Dead Saga
Odium The Dead Saga Trailer
April 21, 2014
Authors are People | Angela Carina Barry
A Special Monday Edition of – Authors are People Too =)
Up until now, I’ve stuck with authors that I’m emotionally & personally thick-as-thieves with; highlighting folks that I’ve had deep-seated conversations with, talks rooted in reality (and sometimes fantasy). This next author is a more recent friendship ‘acquisition.’ So far, I’ve found her to be a giving, dedicated and personable gal. Course, as I get to know her better, you may read a special blog on the ‘many twisted faces of Angela Carina Barry,’ but I doubt it- unless I’m doing a special edition write-up on LARPing and Angela’s cast of quirky role-playing characters and imaginings (now, that’s a distinct possibility since I’m always scrambling for blog ideas).
Angela Carina Barry
I met Angela during the EYHO (Eat Your Heart Out) Event this past Valentines’ Day 2014. Read more about it here (and keep track of upcoming events) http://indieauthorevent.co/.
She was, among other things, in charge of scheduling the EYHO showcase with radio host Jackie Chin (Zombiepalooza Radio | Jackie Chin, Dead Door, KR Chin). It was a stressful endeavor- back-and-forth with authors, the host, setting up a schedule, folks dropping out, folks almost dropping out (guilty as charged). Angela and I started chatting during this time- her yanking her hair out and me attempting to release a bit of the ballooning pressure, pulling the end of the (I like to think of it as a big red balloon) balloon into a thin line so the air squeezed out in a horrendous, ear-bleeding hiss- annoying other EYHO participants, but giving Angela a little levity in the chaos.
We heard each other’s voices for the first time on Jackie’s show- she instantly put me at ease (I was scared witless) and Jackie did too, but knowing that Angela was going to be dual hosting was the biggest reason I didn’t chicken out at the last minute. She helped me find my radio courage. Sure, it’s a small courage- nothing in light of service men and missionaries abroad, but it’s still a type of meaningful bravery.
I’m not sure how Angela ‘remembers’ our meeting- whether with fondness or a resounding ‘dear god, I can’t believe that girl is still messaging me on Facebook!’ For my part, I remember the meeting with fondness =)
******
So, as in past ‘Authors are People’ interviews, I asked Angela to provide me with a personal statement and factoids. Reading the info below, I already feel like I know Angela better (although, I’m rethinking writing that ‘many faces of Angela Barry’ blog).
Personal note: “What man sees, he loves, and what he loves, he will never allow to pass away.” -Angela Carina Barry
They say you shouldn’t quote yourself, but who’s going to if you don’t let them know what you’ve said? It has to start somewhere. Likewise writing, if you want to write, you have to start somewhere. I wrote up characters and notes for games long before I started penning poems, and writing stories. But I didn’t see writing as being a career for myself, outside of maybe publishing in journals. And I don’t think I could have started seriously writing before now. I wasn’t in the right headspace for it.
But I will tell you a secret, or even three about writing. One: Learning to write is like learning to use a register, or learning to do any other job. It actually takes time to get the discipline down. No one ever tells you this. But it’s what I discovered. You have to build up the neural pathways for the new task you want your brain to do. So don’t give up right away, and do whatever writing you can. My first published piece was a haiku. Now I’ve got full-length novels on my hands. Two: You don’t have to write every day. But if you aren’t well-disciplined, you may want to. I don’t do it like that. I will write intensely for 8-12 hours or even up to 16 hours as I approach a deadline. But when I’m done, I’M DONE for at least a couple of weeks. My style is intensive and I have to completely break away from it. Others need to write two paragraphs a day, every day, or a chapter five times a week. It doesn’t matter, as long as you keep going back and writing. It’s okay to find your own rhythm. Three: Plot all you want, the characters will do what they want. It’s true. Sometimes you feel like you are more like a field reporter than the author. When things are going well, you’re just along for the ride. But it’s a great ride and I recommend anyone try it.
*Born in Flint, Michigan
*Loved animal shows and cartoons equally as a kid
*In kindergarten told the class she wanted to be an Animal Rescue Worker.
*Can draw animals and dinosaurs well, but not really people or cars
*Was in Honors Biology in high school
*Did vocal training at the Flint Institute of Music
*Loves “Aria” by Yanni and wanted to perform it someday.
*Is the vocalist you want on your Rock Band/Guitar Hero team unless it is a metal tune or The Cars
*Usually prefers to listen to music when writing that fits the mood of the characters or the book
*Graduated from Lake Superior State University with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management.
*Is married to author Robert W. Barry
*Started writing because of her husband’s help and encouragement
*Also started writing because she couldn’t LARP for a long period
*Has run up to 80 people before in a live-action role-playing game at a convention and was well known enough for her story-telling that they knew about her in 2 states.
*Still likes LARPing. (So, if you want a pick-up game…)
*Believes that Triceratops and Pterodactyls rule.
*Her favorite animal is the Griffin.
*Her favorite real animal is the Snow Leopard.
*Her favorite extinct animal is the Painted Vulture.
*Knows how to raise baby parrots.
*Likes animals a lot, can you tell?
*Loves to read fantasy, but winds up writing horror and romance currently.
*Wonders if there is a name for this condition.
*Favorite movie is Lady Hawke.
*Tends to have a pretty hair-trigger temper. Tries to warn people, but no one believes it until it is too late. (Do not rile the Carina. It goes very badly. Offer chocolate, especially dark chocolate. Always a good plan.)
*Values honesty and integrity in people highly.
*Has saved at least 2 people’s lives but probably won’t talk about it.
*Has plotted with a friend to get her friend’s dad a chicken as a birthday gift. Will definitely talk about it.
*Wanted to work at a zoo and help save animals.
*Instead, sells games, Japanese anime, writes, and designs games.
*Can be seen at a lot of Michigan conventions in the dealer’s rooms.
Upcoming works include: “Love at the End of all Things”, “Lost Heroes 2: Osprey’s Tale” and “Lost Heroes 2: Firefly’s Tale”
Available Titles featuring Angela:
The Under-Circus and Other Tales with Robert W. Barry http://www.amazon.com/Under-Circus-Other-Tales-Carina-Barry-ebook/dp/B00IEZV4GC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396608387&sr=1-1&keywords=the+under-circus+and+other+tales
Fan-Fic Writing: The Fast Track from Good to Great http://www.amazon.com/Fan-Fic-Writing-Fast-Track-Great-ebook/dp/B00D6JP9L2/ref=la_B00IXAX8WQ_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396608445&sr=1-2
The Rogues Gallery: The Illustrated Police News by Firbolg Publishing http://www.amazon.com/Haiku-Lovers-Anthology-Love-Lust/dp/1482628880/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396608496&sr=1-1&keywords=Haiku+for+lovers%3A+An+anthology+of+love+and+lust
Haiku for Lovers: An Anthology of Love and Lust by Laura Roberts http://www.amazon.com/Haiku-Lovers-Anthology-Love-Lust/dp/1482628880/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396608496&sr=1-1&keywords=Haiku+for+lovers%3A+An+anthology+of+love+and+lust
Thank you for sharing, Angela. I look forward to many years of getting to know you better. You’re quite a gal and quite a talent.
Eli
(Angela riding a dinosaur? Yeah… that’s right. She did that) =)
April 18, 2014
Authors are People | Ken Mooney & a Chance to Get His Debut- Godhead- FREE
So far, I’ve showcased two of my favourite Indie authors- Claire C Riley and Jack Wallen. Want to meet my third absolute favourite? Of course you do!
Ken Mooney
The self-proclaimed not-so-people person who just happens to be a people person
(despite his assertions otherwise).
Gosh, how did I meet Ken? I’m thinking Claire might have introduced us… did you Claire? Or did Ken and I meet some other way? I feel a bit badly that I can’t remember. The important thing to remember here though is that we did meet and I quickly became enamoured of the talented, humble man who is as parentally-protective of his writing as I am about my own.
“Your beloved and your friends were once strangers. Somehow at a particular time, they came from the distance toward your life. Their arrival seemed so accidental and contingent. Now your life is unimaginable without them. Similarly, your identity and vision are composed of a certain constellation of ideas and feelings that surfaced from the depths of the distance within you. To lose these now would be to lose yourself.” ― John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
Just like Claire and just like Jack, once Ken and I were strangers, but somehow, at some time, we crossed a distance and became part of each other’s lives. We share a constellation of ideas and feelings, a solar system that belongs to the creative mind, and I cannot imagine my body without the constants of them as sun, planets and moons. Ken has a centre onto himself; we each do, making us individual systems within a larger system. He creates worlds, as we all do, and he protects them.
I think that’s why we bonded originally. He has a deep-seeded love for the characters he creates- a love that’s quickly understood when you converse with him about plot elements in Godhead. He’s more than willing to discuss the story from different angles, but conversation always leads back to his personal feelings toward the story. Isn’t that how it should be? Sure, art is in the eye of the beholder and we readers look at things how are preconceptions dictate (see my last interview with Jack Wallen), but at the same time, shouldn’t the authors hold steady to the ‘whys’ in our head that crafted our story? The muses in our minds, so to speak.
And that’s what Ken must have sitting on his shoulder- a real life, honest-to-goodness muse, straight out of mythological text. An ethereal, statue of a man with chiselled features and a six pack framed by a sweeping loin cloth, hanging out on Mr. Mooney’s shoulder whispering sweet nothings. Because surely it can’t be Ken’s own imagination that weaved such a tale as Godhead? | Godhead |
Over the course of our relationship, I’ve found Ken to be a personable, caring guy- truly a friend to call when you are in need. Someone to not ask questions, but just help with the body you’ve got covered with a holey tarp in your garage. Ken will always offer a kind word and simply accept who his friends are as people. Those acts of openness and kindness lead me to believe that Ken honestly treats folks the way he desires to be treated, and that’s an unexpected quality in a person in the world we live in.
And of course, as with Claire & Jack, here come some fun facts about Ken Mooney!
Curious about the quirks of Ken’s persona? Well, I was too. What I do is ask authors to provide me with a list of facts they think are interesting about themselves, facts that they maybe haven’t shared before with the general public. So, here goes-
My favourite Irishman,
Ken Mooney, tells all (well, not all, but quite a bit)
Born 1985 in Dublin, always lived there. Wait, here…
Lives with partner Dan. Technically, he’s my fiancé, but since that sort of thing isn’t legal in Ireland yet, it feels like false advertising.
Speaking of advertising, that’s my industry. My day-job is in TV advertising, working for the broadcaster on the legal/efficiency side of things. It’s a pretty big company, in that the biggest shareholder is a well-known media mogul.
I’m an only child. But I’m not actually that bad at sharing. Just interacting with people.
I joke about things that aren’t always funny…
Studied English Studies at Trinity College Dublin. College applications here in Ireland are done on the basis of how you do in your final exams in school. In this case, I scraped in by the skin of my teeth on the third round of offers. Mind you, it might have helped if I actually applied myself in school. My first college offer was a three-year journalism course. I would not have enjoyed it. English was actually my fifth choice, since I actually wanted to do English with either Psychology, Philosophy or Classics. I got more out of doing just English though.
Sticking with college, my undergraduate thesis was on vampire fiction and their changing relationships with humanity, shifting from enemies to friends, all with a focus on Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend. I wish I could go back in time and rewrite it.
I have three tattoos on my left arm, all of which mean something “writerly” to me: one is from my favourite book (the WASTE symbol from Thomas Pynchon’s “The Crying Of Lot 49”), one is from my favourite album (the ‘Art is Resistance’ flag from Nine Inch Nails’ “Year Zero”) and the last is an alchemic symbol for Zeus.
I really dislike wearing long sleeves, so the Zeus tattoo is pretty much always visible.
Book-related facts: some of the characters in Godhead have been fully-formed in my head for about fifteen years. They were always around my age throughout the writing period.
Godhead itself has some autobiographical elements: there’s a bereavement early in the book and that scene was written as a way of dealing with my own emotions about a bereavement in similar circumstances. It was surprisingly therapeutic.
I like to look up words and the meanings of words, and then I get really interested in certain things, and then I get excited about building a story around that.
I really want to write sci-fi, but don’t have the balls to follow through on the science element. Or making myself sound convincing with it.
My next book is non-fiction, The Little Book of The End Of The World. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it…turns out I enjoyed it just as much as writing fiction.
I really like genre movies and TV shows, but I have a very low BS-tolerance level. The second something starts pandering, I’ll drop it. But words can barely describe my love for Arrow, Sleepy Hollow and Lost.
There is no finer thing in life than bacon, chicken, cheese and just a teeny bit of ketchup. Ideally, served on top of carbs.
An incredibly wise friend of mine once said that she doesn’t trust people who don’t make faces when they’re eating. I have never heard a greater truth.
I prefer city-breaks to holidays in the sun. I was incredibly disappointed in Rome and Amsterdam, which totally didn’t live up to expectation. But I’d move to London, New York or Madrid in a heartbeat.
I have the weirdest taste in books ever, and love a flawed, messed up protagonist. See: Oscar Wilde, Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton-Ellis.
90% of my writing comes with a soundtrack. Music is a big part of my process, and entire scenes are built around a song that might be playing over a sound-system, as if the scene is part of a movie.
I’d prefer to be a fraction too cold than too warm.
I can’t drive (it’s not that big a deal in Dublin. Traffic is terrible, parking is terrible, and the public transport isn’t as bad as we’re legally obliged to give out about it being.)
Thank you so much for sharing, Ken. I’m blessed to know you and call you friend.
Purchase Godhead: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
Praise for Godhead (Amazon.com Review):
“Imagine what would happen in a mash-up of The X-Men, Percy Jackson, and Nicholas Flamel, with a dash of Homer just for the fun of it. Ken Mooney’s intelligent and action-packed adult novel starts with the destruction of Olympus, the home of the ancient gods; brings a vengeful Aphrodite, accompanied by blood-thirsty demons, into the 21st century; and then sets her against the descendants of those same gods. Aphrodite must kill all the descendants before she can reclaim her home at Olympus. The result: mass murder, “collateral damage,” utter destruction — starting with a NYC nightclub and ending just days later with a good portion of Greece. It reminded me of Dr. Peter Venkman in Ghostbusters: “… a disaster of biblical proportions.”
Also by Ken Mooney: Little Book of the End of the World (TBR October 2014) & Please visit his site for short stories and release information! http://kenmooneybooks.com/
Follow Ken: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Ken- ‘I don’t interact well with people.’
(Ken in Madrid- Photo above)
Me- ‘That’s bullcrap…’ =)
(Rome after Ken shaved his head for cancer charity and raised 1500 euro)
** SALE **
NO, WAIT…
FREE *** FREE *** FREE
Tomorrow only- Godhead will be offered for FREE on Amazon sales channels- .com, .co.uk, etc. After this date (4.19.2014), Godhead will become available across a wide array of sales platforms such as Nook, Smashwords and more!
April 7, 2014
My Writing Process – Blog Tour
Blog Tour Day!
My very first Blog Tour, where writers and authors answer questions about their own personal writing and creative processes! My author friend, Rhonda Hopkins, tagged me last Monday. You can read about her process here: http://rhondahopkins.com/2014/04/02/writing-process-blog-tour/
Read on if you’re brave enough… to get inside the mind of Eli constant.
MY WRITING PROCESS =)
What am I working on? I am always working on multiple projects. The sequel to my debut novel “Dead Trees” is due out end of May and I’m furiously working with M.L. Colton Editorial Services to get it in the best shape possible. Aside from that, I’m working on stories for two anthologies- “Fading Hope” (spearheaded by author Jack Wallen) & a three-author anthology “The Murderous Campbells” (with Claire C Riley & Ken Mooney). As for upcoming projects for 2014: “Z Children” (a zombie origin story from five perspectives), “CON-troll” (the next installment in the “DRAG.N” line), & more!
How does my work differ from others of its genre? I’m an unsettled sort of writer- flitting between genres, infusing varied elements into one storyline. I tend to think that my work is a true fusion of elements. As for my horror writing- I like to think of it as elegant horror, not gory sensationalism.
Why do I write what I do? I write whatever hits me and begs to be written. “Dead Trees” started out as ramblings on my cell phone and plagued my mind for months until I started writing. “Mastic” started when I ran across the spice of the same name in a holistic grocery store bin. “DRAG.N” was my need to say something pertinent about the world around me.
How does your writing process work? I don’t plan every detail of a story. I have a beginning in mind, a punch in the gut (or several, and an end goal. How my characters get to each point is totally up to them.
My life is not as hectic as some, but having a house to keep up, bills, a hound dog and a raucous (beautiful and bright) toddler definitely eat into writing time. So I have to set aside the evening time- after my darling has gone to bed- to write my little heart out. I tend to drink tea by the gallon-full (Hot Earl Grey with lots of sugar and cream). I’m not a coffee person, but love chocolate-covered espresso beans!
I’m a slow writer- laboring over paragraphs here and there, trying to get it exactly right the first time. Many times, I feel like I’d be better to race through, get everything out in one creative rush, but that’s so hard for me. The way I write though, means that the first draft is more like a second draft (even a third sometimes). I love my beta readers though- they always pinpoint areas that still need tweaking.
Something that REALLY aids my process now is having M.L. Colton Editorial Services in my corner. Margie is wonderful, with a great eye for every little detail that makes a story read cleanly and engagingly.
Thank you so much for hopping onto my blog and reading this post! Next Monday, please head over to Tonia Brown’s blog (www.thebackseatwriter.blogspot.com) & Angela Carina Barry’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/guild.house.classic) to read a bit about their own personal processes and quirks!! Thanks for stopping by and reading my post!! You can check out the writing processes of
Sincerely,
Eli
