Da'Kharta Rising's Blog: Thoughts of a Slightly Social Anti-Socialite, page 12

Character Interviews #DoubleBookTour

 

Yo the SASS here! My being less social than usual is no accident. It’s just because it’s close to the holidays and when it comes to that, I’m like the Grinch. #NuffSaid

Yet I’m doing my part (insert “Support” here) and spreading the word about two new books that are coming out by fellow authors Adonis Mann and Synful Desire.

One of is a book duet of sorts, Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet.

The other by Synful Desire is a showcase of the wanton, the weird, and the wacky, H.E.R. (Handy: Extended Release)

Now that you’ve been treated to some “Melt Your Chocolate Media”, I decided to interrogate … I mean, interview … one character in “Simmer Smoothe” by Adonis Mann, one character in “Simmer Sweet” by Synful Desire, and one character in “Handy” by Synful Desire.

Okay Desire, since you are trying to catch that special sale at the mall I will let you go first.

Oooh! Thanks Da’Kharta! (((hugs)))

How many times have I told you not to hug me?

Oops sorry! Okay, well I have Choise with me. It took a while for me to find him, though. He prefers to stay under the radar.

Um … Choise, with an S, is it? Cool you stopped by the Asylum. Got a few questions for you. Don’t worry; they will be quick and painless. *evil grin*

Sure. Anything for Desire here.

1. What made you decide to go on a dating website?

I wasn’t really taking it seriously, initially. My breakup with Vonna was pretty rough and the executive work I do is boring. It was just to pass the time. I didn’t think I’d encounter someone like Darbi but I haven’t been back on there since what happened.

2. Your favorite thing about the outdoors is ?

The connection with nature and being alone. At times, I can’t stand to be around people. I can indulge in the things I love: fishing, taking pictures, drawing, and writing.

3. What is the best advice you can give to other men on the dating scene?

Always close old doors before opening new ones. I can’t completely close the chapter with Vonna because we have a child together but it’s best to not start anything fresh if you still are feeling sexual towards the ex.

Ah, well! Nature is calling me. I don’t want to miss out on some good pictures or prime time for fishing. Desire, always a pleasure. Miss Rising, thanks for having me.

*shaking my head* Desire, didn’t you tell him about the “Miss Rising” deal?

Um, guess I forgot. This is no time for your fussing, Da’Kharta. Teresa is waiting.

Impatient, aren’t we? Okay, bring her in.

(Teresa enters)

Teresa, cool to have you at the Asylum.

I’m not sure how cool it is to be in a nut house.

It’s just a fancy name for my crib. Have a seat anywhere except on my knives … I’m sharpening those.

(Teresa sits)

1. Have you thought of other female friends in a sexual manner before Kesha’s confession?

No I haven’t. Kesha is the one that popped my cherry, so to speak.

2. Would Chris have allowed you to experiment?

Wow! That is an interesting question. Perhaps, if it wasn’t with Kesha or if he was getting satisfied during the whole experience. At this stage, it doesn’t matter because of all that has transpired.

3. What is the most sensual part on a female?

I am quite fond of lips. A female has to have noticeable lips, since the first thing I imagine is kissing them. If they are cracked, chapped, or marred in any way, it’s a no go. A female that takes care of herself is sexy.

I definitely agree with you. No one likes a sour … um, never mind. Well, I’ll leave you ladies to go on your shopping spree.

All right Da’Kharta. Thanks again … toodles! 

*twists lips* Who came up with this “toodles” business?

Yo Mann, thanks for waiting so patiently. Doesn’t look like your character shares that trait.

Can we get this out the way? I’m running late for my shift!

Max, I won’t even waste my intro with you. Let’s get down to business.

1. Are you a top or a bottom?

Frankly, I don’t think that’s any of your business. I am what I want to be whenever I want to be it.

2. If Spencer would have dumped Thomas do you think he would have remained faithful to you?

That bitch better have. I don’t take kindly to cheaters. But, I guess the problem is that I love him. Love sucks, because when you’re in love you do what you typically wouldn’t. That asshole. Humph.

3. Is that STD rumor a thing?

It most certainly is not! I mean, I did have Crabs once, but that was taken care of really quickly.

If it was, it was probably payback for your nasty attitude.

What did you say to me?

I say, you should get back to earning your paycheck. With an attitude like that, you are sure to get tips.

That concludes our Character Interviews. Shout outs to Choise, Teresa, and Max along with Synful Desire and Adonis Mann. Don’t forget to pick up both Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet and H.E.R. (Handy: Extended Release) later on this month.

DR

Filed under: All Authors Publishing House, Coming Soon Tagged: adonis mann, book tour, character interviews, choise, erotica, h.e.r., lgbt, max, romance, simmer smoothe and sweet, synful desire, teresa

Life-O-Suction #MustGrab #BookRelease

Today we celebrate the Official Release of “Spaded Truths 2: Life-O-Suction” by Queen Of Spades.

Blurb:

Truth has no expiration date.

A second helping of Spaded Truths has arrived in the form of Life-O-Suction. Seasoned with a rich blend of prose with poetry, this follow up explores the human condition with a simmering of stimuli that lingers long after one has reached the end.

Disclaimer: Some of the content may not be suitable for those under eighteen.

EXCERPT:

Keloids

The discovery of land that already has inhabitants should be a mockery,

Not facts taught in schools and made a national holiday.

Just like some of the greatest minds didn’t have skin of alabaster

But hues of cinnamon to dark chocolate, not discovered until way after.

The genocide of Jews is seen as diabolical: accounts well documented.

I mean no disregard or comparisons on any injustices inflicted.

My people’s assassination is an everyday phenomenon,

Yet too many people flip through channels

While waiting for Scandal or Empire to come on.

Spaded Truths 2:

Life-O-Suction
Available on Amazon Kindle & Paperback
Buy it now!

 

Filed under: life-o-suction, queen of spades, spaded truths 2 Tagged: book release

Genre Ish #FansWannaKnow

Yo! S.A.S.S. here, peeking out of my cave to answer a fan question that was sent to me via e-mail.

Had you ever considered writing in a genre that is outside of your comfort level? If so, what was it and why? If not, why not?

This question is a bit tricky because I almost want to say to this person, “Um, what do you think Boundless Limits was?”

However, if one wants to be technical, Boundless Limits started out one way but added elements morphed it into something else. So I can put BL down as accidental, although all of the other books in the Transcendent Choice series have to stay in the accidental travel I started it on.

Um … let me approach this differently and take the TC series out of the equation.

No, I’m not one of those people who will attempt something like historical fiction, science fiction, or chic lit. Even if I did the research, I don’t think I can deliver it in a way to where someone can give a nod and be like, “That Da’Kharta knows what she’s talking about.” I can give shout outs and fist pounds to those who rises to challenges but I’m just not that chic.

Just know that anything that is outside of horror or dark drama was (and is) purely an accident.

DR
Filed under: rising thoughts Tagged: fans or some such

The Anti-Interview: Life-O-Suction Blog Tour

What’s crackling! The S.A.S.S. here, still celebrating my latest release called S.K.A.R. which is of a dark controversial nature. My guest is also coming out with some controversial work but of a poetic nature.

Therefore, I removed the nacho chips from the couch and tidied up a bit so we could sit a spell. Queen, welcome to the Asylum.

Thanks. Glad you can make some time for me.

Yo Queen, I know you have been interviewed to death. Therefore I won’t be asking you anything in regards to anything typical. I’ve come up with something a bit more challenging, and I hear that you are at your best when you rise to challenges.

So here are my series of questions:

Who is Queen of Spades? Is she really quite different from your government identity?

Well, at first, Queen of Spades was definitely separate. In my younger years, I did go through a bit of trauma and I didn’t have an outlet, except my writing. For me, in those days, Queen of Spades was a type of freedom—a way to put down my feelings without having to censor them or get caught up in repercussion. She also represented a quiet strength, a resolve, a determination: things I believed for the longest that my “govt.” if you will, lacked. Over the years, and because of how long I’ve been in different writing circles—Monica is Queen and Queen is Monica. In the present, we are now fused together, but perhaps we always have been and I was the one who put the separation in, due to not recognizing my own power in the beginning.

What is one theory on the development of your pseudonym that makes you mad or makes you cringe?

The biggest one is that I called myself Queen of Spades because I like playing cards so much. I don’t get mad, but I do cringe.

Since you have written so many things, I’m going to pick out a few and ask what traits of your writing you felt shone the most and why.

(a) Reflections of Soul: My ability to be inspired by another person’s work and mingle it with my own emotions. As far as the why, I think it was because it was half inspiration and half closure, since it was hugely based on a sadness I struggled to get over.

(b) Eclectic: Experimentation, most definitely. This is the poetry collection I had the most fun with. It took me back to when I would write senryus and when I would just freestyle proses. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I put this collection together.

(c) Spaded Truths: Themes and Proclamations: My ability to seem calm yet scathing at the same time, along with cussing without apology … lol. Seriously, there is a part of me that is quite the advocate and revolutionary and doesn’t want to be nice. Spaded Truths is where I can “show out”, as my late grandpa would put it.

(d) Private Pain: Daring to be soulfully naked in front of the world and to get empowerment through that testimony. Getting to the why of this was difficult because I did battle whether to revamp it. Yet, by the time I decided to revamp it, many years had passed and my thought processes had evolved. This collection was the one that received the most extensive overhaul. It was also the one that frightened me the most to put back out there. The reward for me—although it was great that it became a Best Seller—was that it touched lives and was able to help people.

(e) Afro Shock: To dabble in an area that is beyond contemporary fiction. I can’t really explain why the extra component was added but I just went with the flow of inspiration and that is where it took me.

(f) Mr. Bradley’s Garden: Being able to show tribute through the art of storytelling. You see, Mr. Bradley’s Garden was a small homage to my late grandfather and I wanted his giving nature to be solidified, even if it was through a short story.

(g) The Authentic Snap: The power of introspection and hindsight, I believe, can be the catalyst for many stories. The Authentic Snap just happened to be one of them and seem to fit for the short story anthology that I submitted it for.

(h) Tale in the Keys of Drastic: Music can move the writing mojo. I know it appears silly but in my mind, I kept thinking about “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson and how he’d always be the one trying to get the girl. That persistence moonwalked its way into “Tale”.

Rumor has it that you are working on a potential novel. Do you wish to address the validity of said rumor?

The rumor is valid but I’m in no hurry. I am pacing myself to make sure that I’m putting out the best product possible. I won’t be quoting an estimated release date either. Just be content with the knowledge that it does exist.

Thanks for your time. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some more chips and dips to buy.

DR
Filed under: queen of spades Tagged: anti-interview, blog tour, life-o-suction

Alan Fay & Demona #SoapOperaSwag #BookRelease

Title: Alan, Fay and Demona: Preludes of Prism 1

Author: Synful Desire

Publisher: All Authors Publishing House

Genre: Contemporary Fiction based on True Events

Release Date: November 17th, 2015

Blurb:

What happens when passion blinds reason? The ardent fire of desire meets the shocking and harsh blows of reality in this Prelude of Prism. The convoluted relationships of three individuals morph into a rainbow of disarray.

EXCERPT:
FAY

4:08 AM

It was that moment when it hit home. My life was to be forever altered. The realization poured over me, as wet as the bottom bedroom sheet became. I almost screamed, first believing it was done. However, when I discovered the substance was just water, my fright tapered off slightly.

The bag was already packed. The telephone numbers already on standby. Now for the tough part: waking up the man—no, young boy—responsible for this predicament.

“Alan wake up.” His response was a moan, the wrinkling of his nose and switching from lying on his back to on his side, away from me.

Agitated, I slapped his face. He bolted upright ready to retaliate but lowered his hand as soon as he realized it was me.

“Fay what the hell d’ya hit me for?” He slurred.

“We’ve gotta get to the hospital! My water broke.”

Alan sprung into action. He notified the hospital, trying not to show his panic as he loaded the prepped satchel into the car and guided me into the passenger’s seat.

Filed under: All Authors Publishing House Tagged: alan fay and demona, convoluted prism, preludes of prism, synful desire

S.K.A.R. Book Release #NewShyt

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Title: Simi’s Komma: Amplified Reminiscence

Author: Da’Kharta Rising (yeah, that’s me)

Publisher: All Authors Publishing House

Genre: New Adult Dark Drama

Release Date: Friday, November 13th, 2015

 

Papyrus is a small town that’s not a fan of anything different. Here we meet four long time friends.

Hiphen is known for being highly observant one. Rod is known as the go with the flow type. Point is a tomboy of sorts that takes action and asks questions later. Simi is the leader of the squad who has a maturity beyond his years.

When transfer student Komma Plush arrives, Simi takes it upon himself to show her the ropes of a new town yet at first Komma is highly hesitant. What follows takes Simi on an incredible journey that not only threatens his friendships but also the balance of Papyrus.

S.K.A.R. not only takes into account the previously released rendition of Simi’s Komma but fast forwards to follow the life of the friends and the town.

Why? Because some scars never heal.

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Welcome to Papyrus

Two evergreen trees sat on either side of Sentence Avenue. In front of one of the trees was a blue-gray marble sign. Shiny gold words were embossed on the sign’s surface. It read: Welcome to Papyrus.

Papyrus was like any small town. Sentence Avenue was the one major street. If one was to ask a local for his address, he may not be able to tell you the name of his street. He’d probably say “two roads off of Sentence” or he would name a landmark just on the outskirts. Sometimes, even the GPS would get confused. That was a testament to the small construction of Papyrus.

No one would have taken note of this town if it weren’t for what occurred. There has been so much speculation—the main one being motive.

Did things really have to turn out this way?

No, Hiphen wasn’t featured on Dateline NBC. No money was offered by any magazines (tabloids included) or any enticement of a book deal. The record had to be set straight by someone who was actually there and knew the people involved. Hiphen was that connection. It is for that reason alone he granted me permission to share his story with the world.

This is where my intro ends and his story begins.

[image error] Come savor the drama.

Read “S.K.A.R.” by Da’Kharta Rising.

Filed under: All Authors Publishing House Tagged: book release, s.k.a.r., simi's komma amplified reminiscence

Double the Heat: Two Smooth & Sweet Cover Reveals

All Authors is known for advocating all form of literature. Not because of the genres, but because of the talent of the authors that write them.

In this Double Cover Reveal, we bring you two amazing talents. Two works by authors that All Authors is proud to call their very own.

Representing the genres of LGBTQIA Contemporary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction and Contemporary Romance, we bring you the covers of stories by Synful Desire and Adonis Mann.

Without further ado, we present you with first with “Simmer: Smoothe and Sweet” by Adonis Mann and Synful Desire.

Blurb:

When love simmers sweet and passion simmers smooth, rhapsody is efficacious rapture.

Tommy and Spencer were meant for each other, that is, until a serendipitous encounter proves to be an enormous revelation. Will Luke, Tommy’s childhood friend, serve to change the tide?

Kesha has finally told Teresa about her feelings. The only drawback is Teresa’s engagement to Chris. Will Kesha bask in the bliss that only Teresa can bring, or will Chris get in the way?

Come feel the ardent emotions which steams under a silky surface with Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet.

Secondly, because the Heat can make you shake with passion, Everyone enjoys the Ride with “H.E.R: Extended Release” by Synful Desire.

 

Blurb:

Erotic

Never underestimate the steam of a hot caffeinated beverage infused with the flavor of imagination. Wake up your senses while savoring “Kona”.

Experimental

A simple ad gives a curious skeptic a lot more than he was bargaining for. Check out the hair raising experience while combing through “Tresses”.

Entertaining

Darbi has her share of bad luck. She is unexpectedly in job purgatory and has no chance of ever getting a promotion. Her online dating profile sat months without any responses. Why should she continue?As she signed on to delete everything entirely, three responses catch her eye. All are different but each has something about them which makes Darbi want to meet all three. Ade appears to be the guy next door. Boyde looks like a supermodel. Choise looks like the rugged type.

When all is not what it seems, Darbi has concluded that her love life is mating with her job status in purgatory. Will anything come in handy to turn her luck around?

This version of “Handy” includes an epilogue, as well as Darbi speak.

Erotic, Experimental, and Entertaining—All come in Handy when experiencing a Good Release.

Filed under: aaph family, All Authors Publishing House, Coming Soon, cover reveal Tagged: adonis mann, handy extended release, simmer smoothe and sweet, synful desire

Rising Thoughts: #Review on Nethanyel’s Lady Lune

Yo! S.A.S.S. is in the building. I tend to be a creature of habit but whenever I dare to crawl out of my usual habitat to dabble into something new, my payment is lifelong servitude.

Okay I was just kidding with that final bit, but at least it got your attention. While you’re here, the least you can do is check out the rare times I do a review.

You guys know I don’t do “mush”  but with someone whose catch phrase is “Happily ever after is subjective” there has to be some twists and turns along the way. Perhaps this could feed my inner “emotional train wrecks make me smirk” beast.

With my tummy growling for some chaos, I dove in.

At first glance, there’s this guy called Nethanyel—from what I could pick up on, playboy status, who is going ga-ga over a round object, and I’m not talking about T or A, but the moon.  For those of you who are struggling to catch up on the lingo …

“Playboy status”: A guy that can just give a look or has an accent so smooth that panties get wet on demand

“T”: rhymes with “kitties”

“A”: just subtract the first S from S.A.S.S.

Get the picture? Even if you don’t, let’s move on with the review.

At the introduction, I’m thinking, “What type of pimp is getting worked up over the moon?” My curiosity stomped out my first inkling in putting the read down, because I wanted to find out whether he was high off some old school opiates or if he was drunk.

I went from confusion to doing something that is way out of character for me—I laughed like a school girl. The way that Jax and Nate (which I’m abbreviating because no one has time to write out that long ass name) would go at it was borderline slapstick. Plus, it became clear that Nate got his trousers in a swell over some woman that he couldn’t have. Well, that makes a bit more sense, so I suppose Nate can get his cool points back.

When Rona finally gets introduced to the story, it reminded me of a movie I saw—believe the name of it is Nell—trying to get her civilized enough to converse in the time that she’s in. There may be some people who may give this some side eye, particularly since this chic is supposed to be the offspring of the Moon goddess and Water god. Yet, in my math, it would be like me being in cryostasis for centuries and then brought back to life. I’m not going to automatically know the lingo, so it would be like going back to kindergarten and learning your ABC’s over again. Makes perfect sense to me.

Sadly, my emotional train wreck never left the station. The comedy bus did instead. However, this didn’t keep it from being a story that held my interest. One component that didn’t get showcased to my satisfaction was a deeper look into Baton Rouge, Louisiana as well as New Zealand. I don’t get out much so I have to live vicariously through stories and what not. I wouldn’t have minded some gush and fluff about those two areas, particularly New Zealand, which sounds like my type of spot. Plus, some further indulgence in this moon and water business would not have harmed the story either.

Okay, so we have …

Some “vanilla” love—if you like that kind of thing
Mixture of folklore, god stuff, and history—if that floats your boat
Louisiana swagger and Geek awkwardness in the 1940’s—with Nate and Jax

Overall, it is a quick, intriguing and entertaining read—giving you just enough of a full story without getting obsessive with the detailed mechanics of archaeology and the like. This rings very fulfilling for a chic like me: aka definite fist pound.

Side Note: I do wish rating scales would do quarter stars because technically, it is a 4.25 stars, but since most do not, I’m going to have to roll with 4 Stars as my final verdict. #DamnRules

DR
Filed under: rising thoughts Tagged: c desert rose, nethanyel's lady lune, review

#BookRelease Nethanyel’s Lady Lune

Today, we would like to congratulate Author C. Desert Rose on the release of …

Blurb:

Even the moon has secrets …

Traversing the globe—from Louisiana, USA to New Zealand—on an enterprise to discover the hidden secrets of the moon, Nethanyel finds that everything may not be as it seems. Accompanied by a consequential companion named Jax, Nethanyel is taken to a place … even a time … that he would have never expected.

Set in the year 1940, is Nethanyel’s Lady Lune exploration, fate or both?

Excerpt:

“Bartender …?” Nethanyel called, his voice drenched in the quintessential inflection of the Bayou—a collective accentuation of English, French and Creole. Tapping his glass twice on the counter he indicated that he wanted a refill. Nethanyel was a quiet person; always collected and controlled. Wise men were strong, calm and reticent, or so his father had taught him. Nevertheless, Nethanyel preferred to be that way, for in a multitude of words sin does not lack.

The bartender turned to Nethanyel, slipping him another drink. It was at a moment like this—when he could sit quietly to enjoy his drink—that Nethanyel thanked the heavens that he was a mere child during the Prohibition. Now, a man could enjoy a hard drink after a long day’s work.

Nethanyel could hear someone stumbling in, drunk and disorderly. This was nothing new. Things like this happened in bars all the time. What happened next was new however. The man who had barged in obnoxiously called, “Bartender, pour me a cold one, would ya?” Nethanyel considered that the man had a funny accent, but could not place it and furthermore said nothing. He didn’t so much as turn around to acknowledge the drunken bastard.

The bartender poured the stranger his drink, as the man came waltzing over to sit right next to Nethanyel. “You’re not from around here.” the bartender commented matter-of-factly.

“No, my good man. Indeed I’m not,”

“Where from?”

“Far from here, my good sir. Oceans away …” he said as he extended his arm, waving it in one large circle towards the horizon.

“That didn’t answer my question,” the bartender was an older man. I’m too damn old to play “name that accent” with this fool, thought the bartender. So he kept his conversations straight and to the point.

“Ah, well,” the odd stranger commented with a subtlety that made the words slip off his tongue, “I am from New Zealand, mate.”

“Why you callin’ me ‘mate’? You don’t even know me.” the bartender said in an unvarnished tone then turned his back to the drunkard.

Feeling the awkwardness of the moment the man’s eye shot to the floor and then looked around the room, lifting his glass to whom ever made eye contact with him. Tilting his body’s weight into Nethanyel, he murmured, “Lively crowd we got here.” sarcasm absolute.

“Mhm.” Nethanyel hummed. Why must idiots like this insist on bugging me? Nethanyel pondered, then attempted to turn away from the man. No luck.

“Well …” the man huffed “it must be the weather then,” thinking his comeback was funny. It wasn’t. Extending his hand towards Nethanyel and offering a handshake, the inebriated man attempted to introduce himself. Nethanyel was in no mood for chit-chat, formalities, or anything of the sort. Nethanyel grabbed his drink, offering his back as a response to the drunk nitwit’s attempt.

Not catching on to the hint, the inebriated fellow maneuvered his already extended hand to Nethanyel’s shoulder and patted it, then continued with his conversation, “Jax here. Nice to meet you.” Then intentionally talked through his teeth, “Not that I actually met you, or anybody else for that matter. Wow! And I thought that Louisiana was a friendly place. You know? Considering the Mardi Gras and all.”

By now Nethaniel was very uncomfortable, so he stood up, taking his drink along with him and sat a few feet away. Attempting to find a new chatting partner Jax, the intoxicated New Zealander, turned to the bartender once more and asked cynically, “So are parties this lively all the time?”

“Just about.” the bartender replied with a nod. Noticing that Jax wasn’t going to give up on trying to form conversation he asked, “What brings you to Louisiana? It’s not Mardi Gras season.”

“Yes, yes. That I’m well aware of, mate. I’ve actually come to America to do some research. Louisiana, is merely where the boat docked. So, here I am. Tah-dah!”

“Oh.” was all the bartender replied, not once asking Jax to elaborate. Truth be told, he wasn’t even interested.

Jax continued, “You see, I’m doing some research on the moon. There is an old legend where I’m from that talks about the moon. However, I’m told that there are more resources here than there are back home. I intend on finding those resources and taking full advantage of them. The moon really is quite interesting, actually.”

Nethanyel’s ears tuned into Jax’s conversation. The moon? Yeah, that’s what he said, Nethanyel thought. Picking up his glass he walked back over to Jax.

Want more?

Then come and get your copy of “Nethanyel’s Lady Lune” by Author C. Desert Rose!

Filed under: All Authors Publishing House Tagged: c desert rose, hot off the presses, moon like stuff, nethanyel's lady lune

October Roundtable: Is Watered Down Horror a Current Thing?

What’s good? Nice for you to have flown in. It’s now time for my Roundtable. Due to the fact that there have been demands on my schedule (read: hibernate and write), you may not see as many of these have you used to. I guess we will discover if absence makes the heart … and whatever else … grow fonder.

Before we get to the roundtable question, I’ve prepared a little slideshow to introduce our participants. Plus, they’ve been here before, so they’re almost like friends. Key word, almost.

Click to view slideshow.

Now let’s get on with the spook … I mean, show.

Here is this month’s Roundtable question:

“Do you think that the elements of horror have become watered-down by the current trends of today’s writers?”

I’m just going to let people chime in wherever today.

Okay, Desire here. Let’s talk! Truth be told, I’m not a huge reader of horror, so I don’t think that I can speak on horror. All I can say is that the element of surprise factor, that transcends horror, seems to be going by the waste side. I’m not sure whether it is the reader’s inability to use one’s brain to come up with her own interpretation of what happens or if it is the author’s inability to be patient enough to build up mystery or suspense. So, at least from that angle, I can answer yes.

To the point, as usual. Who’s on next?

Greetings! Queen here. I speak from the reader’s perspective because one of my favorite genres to read is horror. Yet, I have discovered in many of my readings that the art of mystery and suspense is on the decline. It is that power that makes a work horrifying. I’m not going to take up too much time, but I will leave your audience with this.

The elements of horror are like a magician’s secrets; once the secrets are revealed, they are no longer scary but something more suited for a Scary Movie parody.

Well Queen, guess you told them!

Hi’Lo! Rosie here. I don’t typically read a lot of horror, but I do read lots of dark drama, suspense, thrillers and paranormal fiction. I like to believe that those genres share the “edge of your seat” feel as horror, per say.

With that being said, I have found that in recent times elements have been watered-down. That is to say, the “edge of your seat” feel that I mention a second ago is little to nonexistent in more books in those genres now a days. I think that this is attributed to the fact that most authors feel compelled (or even pressured) to spell everything out in the story. Of course, I can’t say for sure.

I miss the days of good old suspense. Those times when a lot of the mysteries wouldn’t be discovered until the end. We need to bring that back.

Yo Donny, don’t just stand there observing. What do you think about what Rose has just said? I swear dude, you need to speak up!

I am not an avid reader of horror, so to say that I am would be lying. I am however an avid reader and enjoy genres such as mystery and suspense. With that being said, I am able to give a bit of insight and/or my personal opinion on “watered down” literature, albeit limited in the above mentioned genre.

This is to say, while I am unable to elaborate on horror, I can speak on other genres that require the profound elements that horror shares in common.

I do believe that most genres that require absolute and deep-seated components such as horror have indeed been watered-down. One can no longer find the “edge of your seat” ingredient which keeps readers stuck to their seats and unable to put the book down. It’s all but vanished. Nowadays, most books are made up of shallow, obscure, and stodgy prose that do nothing to keep the reader invested.

If it’s too easy to put the book down, then the author has failed in his/her attempt to convey anticipation and thrill.

As of late, it’s a commonality in most books available on the market. 

Before I put my 666 on this, I’m sure that Y. Correa has a bunch to say!

Hi all! Here is my Roundtable Answer.

Short answer, yes.

Long answer, I think that all thrilling and melodramatic genres have watered-down as a whole. Yes, this completely includes horror.

I’ll share a little personal story with you–not long, I promise. 

As a child, even until my 20s, I wasn’t able to read horror because it would scare the Ba’Jesus out of me. I mean, it would scare my socks off–no kidding. Sometimes, I’d go days without sleep due to a scary book that I’d read. 

THAT, in my mind, is the sign of an honest to goodness horror story. Yet, within the last few years, reading horror is not very different from reading a dramatic fiction. It just doesn’t have the same je ne sais pas that it used to. This could be attributed to lots of different things, but the one that I think is the biggest culprit is the trend that authors have of wanting to “tell all”.

This! Must! Stop!

Most of what I had to say on this I covered in an issue of All Authors Magazine. If you give me a little under six minutes, I can dig up an excerpt of what I said on this topic.

From Issue 12 The Spooks of Imagination, article titled “Diarrhea of the Pen”

Source: pinterest

Which guru deemed that birthing full blown spoilers in the midst of writing thrillers, dramas and horror was a terrific idea? I’d like to find that person because I would resurrect Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and Freddy Kruger to hunt that moron down.

This. Has. Got. To. Stop.

No. I. Will. NOT. CALM. DOWN!

Yes, the extra periods are on purpose because I want those statements to be like mental hollow points of real talk piercing through your brain.

I do not want to assume that the average reader is so dumb that the writer has to point out every point of conflict in the book. There is something called imagination—it can make the scenes in the book be as dull or as fantastic as the reader wants it to be. Why deprive the reader of that freedom with one’s diarrhea of the pen?

The moral of this write: Show me the fright.

Also known as:

“Don’t tell me who the killer is.”

“Don’t give a play-by-play on motive.”

“Don’t give a blueprint about everyone’s drama.”

“If you must say something, HINT.”

*drops sickle*

DR
Filed under: aaph family Tagged: bring back the fright, half assed horror, october roundtable, speak your spook