"None of the Vampires Sparkled…"
[image error] Thanks to Melissa Voelker at horrornews.net for her recent review of THE BRIDES. She made a lot of valid points, many of which we'll be taking to heart as we work on Raven's future projects.
One thing I've noticed about many of the reviews of Raven's earliest work — THE BRIDES was his first published fiction title as part of his anthology I EAT BUTTERFLIES released January 2011 and my first professional editing job — is while people find a few flaws in them regarding plot or characterization, almost everyone has mentioned wishing he would have written longer, more expanded versions of each of his novellas. I take it as a good sign that people want to see more of his writing (rather than less!) and that they seem to be as taken with his unique storytelling and perspective on the varied subjects as I am. It's always a great feeling when people tell you they were interested enough in the plot and characters that they actually wanted a longer book and *more* detail or that they weren't ready for the story to end… (We've heard the same comments about his other 2 novellas from I EAT BUTTERFLIES (MERLIN'S KNOT and VELOCITY SYNDROME), that people would have liked them to be full-length novels, too.)
2011 was a learning experience for both of us in what styles and types of books suit Raven's talents best and learning how to work together to produce the best possible outcome. We've realized that the short story/novella doesn't quite work for him – just not enough room for the story needing to be told. He and I will definitely work on fleshing out future stories better, taking needed time to tighten up plot points, while making sure the characters are a bit more consistent, more fully realized, using the full-length novel format. We agree with readers that it would better suited to his boundless imagination and it would allow him to truly explore his stories and characters best. (In fact, his most recent book, the humorous sci fi adventure IT'S ALWAYS SPRING BREAK SOMEWHERE IN THE GALAXY is a full-length novel and has been his best-received one to date.) A full-length sequel is currently in the works for MERLIN'S KNOT, and one is planned for THE BRIDES, too, as well as other novels featuring new characters and situations, so we'll have plenty of opportunity to use what we've learned from Raven's readers' expectations and suggestions.
If you want to read it for yourself, you can find THE BRIDES at Amazon.com - only $1.99. (Also available as part of the Kindle Select Lending Library – borrow it for free if you own a Kindle and are an Amazon Prime member.) We'd love to hear your take on it. And thanks as always to the people who take the time to read and post reviews of his books. It's truly appreciated. [Kelly]
