Quotation Marks and Other Instruments of the Devil

I was reading a book last night when suddenly, I came upon very strange looking punctuation. The book is horribly written trash, the apparent standard for the big presses these days, but it felt well edited. Or so I thought.

Without giving away the book, here is basically what they wrote: "Blah, blah, blah, ghost and shit, OMG teen drama, blah, blah"."

That's right - they have 3 punctuation marks... In a book that is consistently ranked in the Amazon top 1,000. Next time someone berates small press for poor editing, I really want to hand them this garbage and see what they think.

Anyways, what's the actual rule for quotations and punctuation? The error above isn't the only one I've seen. Many authors (and presumably editors) are baffled by the required location of punctuation involving quotes.

Here it is: unless you have a rather uncommon sentence structure, punctuation goes inside the quotes.

Looking for more specifics? Here is a website that beautifully explains the rules.

And of course, since the Brits insist on doing everything their own way, England basically throws all expected grammatical conventions out the window.

Book Trailers: yes or no?

I've read a lot of posts around the wonderful interwebz that talk about book trailers: short little video clips that summarize a book's plot in about a minute.

Personally, I've only ever watched a few, and they were mostly for books I had already finished. I liked a few, I disliked a few.

Has anyone ever watched a book trailer and then bought the book specifically because the trailer was that good? Has anyone ever watched a trailer and decided against a book they were previously interested in? What makes a good book trailer?

Do you think your book trailer has the right stuff to seal the deal and bring about a sale? Post it below and I'll embed it in this post!

Probably the best book trailer I've seen:

I'm not sure if this trailer is for a hardcore erotica or a crime-noir thriller, but regardless, I'm interested. Very good production quality as well.

Another solid noir style trailer. Not as good as the two above, but certainly effective.

Pretty sweet trailer from a new author

Very well made book trailer that captures the tone of the novel perfectly. 

Peer into the mind of a horror editor...

Interview with Sanitarium Magazine editor Barry Skelhorn

 

When did you get into the fiction industry and what drew you toward the horror genre?

When I was young, my Granddad lent me a copy of Frankenstein – which I devoured. Soon after that he lent me Dracula and a few collections of M.R James. Over time I read more and more horror and it grew from there.

There is just something about horror and the written word, the writer leads you one way, but it is your imagination that fills in the darker gaps and that’s the beauty of it.


As an editor selecting a story for publication, what is the line that you won't cross? How much violence, even beautifully written, is too much?

Personally I think that most subjects, if they are in the correct context can add to a story. However I won’t entertain any works of fiction with any graphic sexual reference to minors.




What is your take on the standard giants of the horror genre such as King, Matheson, Laymon, Bierce, and Koontz? How do some of the indie writers of today stack up against the legends?

Everyone has to start somewhere. As the story goes; without Tabitha King picking Carrie out of the bin and giving her feedback maybe King wouldn’t be where he is now.

 

There are so many indie authors that are making strides in the horror genre today – it would be wrong to single a few out. I would also like to give a shout out to the small and not so small independent presses that are keeping the integrity of the business together.



When selecting a story for publication, do you tend to prefer more psychological and subtle themes or more overt and graphic tales?

The way Sanitarium works is simple – you never know what is going to be behind each case file. Each issue that we collate we try and keep a mix of sub-genres so there is an eclectic collection of tales for the reader.

 

I find going from (for example) one zombie story, then another and another is great. But after a while you end up comparing them and not enjoying them as much.




What direction do you see the Sanitarium Magazine taking in the future? Any major milestones coming up?

We are working on a new look that we are bringing in one piece at a time. The magazine will be offering a printed copy as payment from the start of 2015. Also we are changing the tag line so we can cover more in its pages. “Showcasing Horror Fiction, Dark Verse and Macabre Entertainment”



Which issue of Sanitarium Magazine do you consider to be the best? What sets it apart?

Cover wise I love issue 20 with Kevin Spencer’s artwork “skull” – the vibrant colours and washed effect really works for me. As for the stories, there are a few stand out ones for me but we have found everyone has their favourites and we’re happy with that.




If you could interview any horror writer, living or dead, who would it be? How do you think they would act face to face?

Sadly one of the greats we were close to interviewing with was James Herbert. We are based in the UK and he lived only a short drive away but it was not to be. I think his style of writing where it was quite close to the bone both with gore and sexual undertones struck the right balance.

 

I would of course love to interview Clive Barker, Stephen King.


What is the most terrifying thing you've ever read?

I think this has to be put in context. I was 16, on a family holiday in France and we were staying in a large converted farmhouse just outside of Bordeaux – I was staying in the bat house.

 

Whilst staying there I started to re-read Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot. The summer storms were a sight to be seen and the atmosphere was just right for a good scare. So with every turn of the page, the story gripped me more than it had the first time around.



Have you had any horrific experiences in your own life that you couldn't explain?

I wouldn’t say horrific but there were a couple when we stayed in the farmhouse. Whilst staying in the bat house one night I felt something hit the bedframe at the foot of the bed. Thinking nothing of it I just fell back asleep. I felt it again, this time I was jolted awake and flicked on the light. My Brother, asleep in the other bed next to mine, was sound asleep. Looking around the room, nothing seemed untoward, so hitting the light I went back to sleep.

 

It wasn’t until the morning when both of us awoke did we realised what had happened. My bed, which has started flush against the wall, was now a good foot from the wall.  

It turns out that when they were renovating the farmhouse, they came across a soldier’s helmet with a bullet hole through it – I think I was sleeping in his snipers nest and he wasn’t best pleased.


Finally, does your love of horror branch into other media such as movie, music, art, etc.?

 

Most media interests me in the horror world. I have mentioned Clive Barker as a writer but I also love his style of art from “The Hellbound Heart” to “Abarat” and everything in between. If I could I would have a piece hanging in my office for inspiration. Another that I really have a lot of time for is the theatre and plays such as Danny Bolye’s Frankenstein, Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black. It would be interesting to work with some of the writers who have appeared in Sanitarium and put together a 3 Act show with some of the stories.   

Interview with Evan Camby

Evan Camby

 

What got you into horror? Have you always been a fan of the genre or did one particular work pique your interest? 

 

From a very young age, I preferred horror and the macabre to anything else.  I remember one year I missed a lot of school because I got very sick, and I spent the days in bed watching a marathon of old Vincent Price films.  Many of them were based on works by Edgar Allan Poe, which guided me towards his books.  I read everything I could of Poe's and he was my first, biggest influence.  I loved the way he created such rich, Gothic atmospheres even in very short works.



On of your stories, Hat Man, deals with night terrors. Do you have any personal experience with sleep paralysis or other terror-inducing sleep disorders? An interesting phenomenon occurs during the hallucinations triggered by sleep paralysis where the brain has trouble recalling the face of a remembered person and thus places a hood or dark hat over the character in an attempt to make the blurred face appear logical. 

 

Hat Man is definitely based on night terrors I had when I was young.  In fact, 80% of what Bernice lives through in Hat Man are things that actually happened to me.  I have read all the scientific explanations behind sleep paralysis and night terrors, and I do think there is a physiological component to them.  However, no one will ever be able to convince me that there isn't also a supernatural element to what I experienced.  




Have you ever used a Ouija board yourself? If so, how did it go? 

 

I have, with a childhood friend.  We both loved ghost stories and anything spooky, so we played with it often.  The only thing I can remember happening when we played was that she would get terrible migraines almost every time, which is part of why we stopped altogether.  Another reason we stopped was a story that her mom told us.  Her mom said that when she was a little girl, she played with the Ouija with her friends, until something happened that scared them out of it.  One of the girls she played with had recently lost a family member who, by all accounts, was not a nice guy.  So, they asked the board what happened to him, if he was in a better place, that type of thing.  She told us that the board suddenly shifted under their fingers, and then spelled out "Satan knows" before sliding across the room and hitting the wall.  Of course, she might have made the whole thing up,  but that story coupled with the migraines was enough to scare us out of playing with the Ouija anymore.  I haven't picked it up since. 




Almost everyone experiences some type of terrifying, unexplained event. What's yours?  

 

Other than the night terrors, which were truly terrifying, I have experienced a lot of strange events.  I'll pick one from when I was a kid.  I grew up in a house set back deep in the woods, with big windows all over the first floor looking out at the trees. My mom says I used to stand at the windows and smile and wave outside. One day she asked me who I was waving to, and I said, "All the people."  Now, no one was outside.  At least, not that she could see.




Do you believe in ghosts? How about spiritual beings such as angels and demons?  

 

Definitely, I believe in all of them. I don't think that this life is all there is and that there is a lot we don't know and can't prove.  There is real evil in the world, both natural and supernatural.  I also believe there is pure good and love that counteracts that, whether it's angels or God or whatever your particular beliefs name it.  



When you first started writing horror, how did your friends and family respond? 

 

It's not a surprise to anyone who knows me.  Most little girls play with baby-dolls--I had a plastic skeleton who I named Skellie that I carried around.  My parents are a little shocked, though, that I remember the night terrors so vividly, since it's been over twenty years since I first had them.  



What has been the most difficult thing that continually plagues you as an author?  

 

Self doubt is a huge obstacle to getting words on the page.  What I've learned to do is "brain dump"--just get it all out there.  No matter how terrible that first draft is, you can always go back and change things, edit, add, subtract.  My advice to writers who struggle with the same issue is to give yourself permission to suck.  Really, it's OK if what you put down is terrible at first.  None of it's permanent, it's not as if your first rough draft will be tattooed on your body forever.  But if you don't at least start somewhere, the words will never make the jump from your brain to the page.  


What is the most unique advice you've ever been given by another professional in the writing world? Did that advice prove to be useful?  

 

I read an interview where Stephen King answered the question, "What makes a talented writer?" or something along those lines.  I'm paraphrasing, but basically he said that if you write something, and someone pays you for the story, and you then take that money and pay your light bill with it, he considers you talented.  I love that.  It takes the pressure off of setting out to be the next Hemingway, and lets me have fun and focus on being a storyteller who people pay to entertain them.  That's something I can be proud of, too, it's not all about Pulitzers and The Paris Review.



If you had to pick one author for your writing to be favorably compared to, which would you pick? What elements from other writers do you try to incorporate into your own writing?  

 

In my dreams, Vladimir Nabokov, simply because of his mastery of the English language.  As far as my genre goes, Stephen King knows how to tell a great story and create realistic, flawed characters, and that's my main focus in writing.  The fanciest prose, scores of allegories, and a dreamy, stream-of-consciousness style of writing are worthless if you can't tell a story worth a damn.  I want to entertain and help people immerse themselves in the more visceral and scary elements of the world in which we live, and he is the master of that.

 

Lastly, where can we find your stuff?

Amazon * Twitter

Got a pretty cool paperback yesterday...

As you may recall, a while back I got to read and review Into the Aether by T. C. Pearce. If you read that review, you'd know that I really, really enjoyed that book. Yesterday, I got a copy of the paperback in the mail. I was thrilled to see an excerpt of my review printed on the back!

 

 

I plan on giving the book to my fiance, Anna, who loves YA and supernatural fantasy, and who also does book review videos for YouTube. I can't wait to see what she thinks of Into the Aether. It really is a fantastic book.

Oldham County ComiCon

Just got back from the Oldham County ComiCon - also known as OC3. For a first year event, it was done incredibly well. They advertised heavily, organized it well, and drew in over 3,000 people! The Hydra Publications booth did very well and I sold out of my Goblin Wars paperbacks. I got to see tons of great cosplayers, met some awesome fans, and hopefully made some new fans too. All in all, it was a solid event.

Me.jpg

I'll certainly be coming back again next year. Already looking forward to it. 

Interview with Raven Oak

Amaskan's Blood

When writing high fantasy, what is the most difficult aspect of world creation?

For me, the most difficult portion of world building is linguistics--making sure that the character & place names of a world fit each individual country's or kingdom's culture, without sounding like an obvious "borrow" from France or Christianity. I want my fantasy worlds to be rich and complex and sound like they are their own entity rather than just something borrowed or revamped from Earth. I'm not a linguist, so making sure I do that well takes a lot of time and effort. (Why can't we all be Tolkien, dang it!?) 

 

 

Where do you find inspiration for your character names and regions of your world?

Oops! I sort of answered that in the question above by complete coincidence. To elaborate, I enjoy borrowing. InAmaskan's Blood, the name of the continent is Boahim, which reminded me of Hebrew words. Knowing that the Hebrew culture and mythos has played a heavy role in literature, video games, movies, etc., it worked well for a culture steeped in religion and war and family. All three are heavy elements in my novel. But I wanted each individual kingdom in the Little Dozen Kingdoms to still be distinct in its own identity, so I tweaked elements or created them anew as needed. The Kingdom of Alexander has a fairly heavy French-English influence, whereas Shad borrows elements of its naming and culture from India. When I'm writing sci-fi, I do much the same thing. Building entire civilizations and planets full of people isn't all that different in sci-fi vs. fantasy.

 

 

How has being a writer impacted your everyday world?

Being a writer changed everything. Cliche answer, yet true. Honestly, I never did see things the same way others did, even as a child. People would walk past the busker on the street corner, but in my mind, I'd by asking a million questions. Why was he busking? Was he homeless or did he just want to entertain? Or did he need a music job and think this would be the way? Why guitar? Because it was easily portable, or did he always feel drawn to that instrument? The questions wouldn't end until I'd created an entire scenario in my head about this busker that I passed five minutes ago. 

In a more literal sense, writing changed my world because after twelve years, I quit teaching to pursue writing full-time. My day to day has changed. I now spend 8-15 hours a day writing and editing. In some ways, I'm more busy now than I ever was a teacher working 55 hour work weeks.

 

 

 

Where do you find the best inspiration outside of other fantasy novels?

Everyday life. Just people watching. Also, dreams. Some of my best ideas began as dreams.

 

 

In your opinion, what is the best fantasy world ever created, in any medium?

Wow. That's a tough question. I don't know that I can answer with only one world... Off hand, I would have to mention Middle Earth (Tolkien) and Pern (McCaffrey). Those are the big ones that stand out in my mind. If I can, I'd throw in the mythos of Star Wars and Star Trek because their influence alone has been monumental to sci-fi/fantasy. 

 

As far as your writing process is concerned, do you tend to make a plan and stick to it, or do you prefer to let the story arise organically as you go?

A mix of both. I outline in a decent amount of detail, but I'm not adverse to allowing the story to grow and develop outside of my outline. For example, with Amaskan's Blood, I had a completely different ending in mind when I began the book, but as the characters grew into the story, the twists moved the plot line in a different direction completely--a better direction, I think. (And no, I won't say what the ending is because...spoilers!)

 

 

What is the best advice another writer has ever given to you?

Put my butt in the chair and write. Every. Single. Day. Also: All rules are meant to be broken, except that one!

 

 

What has been the most frustrating aspect of being an author?

The business side of it.

 

With the growth of social media, promotion and marketing has rested firmly on the shoulders of the authors. It's time consuming--time better spent writing--but books sell best through word-of-mouth. If a writer wants to be successful, promotion and marketing is a necessary evil.

 

          Finally, where can we find your work?

Amazon

B&N

Apple iBooks

Kobo

 Goodreads

Huge list of books on sale from Hydra Publications! Perfect for Halloween!

For We Are Many      Stuart Thaman          http://www.amazon.com/We-Are-Many-Stuart-Thaman-ebook/dp/B00N0A0OKS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414615878&sr=8-2&keywords=for+we+are+many

 

Reality Check       Eric Garrison           http://www.amazon.com/Reality-Check-Eric-Garrison/dp/0615926142/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614129&sr=8-2&keywords=hydra+publications

 

The Watchers       Tony Acree              http://www.amazon.com/Watchers-Victor-McCain-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00JOS52TI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614129&sr=8-4&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Gunpowder and Lead    Kate Lynd        http://www.amazon.com/Gunpowder-Lead-Outlaw-Kate-Lynd-ebook/dp/B00J2ESR14/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614129&sr=8-5&keywords=hydra+publications

 

The List                 Tom Wallace         http://www.amazon.com/List-Jack-Dantzler-Book-ebook/dp/B00GMOKO6I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614129&sr=8-6&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Gnosis                   Tom Wallace         http://www.amazon.com/Gnosis-Jack-Dantzler-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00GMOF3L4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614129&sr=8-8&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Eternal Patrol          Michael G. Wallace http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Patrol-Mike-Wallace/dp/0615739768/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614129&sr=8-10&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Empyreal Fate        Rachel Hunter         http://www.amazon.com/Empyreal-Fate-Llathalan-Annal-Volume/dp/0615638589/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614129&sr=8-11&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Ukishima               Nigel Sellars            http://www.amazon.com/Ukishima-Nigel-Sellars/dp/0615607373/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614129&sr=8-12&keywords=hydra+publications

 

The Parrot Told Me  Rachael Rawlings   http://www.amazon.com/Parrot-Told-Me-Rachael-Rawlings-ebook/dp/B00GBN8QI8/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614129&sr=8-13&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Without a Conscious James William Peercy http://www.amazon.com/Without-Conscious-James-William-Peercy/dp/0615637833/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614491&sr=8-17&keywords=hydra+publications

 

The Heart Denied   Linda Anne Wulf  http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Denied-Linda-Anne-Wulf-ebook/dp/B00GJCNCVM/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-20&keywords=hydra+publications

 

The Hand of God    Tony Acree         http://www.amazon.com/Hand-God-Victor-McCain-Book-ebook/dp/B00GBFZIMS/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614902&sr=8-21&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Dearly Departed      Rachael Rawlings  http://www.amazon.com/Dearly-Departed-Grave-Reminders-Book-ebook/dp/B00GJ6NYH0/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-22&keywords=hydra+publications

 

The Fire of Heaven   Tom Wallace       http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Heaven-Jack-Dantzler-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00K0LH7TQ/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-23&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Blood of the Highland Moon Morinda Montgomery  http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Highland-Moon-Morinda-Montgomery-ebook/dp/B00HYO5RIU/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-24&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Bounty Hunter          Kate Lynd          http://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Hunter-Kate-Lynd-ebook/dp/B00GEFY44S/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-25&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Secret                     Morinda Montgomery http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Morinda-Montgomery-ebook/dp/B00HYOADYI/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-26&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Love Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me   Lyndi Alexander http://www.amazon.com/Love-Me-Kiss-Kill/dp/0615934757/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-27&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Morning Star Ethos   Desiree Finkbeiner  http://www.amazon.com/Morning-Star-Ethos-Volume-1/dp/0615638635/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-28&keywords=hydra+publications

 

The Know-it-all Girl  Joanna Foreman http://www.amazon.com/Know---All-Girl-Joanna-Foreman-ebook/dp/B00GCS4S84/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-30&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Amy the Astronaut   Steven Donahue  http://www.amazon.com/Astronaut-Flight-Freedom-Steven-Donahue/dp/0615931952/ref=sr_1_31?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-31&keywords=hydra+publications

 

The Wall Outside     James William Peercy http://www.amazon.com/The-Wall-Outside-Xun-Ove/dp/0615934749/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1414614544&sr=8-32&keywords=hydra+publications

 

The Human Equations Dave Creek http://www.amazon.com/Human-Equations-Dave-Creek-ebook/dp/B00NB51BMM/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&qid=1414615191&sr=8-33&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Ethos Equinox  Desiree Finkbeiner  http://www.amazon.com/Ethos-Equinox-2-Desiree-Finkbeiner-ebook/dp/B00O7RMVI6/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1414615213&sr=8-34&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Heart of the Hunter   Linda Anne Wulf  http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Hunter-Linda-Anne-Wulf-ebook/dp/B00GJCN6IG/ref=sr_1_35?ie=UTF8&qid=1414615213&sr=8-35&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Anon                       Peter Giglio   http://www.amazon.com/Anon-Peter-Giglio-ebook/dp/B00GEFY0GA/ref=sr_1_39?ie=UTF8&qid=1414615213&sr=8-39&keywords=hydra+publications

 

Beyond Anon           Peter Giglio    http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Anon-Peter-Giglio-ebook/dp/B00HYO0EZG/ref=sr_1_38?ie=UTF8&qid=1414615213&sr=8-38&keywords=hydra+publications

Interview with M. C. Angelus


What got you interested in horror? Were any of your friends or family members shocked by your choice of writing genre?

 

I've always been interested in the supernatural and paranormal, ever since I was young. I remember watching silly ghost hunting shows and reading Dracula in the fifth grade. I suppose it stems from my natural curiosity about everything, and horror is always about the strange and unknown. Plus, it's fun to be scared, sometimes.

 

My family has gotten use to my morbidity, though they question my interest in serial killers at times.

 

I noticed that your short stories all have to do with unnatural creatures. Which, if any, of the 'standard' unnatural creatures do you believe might exist?

 

I believe in ghosts, which seems really ridiculous but sometimes a video or audio recording surfaces that just makes you question everything. I also think there are some really messed up things in the deep sea where sunlight never pierces. There's a pretty strong case for the Yeti, providing there aren't a ton of them and they stay far up the Himalayas. Definitely don't believe in Bigfoot, though.

 

 

Have you seen any of the shows like 'Monster Hunters' or 'Finding Bigfoot' and if so, what is your take?

 

My mom loves Finding Bigfoot. We both think all of those shows are really ridiculous and really hilarious. I highly doubt any of them are going to find anything out there, if there was anything to be found in the first place.

 

 

What is it about unnatural creatures that makes them so terrifying? Why do some legends which are obviously fake make their way to notoriety? 

 

We are naturally afraid of predators, but there aren't a whole lot of animals that can take us down anymore. These creatures are often a mix-mash of many things, serving to deliver a message or a lesson (the first story in the collection actually deals with this.) The people telling it may not necessarily believe in the existence of the monster, but they do believe in the message the story is conveying.

 

Which unnatural creature do you consider to be most terrifying?

 

There's an internet story called the Goatman, based somewhat off the legend of the Skinwalker. The stories go that it finds groups in remote areas and 'imitates' members of the group – if you're not paying attention, its imitation works, but when do look closer you see that its imitation is a poor mask. Its exact reason for infiltrating groups is unknown. I'm terribly frightened by nighttime and any sort of "invasion," so the Goatman story strikes a deep chord in me.

 

 

Is there any author that influences your writing in a tangible way?

 

H.P. Lovecraft's themes of existential, cosmic horror and strange monsters certainly influenced me. The most Lovecraftian story in the collection is probably The Orchard, but there are certainly echoes of him throughout.

 

I also read a lot of Neil Gaiman and Stephen King, as well as writers on Reddit and Tumblr.

 

 

What was the impetus that made you sit down and begin your career?

 

I've recently started college, so I've been strapped in cash, and thus in the grand tradition of artists everywhere, I started selling my work opposed to posting just posting it online in order to feed myself.

 

I also love hearing comments and feedback about my stuff, so I hope by putting out ebooks I can attract more people and get more feedback. But it's mostly about feeding myself.

 

 

 

What has been the most challenging aspect of being an author?

 

 

Finding inspiration, and then getting yourself to actually sit down and write stuff. I question all the time if my stuff's actually scary, or if the people reading it are just humoring me. Having internet strangers read it and give feedback definitely helps prevent that thinking and keeps me from getting discouraged.

 

 

Finally, where can we find your stuff?

·         Kobo

·         Barnes and Noble

·         Amazon

·        Smashwords

·         My blog

Interview with Kilayla Pilon

Kilayla.jpg


How do most people react when they discover that your first book was published at the age of 16?

A lot of people at the first signing asked if I was the author, to which I would respond yes. Every time they would narrow there eyes just a tad and say I look quite young. Again, I'd answer with my age and every time they'd do a sort of double-take. It prompts some interesting conversation. I'm 17 now, so I'm sure the novelty of it has worn off a tad.




Are you currently working on any other projects? If so, when is your next expected release?

I'm hoping to have the sequel to The Prophet's Daughter out by next fall, though I'm working on various short stories as well when I can. I want to work more on novels set in present-day or something medieval afterward. I have way too many ideas and just not enough time to get them all down.




What made you interest in post-apocalyptic? Which post-apocalyptic worlds in the mainstream media are you most drawn to?


Interesting fact: I was never big into post-apocalyptic anything. I liked The Hunger Games when I read them in 8th grade but that was about it. What really got me writing about Arin and her world was my psychology teacher, Mr. Kennedy. It came up in discussion what his opinion on how he viewed a post-apocalyptic world and it just blossomed from there.




Which authors do you read for inspiration or motivation?


I read a lot of books. I love fantasy books most of the time but I find one thing I like to do is sit down and read Eric Walters. He's really what helped me get into writing back in 7th grade and... I just find I enjoy how he writes more than anything else. Plus his stories are never all that far from reality, from the ones I've read.




Of all the possible ends to civilization, which do you find the most likely?

Disease. What's to say that one day, some weird mutation of a disease won't spread like wildfire and destroy half the human race before anyone can begin working on treatment or a cure?




What is your #1 tip for someone looking to survive the apocalypse and prosper?


If I had to survive the apocalypse, I wouldn't. I'd be dead in three days tops. But for those looking to survive, hoard. Find a shelter and hoard everything you can... Or, and this is a big one, don't doubt the cruel nature of other people but don't leave everyone else to die. What's the point of surviving if you're going to do it alone?



When you write, do you prefer silence and solitude or do you listen to music / have other distractions?


I can work in all type of scenarios. Silence is actually something that causes me great discomfort so I'm often listening to music or have some sort of sound in the background.




Finally, where can we find your work?

 Kindle

 Paperback

Ongoing Translation Project

Last night I read an awesome article on reddit about an author that found a troll. The author even went as far as to find the troll's house and show up. Thankfully, the author didn't confront the troll face to face. If you would like to read that article, click here.

Why am I telling you about the article? Simple. It made me do a search on my own name. The first 20 or so hits were all predictable. My website, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, the usual book stuff. About 15 pages in on Google, I found one I hadn't seen before. It was in Chinese. Immediately, I panicked. I don't know why I panicked, but it happened.

After a few minutes piecing things together with the sloppy help of Google Translate, I figured out why my name and one of my books was plastered all over a Chinese website. It was a blog from a Chinese person (not sure if male or female) that translates books into Chinese as a hobby.

So now, after several emails back and forth with Ericcil, the blog's owner, I have a new friend that is working on translating the entire Goblin Wars Part One into Chinese. Once it is finished, I plan on having a few copies printed. One will be signed and shipped off to China to the fan, the others will either rest on my bookshelf or be proudly displayed at live events and book signings. 

If you'd like to check out the blog, you can find it here.

If you'd like to translate any of my books into other languages, grab a cup of coffee and start typing. I'd love to see it.

Calling all writers! Paid opportunity!

Do you have an idea for a dystopian short story? Hydra Publications will be accepting submissions for a dystopian anthology collection. We will pay 1 cent a word, with a minimum word count of 1,000 words and a maximum of 7,500. The deadline for submissions is January 31st.

What is your take on a dystopian world? Is it a police state? Do people live in fear of an outside source? Or is it an inner source they are scared of?

The format will be 12 pt Times New Roman, double spaced and in Word.doc format. Email your submissions to dystopianhydra@gmail.com

Interview with Marshall Walls

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What was the first book that got you interested in fantasy and what was the turning point that made you sit down and put pen to paper?

Actually, it wasn't a book that inspired me to write, but video games, namely Chrono Trigger and the early Final Fantasy series. Final Fantasy IV for the SNES inspired me to write a story about collecting a series of magical stones with elemental powers contained within. That was the seed that gave birth to Dawn of the Destined Hero and all the sequels yet to come.

What made me take the leap from thoughts and ideas to actually writing it was friends from school who had read some of my short stories, written purely for fun, and they really enjoyed my stuff. I received so many compliments that I wanted to write a full book, and then more books after that. Fast-forward seventeen years, many additions, even more rewrites, and plenty of editing, and boom, my debut novel was finally finished.

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Apart from fantasy, what genres do you like to read for enjoyment and which authors do you read specifically to try and learn new techniques?

 

I'll admit upfront that I'm really bad about reading. I should read far more than I do, especially being an author myself. I should learn from the greats, experience other stories from authors I've never heard of, and see what other sorts of books are out there for me to enjoy. I'm sure it'd make me a better writer, and that's what I'm always aiming to do every single type I lay my fingers on my keyboard, ready to transform and idea into an actual story.

When it comes to genres I enjoy, I'm fond of science-fiction, action/adventure, mystery, horror, and a hint of romance. I'm not very familiar with non-fiction, but I fully intend to become more knowledgeable. In time, I personally hope to write books of many genres to see which I excel at and which fans enjoy the most. The more I can experiment and try new things, the better, more well-rounded writer I'll become.

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How do you feel about the huge rise in "low fantasy" books like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games?


I think that there's value in every genre out there, and the appeal of "low fantasy" nowadays isn't too surprising. People enjoy fantasy, as a whole, and it's really interesting to see sparks of fantasy and magic and otherworldly things pop up in the real world that we live in every single day. I like those sorts of books quite a bit. I've read both Harry Potter and the Hunger Games series, and they're entertaining novels. I even have intention to write some low fantasy of my own, so I'm clearly interested in it. It's pretty cool.

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What is an element that separates Dawn of the Destined Hero from other Tolkien-esque fantasies?


I wouldn't technically label Dawn of the Destined Hero as a Tolkien-esque fantasy. Tolkien created an entire world filled to the brim with orcs, dwarves, goblins, elves, hobbits, trolls, demons, and countless monsters. It's really nothing like our world. I'd more consider my novel to be historic low fantasy, in a way. The book is about medieval humans at war, engaged in long-term conflict, and there is very little magic outside of a few rare examples. Arimax Holycross, the main character, stumbles onto magic, and learns to control it himself, but the world he lives in doesn't even believe in the fantastic idea of magic or otherworldly abilities. Over time, throughout the series, there will be more and more magic popping up, but this book is fairly realistic and is comparable to real-world medieval history. I think that puts more focus on the magic that does take place, and makes it feel even more special than if every other character was shooting fire and summoning gusts of wind.

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Let's talk about destiny. When it comes to theology and philosophy, do you believe that mankind is given free will?


My opinion on free will versus destiny has matured throughout my years. As a kid, I fully believed in destiny, which is probably why this book, and the sequels forthcoming, are so focused on the concept of fate. Now, I'm pretty sure that strong-will and hard-work is a lot more important than simply being destined to do something. In the book, however, destiny is alive and well, but that doesn't necessarily mean that everything will go perfectly for young Arimax. And, in time, he may stray from destiny, battling the wishes of the fates in order to do what he feels is right, not necessarily what he's meant to do. I think keeping it ambiguous will make it far more interesting over time than simply declaring everything to be "destiny," or having every moment of Arimax's life entirely based on his own actions.

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In your personal reading, do you find yourself enjoying more recently written works or do you prefer the classics?


When its comes to my personal reading, I tend to prefer newer books to the classics. It's probably because people talk frequently about the newest "big thing" in literature, so I have more likelihood to check those out than a classic that people don't discuss as regularly. I still fully intend to read all the big classics, as I want to expand my horizons as far as I possibly can, and that will make me more prepared for all the future novels I have already floating around in my head, simply awaiting the day when I bring them to life.

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If you could favorably compare your writing style to any single author, who would it be? Is it an author that inspired you from the beginning, or someone you 'accidentally' sound like?

 


Again, I'm a bad reader. I shamefully admit it, and that's something I fully intend to change as soon as I can. Having a Kindle and some time put aside for nightly reading should help. So when it comes to comparing my own writing style to other authors, I can't really think of anyone in particular. I've been compared to a few authors by other people, but I still, from what I've read, feel that my own style and "voice" is unique. I haven't necessarily emulated any other author, nor do I happen to sound like them. I do read and study how other writers handle certain things, like descriptions, dialogue, punctuation, comma-usage and so on, but I still find a way to adjust my own style rather than simply "copying" them or anything like that. Basically, I'd like to be the first Marshall Walls and not necessary the next *insert popular author*

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Which character of literature do you feel best represents the archetype of the hero? Must a true hero be flawed or can a character actually be perfect?


I'll admit it's a bit of a lazy answer, but Hercules (or Heracles) is the first archetypal hero that came to mind. He's strong, powerful, courageous, handsome, and he has great purpose and drive to make up for his horrible sins. He's a flawed character, but one that strives to right the wrongs he's done in his life, and I find that to be a tremendously honorable trait.

Perfect characters are boring. They are inhuman and unrelatable. Real people have strengths and weaknesses. Hercules may have been the son of a god, but he was also human, and he made bad choices, but did the best he could to earn forgiveness through the Twelve Labors. That made him an interesting character, and certainly someone I think Arimax would look up to if he'd ever been told that fantastic tale.

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Lastly, where can we find your book? Where can we stay up to date on social media? Twitter? Facebook? Goodreads?


You can find my book, Dawn of the Destined Hero, for digital download on Amazon at this link: http://www.amazon.com/Dawn-Destined-Hero-Marshall-Walls-ebook/dp/B00H08TBXC

I've kept this book exclusive to Amazon since the beginning, but I'm going to be publishing it across the board of online eBook retailers soon. I'd like it to be widely available to anyone interested in checking it out.

You can check out the official Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dawn-of-the-Destined-Hero/418571621601853

My Twitter account can be found here: https://twitter.com/marshall_walls
 

Like, favorite, subscribe, friend me, tweet me, and all that fun jazz. I'm always happy to interact with "fans" and people in general. I should also have my Goodreads page up soon, so you can check that out if you'd like. Thanks!

Pretty cool interview

Check out the interview I had with TJ Reddig: click here!

 

Also, if you're interested in doing an interview for this website, send me an email and I would love to have you as a guest. If you are interested in doing an interview for TJ Reddig, click here.

 

Plus, if you STILL haven't checked out the fun choose-your-own-adventure-horror entitled Melissa's Heart, you really should! I'd love to get some feedback.

 

Thanks!

Interview with author Mysti Parker

As far as my understanding goes, the blending of high fantasy and romance is a relatively small subset of the massive romance genre. What got you interested in romantic fantasy and what has kept you writing in that genre?


My love of fantasy began when I was little and had a 45 record/read-along book of The Hobbit. I fell in romance a few years later when I first read Jane Eyre. Fast forward to early this century when The Lord of the Rings movie came out. Watching Orlando Bloom as Legolas sealed the deal between fantasy and romance. Plus, I’d been playing online roleplaying games for some time and began to write about the characters I created. That’s where Caliphany and A Ranger’s Tale was born.

 

I love interweaving a strong love story into a world completely born out of my imagination. Beyond the obstacles of “regular” romance, I can employ challenges for the hero and heroine that involve magic, exotic races & creatures, and of course dragons! I can also make said hero and heroine as unique and kick-ass as I want them to be, like Caliphany, who turns out to be a damn good ranger and fire mage.


As a fellow high fantasy writer, I often get asked about my character names. Where do you find inspiration for such names as Galadin Trudeaux and Caliphany?


I try to use names that reflect the character’s race and culture. For instance, high elves like Caliphany Aranea and King Leopold Vaeloria have formal-sounding names that roll easily off the tongue. There are wood elves like Jayden Ravenwing and Zephyrus & Shade Windsong, whose names involve something in nature. Galadin Trudeaux is half elf/half human, so his name reflects his mixed background.


The characters in my next Tallenmere novel—Mirabelle Hearton & Lysander Devlin—are from the cold, mountainous province of Hezral. Their names (with the strong consonants) reflect the culture of the hardy Hezrali people.


What authors have been you inspiration within the genre of romantic fantasy and also outside of the genre?


Mercedes Lackey would be my inspiration for the genre mash-up. There’s everyone’s go-to, Tolkien for the classic fantasy inspiration. I’ve also been greatly influenced by Victoria Holt’s gothic romance since I was a teen.


In your opinion, which widely known author is most similar to your writing style, if any?


Possibly Mercedes Lackey, though one reviewer compared my style in the Tallenmere series to that of Terry Goodkind. I don’t claim to write like any well-known author or as well, and God knows, not better. I just aim to write the best story I can write.


When is your next release and what about that novel sets it apart from your other work?


My newest is actually a shift from fantasy romance to romantic comedy. It’s a set of serial fiction stories called The Roche Hotel, based in part from my own experience working in a hotel in the 90’s. It’s funny with a few heart-tugging spots here and there. No sex, violence, or profanity—probably the cleanest romance I’ve ever written! Hee hee. Here’s the blurb:

 

After her husband ditches her for a blonde actress wannabe, Jane Seymour needs a job that pays the rent. The struggling Roche Hotel needs a miracle. With the former owner’s wife butting her nose into the renovations and new owners who are in way over their heads, Jane may be the answer to their prayers. Sure, she can handle The Roche Hotel’s quirky staff. But, can this skittish divorcee keep it all together when handsome Henry the Donut Guy makes his first delivery? This collection of serial fiction stories is a Tudorific romantic comedy that will leave you laughing out loud and hungry for more.


Do you have any projects planned for the future that depart from your typical style and genre in a drastic way?


Besides The Roche Hotel, I have a children’s book called “Quentin’s Problem” that should be out within the month. I have another one waiting to be illustrated and another in the planning stages.

 

I have a historical romance that’s finished and seeking shelter (publication). I’m also writing a contemporary romance with a male author, so that’s my first collaboration. Happy to say it’s going well.


Where can we find your books and blog?

The best place to find my books is on my Amazon Author page: Click Here!

The Roche Hotel is available now for pre-order on Kindle for just $0.99, so readers can save a buck if they order it before the release date of October 15:  Click Here!

 

I’m hosting a Facebook Release Party on October 15 from 6-9 PM EST, so everyone’s welcome to attend. You’ll get a chance to win a nice hotel-themed prize basket! Here’s the event page: Click Here!