tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86471008370546114242024-03-05T14:23:24.478+00:00WRITER IN THE DARK: The blog of writer Rich HawkinsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-12992805531961776962016-08-09T08:37:00.001+01:002016-08-09T08:37:54.155+01:00DEATHCRAWL PRE-ORDER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!So, as of today, my next story DEATHCRAWL is available for pre-order. It's scheduled for release on August 30th, which gives me time to give the story a last polish before it's sent away to the Amazon overlords.<br />
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Here's the description, if you're interested...<br />
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Murder, suicide, mutilation and madness. Slaughter in the streets. Anything goes. <br />
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When the village of Beacon Fell is hit by an epidemic of violence, Jed Kittridge is one of the few people immune to the bloodlust that has turned his friends and neighbours into rabid killers. Insanity fills the air. Friends become enemies. And in the aftermath of such death and destruction, all that matters is survival...because the world will never be the same again. <br />
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DEATHCRAWL is a fast-paced, violent thriller that takes inspiration from the extreme end of the horror spectrum.<br />
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The cover was done by the awesome Daryl Duncan (check out his zombie novella SCUD). Great work, as always, mate.<br />
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And that's that! It feels good to be getting work out there. Long may it continue! I'm quite enjoying this self-publishing experiment.<br />
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Be excellent to each other.<br />
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Laters!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-44109873131993402962016-07-27T19:21:00.000+01:002016-08-09T08:25:47.991+01:00THE SELF-PUBLISHING EXPERIMENT/WORKS IN PROGRESSI've dipped my toes into the deep pool of self-publishing. How's it going, you may ask? It's going okay. I think. I didn't know what to expect, and I still don't know what to expect. I've sold a few copies of SCAVENGERS since its release on Sunday, and I'm quietly pleased with the reaction to it, so far. The reviews have been positive, and I've gained a few new readers in the process. It's still early days, so I'll see how things go.<br />
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So, what's next?<br />
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I'm currently writing a novella/short story called DEATHCRAWL. It's about mass demonic possession. The elevator pitch would be: HARRY BROWN meets THE CRAZIES. It's going to be violent, fast-paced and a lot of fun. I'm certainly enjoying writing it.<br />
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I'm also plotting a war/action novel tentatively titled INVASION UK. And some other, secret stuff...<br />
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Plus, there's a sci-fi horror novella also in the works. It's all happening over here.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPho6CpH72y42Fi2FiEvczCSRS28KdvSGLmHODVixJbIUYm7PfylHXcAHHKX7srizCU0WZH7M3MjbfV3ufDlrBKGWL2qq2OwR9IjkUnHYzflX1XWFeCwWxBbRr2IGuinEP-RE8khyQLk/s1600/scavengers+smells.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPho6CpH72y42Fi2FiEvczCSRS28KdvSGLmHODVixJbIUYm7PfylHXcAHHKX7srizCU0WZH7M3MjbfV3ufDlrBKGWL2qq2OwR9IjkUnHYzflX1XWFeCwWxBbRr2IGuinEP-RE8khyQLk/s320/scavengers+smells.jpg" width="207" height="320" /></a><br />
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And that's it.<br />
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Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-13876301168778496672016-07-25T12:14:00.000+01:002016-07-25T12:14:11.776+01:00SCAVENGERSSo, my first self-published novella SCAVENGERS was released yesterday, and despite already self-publishing two short stories in the last few months, I found it quite daunting. I envisioned it being completely ignored or, even worse, derided by anyone who'd read it. Neither has happened so far, so that's encouraging. Although it's always a nervous wait for that first review!<br />
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Yeah, so, it's about two couples who are travelling to a holiday cottage in the countryside, during one of the worst storms in years. They find a car abandoned across the road, blocking their way, so then two of them get out to investigate.<br />
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They find the keys in the ignition. The radio's playing. The headlights are on. But no one is there.<br />
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Moments later, they're plunged into a nightmare from which there may be no escape. They will be hunted.<br />
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I really enjoyed writing this novella. I hope people enjoy reading it!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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The children play in the woods. The children hunt in the woods. <br />
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They kill in the woods. <br />
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When Ray and his wife join another couple for a week in the countryside, they expect nothing more than a few days of relaxation, fine drink and good food. Instead they discover a terrible secret that threatens to destroy them all. <br />
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They will run and hide - and fight if they have to - but the fields will be covered in blood and screams will echo through the trees. <br />
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The SCAVENGERS are here. <br />
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A visceral, non-stop tale of horror from British Fantasy Award-nominated author Rich Hawkins.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-69633867963942861582016-06-06T23:15:00.002+01:002016-06-06T23:15:24.594+01:00The Self-Publishing Noob.So, I took the plunge and self-published my short story FALLEN SOLDIER at the weekend...and it's going well so far, despite my almost-total lack of experience with it. Pretty pleased with the reaction to the story, and it's had some good reviews. But my plans for world domination do not end there, for I'm planning to self-publish another short story and a novella - SCAVENGERS - in the near future. <br />
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I also have a few short stories due out soon, not to mention my traditionally-published novellas KING CARRION and RUIN. Then there's an idea for a crime thriller slowly bubbling at the back of my head, which I'm quite excited about.<br />
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So, that's what's been happening over here. I'm off to eat some cheese. Ciao.<br />
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The SCAVENGERS cover was done by Daryl Duncan. I love it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-36935266907392776262016-03-29T10:32:00.000+01:002016-03-29T10:32:18.165+01:00Easter Eggs and Bunny Boilers.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1fg_G00vdYWfF9wnHC_oCannhwspxaelQ9nXuY3YFJXCf0Ex6rvlEaJEb63HfkVIfQggKmKcqpd_Li8iXVGcWWsR4p0FBivSNYi3R4eFkUzMFcWPQJsO961_E981hyphenhyphenNZlU90kb2BVb4/s1600/bunny+boilers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1fg_G00vdYWfF9wnHC_oCannhwspxaelQ9nXuY3YFJXCf0Ex6rvlEaJEb63HfkVIfQggKmKcqpd_Li8iXVGcWWsR4p0FBivSNYi3R4eFkUzMFcWPQJsO961_E981hyphenhyphenNZlU90kb2BVb4/s320/bunny+boilers.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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So, here I am with a cup of coffee in hand while 'Mr Tumble' frolics on the telly in the background and my daughter laughs gaily. But enough of that, because I'm going to tell you about an anthology I'm in, alongside a host of talented writers from the indie horror scene. Seriously, this is the sort of line up that would turn away Rasputin for being 'too nice'. The anthology's called EASTER EGGS AND BUNNY BOILERS, organised and published by horror writer Matt Shaw, who did a great job of bringing everything together and keeping us in line. Nice work, Matt, you did good.<br />
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Despite only being released on Sunday, the anthology is already an Amazon bestseller, which is pretty awesome. <br />
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I wrote my story 'FELDMAN'S RABBIT' in less than a week, which is pretty quick for me. I think the story came out pretty good, and I certainly enjoyed writing it. It concerns a man named Feldman who, in the midst of a terrible snowstorm, finds shelter in an abandoned house in the depths of the English countryside. But what waits for him in the house is worse than any snowstorm...<br />
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The rabbit waits for him...<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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Cheers! <br />
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I'm very pleased with the initial reaction to the novella, and long may it continue! I hope future readers enjoy it too!<br />
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<blockquote></blockquote>Following the devastating outbreak of an alien virus, Eddie and his young grandson struggle to survive within the wasteland of Great Britain. They live day-to-day, scavenging among the ruins, trying to avoid the deadly infected that now roam the land. But Eddie has other demons to conquer: a longstanding drink problem that needs to be kept in check if he wants to keep both himself and his young charge alive. <br />
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When a stranger enters their lives, seeking help, Eddie is forced to make a choice that could alter their lives forever. <br />
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THE PLAGUE WINTER is a standalone novella set within the same world as THE LAST PLAGUE and THE LAST OUTPOST.<blockquote></blockquote><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-53059772859762145562016-02-01T11:17:00.001+00:002016-02-01T11:23:50.352+00:00THE PLAGUE WINTERToday marks the release of my novella THE PLAGUE WINTER from the very kind people at Infected Books. I've had to keep this a secret for the last few months, so I'm very happy to see it out in the wild and following in the footsteps of Adam Baker's KILLCHAIN as the second release in YEAR OF THE ZOMBIE, which I'm very honoured to be a part of. <br />
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It's a standalone story set in the same world as my novels THE LAST PLAGUE, THE LAST OUTPOST, and the forthcoming THE LAST SOLDIER, in which the world is devastated by an unknown virus that transforms people into mutated bloodthirsty monsters, and I had a blast writing it. Thanks to David Moody and Wayne Simmons for letting me be a part of this very cool project!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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Following the devastating outbreak of an alien virus, Eddie and his young grandson struggle to survive within the wasteland of Great Britain. They live day-to-day, scavenging among the ruins, trying to avoid the deadly infected that now roam the land. But Eddie has other demons to conquer: a longstanding drink problem that needs to be kept in check if he wants to keep both himself and his young charge alive.<br />
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When a stranger enters their lives, seeking help, Eddie is forced to make a choice that could alter their lives forever.<br />
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THE PLAGUE WINTER is a standalone novella set within the same world as THE LAST PLAGUE and THE LAST OUTPOST.<br />
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Praise for Hawkins’ previous work:<br />
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‘One of the most intriguing post-apocalyptic novels I’ve read in a long time.’ (David Moody on THE LAST PLAGUE)<br />
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‘A new voice in infection fiction.’ (Sean T. Page on THE LAST PLAGUE)<br />
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‘A world of bloody, tearing violence, of pain and misery; of utter solitude, and tooth and nail survival.’ (Ginger Nuts of Horror on THE LAST OUTPOST)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-1507398866064196282015-12-12T21:42:00.000+00:002015-12-12T21:42:11.403+00:00Confidence and StuffI needed a subject for a blog post. I spent ten minutes trying to think of one, then I saw that my friend and fellow writer Paul M. Feeney wrote a Facebook post about self-confidence and 'imposter syndrome'. So I thought they would make a decent topic to blog about. And it would do nicely, as I've been trying to increase my usual output of one post every six months.<br />
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Confidence, eh? Who'd have it? <br />
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Who's got it? <br />
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I've got a bit. Not much. Probably enough to write a paragraph or two before the doubts creep in. Why bother, Hawkins? What's the point, motherfucker? You're useless, so give up, and leave the writing to the writers with actual talent. You got a bit lucky with that one book, but now you've found your level, fuck-face.<br />
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Charming, aren't they? To clarify, there isn't an *actual* voice. So I'm not crazy; I've been tested.<br />
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Anyway, I digress. For the last few weeks I've been stuck in a bit of rut with the ol' writing. It's not a 'creative block' as such, more of a small crisis of confidence, and the writing's been a bit more of a struggle than usual. I find writing difficult at the best of times, but lately the self-doubt has been quite dispiriting. But hopefully I'm getting through it. I've just finished the first draft of a short story, and I feel better about it now than I did while I was writing it, so maybe I'm climbing out of the rut. But it's not a big deal. We all struggle. I guess that all writers go through lean patches. <br />
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And I suppose that if a writer had constant and total confidence, bordering on arrogance, he'd probably be a knobhead. I'm not a knobhead.<br />
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That's it really. Not much else to say. Just trying to keep the blog ticking over.<br />
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Hope you're all well. Keep writing, writers.<br />
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Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-70911769042603838262015-12-04T18:18:00.000+00:002015-12-04T18:18:21.956+00:00Works in Progress and Stuff.I thought I would blog, as that's apparently something writers do every now and then, and I really should be using this medium more. So here goes, and this will just be a rambling post of sorts because it's Friday, I've been looking after my daughter since seven am, and I'm a little wired on coffee. Plus my thoughts aren't the most coherent at the best of times. <br />
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So, I decided to write about my forthcoming releases and stuff I'm currently working on. Because I couldn't think of anything else to write about. Did I mention it's Friday?<br />
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Okay - forthcoming releases over the next few months include the German version of THE LAST PLAGUE, published by Voodoo Press, which I'm very excited about as I'd never thought in a million years my work would be translated into another language. Then there's my short story BLACK FLOWER BUTTERFLY in Belladonna Publishing's anthology STRANGE LITTLE GIRLS. Then after that, at some point next year, will be the final novel in the 'plague' series, THE LAST SOLDIER, and a mystery novella or two I can't reveal yet. The German version of THE LAST OUTPOST is due to be published at some point too.<br />
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What am I working on presently? Well, I've got two projects on the go at the moment - a short story - MISERY ARTIST - for an anthology, and a novella called KING CARRION. Once they're done I'll start on my next novel HUNT THE DEVIL. I may even have a crack at submitting to Black Static, but that depends how ridiculously optimistic I get. <br />
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At least I've got plenty to do between changing nappies and walking dogs. Onwards.<br />
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So, that's it. I hope to make more effort at blogging from now on. I may even write about something interesting. Maybe. We'll see. <br />
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Be excellent to one another. Bye.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-61498998020591947752015-11-11T21:21:00.000+00:002015-11-11T21:25:13.588+00:00Interview with Ken PrestonToday I welcome author Ken Preston to the blog for a quick chat. He's a nice chap and a fine writer, and it's great to have him visit my humble blog.<br />
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How would you describe your writing style?<br />
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Flamboyant? Classical? Vivacious? No, none of these.<br />
I always try and write a book that I would enjoy reading. Every now and then I might pick up a Man Booker winning novel that I know is going to be hard work, but mostly I read to be entertained, and entertainment is what I strive for in my writing.<br />
So, my books are fast paced, action packed, and funny too. The humour mainly comes out in the dialogue, and my characters like to talk a lot.<br />
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Which of your books/stories would you recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?<br />
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I write in a broad range of genres, but for all the horror fans out there, Joe Coffin Season One is the obvious jumping in point. The Joe Coffin series is a British gangster, Birmingham set, supernatural horror series, written in episodes and seasons TV style. It’s violent, bloody, funny, profane, explicit and thunders along like an out of control express train. But make sure you start with Season One, because this is not the kind of book series you can jump into in the middle.<br />
Season One, Episode One is currently free on Amazon UK/US for anyone who would like to try it out risk free!<br />
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Do you have a favourite character from any of your stories?<br />
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I love them all, like the children of mine that they are, even with their defects and failings. I love Joe Coffin, which is fortunate as I think I will be chronicling his (mis)adventures for some time to come. I also love Stump and Corpse from the Coffin series, too.<br />
But I think I have to give Tom Mills, also from Joe Coffin, a special mention. Readers react so strongly to him, saying things like ‘I hated Tom’ and ‘I absolutely loathed Tom’. And I find that so interesting, because yes, he’s a reprehensible character, but I still had a little sympathy for him.<br />
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What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?<br />
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American crime writer Lawrence Block, when asked ‘How do you write a novel?’ replied:<br />
‘One word at a time.’<br />
Best advice ever.<br />
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Who are your literary heroes/heroines?<br />
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Lawrence Block, who has amassed a huge body of amazing work over the years. Stephen King (of course), Robert Louis Stevenson, HG Wells and JRR Tolkien for introducing me to the wonders of reading as a child, James Herbert and Guy N Smith for almost putting me off reading for life because their books were so terrifying to me as a child, and Harper Lee for writing To Kill a Mockingbird, and Ken Kesey for One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, two of my all-time favourite books.<br />
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What book do you wish you’d written?<br />
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The one that’s going to sell gazillions of copies and be optioned by Hollywood.<br />
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What book are you currently reading?<br />
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The Tenth Man by Graham Greene.<br />
I’ve just finished reading Raven’s Gate by Anthony Horowitz, which is a YA book. That was very good.<br />
My bookshelves are currently groaning beneath the weight of all the books I haven’t read yet. I try to promise myself every now and then not to buy another book until I have made some headway into my TBR pile, but it never happens. I just can’t resist buying books. My Kindle is similarly overloaded with books to be read. In fact, Rich, one of yours is queued up on there!<br />
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What do you like to do when you’re not writing?<br />
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Is there such a thing as not writing? I’m father to two school age boys, so my typical day starts at 6:00 am when I write for an hour or so, then I get the kids up and breakfasted and off to school. After that it’s back to the writing cave.<br />
I do love to go trail running, but find it difficult to fit in the runs, especially the longer ones. I also love watching movies and TV. Currently loving Hand of God with Ron Perlman, and Gotham.<br />
Oh, and of course I love reading, too.<br />
I am in a constant quest to organize my day better, so that I can spend some of it doing stuff other than writing. But it’s difficult.<br />
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What advice would you give to new writers just starting out in the business?<br />
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Write.<br />
And then write some more.<br />
I know that sounds trite and overly simple, but seriously, content is king. Faced with a choice between promoting existing work or creating new work, I would say nine times out of ten you’re better off going creating new work.<br />
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What do you think of the current state of the horror genre?<br />
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I love it! And not just horror, either. We’re living in a Golden Age of books, with the digital revolution completely democratizing the publishing process. Whilst there will always be crap books being written and published now that the publishing gates have been thrown wide open, I think that the indie writing sector is maturing. Three years ago I was ready to never publish again, I despaired at the lack of quality content out there.<br />
But now I see more and more well written, professionally published novels coming out of the independent sector, and that’s great.<br />
And I think it’s the indies who are doing the best work in the horror genre right now.<br />
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What are you working on at the moment?<br />
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Joe Coffin Season Three is about to take over my life for the next few months, but I have also been working on a new series. This one’s for Young Adults (but with adult cross-over appeal I hope). The first book in the Planet of the Dinosaurs series will be out at the end of November.<br />
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If you had the chance to co-write a novel with an author of your choice, who would it be?<br />
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Duncan Ralston and I have talked vaguely about co-authoring something, but that’s a long way off yet. Duncan is great, and writes in a similar style to mine. If you haven’t checked out Gristle and Bone, go do it now!<br />
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Finally, are there any nuggets of info about future works you’re willing to share?<br />
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I’ve always got work on the go, and ideas bubbling away.<br />
Planet of the Dinosaurs is next up, with two more books in that series to follow quite quickly. Then there’s Joe Coffin Season Three, of course.<br />
My zombie/cowboy mashup Population:DEAD! has been crying out to be turned into a series of novels for a long time now, so hopefully I will get around to that one day soon.<br />
And then there are the romance novels that I write for British publisher DC Thompson.<br />
But you don’t want to know about those, do you?<br />
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Thank you for having me on your blog, Rich, I enjoyed it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-40193949540039745162015-10-29T15:06:00.001+00:002015-10-29T15:09:58.570+00:00The Last Soldier and AwardsThe third and final novel in the Plague series is almost done. Well, when I say 'almost done' I mean it'll need at least two more drafts before I can send it off to the publisher. I just hope it's not a complete flop, which is always in the back of my mind when I'm nearing the end of a project. We'll see how it goes.<br />
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In other news, the past weekend at FantasyCon in Nottingham was superb and I got to meet loads of new, talented people as well as see some good friends and some literary heroes of mine. I even got to meet Joe Hill and sit on a panel with him. He's a nice guy with a great sense of humour. Unfortunately The Last Plague didn't win the British Fantasy Award for Best Horror Novel, but it went to a worthy winner, Adam Nevill, for his novel 'No One Gets Out Alive', which is an excellent book and one I'd recommend along with his other work. Plus Adam's a friendly, humble bloke in a business which has its share of egotists and Prima Donnas, so he's really deserving of the award and sets a good example to other writers. Anyway I was just honoured to be nominated in the same category as writers like Adam, Gary McMahon, Alison Littlewood and MR Carey.<br />
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So, in summary, I really enjoyed the weekend and it's given me a kick up the arse with the writing.<br />
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I won't do a full report of the convention, because I'm lazy and today's my birthday. Now, I shall return to my unlit man-cave to continue editing TLS!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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How would you describe your writing style?<br />
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In terms of genre, my passions are still for horror and science fiction. I enjoy a more casual tone to the narrative and I try to keep a fairly close proximity between the reader and the point of view of the characters. The subject matter of my stories often tend heavily towards the darker side of fiction but I also try and make a conscious effort to hold back on a lot of actual descriptions. I like to take the reader to the brink of the more disturbing parts and then let their imagination fill in the gaps that I leave behind. I also tend to be very focused on dialogue, to a fault where it seems like the story is taking place within a white room.<br />
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Which of your books/stories would you recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?<br />
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The easiest way to get started on my style is to check out my blog – www.bakedscribe.net. Every week, I publish a work of short fiction – usually around a thousand words. New stories are posted every Wednesday. Also, on Saturdays, I re-post an older issue from the blog which has since been taken down. And starting this July, I will be introducing two new additions. Micro Mondays will feature a story short enough to fit into a Twitter post. Second, I will be posting monthly essays in a series I am tentatively calling, “Ramblings On The Craft”, which will consist on thoughts and opinions I have on the art of writing.<br />
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Do you have a favourite character from any of your stories?<br />
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I wrote a short story (Long Last Victory) about a failing writer, who is clearly full of himself and of talents that he likely doesn’t really have. In a last effort to try and find his success as a writer, he sneaks a story into a creative writing contest for children. The character was a lot of fun, over the top and absurdly offensive with his remarks – very much inspired by Ignatius Reilly.<br />
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What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?<br />
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This advice wasn’t necessarily articulated to me in this way, but one of the most important lessons I have learned as a newly published writer is the importance of patience. Publishing can be a heart breaking experience as you sit there, waiting to see reviews of your books, hoping for some sales numbers to start showing up and it’s extremely difficult to not come conclude that all of this disappointment is a result of your lack of talent. As authors, we have a tendency to look with no small amount of longing at those on the next rung up from us and wish that we could just get there ourselves. The problem is that if you ever do get to that level, you then become fascinated with the next one. And the next one, and the next. There are probably a very tiny amount of artists that have ever reached that plateau where they can feel satisfied that there isn’t really anything else they can accomplish. Don’t let the goal become too much of a source of stress and frustration. Remember that the words are what got you into this and if, in the end you do end up achieving that material level you have always dreamed of, are you really going to be happy if your entire road leading up to that has been miserable?<br />
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Who are your literary heroes/heroines?<br />
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If I look back over the years at the various reading stages I have gone through, Stephen King and Anne Rice are probably the two most consistent names that I have had on my shelves and have looked up to. I love King for his dialogue and the incredible depth he gives to his characters. I love that he takes the time to devote backstory to a character that has maybe a few pages of relevance to the story. Some likely see that as story in need of an edit but I love it when you get that extra depth to a book. And Anne Rice’s early works were regular parts of my reading rotation from about the seventh grade and on. I grew less interested in her more recent books but I loved her use of language and setting and how beautifully she could weave a story.<br />
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In general, I am a huge fan of independent writers who put their art out themselves, or via small press publishers. There’s a great feeling of connection with these people who are just trying to get their words out there in the world. It takes a lot of passion and drive to be able to do something like this so my hat is off to anyone who undertakes the adventure.<br />
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What book do you wish you’d written?<br />
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This is a tough one because I think that I would be slightly full of myself to suggest that I, in all my brilliance would be able to execute a book better than the original author. But I don’t think I would put a book that I love as an answer to this because then it wouldn’t be the book I love anymore – the idea would be there but it would be something else entirely. So I guess my answer would be a book called House Next Door. I found the concept of the book to be a very interesting take on the haunted house genre but I thought the execution was a little lacking. It just wasn’t a storytelling style that I am a fan of – where a great portion of the story is told second hand, with one character relating what happened to another, instead of putting the reader into the action. <br />
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What book are you currently reading?<br />
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The Stand, by Stephen King. It isn’t the first time I’ve read it by any means but it still is one of my favorites. Any writer who has any inclination of writing post-apocalyptic fiction should use this as their starting point. I think it’s the perfect metaphor showing how in a world fallen apart, most people will fall down one of two paths, the ones who decide to carry on, devoting their lives to each other and the community and then there will be those who choose to move on, devoting their lives to themselves.<br />
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What do you like to do when you’re not writing?<br />
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Besides being a jungle gym for my two sons, I love to read. I also enjoy cooking. I am a baker by trade and I have been teaching classes on making pizza from scratch for fifteen years.<br />
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What advice would you give to new writers just starting out in the business?<br />
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First of all, I think it’s important to not think of it as “getting into the business.” I think that it’s important to be a passionate writer before you try and become a successful author. I also think that it is very important for you to have realistic expectations regarding what you would consider success. It’s a very small percentage of people who have the talent and fortitude to write a book. Of that, it is an even smaller percentage who have the good fortune to be able to support themselves on their writing and no other source of income. Within the last year or so, I read a survey that showed 80% of self-published authors and over half of traditionally published authors were making less than $1000 a year. That’s a sobering statistic and one that flies in the face of the get-rich quick scheme that many people seem to mis-perceive in the ability to self-publish. So first and foremost, you need to make it about your passion for the words, as opposed to the income. Second, you need to take your responsibility as an author very seriously. Do your due diligence and make sure you are putting out the best product you can, don’t simply publish for the sake of getting product out there. Publish with humility, publish with fear and publish with gratitude.<br />
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What do you think of the current state of the horror genre?<br />
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Like anything else, you are going to find less positive elements that are hard to work through. There are some that are determined to just bolster themselves and do whatever it takes to achieve what they perceive as success. But there are some you come across that are genuine, amazingly generous and kind people. I think that a lot of horror writers out there are looking out for each other and I am very proud to consider myself a small part of that. <br />
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What are you working on at the moment?<br />
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The blog is usually top on my to-do list, keeping up with as regular a schedule as I can manage for putting out those stories. I’ll soon resume work on what will end up being my first full length novel. I am also starting to outline what will likely end up being a four book series although there is no time frame on that one – still in the very, very early stages.<br />
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If you had the chance to co-write a novel with an author of your choice, who would it be?<br />
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My instinct would be to say Stephen King, but being completely realistic, when would I ever be comfortable enough to look into his eyes and work up the gumption to say, “Well, why don’t we try this instead….” I think that I would like to work with authors who have achieved greatness in the profession but not so much that everything I try to say just ends up being an awkward, ejaculatory expression of how awesome I think they are. I think that Neil Gaiman would be a good author to work with, simply because he seems to have such an abstract mind and creativity that I think would be fun to work off of. And I’m sure he would have a plethora of wisdom that I would be able to benefit from as well. <br />
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Finally, are there any nuggets of info about future works you’re willing to share?<br />
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Within the next year, I should be putting out my next collection of short stories from the blog, tentatively titled Walking Yesterday’s Memories. I am also working on my first full length novel, titled Behind Our Walls. Last year, I published my debut book which contained a short story titled, Tomorrow’s Memory. Behind Our Walls is set in the universe of this story and several peripheral characters from the short are more central to the novel. I currently have a revised draft out with readers and with any luck, I will be able to have it out by the end of the year or early next. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-17165950891736046992015-08-21T19:20:00.000+01:002015-08-21T19:20:54.143+01:00Interview with writer Jonathan Wood<br />
I asked horror writer and top bloke Jonathan Wood over to answer some questions about his work. He kindly agreed. Read on, gentle reader...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIvJRspeFnGwnIRPJlQsFfJwXWaFtVfe6hcw7i-m4UQU0ipC1NCWTfBj2EdqEGVVgVPFs2LhOGru8uQMOj2rC_TW8_bZRz0lMFrooU1Iw7JBYLtT7vlpAz82ORMN0QNS2mZnwiXoj7Gw/s1600/jon+wood.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIvJRspeFnGwnIRPJlQsFfJwXWaFtVfe6hcw7i-m4UQU0ipC1NCWTfBj2EdqEGVVgVPFs2LhOGru8uQMOj2rC_TW8_bZRz0lMFrooU1Iw7JBYLtT7vlpAz82ORMN0QNS2mZnwiXoj7Gw/s320/jon+wood.png" /></a></div><br />
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How would you describe your writing style?<br />
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I think my style is constantly changing, and I think it's also an intrinsic element of being a writer that it inevitably changes as time progresses. It can also depend upon the type of story you are trying to tell. I suppose recurrent practices in my own style are to rely upon slow burning and dread techniques. I myself am much more frightened by slow dread being cranked up in a novel or story rather than out and out shocks, so I try to replicate this in my own style. I just try to give it “my voice”. My aim is always to try and unsettle a reader for what they don't see. <br />
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Which of your books/stories would you recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?<br />
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I would suggest my debut fiction collection “Urban Chiller” because it would give a reader a chance to see my wares in their uncut format. Although many of the tales within Urban Chiller had been published in anthologies beforehand, the book gave me the opportunity to return to the originally intended vision I had for many of the tales and offer them in a one-off collection. <br />
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Do you have a favourite character from any of your stories?<br />
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I think it would be the narrator of my short story “Harlequin”, Jeff Devers. Although Jeff's character is fractured, developing how he sees the outside world was a particular challenge to execute. <br />
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What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?<br />
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I think the best advice I've had is to be brave and not be afraid to “just write”. I've seen many fine writers become almost paralysed with self doubt and I often worry about this affliction myself. I'm trying to stick to that maxim and not be too self critical, these days. I think to have a trusted and constructive support network around you is also vital. You need that objectivity of your peers to draft changes and develop ideas. <br />
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Who are your literary heroes/heroines?<br />
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Oh, that's a hard one. There's so many authors I admire and seek inspiration from. I have a great deal of respect for Adam Nevill. Not only is Adam one of the finest authors working in the genre right now, but I also admire the journey he's been on to reach where he is now, and it's richly deserved. I've managed to meet Adam a few times at conventions and so forth and he's also offered me some personal advice with my own work.<br />
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What book do you wish you’d written?<br />
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The Ritual Adam Nevill<br />
The Books of Blood Clive Barker<br />
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What book are you currently reading?<br />
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Blood Kin by Steve Rasnic Tem. It's fantastic.<br />
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What do you like to do when you’re not writing?<br />
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I have a number of hobbies. I play guitar(badly), but I have one of the best tutors on the planet, enslaved with the task of getting me up to scratch. He keeps putting up his fees in the hope that I'll go away but I keep coming back for more! I also like to read and dabble in a little photography and fitness training. <br />
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What advice would you give to new writers just starting out in the business?<br />
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It's a tough old game. Be prepared for the long haul, the rejections and develop a thick skin. Start by writing what you know. If it's easier to begin cutting your teeth on short stories, then do that. Play to your own strengths. Learn how the publishing industry works, both in digital and paper formats. Network with as many people as you can via social media. This can be invaluable. Above all, be brave and determined. <br />
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What do you think of the current state of the horror genre?<br />
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I think it's in safe hands. It's a competitive genre again and that's a good thing. Apart from the heavyweights, there are some great new writers coming through in amongst the plethora of self published stuff and there are some real gems out there if you know where to look. There is still a rather elite snobbery going on in my opinion in some quarters with better known authors always making the bigger anthologies because of their marketing appeal, but it's the way the biscuit breaks. I'm not suggesting the bigger authors don't deserve it, they worked bloody hard to get where they are, but in my opinion, there are some fantastic lesser knowns putting out some great stuff too and not getting the recognition they perhaps warrant because they lack marketing appeal on an anthology line-up.<br />
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What are you working on at the moment?<br />
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I'm working on two novellas and my debut novel. As usual, I have a ton of short stories and flash fiction floating around in my head waiting to be plucked. <br />
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If you had the chance to co-write a novel with an author of your choice, who would it be?<br />
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That's a difficult one. Me being me, I'd probably worry about being the evidently weaker link in a collaboration with one of my favourite authors. But..I'd love the chance to work with Gary McMahon, John Arne Lindqvist or Joe Lansdale. <br />
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Finally, are there any nuggets of info about future works you’re willing to share?<br />
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Mmmm, ok. I hope to have at least one of the novellas completed this year and also a few short stories published in an anthology or magazine. A personal goal is to be accepted by Black Static. The bar is very high for this magazine and doubly difficult when you predominantly a more pulp horror author than a literary one. I see this as a personal challenge to impress Andy Cox enough at Black Static to get in there one day! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-10878108299468524872015-02-02T18:05:00.000+00:002015-02-03T15:20:03.465+00:00INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL MARC CHANT<br />
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I recently had a chat with up-and-coming writer Daniel Marc Chant, author of BURNING HOUSE and his latest release MALDICION, which I've just finished reading and enjoyed very much. Dan's a good lad and another of the new wave of horror writers hitting the scene. It's a pleasure to interview him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgX_kRrHDSLYqDwy9k70JxsA-Z9PzivoH4cefrD1vPI8kTIZ7azdz8mvKZSOg5CnIRU8ZMzHexRtIE8Y0YUXEQlgCDRWfWSo5SIigiFFRSvDRcM_Ztip13OzUtYCKaV3VeqG9lmYs9Ks/s1600/20150126_141619_Jean.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgX_kRrHDSLYqDwy9k70JxsA-Z9PzivoH4cefrD1vPI8kTIZ7azdz8mvKZSOg5CnIRU8ZMzHexRtIE8Y0YUXEQlgCDRWfWSo5SIigiFFRSvDRcM_Ztip13OzUtYCKaV3VeqG9lmYs9Ks/s320/20150126_141619_Jean.jpg" /></a><br />
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How would you describe your writing style?<br />
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I think I’m a to-the-point writer. I don’t like to waste paragraphs on empty dialogue or exposition. This probably comes from cutting my teeth doing screenplays as opposed to novels. In a screenplay description is a premium so that no doubt colours my approach to writing prose. I’m under no doubt that sometimes it’s to its compliment, others it’s detriment.<br />
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Which of your books would you recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?<br />
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Personally I’d say my second book Maldicion. My first book, Burning House, was the culmination of me desperately wanting to do something like this and get it out there. The idea for Burning House had fermented for years in my head through conversations with my best friend and countless viewings of The Thing by John Carpenter (still my number one film). Therefore my first book suffered because of that eager inexperience. There are countless things I’m proud of in it – for instance the action and the pace when it truly kicks off – but there’s the lack of decent characterisation and substantial plot that’s a hallmark of a newbie. <br />
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Maldicion on the other hand (hopefully) captured my adoration of Lovecraft and survival horror. <br />
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Do you have a favourite character from any of your stories?<br />
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I love animals (not in that way you sicko) so the titular cat in Mr. Robespierre (my upcoming third book) is probably my favourite. I’ve always had felines in my life and despite having huge respect for all of evolution’s marvels none can capture the majesty of the humble housecat for me. <br />
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Mr. Robespierre is – what I think – a cat should be. Elegant. Mysterious. And full of secrets.<br />
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What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?<br />
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Never sub your own work. Has to be that. We all like to think we know English and grammar, and for the most part we do, but when it’s your own story and you’re personally invested you’ll miss things. I guarantee it. I know I did. <br />
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My first book suffered from me being over protective with it and not letting people read it and critique too much before release. I won’t make that same mistake again.<br />
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Who are your literary heroes/heroines?<br />
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Firstly it has it be Howard Phillips Lovecraft. While the man is famous for his reprehensible and backwards views on race his fiction resonates with me like no other. I don’t agree with his point of view but I adore his catalogue of work for the most part.<br />
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Secondly it’s Danny King. He’s a writer specialising in comedic British crime fiction but every word he writes vividly comes to life. His dry sense of humour, and observation skills, are second to none.<br />
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What book do you wish you’d written?<br />
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Hitman Diaries by Danny King. One of the best reads ever.<br />
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What book are you currently reading?<br />
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I’m currently reading Gristle & Bone by Duncan Ralston. It’s a collection of seven horror stories. Duncan is a prolific supporter of all things horror and all round awesome human but he’s also a deranged sick puppy when it comes to writing. I love it.<br />
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After that I have Reinhart by Thomas S Flowers and Black Friday by Jeffery X Martin.<br />
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What do you like to do when you’re not writing?<br />
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I like to watch films, regardless of genre, as well as cook and play games on my Xbox One. I’m a huge fan of gaming and think it’s one of the most unappreciated media types currently.<br />
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What advice would you give to new writers just starting out in the business?<br />
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Just do it. The hardest thing you have to accept is that while you care about your work nobody else does. That may sound harsh but it’s true – especially for a newbie. Nothing is a statement of intent like you sacrificing your own time and effort to put your work out there. <br />
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The world doesn’t owe you anything. But you can show the world a thing or two.<br />
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What do you think of the current state of the horror genre?<br />
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Muddled. The proliferation of the digital age has meant that horror is a cheap commodity now. Horror films cost less than other types. Horror books rarely have a place in modern bookstores. But online horror is a burgeoning genre of talent and need.<br />
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Horror fans are nothing but embracing of horror. I personally think what’s lacking is a sense of community and collectiveness amongst horror fans. <br />
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What are you working on at the moment?<br />
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I’m compiling a charity anthology called The Black Room Manuscripts. My friends and I managed to snag short stories from Danny King, Duncan Ralston, Adam Millard, A. S. Chambers, Jeffery X. Martin, D. K. Ryan, Thomas S. Flowers, Kit Power, Madeleine Swann, J. R. Park, Duncan P Bradshaw, Daniel Marc Chant (me), Vincent Hunt, Craig Anderson-Jones, Martin Jones, Paul Townsend, D. K. Ryan, Ian Caldwell, David James, Leo Stableford and Kayleigh Edwards. <br />
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As if that amazing list wasn’t enough there’s an afterword by the fantastic Jennifer Handorf, producer of British horror films like The Borderlands and a foreword from Jim McLeod from Gingernuts of Horror.<br />
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Besides that my third book, Mr. Robespierre, is finished and preparing for launch at Horror Con in Rotherham in July. <br />
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Book four, titled Devil Kickers, is about a third of the way through and is collaboration between me and my brother from another mother Vincent Hunt. I’m excited about that one as he’ll bring his fantastic comic book sensibilities and experience to (hopefully) make a fun and different take on the exorcism genre. <br />
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If you had the chance to co-write a novel with an author of your choice, who would it be?<br />
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Besides Rich Hawkins? Haha. <br />
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Warren Ellis. That man is a literary titan to me. <br />
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Finally, are there any nuggets of info about future works you’re willing to share?<br />
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I’ll soon fling open the door to The Black Room and reveal its secrets (which is for charity so please get involved!) but besides that I’m currently plotting book five which, based on inspirational conversations with my girlfriend could involve a vet, an experimental lab, rednecks or teenagers in log cabins.<br />
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Check out Daniel's website at:http://danielmarcchant.com/<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-65248667604157003222014-12-18T20:27:00.000+00:002014-12-18T20:27:25.088+00:00Interview with David MoodyI recently had a chat with one of my literary heroes, David Moody, author of the HATER trilogy, the AUTUMN series, and his latest release STRANGERS. He's a great writer and a top bloke, and it's an honour to interview him for my humble blog. <br />
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How would you describe your writing style?<br />
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Straight and to the point. I know I’m no literary genius, and that really doesn’t bother me. I just want to tell good stories with strong characters which appeal to a wide audience. Sometimes I think people try too hard to be clever with their writing; overly flowery language, overuse of a thesaurus, metaphor after metaphor after metaphor... I’m always conscious that the more layers of detail you provide, the less there is for your reader to imagine, and the less opportunity you have to surprise them. I want people to identify with my characters and the situations they find themselves in, so I like to leave enough room in my novels for readers to imagine the fine details for themselves.<br />
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Which of your books would you recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?<br />
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I’d recommend either the first AUTUMN or HATER novels, or perhaps the re-written version of my debut novel STRAIGHT TO YOU (which was released this year... avoid the original 1996 edition at all costs!). As I’m in full-on promotional mode at the moment, I’d also have to suggest my latest novel, STRANGERS.<br />
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Do you have a favourite character from any of your novels?<br />
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Good question! I’d have to say Danny McCoyne from the HATER series. He’s become outrageously popular, actually, and people ask me about him all the time. I think of HATER as his story, first and foremost: the story of a faceless nobody who’s all but given up on life but who, through no fault of his own, is forced to live through hell and play a pivotal role in a series of events which will decide the course of the entire human race (what’s left of it, anyway!). A close second would be Scott Griffiths, from STRANGERS. In the few weeks the book has been out, I’ve had a load of feedback about him. He’s neither the hero or the villain of the story, and I really enjoyed writing about him in layers. What I mean by that is, whenever you think you’ve got a handle on who and what he is, he wrong-foots you.<br />
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What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?<br />
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Keep writing. I don’t know who first said it to me or when, but there’s no more important rule. If you want to be a writer, you just have to keep writing and writing and writing...<br />
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Who are your literary heroes/heroines?<br />
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John Wyndham, HG Wells, Richard Matheson and James Herbert. The first three because they wrote some of the most important novels in the genres I love (and I’m thinking specifically about THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS, WAR OF THE WORLDS and I AM LEGEND). James Herbert’s DOMAIN changed the way I thought about horror fiction, and set me on the path to writing it myself. I was fortunate to meet Jim a couple of times before he died, and in the short time I spent talking to him (both one-to-one and in front of large audiences at events to celebrate the release of his last novel, ASH), he pulled no punches and told me in no uncertain terms what it takes to succeed as a writer. And as he’d sold over fifty-six million books by that stage, I listened attentively to every word!<br />
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What book do you wish you’d written?<br />
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See my previous answer. THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS. My favourite book of all time. Wyndham managed to make a completely ridiculous premise (most of the population go blind and are menaced by seven foot tall carnivorous walking plants) feel uncomfortably plausible. Terrifying and ground-breaking. Everyone working in the genre should read TRIFFIDS at least once.<br />
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What book are you currently reading?<br />
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Now this will seem like a set-up, but I actually just finished reading THE LAST PLAGUE by some young upstart called Hawkins! I’m on a JG Ballard kick at the moment, so after reading a few new novels I’ve promised to blurb, I’ll be diving into HIGH-RISE.<br />
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What do you like to do when you’re not writing?<br />
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Films! I have a ‘to watch’ pile which is almost as high as my ‘to read’ pileI I’m fortunate to live in walking distance of a multiplex, and have a daughter who works there from time to time and brings home free tickets... I also love live music and comedy. My real passion, though, is running. I train several times a week and take part in a number of races each year (anything up to half-marathon distance). Weirdly, I also manage to get a lot of work done when I’m running. It’s the only time my thinking doesn’t get interrupted!<br />
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What advice would you give to new writers just starting out in the business?<br />
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See my earlier answer – keep writing! It’s as simple as that. I had many false starts to my writing career, and I only managed to finish my first novel when I got strict with myself and imposed a few rules (I will write at least a page a day, I will not go back and revise until I’ve finished a draft...). Just keep going and remember you’re likely to jettison most of your first draft. Finally, take all feedback on the chin. Don’t get angry, don’t get defensive... LISTEN. If someone’s taking the time to tell you what they thought about your story – no matter how hard it might be to take – you should hear what they have to say. Console yourself with the knowledge that your writing had an impact on them (so big an impact, in fact, that they’ve felt the need to tell you!). <br />
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What do you think of the current state of the horror genre?<br />
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Pretty good, actually, but it has one hell of an image problem. It always has had, and it probably always will do. I have a problem with labelling horror as a genre, if I’m honest. It covers such a wide range of stories and situations, don’t you think? To classify something as just ‘horror’ is often doing a book or film a real disservice. Horror is more an emotion than a category. Think of it this way... if you write a Western, you know there’ll be cowboys and sheriffs and shootouts and the like. If you write Horror, though, you could be writing about anything happening anywhere at any time. Some of the most horrific books of the last decade (I’m thinking of THE ROAD, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, books of that ilk) would NEVER be classified as horror!<br />
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It’s well-documented that you’re a big fan of the nightmarish ‘Threads’, which still haunts me to this day. If you were approached to write a remake of it, regardless of money, would you be tempted to give it a go? Or would you feel it’s a needless remake and turn the offer down?<br />
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I’d turn it down. No question. THREADS is a seminal piece of film-making which I don’t think could be bettered. It’s also a product of its time, so would be very different today. That said, I’ve often said that one of the things I most admire about THREADS is that it begins in a very CORONATION STREET style... everything’s very twee and personal. You invest in these ordinary characters and then (quite literally) BOOM! Their world is all but destroyed. This would never happen, but I’d love to create a series which starts out as a soap opera kind of thing but then, after about six months or so, completely without warning, there’d be a nuclear attack or alien invasion or similar. Christ, that’d be great viewing!<br />
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What are you working on at the moment?<br />
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More projects than I’ve got time to finish, unfortunately! I’m writing my first middle-grade novel which I’m describing as a cross between GODZILLA and ET. I’m also working on a new four book horror/ science-fiction series called THE SPACES BETWEEN, which looks at the huge gulf between our perceptions of reality and our actual reality in the 21st century. I’m also planning another novel for 2015 called FOCUS, which I’ll not say anything about just yet!<br />
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If you had the chance to co-write a novel with an author of your choice, who would it be?<br />
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I’m going to be an obnoxious arse here and say no one. I love writing, but I don’t have any desire to share the process with anyone else at the moment. Maybe that’ll change in the future. As I just said, though, I’ve got too many ideas to cope with at the moment, and I’m keen to get all of them written and released first!<br />
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Finally, are there any nuggets of info about future works you’re willing to share?<br />
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Revealing that my middle-grade book will be a cross between GODZILLA and ET was probably a nugget I should have kept to myself! I do like describing current projects in terms of influences, though, so I’ll leave you with a description of THE SPACES BETWEEN: Think BREAKING BAD meets THE BRIDGE by way of QUATERMASS and CHILDREN OF MEN!<br />
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Check out David's website at: http://davidmoody.net/<br />
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http://www.amazon.co.uk/David-Moody/e/B001JSCGOU/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1418933869&sr=1-2-ent<br />
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http://www.amazon.com/David-Moody/e/B001JSCGOU/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1418933912&sr=1-2-ent<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-52314734458205318972014-09-05T20:28:00.000+01:002014-09-05T20:28:12.302+01:00Interview with Craig SaundersI recently had a chat with awesome writer and all-round good bloke Craig Saunders, author of 'The Estate' and 'Deadlift', among others. He's one of the nicest guys in the business and it's a pleasure to have him here to talk about his writing. <br />
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How would you describe your writing style?</i><br />
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Short. Terse. Interspersed with the occasional long, unwieldy sentence to accentuate a point and break up the pace a little, in order, largely, to allow the reader to catch their breath or make a cup of tea. <br />
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Like that. <br />
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<i>Which of your books would you recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?<br />
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Deadlift, a novella with DarkFuse, seems to have been pretty well received. I'd suggest that, for beginners. If a reader likes it, it's a good jump off point - novellas, by and large, are my favourite medium. Short enough to blast through, long enough to build a little tension.<br />
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<i>Do you have a favourite character from any of your novels?<br />
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Probably a guy called Frank Leibowicz, a heavy/enforcer who survives the early days of an apocalypse in a forthcoming story from DarkFuse called 'Left to Darkness'. It's due 2014. He's a good character. A bad man, doing the right thing. <br />
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<i>What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?<br />
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</i>Don't assume the reader knows what you know - my wife told me this early on. It's good advice I've tried to heed since. Plenty of times I want to be vague, let the reader fill in the gaps...but they won't always make the connection, because they're (obviously) not you...<br />
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<i>Who are your literary heroes/heroines?</i><br />
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Vonnegut, Murakami, Banks, Pratchett, King, Gemmell. Probably a lot more besides, too.<br />
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<i>What book do you wish you’d written?<br />
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</i>The Stand...I'd still be raking it in, and it'd be nice to have a steady income. ;)<br />
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<i>What book are you currently reading?<br />
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</i>Last book I read was King's Doctor Sleep. Now? Nothing. I'm writing a book, and I don't read at all when I'm mid-story. Can't multitask for toffee. I remember reading King's 'On Writing' years ago, about how he reads a thousand million books a year (I might be exaggerating...). Fine, I think, if you have a ton of time to read and write. Personally, I don't have the time or dedication to read much while writing a story. It's one or the other. I read when I'm between stories. It's just what works for me.<br />
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<i>What do you like to do when you’re not writing?<br />
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Write more. I don't really enjoy not writing. I suppose I watch films, or play games, or read, in between stories. But I vastly prefer making stuff up.<br />
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What advice would you give to new writers just starting out in this sordid business?<br />
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It's a job. Approach it as such. And, like any job, I think for most you have to work hard to get anywhere. Don't expect a bolt of lightning like a massive three-book deal with a New York publisher, or a million-pound movie rights sale...work and do some more work while you're waiting and hoping for that, instead. Hmm...yeah, that's it for advice.<br />
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What do you think of the current state of the horror genre?<br />
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Don't honestly know - I read a fair few 'newer' authors, McMahon, Curran, Nevill are my current go-to guys. I like horror, still. Maybe the 'bigger' names are feeling a little tired, to me. Doesn't mean horror's better or worse...just different. And, as my wife always say, different isn't wrong. <br />
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I don't really know what that means, mind you.<br />
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<i>What are you working on at the moment?<br />
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I've got three on the go, but I haven't decided, and three sequels to write for series. Probably a standalone about an old couple killing people. That's the front runner. <br />
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<i>If you could swap bodies with any ‘famous’ writer for a day, who would it be?<br />
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Abercrombie. I'd like to see the inside of his head. He's one of my current favourites.<br />
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<i>If you had the chance to co-write a novel with an author of your choice, who would it be?<br />
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I'm not sure I'm capable of being a co-author - I don't play well with the other kids, nor do I ever leave my shed. But...I don't know. I'd have to be someone I got on with personally, I think. I like Matt Shaw. He's a nut. <br />
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<i>Finally, are there any nuggets of info about future works you’re willing to share?<br />
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Bloodeye, a novella, is out in September. 'Masters of Blood and Bone' and 'Left to Darkness' (novels) both out 2014. My suggestion would be either or both of the novels...they'll be more set in both (different) worlds… novellas, if, like me, you enjoy a short, sharp read - I've two of those out next year ('Flesh and Coin' and 'Unit 731'). Left to Darkness is the one with Frank Leibowicz...<br />
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Cheers, Rich!<br />
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Check out Craig's blog at:http://craigrsaunders.blogspot.co.uk/p/deadlift-by-craig-saunders.html<br />
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And his books on Amazon :)<br />
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http://www.amazon.co.uk/Craig-Saunders/e/B003TYAKFO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1409943464&sr=1-2-ent<br />
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http://www.amazon.com/Craig-Saunders/e/B003TYAKFO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1409943512&sr=1-2-ent<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-49474106579998189162014-08-24T14:29:00.001+01:002014-08-24T14:29:48.927+01:00Interview with Wayne Simmons<br />
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I recently spoke to Wayne Simmons, bestselling author of FLU and PLASTIC JESUS, a good bloke and one of the most relevant voices in horror fiction at the moment.<br />
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BIO:<br />
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Belfast born, Wayne Simmons, has loitered with intent around the horror genre for some years. He penned reviews and interviews for several online zines before publication of his debut novel in 2008.<br />
Wayne’s work has since been published in the UK, Austria, Germany, Spain, Turkey and North America. His bestselling zombie novel,<a href="http://waynesimmons.org/blog/?page_id=143" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30d0d;"> FLU</span></a>, was serialised by <a href="http://www.siriusxm.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30d0d;">Sirius XM’s Book Radio</span></a>.<br />
He’s a regular contributor to <a href="http://www.skindeep.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30d0d;">Skin Deep Tattoo Magazine</span></a> and co-hosts extreme metal show, <a href="http://www.jellycast.com/directory/index.php?page=jellycast&id=4106" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30d0d;">Doom N’ Gloom</span></a>. He has his own podcast, <a href="http://www.jellycast.com/directory/index.php?page=jellycast&id=4127" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30d0d;">HACK</span></a>, and co-produces the <a href="http://www.scardiff.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30d0d;">Scardiff Horror Expo</span></a>.<br />
Wayne currently lives in Wales with his ghoulfiend and a Jack Russel terrier called Dita.<br />
Look out for Wayne at various genre, music and tattoo <a href="http://waynesimmons.org/blog/?page_id=711" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30d0d;">events</span></a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How would you describe your writing
style?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I try to write the kind of thing that
I, myself, like to read. And while, like many horror hacks, I grew up on King,
over the last few years I’ve been reading a lot of noir and old school pulp.
So, I guess I aim for the sharpness of the pulp/ noir stuff (economic prose,
short chapters, lots of cliffhangers and hooks) with the characterisation and
emotive weight of King. Whether I achieve that or not is another thing… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Which of your books would you
recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’ll be the latest one, THE GIRL
IN THE BASEMENT. Not only is it my favourite to date, it’s also the shortest
and least expensive (77p/ 99c on e-book). So, I’d say it’s a good way of seeing
what I’m about with low investment of time/ money on the reader’s part. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How would you describe your writing
style?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I try to write the kind of thing that
I, myself, like to read. And while, like many horror hacks, I grew up on King,
over the last few years I’ve been reading a lot of noir and old school pulp.
So, I guess I aim for the sharpness of the pulp/ noir stuff (economic prose,
short chapters, lots of cliffhangers and hooks) with the characterisation and
emotive weight of King. Whether I achieve that or not is another thing… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Which of your books would you
recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
<em>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’ll be the latest one, THE GIRL
IN THE BASEMENT. Not only is it my favourite to date, it’s also the shortest
and least expensive (77p/ 99c on e-book). So, I’d say it’s a good way of seeing
what I’m about with low investment of time/ money on the reader’s part. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Do you have a favourite character
from any of your novels?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harold Shepherd from PLASTIC JESUS is
one of my favourites. He was an interesting one to write: the old school
preacher who’s losing his faith. I know that archetype’s been done a million
times before, but I enjoyed doing it for the millionth and one time. And
hopefully I brought something new to the table. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Your latest novel, PLASTIC JESUS, was
a departure from your usual horror stories. Do you plan to write more sci-fi in
the future?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not sure about sci-fi, but I sure as
hell plan on writing more noir – and PJ is as much noir as it is sci-fi, I
reckon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What is the best piece of writing
advice you’ve received?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thomas Emson once said to write in
the same voice you’d use to tell your mate a story down at the pub. I’m not a
drinking man anymore but I do still write to an audience of one: my fictitious
mate down at the fictitious pub. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Who are your literary
heroes/heroines?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love the old school. In horror,
that would be Stephen King and Shaun Hutson. In crime/ noir, we’re talking
Lawrence Block, Mickey Spillane, Peter Hamill, Day Keene, Gil Brewer… I could
go on for hours. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What book do you wish you’d written?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Going to cheat and give you two: THE
SINS OF THE FATHERS by Lawrence Block (noir) and CARRIE by Stephen King
(horror). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What book are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m reading the second in the Gabriel
Hunt series: HUNT THROUGH THE CRADLE OF FEAR by Charles Ardai (Titan Books).
It’s a real thrillride: think Indiana Jones in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What do you like to do when you’re
not writing?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listen to and play noisy music. I’ve
been playing guitar and bass on and off for years – sometimes in bands. Just
got a new guitar and I’m really loving it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What advice would you give to new
writers just starting out in this sordid business?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep your feet on the ground and your
head as far away from your arse as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What do you think of the current
state of the horror genre?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think it’s booming in film right
now. Lot of very talented filmmakers emerging from the independent scene.
Within literature, I’m less excited, to be honest. With the exception of David
Moody and a few others, I don’t read contemporary horror and haven’t done for
years. These days, I tend to get my horror fix from contemporary crime fiction,
which seems to encapsulate all the things I used to enjoy within old-school
horror fiction. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Would you ever consider
self-publishing?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sure. But never as a shortcut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>You have recently started the HACK
podcast. How’s it going?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ha! It’s not going right now. Been
too much other stuff on my plate. But I hope to get back to it real soon. I
enjoy podcasting. It’s a fun way to talk about the things I get a kick out of:
reading, writing, music, film, tattoos. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What are you working on at the
moment?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This interview </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>As you’ve already done Jesus (not in
that way), what other deity do you think is ripe for plasticizing?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ha! In the spirit of political
correctness, I’m going to say all of them, so as not to offend any one
particular god/ goddess/ transgendered god/dess. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>If you had the chance to co-write a
novel with an author of your choice, who would it be?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Geez, I’ve never thought of that. I
think co-writing with Shaun Hutson would be a blast. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>You co-produced last year’s SCARdiff
horror convention/expo, and it was a great success, in my humble opinion. Are
you excited about this year’s event? <o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Very much so! We’re really upping the
ante with this year’s event with even more interactivity. We’ve our SFX duel,
live horror-themed music, horror henna tattoos, a pitching panel called THE
DRAGON’S PEN, GORE-geous pin-up girls and an albino python called Honey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus guests such as Adam Nevill, Tim Lebbon
and David Moody signing throughout the day at our Waterstone’s table. It’s
going to be a riot. And at £6.66, tickets are selling fast. Best get in quick:
www.scardiff.co.uk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Finally, are there any nuggets of
info about future works you’re willing to share?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nothing in particular. I’ve loads on
the go. Too much, maybe. But as long as people keep reading my stuff, I’ll keep
writing it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks for your support, Rich. Very
much appreciated!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More information on Wayne and his writing can be found at: </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://waynesimmons.org/blog/">http://waynesimmons.org/blog/</a></span></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-48531695818776813752014-07-26T16:19:00.001+01:002014-07-26T16:59:23.441+01:00The Last Plague Pre-order and Release DateJust a quick post to let you all know that my debut novel 'The Last Plague' will be released on August 31st and is now available for pre-order over at Crowded Quarantine Publications' website.<br />
It's been a long way from when I started writing the story about two years ago, and a lot has happened during that time. Seems like such a long time ago. Strange how time flies so quickly.<br />
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Anyway, hope you're all well. Cheers!<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">When Great Britain is hit by a devastating epidemic, four
old friends must cross a chaotic, war-torn England to reach their families and
evade the victims of the plague – cannibalistic, mutated monsters whose only
desires are to infect and feed. Along the way, the men find a girl who has lost
her parents to the infected, and they are forced to protect her as they try to
find shelter and safety in a country overwhelmed by THE LAST PLAGUE.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.crowdedquarantine.co.uk/pre-orders.html">http://www.crowdedquarantine.co.uk/pre-orders.html</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-8877765120330861312014-07-20T19:57:00.000+01:002014-07-20T19:57:39.723+01:00The Last Plague and Other News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Maybe you've already heard from my constant wittering about it, but my debut novel THE LAST PLAGUE is due to be released at the end of August. The cover has been revealed, also, and I think it's a thing of beauty. Great work by Adam and Zoe Millard over at Crowded Quarantine Publications, and thanks to Paul M. Feeney for the quote on the cover. I just hope that people enjoy the book when (if) they read it. It's a weird feeling, knowing that by this time next month the book will nearly be out and I'll be a father for the first time, too. Sometimes, life is good.<br />
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In other news, I've submitted my novella 'BLACK STAR, BLACK SUN' to a publisher I've always wanted to work with and admired from afar during the last few years, which of course makes the waiting even more nerve-wracking! But it's all good, and if it doesn't work out, that's how it goes.<br />
<br />
I've just started work on what will either be a novella or novel provisionally titled CHILDREN OF DUST AND SMOKE, about a man in search of his missing son. It's a ghost story about lost children and crimes from the past, and it's got the potential to be very, very bleak. I'm just not sure *how* bleak. But I suppose anything with dead children in it will veer in that direction...<br />
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So that's it, at the moment. Hope all is well with you wonderful people. And don't stay out in the sun too long.<br />
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Cheers.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-87394694947286610032014-05-27T14:19:00.000+01:002014-05-27T23:18:27.202+01:00PROGRESS?<br />
Hello! Welcome back, haven't seen you in a while. Pull up a chair and warm your cold hands by the fire. And please ignore the beckoning voices from outside...<br />
<br />
<br />
The first draft of my novella 'Vermillion Fields' is heading towards the final stages, and as much I've enjoyed (sort of) writing it, I'll be glad to take a break from it and work on something else. I've submitted three short stories the last few weeks, so I hope to hear about them fairly soon. Had a short story rejected a couple of weeks ago, but that's the way it goes and I didn't like the story much anyway. (I'm not bitter. Honest)<br />
<br />
<br />
I've been paid for my short story 'FATHOMS', which will appear in a forthcoming issue of BIG PULP magazine, so I'm now officially a 'paid writer' or whatever the hell that means :) Many thanks to Bill Olver, the head honcho of BIG PULP for accepting my story. I just need to make my first million, then I can retire gracefully ;) <br />
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<br />
Aside from all that, I've got several ideas for short stories brewing in my head and waiting to be scribbled down. There are a few anthologies I'll be submitting to and, also, a short story competition. <br />
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Hope all of you out in the internet wastelands are well. Cheers!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-2847959715083975212014-04-28T21:48:00.001+01:002014-04-28T21:48:33.515+01:00BLACK CHAOSI've just seen the cover for Big Pulp magazine's zombie issue BLACK CHAOS, which includes my short story 'Fathoms'. It looks pretty damn cool, and I must say it's some great work by the artist Ken Knudtsen. Can't wait for the issue to be released, and it's my first paying gig so I'm geeking out to a ridiculous extent about it. <br />
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In other news, THE LAST PLAGUE is getting closer and closer to release, and I'm counting down the days. Can't wait to hold a copy of it in my hands. The editing process is finished and I've seen the cover, which is very impressive and tendril-like, but I can't reveal it yet unless I want to be kneecapped by the Millards!<br />
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Also, work on my novella VERMILION FIELDS is going well and the first draft is, at the moment, coming along quite nicely. I'm sure that will change, though...<br />
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That's all for now! Stay lucky, punks. Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-81446691494945722432014-04-21T21:10:00.001+01:002014-04-21T21:37:02.133+01:00Progress and SoundtracksI've been going through a bit of a lean spell with the ol' writing in the last few weeks. But that seems to be improving at the moment and I'm making decent progress on my cosmic-weird horror novella VERMILION FIELDS while researching all kinds of strange stuff and getting some ideas down for various short stories. So I can't complain really. But I probably will at some point anyway. It's in my nature and I'm British...<br />
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Been listening to a lot of Suede, Radiohead, Portishead and Manic Street Preachers while writing. Good music helps, especially when trying to imagine blasted wastelands and cosmic entities that can devour planets like a pregnant woman would gobble up Maltesers. Since I finished my forthcoming novel THE LAST PLAGUE I've tried to take writing more seriously and I've attempted to get some words down every day even when there hasn't been much time, but it's bloody hard sometimes (most of the time) and there's always some household job to do or the temptation to procrastinate, but I think I'm getting there. But it's a long bloody road and there're a lot of potholes.<br />
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As long as there is coffee and cheese, there will be words.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-89106722594105809012014-03-26T19:36:00.000+00:002014-03-26T19:37:31.437+00:00Occult GoodnessAfter waiting a while for it to be re-released, I recently finished 'Banquet for the Damned' by Adam Nevill, one of my favourite scribes. While it's not, in my humble opinion, the strongest of Mr Nevill's novels (that would be 'The Ritual'), it's still easily one of the best books I've read in the last year and there aren't many novels I've read in my adult life that have unsettled me in such a way. However, I'm pretty crap at reviews, so I'll just throw some words out there like an ape lobbing its own excrement at a wall, and hope to do justice to the novel with my meagre scribblings. Two friends and failing rock musicians, Dante and Tom, arrive in the university town of St. Andrews after being invited by Dante's hero Professor Eliot Coldwell, who wrote 'Banquet for the Damned', a book that had quite an effect on young Dante. But not all is as it seems, and the town is rife with the disappearances of students and rumours of a nocturnal visitor plaguing them. Strange things are afoot. Whispers of witchcraft and the occult. The town seems infested with dread and darkness. Bad dreams and bad memories.
I enjoyed the novel immensely. A story in the occult tradition of old Hammer films and the work of MR James. Great stuff.
Also, my copy of 'The Croning' by Laird Barron was delivered. I've read his short story collection 'The Imago Sequence' so I can't wait to get stuck into this.
Until next time.
*waves goodbye*
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647100837054611424.post-24967892427690523072014-03-23T21:25:00.001+00:002014-03-23T21:27:51.588+00:00Vermilion FieldsTonight I started work on a new story titled 'Vermilion Fields'. I'm not sure if it'll be a novel or a novella yet - I'll see how it goes. It's about a man who returns to his home village and discovers that the walls between worlds and realities are very thin in some places. And sometimes...things come through to visit us. Very bad things.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10109373543470482681noreply@blogger.com0