Bloody Bookish

Todd Keisling Steps Into The Bloodlight

Have you been salivating over the thought of our next monthly spotlight?

Well, your blood lust is about to be satiated because we’ve got another fantastic author stepping into the Bloodlight!

One thing I’ve learned about Todd Keisling in the short time I’ve known him? He’s a crafty lad!

From his self-publishing efforts to his ambitious methods of promoting his works and getting the word out about his writing, Todd shows that one can make their own path in the book biz, if armed with determination and the willingness to partake in a few online misadventures in the name of one’s craft.

So without further ado, here’s more from our February featured author!

Can you start off by telling everyone about your background – when you first started writing and what you write.

I’ve been a writer for most of my life, growing up with a healthy diet of Bradbury, Koontz, King, Palahniuk, and Barker, but I really didn’t begin taking it seriously until high school. I wrote my first novel when I was 17. That novel took second place in my university’s fiction contest a year later. It was my first real validation as a writer and the first time someone paid me for my work. I’ve been at it ever since.

If I had to choose, I’d say my work could be vaguely classified as “speculative fiction.” Or maybe “slipstream fiction.” Once upon a time I wanted to be a horror writer like a younger Stephen King, but my work tends to take on the characteristics of multiple genres. A new reader will usually find elements of horror and the supernatural in my work, along with shades of thrillers and suspense. Maybe even a little mystery and romance. I try not to concern myself with genre, though. I just want to tell a good story.

How would you describe your particular style of writing?

Cerebral, minimal, introspective, and dark.

Why did you decide to go the self-publishing/POD route with your work instead of submitting it to traditional publishers?

Three reasons:

1 – My stories usually defy genre classification. Publishers don’t like that. After playing the query-and-submit game for a few years with other novels, I knew that ALT would have a very slim chance of being picked up by a traditional publisher. At the same time, I knew the book would resonate well with readers. In the end, I decided to put it out there and let the readers decide for themselves.

2 – I’m a control freak when it comes to aspects of the creative process. I don’t like the idea of a publisher being able to change my title or commissioning cover art that has nothing to do with the story. I want to be in control of my own work.

3 – Someone I once respected told me I couldn’t do it. I disagreed, and the rest is history.

Tell Bloody Bookish readers about A LIFE TRANSPARENT. What is the book about and how long did it take you to write it?

In a single sentence, ALT is about a mundane fellow named Donovan Candle who wakes one morning and discovers he’s physically fading out of existence. On another level, the story is about identity, purpose, and the inherent dangers of mediocrity.

There’s a lot more to it, though. Here’s the jacket synopsis:

Who is Donovan Candle?

He is the consummate husband. Stable, hard-working, and dedicated to his wife, Donovan is a paragon of the Middle Class. Until now.

Strange visions of a monochromatic world. Bizarre sensations of physical transparency.

At first, Donovan fears he’s losing his grip on reality, but as the week wears on and the odd afflictions intensify, he wonders if he is truly fading from existence.

When his wife is abducted, his life goes from weird to terrifying. To get her back, Donovan must play by a stranger’s rules. Will he be in time to save her—and himself—from the dangers of A Life Transparent?

The first draft took about two and a half months to complete, and it went through a major revision in late 2010 for the second edition. From conception to completion, this book took about four years.

ALT was released in 2007. What has the feedback been like, and how do you keep the hype going?

The book is somewhat polarizing. When people like it, they really like it. And when they hate it, they want to hunt me down and disembowel me. That being said, feedback has been mostly positive, and I feel fortunate because of that.

When the book was originally released in ’07, I had no money to promote it. The Kindle store was a new thing, self-publishing was still frowned upon, and social media was still in its infancy. I had to rely on word of mouth, reaching one reader at a time—often in unexpected ways.

Since the book’s re-release, I’ve relied heavily on Facebook, Twitter, and my blog to promote it. Signings, blog tours, features, and interviews such as this one have also helped keep the hype train chugging along.

What can readers expect in THE LIMINAL MAN, book 2 in the Monochrome trilogy?

TLM is a heavier, more complex story. If ALT is about the dangers of mediocrity, TLM is about the dangers of fear and doubt. Readers can expect an expansion of the book’s universe and some of the Monochrome’s secrets will be revealed.

Oh, and Aleister Dullington won’t be the villain this time.

What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter? A pantser? A hybrid of the two? Or something completely different?

I actually had to look up what a “pantser” is. That’s a new one to me.

To answer your question, I used to be a pantser. When I wrote ALT, I had a basic idea and let
it grow from there. With its sequel, I had to take a more structured approach or else the first draft would’ve been incredibly long and unfocused.

I guess I’m a bit of a hybrid of the two? Before I start a story, I like to know how it begins and how it ends. The rest tends to develop on its own.

In terms of process, I can’t write if I don’t have music. I’ve accumulated a huge music library over the years because of this. I’ll usually find a song or instrumental piece that fits the mood and put it on repeat until I’m done. I must’ve listened to NIN’s “Every Day is Exactly the Same” a thousand times while working on ALT.

You’ve done a variety of promotional things to get the word out about ALT, such as the Kickstarter campaign, Pay With A Tweet, fReado, book signings and radio interviews.

What have you learned from these different promotional methods and which do you think gave you the best response?

Kickstarter was the best, but I don’t think that one should count. The Kickstarter campaign made ALT’s second edition possible. Without the folks who pledged to the project, we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation right now. I was pretty fortunate to get featured as the daily project on Kickstarter, and I don’t think that would have happened if I hadn’t had a wonderful book trailer.

The trailer was directed by my longtime friend Emma. She wrote the script, assembled a crew, shot, and edited the whole thing in just a couple of days. One of her cameramen, Dan, narrated it, and Travis composed the accompanying piano piece. Without that trailer, I doubt the project would’ve caught Kickstarter’s eye. I owe a lot to those folks, and I won’t forget that.

Regarding the other promo methods, I think the best one was the blog tour. I had the most fun with that one, and it allowed me to reach a lot of people. I had a week-long tour last year, and I hope to do a month-long tour once TLM is released.

I try to promote in different ways because it’s my least favorite aspect of the book business. If I can do something different, at least that will keep me interested. One thing I’m planning to do is a series of video blog posts. I think connecting with readers is the most important thing I can do, and the more ways I do that, the better.

What are your plans for the coming year? What goals do you hope to tackle and are there any barriers you are determined to break through this year?

My number one priority is to finish TLM edits and prep it for publication. I started that book in January 2009 and I think it’s time I be done with it. I’m going to continue promoting ALT in the meantime, and I’d also like to get around to working on a collection of shorter works to fill the gap between TLM and the as-yet-untitled Book 3 (well, okay, it has a title but I’m not ready to announce it yet).

Lastly, let everyone know a bit about your upcoming adventures, places to find you, and any parting words you are itching to share.

I’m always up to some manner of online misadventures that usually involve the writing process or the hilarious comments my editor makes on my manuscripts. I can be found on my website, Twitter, and Facebook.

As for parting words, I’ll leave you with a challenge: Define yourself.

Want to know more about Todd? February’s Bloodlight will return with 3 more featured posts, including our review of A Life Transparent, as well as some special blogs by Todd himself!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay updated on our latest posts!

Have you read Todd’s writing? How would you describe it? Which book was your favorite and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Table of contents for Bloodlight - Todd Keisling

Todd Keisling Steps Into The Bloodlight

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February 20th, 2012

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The Moon Hill Blog Tour: The Importance of Weird

It is with great excitement that I announce Bloody Bookish as the first stop on Anthony Rapino’s Moon Hill Blog Tour!

As you may know, I am a huge fan of Tony’s (just read my review of his chapbook, Uprooted).

I totally dig his slightly(okay more than slightly) insane approach to promoting his work. I love that he isn’t afraid to think outside the box and let his freak flag fly. Like in this guest post…take it away, Tony!

Thank you to Her Royal Horror-ness, Mary Rajotte for helping me celebrate the release of my new story collection, Welcome to Moon Hill.

Where would we be without a little weird in our lives? I often think it’d be somewhere between fly fishing and a dry toast symposium. But none of those Jesus toasts would be allowed, because that would make things just a smidge too interesting.

Weird is interesting because weird is different. The great villain of all strangeness in the world is acceptance. Think about it. Let’s take something like the Westminster Dog Show. Most people wouldn’t think twice about the dog show. It’s been going on for years, and it’s a largely accepted, televised event. But it didn’t start out that way.

Do you honestly believe parading a bunch of dogs in a circle while people judged their gait wasn’t freaking weird at some point? Really? And I suppose cupping a dog’s balls in front of a stadium of people has always been the height of normalcy as well? So you’re telling me you don’t think this is weird?

And this?

And this?

Okay, so maybe that one is also cute. But this is my point. Something as strange as the Westminster Dog Show has become normal due to acceptance. When that happens, our minds become clouded. We no longer see something for what it is. Instead we see it through the filter of social acceptance, the muddied waters of normalcy.

Reality television, scrotum-cupping dog judges, television shows about cake: weird. Flavored coffee, “going green,” blogging: weird. Life: really weird!

Make no mistake; this is just how I like it. Look closer at those things you’ve accepted. The next time you’re at the supermarket going through self-checkout, think about it. That was weird at one time.

Let’s make it weird again.

If you’d like to help me defeat all normalcy left in the universe, join my Schizo Squad.

Welcome to Moon Hill: A collection of 19 stories, and a couple surprises.

Moon Hill is a forgotten place that few purposely visit, and even less leave. Once you arrive, the deep dark of the forest creeps into your mind and will not relent. Strange flowers that grow from deer carcasses, murderous lunatics, talking ravens, wriggling parasites that induce eruptive confessions, and demons of every variety: they all live here too.

Even so, the residents of Moon Hill can feel, beyond the fear and distress, that this land is special and they are lucky to live here. Most everyone feels that way right up until the day they come a little too close to the magic of this place. When dusk’s light leaks through their carefully locked doors and rips holes in their minds.

Then, they pray for release.

–Welcome to Moon Hill.

Be sure to check out the other stops on Tony’s Moon Hill Blog Tour!

2/8/12: http://chandarawrites.blogspot.com/
2/10/12: www.ringkeeper.blogspot.com
2/15/12: http://www.categardner.net/

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February 6th, 2012

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Blood Chatter with…Red Tash

One of my goals with Bloody Bookish is to not only celebrate horror, speculative and dark fiction, but to spotlight indie authors, as well as female and Canadian dark fiction authors.

Bloody Bookish has already included numerous features on females who are carving out their own place in the darkness, and to kick off our celebration of Women in Horror Month, we will be revisiting the one and only Red Tash, who shares her career path and what she thinks of women horror authors!

Can you start off by telling everyone about your background – when you first started writing and what you write.

Well, I started off writing as a kid. Pretty much as soon as I figured out how to spell and draw pictures, I was illustrating my own stories. I was one of those lonely latchkey kids who was sometimes left outdoors for hours and hours at a time, so my imagination was a very special place. I didn’t think of it as fiction writing at the time, but from a very early age, I finished my own sentences mentally with the dialogue tags “she said,” and of course, those of my friends with “he said, while climbing the monkey bars.” The Narrator was always with me, observing.

As an adult, I tried to smash my personality down into what I was told would be more profitable forms of employment, but I ended up writing for a living, anyway. I became a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, and I had all manner of blogs, podcasts, videos, and other personal projects going on while I freelanced for newspapers and magazines. I really only dabbled in fiction and poetry, publishing a little of each over the years. I was more comfortable editing for others while I worked on my own book. That book became the story This Brilliant Darkness, which has been a best-selling, top-rated Dark Fantasy on the Amazon charts for the past few months.

Dark Fantasy can be a mixed bag, ranging from swords & dragons to Sookie Stackhouse, to horror bloodbaths. This Brilliant Darkness is a more of a contemporary, philosophical monster story. A recent reviewer was searching for a genre to put it in, and he called it “a thinking man’s (or woman’s) paranormal urban dark fiction.” If that doesn’t scare you off, there’s a whole scientific piece to it that was heavily researched. I decided during editing that the story really did lean more toward horror than science fiction, so I cut the extraneous info on time travel and wormholes and the like, and focused more on the characterization, as it moves the story forward. It’s still there, though, and other reviewers have praised the plausibility of this sort of thing actually happening. That was something I definitely did not expect!

Speculative fiction – including Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror (and all their sub-genres) – are often seen as male-dominated genres. Do you think that stigma still exists?

That is a fabulous question. I really have not encountered any blowback based on my gender, in regard to having authored this book. While I haven’t gone through and counted, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that men have tended to be the loudest, most enthusiastic fans of my work. Maybe because men make up the majority of the cast of characters, I don’t know! I was always one of the guys growing up–the token female on the high school wrestling team, stuff like that–so it would not surprise me if that carried over to my fiction writing career.

I will tell you this, as a second-generation business woman: men tend to have fewer emotional obstacles to overcome on their way to success in whatever field they choose. Even if they do feel “emo” about their writing, men are not encouraged to wallow, to go “Ack!” like Cathy and drown their angst in chocolate. It’s not manly to drown your sorrows all that often, is it? I mean, a shot of whiskey once in awhile, but not a full week of every month. I think women are almost expected to have a week of bad days every month, write it off as PMS, and just live with it. Guess what? Men have the same emotional ups and downs that women do, but the expectation that they compete for their shot in the spotlight, their turn at being the star–that gets a lot of mileage culturally and professionally.

Women may not historically have been publicly encouraged to go for it as seriously as their brothers, fathers, husbands, and sons have been, but I do think that is changing. It’s not spec fic, but there was a big stink raised when Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Weiner complained via twitter that the NYT wasn’t reviewing their books (or the books of women at all), even though the two of them were always on the best-seller list. Is that indicative of a bias toward men? I think the world is biased professionally toward men across most career venues, because our culture expects men to pride themselves on being providers. Women aren’t held to that same cultural expectation, despite the very real necessity of women to achieve career success to earn an income.

If there’s a stigma about women writing speculative fiction, it exists in the mind of individual readers. I personally have a stigma against romance novels. Does that mean all romance novels are awful? No. But it would take the glowing review of a friend, with very specific reasons about why I would like a particular book, to convince me to read a romance. That is the only way you’ll change a reader’s mind. One book recommendation at a time.

Do you think publishers or readers still act as though women writing these genres are a novelty?

Not at all. I think JK Rowling’s success writing Harry, Ron, Dumbledore, Snape, & Voldemort knocked the last brick from that wall. I recall when Connie Willis won the Grand Master award last year. It was just kind of like “Here’s the winner,” not “OMG, the winner’s a lady-writer!”

At least, that’s my perspective. I can’t honestly begin to guess what publishers think, in general, but I think readers are most definitely over that.

Have you ever felt any resistance from others stemming from the fact that you are a woman writing in a darker genre?

I’ve been welcomed with open arms, best I can tell!

Name some of the female spec-fic writers that you like.

JK Rowling, Holly Black, Melissa Marr, Suzanne Collins, Madeline L’Engle (huge influence). It’s funny–I guess I don’t think much about gender when it comes to writers, because I keep wanting to name men, too. I just think of the books I like, & the authors who write them. I think if a writer focuses on the story, the story is genderless. It certainly feels that way when I’m writing–like you’re just telling the facts, as you recall them. I honestly don’t think there’s a noticeable difference in regard to gender in this genre between men and women. Outside speculative fiction, there probably is. I’m sure romance vs. men’s action stories is a great extreme example of that kind of thing. But not in spec fic–at least not in my end of the neighborhood.

What would you say to other female writers out there looking to explore the darker side of fiction?

Go for it, ladies! In roller derby, we used to say “Skirt up!” instead of “Man up!” Instead of saying “It takes balls,” we would say something else, too. Use your imagination!

You have every right to pursue your dreams, and if your dreams are dark and scary, then pretend every day is Halloween and get your freak on! You will always look back with regret at the chances you didn’t take–but if you try and fail, you can always move on to the next thing. There’s no shame in that, and we all know scars make for great stories!

Do you have any parting words for the readers of Bloody Bookish? What are you working on now?

Right now I’m doing a re-read of my latest book, Troll Or Derby, before I send it off for editing. A few beta-readers have bits and pieces of it, as well. That’s pretty exciting. It’s a YA fantasy along the lines of Holly Black’s Tithe, but it’s set in rural Indiana, and it’s got fairies and trolls and roller derby. I started writing it in 2008, so it’s a long time coming. I’d like to find a publisher for it, because I think it’s going to have a much broader appeal than my first book did, and I would love to release my version of rural fairy insanity onto the world in one fell swoop!

As soon as I can put that to bed for beta-readers and editors and formatters to handle, I get to start writing the sequel to This Brilliant Darkness. It’s going to be called That Crackling Silence, and it is going to tie up the unanswered questions at the end of This Brilliant Darkness. I’ve had a reader or two threaten me bodily harm because of what happens to Christine at the end of TBD, but I have huge plans for Christine in TCS, and I’m anxious to finish the draft and get that ready for a 2012 release. I started writing this story in 2005, so that has been a very long time coming, as well, and I am chomping at the bit to go.

If I get those two projects completed in 2012, that’ll be a big year! But of course I’ve got a list of other fiction projects, as well, including another free short about The Wizard. Last time, The Wizard took a holiday. This time, he’ll be taking a fitness class. I have no idea when that’ll be done. Hopefully soon! I’ve also got a deadline for an anthology, where I’ll be including a short story set at The Corner Cafe, from This Brilliant Darkness. Lots of fun stuff coming up!

I do encourage readers to look me up. I tweet, I’m on FB (Profile & Fan Page), I blog daily, all that stuff. Not only am I on these sites, but I unless you are a creep, I will actually acknowledge your existence and carry on a conversation with you. LOL. I can’t always answer right away, because my life is pretty hectic, but the beauty of these sites is that I don’t need to–we can take our time and get to know each other, talk about books, whatever you’d like.

Red’s Amazon author page

G+

Goodreads

Buy This Brilliant Darkness on Amazon

If you want to read more of our interviews with female horror authors, check out this list of some of the most bad-assed authors on the block!:

Cate Gardner (our January Bloodlight featured author)
Joanna Parypinski
Thea Isis Gregory
Lydia Peever
Jessica McHugh
Penelope Crowe
Melissa Smith
Kristy Carey
C.W. Lasart
Rebecca Treadway
Lorelei Bell
J.H. Sked
Patti Larsen

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February 1st, 2012

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Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits by Cate Gardner

It is fitting that I should close out January’s Bloodlight and lead in to Women in Horror Month with a review of Cate Gardner’s Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits.

I think many people get the wrong impression of horror. It’s almost a dirty word in some cases, as it conjures up images of blood-soaked axes and mask-clad madmen.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’m a horror lover through and through, and I am obviously not averse to the use of a little grisly gore to get the blood pumping.

But these days, authors everywhere are experimenting when it comes to horror fiction, and Cate’s book is a shining example of how one can add magic, surrealism, lyricism and beauty to the blood-soaked genre, and come away with something that is beautiful in its darkness.

Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits is like a perfect chocolate-box of dark fiction — delectable and indulgent, with hints of both sweetness and darkness.

With both shorter and longer pieces, as well as some prose mixed in for good measure, this sampling is meant to be enjoyed as you fancy.

Feel like indulging in a little fantastical fiction? Or maybe have a craving for something sinister or macabre?

There are stories for every palette here, and Cate’s intoxicating way with words will leave you wanting more.

There is atmosphere in every tale, like in The Scratch of An Old Record, where the sound echoes “along the upstairs hallway” and the mood creeps yet still manages to entice.

Not only do I envy Cate’s ability to weave these magical tales that entrance the reader so fully, she also masters the craft of creating titles that conjure up stark images that immediately draw one in.

From The Moth Brigade:

“Michael’s metal wings folded back as he tried to fade into the backdrop of the underground train.”

From Opheliac:

“Perched on a rusting shopping trolley, three fathoms below the surface, the man in the top hat and pinstripe suit wound a necklace made from teeth and bone around his knuckles.”

From The Forest Of Discarded Hearts:

“On a Tuesday morning in October, Ruby Ash discovered it is possible to disappear overnight; that all it takes is someone willing to wish you away”

Whether Cate is telling the tale of a curmudgeonly writer and the man in the white jacket who could be the answer to his lost nightmares (Insomniac Ink), the story of Sally Stevens and the magic parasol that allows her to fly as high as the heavens (Parasol Dance With The Chalkstripe Man), or the Grim Reaper Man and his below-world (Other Side of Nowhere), each tale feels like a curious adventure into the daydreams of fairies, ghosts and other night-dwelling creatures.

If you are looking for a book that will treat you to an otherworldly adventure without ever leaving your room, Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits offers readers a sneak peek into wondrous worlds where, underneath the darkness, the unusual and the strange are illuminated.

Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits by Cate Gardner
Strange Publications, 191 pages

Paperback: Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble and Strange Publications
eBook: Amazon UK and Amazon US

I want to wholeheartedly thank Cate for her wonderful posts and for sharing her mysterious and magical world. It was a real treat to have you here at Bloody Bookish!

Table of contents for Bloodlight - Cate Gardner

The Travelling Theatrical Tour: Twitter Rules
In Conversation With Cate Gardner
Our Theatre of Curious Acts Winners
Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits by Cate Gardner

Previous in series

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January 31st, 2012

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In Conversation With…Jack Wallen

Sometimes reading a horror author’s book is just not enough.

Want to know what makes the most disturbed minds in dark fiction tick?

Check out our interview with author Jack Wallen, where he shares his experiences as an indie author of an impressive list of titles that will scare you into submission – then leave you with bloodlust for the next.

Welcome Jack! Can you start off by telling everyone about your background – when you first started writing and what you write.

I was an actor for twenty years. During that time I started writing stage plays. But something very strange happened while I was in graduate school. I was with a group of wonderfully close friends and we were very much into role playing games. We were deep into the heart and soul of Vampire: The Masquerade when I realized there was so much depth to the character I was playing that he needed a book!

I was just absolutely sure I could write it. And I did…but it was horrible and never saw the light of day. But that kick started something inside of me that would be picked up some ten years later when I realized my career as an actor wouldn’t last forever. I knew the economy was going to knock theatre in the gut and I had to have another means with which to express my artistic soul. I remembered that story and how much joy it brought me. That’s all it took.

2. Why did you decide to go the self-publishing/POD route with your work instead of submitting it to traditional publishers?

Most of my books defy the traditional genres and I refuse to lock either my books or myself down to tradition roles. I was pimping A Blade Away to agents and publishers, but no one was brave enough to publish a book that dared breathe life to the taboo that is a transgendered killer killing transgendered men!

Add to that my desire to have more control over every aspect of my work and you have the makings for a perfect marriage. I do my book covers, I write my blurbs, and do my marketing. It’s a full-time job, but one that I truly enjoy. I love every aspect of writing — I love getting my hands dirty with the reaching out to readers and the blogging and such.

My choice to go indie also has everything to do with the fact that the writing was so clearly written on the wall. The traditional model was dying. Just like newspapers, the old regime simply has become too rigid and not agile enough to handle the speed of need demanded by consumers. Writers can publish so much more quickly now — the traditional model can’t keep up. They simply aren’t ereader friendly.

3. What misconceptions do you think people have about self-publishing? How would you/have you tried to blow these misconceptions out of the water?

The biggest misconception is that indie writers aren’t as good as traditional writers. In most cases we are better. The only difference is we don’t have the financial backing and marketing power that traditional writers have enjoyed. But most readers will find, once they discover an indie author they like — the writing is just as good.

I’m also a reader and over the last two years I’ve enjoyed far more indie authors than I have traditional authors.

There’s another misconception that we don’t put as much time and effort into our books. Not so. Take my books, for example: I write a rough draft, do first rewrites, send them to beta readers, take in their feedback, make changes, send the book to two different editors, and then finally send it to another editor for formatting. It’s a lot of work…and most of us are doing this while we have full time jobs.

4. How do you handle wearing so many hats as a writer – author, editor, cover artist, marketing master etc.?

The hat I wear has a built-in therapist up inside. Plus I was already a bit ‘touched’ before I hopped on this crazy hayride.

I’ll be honest — it’s tough at times. There are days I’m not sure what I should be doing — writing, marketing, blogging, or sleeping. But I will admit I am no editor. I have dyslexia, so my ability to edit my work is nil. That is why I have people that take on that task for me. If I didn’t I would be making a huge mistake. But then I strongly believe no writer should ever think they are capable of editing their own work. If you are one of those that feel you can, stop what you’re doing immediately and rethink your decision to be a writer.

No one can do everything. Period.

5. If you could impart one piece of wisdom onto up-and-coming authors who are faced with new mediums for sharing their work and an ever-changing landscape in the book & publishing world, what would it be?

There are going to be days when you feel your confidence has been sucked out your backside and there’s just no reason to continue on. Those days are many, no matter where you are in sales, rankings, contracts, profit…it’s just part of the game. You have to allow for that and you can’t let it break your spirit. Sure, it’s going to get you down. There will be days when you simply want to give up…you can’t. When you are hit with those days you just have to write through it. Lose yourself in your work and don’t let the negative reviews, the lack of sales kill your spirit or your drive.

It’s a long, tough road, but it’s one that is so worth the effort. Even when you feel like nothing is going your way; remember how cathartic your writing is. It’s therapy and some day that therapy is going to make you money.

6. What final words would you like to share with the readers of Bloody Bookish?

I break rules — a lot of them. I kill characters and go down dark paths many writers are afraid to visit. If you enjoy a crazy ride, one with some genuine characters and ever-changing landscapes, give my books a try.

My next books include the following:

Engame: The next Fringe Killer book.

Shero II Zombie A Go go: Everyone’s favorite transgender superhero.

Lie Zombie Lie: The fourth book in the I Zombie series (Bethany is back and she’s PISSED).

Klockwerk Kabaret: My first book in an upcoming steampunk series.

The Nails of Calvary: The first in what I am tentatively calling the “Job Trilogy”

You can find out more about my on my website (http://www.monkeypantz.net), follow me on Twitter (@jlwallen), or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/jlwallen). If you’re looking for a book cover designer, check out my company, Adorkable Designs (http://www.adorkabledesigns.net).

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January 31st, 2012

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Our Theatre of Curious Acts Winners

Well, two lucky readers of Bloody Bookish are about to win a real treat, courtesy of January’s Bloodlight featured author – Cate Gardner!

The entries for our Theatre of Curious Acts contest have been tallied!

So, who is ready to delve into the magical world of Cate Gardner?

First up…

The winner of 1st PRIZE: A signed hardback copy of Theatre of Curious Acts is James Everington!

And not to be outdone, the winner of our 2nd PRIZE: A signed paperback copy of Theatre of Curious Acts is Deborah Walker!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Please email bloodybookish[at]gmail[dot]com to provide your mailing address and to claim your coveted prize!

Thanks again to everyone who entered and shared this contest. And look out tomorrow for the final post in Cate’s Bloodlight series, where I’ll be sharing my review of her writing.

Table of contents for Bloodlight - Cate Gardner

The Travelling Theatrical Tour: Twitter Rules
In Conversation With Cate Gardner
Our Theatre of Curious Acts Winners
Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits by Cate Gardner

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January 30th, 2012

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Skeletal Sculptures for your Sweetie

Looking for a special somethin’-somethin’ for your beloved this coming Valentine’s Day?

How about a handcrafted, three-dimensional skeleton to warm his or her heart?

This Zombie Skeleton Take My Heart Metal Sculpture from Zed’s Zombie Ranch is a unique way to tell your love that they have stolen your heart.

Completely handcrafted in steel, this sculpture stands 8” tall and is also available in a handful of other poses including various guitar-playing stances as well as a zombie chowing down on an unsuspecting victim.

Prices: range from $57.48USD

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January 19th, 2012

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Updates, Sponsors & Discounts

Heads up! I’ve added a few new deadlines to the Calendar:

Don’t forget to check out our sponsors:

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January 17th, 2012

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In Conversation With Cate Gardner

The buzz about Cate Gardner’s writing is as enticing as her writing itself.

Described as weird, strange, surreal, quirky and whimsical, one cannot resist the temptation of delving into any one of Cate’s many works.

But reviewers and fans alike are not simply paying lip service. Cate’s writing is otherwordly, and the author took some time out of creating these magical worlds to tell me a bit about how she creates her sometimes dark but always lovely little places to escape to.

Can you start off by telling everyone about your background – when you first started writing and what you write.

Cate: I first started writing at thirteen/fourteen. Just silly love songs with a friend who could play guitar. I thought I could play guitar too. I also thought I could sing. That fell by the wayside when I went to college and started partying, and then, in my early twenties I started writing poetry, which progressed into short stories and then longer works.

I’ve always loved reading, but as a child, I never considered that I could one day write. If you’ll hold on a second, I’ll just get the violin out… We were very poor, lived in a little dilapidated house, and my books were either second hand or from the library. Little girls like me didn’t grow up to be anything. Little girls like me didn’t grow up to be writers. Okay, I’ll put the violin away now. Then I grew up and realised, anyone can be anything they want to be. Except maybe a singer.

As to what I write – dark, fantastical stories with a surreal bent. I also like to add a little humour to the darkness.

What influences do you credit for your unique writing style?

Cate: Tim Burton, Charles Addams, Lemony Snicket, butterflies, depression, optimism, brain cells, my sense of humour, and every story I’ve ever read.

In the very first lines of Nowhere Hall, you take what could be a very everyday situation and weave magic into it with creative wordplay. Do you agonize over every word in every sentence or do these fantastical phrases come to you fully-formed?

Cate: I agonize over every word. Do fantastical phrases ever come fully formed? It’d be a slice of Heaven if they did. I twist sentences every which way and then twist them back again. I suspect I’m not alone in doing that.

When I’m in final draft mode I try to consider every word and make sure that they’re doing their job and if I can think of a better word then I replace the former.

When I’m writing something new, I ache to be at that fixing each word stage. Of course, when I’m at that state, I want to be writing something new.

Would you say your writing is “very British”?

Cate: I’m inclined to say no. Although, I suspect that’s a question for readers to answer, and even their opinions would probably differ depending on their background and nationality. For me, modern horror writers such as Gary McMahon and Simon Bestwick write what I view as very British stories. They set their tales in the sort of places I grew up in and still live in, well except for the supernatural elements and the scary stuff – although my mirror often tries to convince me that monsters exist.

Maybe my writing is more ‘eccentric Brit’. And, to contradict my original answer, I guess it must be British to a certain extent because I am British.

You know I (and many others) have said you are the Queen of Awesome Story Titles. I remember once suggesting that you should open up the Cate Gardner School of Denomination…Or maybe it was Demonization Either way, I imagine you lounging in a hammock, plucking the perfect story title from the night sky. Is it really that magical for you, Cate?

Cate: Ha! No. In a recent guest post over at Deborah Walker’s blog, I revealed my secret book of titles (that wasn’t really a secret at all). I keep a notebook with me at all times and if I hear, read, or think of something that would make, in my opinion, a marvelous story title then I note it down. Sometimes I write a story using the title as a prompt. Sometimes I have an idea for a story or I’ve completed a story (using a provisional title – I always like to have a working title even if it’s something naff) and steal an appropriate title from my notebook. Other times, finding a title is absolute Hell. I’ll scribble a thousand possible titles and shuffle words here and there until I get one that I’m happy to use.

I’d like to thank all the people who’ve said my story titles are good. They ensure I’m never lazy when choosing a title.

Now about your characters…would you say you like to give them flaws equal to their strengths?

Cate: My characters flaws are probably greater than their strengths. I do prefer to write about broken people – broken people who are determined to be optimistic. Maybe their optimism is their strength and maybe their optimism means they’re not broken at all. I shall change that to ‘I prefer to write about people who the world has tried to break and no matter how many times they’re kicked they keep on battling.’ Yes, that sounds much better.

Which of your own characters is your favorite and why?

Cate: I love Swan Ecklund (from my novella ‘Theatre of Curious Acts‘) because he is a complete cad. He’s also rather handsome.

When one reads one of your stories, it is evident that it is a Cate Gardner tale. You definitely leave your fingerprints all over each story, while still allowing each one to shine on its own. How did you hone your writing into the wonderfully fantastical, strange, surreal, dark & dreamy state that it currently appears?

I haven’t a clue. Oops, that’s a terrible answer. I guess it’s a simple case of my head is full of strange, surreal, and dark things. It’s just how I view the world. They’re who I am. Considering that fact, I am now very afraid of some of my writer friends.

What are your plans for the new year? What goals do you hope to tackle and are there any barriers you are determined to break through this year?

Cate: My immediate goals are to write a novel (Cobweb Strings of the Rotting House), to write another novella (plan in progress, no title as of yet), and to stop twittering 24-7. The barrier I’m determined to break through is my shyness and in doing so attend a convention. However, the tickets aren’t booked yet. I will book them. I will.

Lastly, let everyone know a bit about your upcoming adventures, places to find you, and any parting words you are itching to share.

Cate: I have short stories forthcoming in Dagan Book’s ‘Fish’ and Rainstorm Press‘ ‘Ice Picks’ anthologies and I’m looking forward to reading the other stories in those.

It’s always good to see how other writers interpret the prompts.

Plus, I’ve recently had two novellas published – Theatre of Curious Acts (Hadley Rille Books) and Barbed Wire Hearts (Delirium Books).

Need a little more Cate in your life? Don’t forget that we are running a contest where you can win either a hardback or paperback copy of Cate’s Theatre of Curious Acts. The contest runs until January 29, but I wouldn’t wait until the last minute to enter. These books are in high demand!

Thanks again to Cate for sharing the details of her writing life! Our Bloodlight features on Cate continue next week with a review!