Sunday, October 18, 2015

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is Shaun Allan!




1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
Shaun says: Well, there’s a question and a half! Over the years I’ve had many favourite authors, including Tolkien, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, David Eddings, Terry Brooks, Clive Barker and, of course, Stephen King and Dean Koontz. That’s without mentioning Harper Lee, who was the real inspiration behind me wanting to be a writer – asd the reason I have mockingbirds tattooed on my arm.
     As for whom I’d like to take out with me, hmmm… Dean Koontz would have to be there. I’d want to talk to him about his character ‘Odd Thomas’. I finished reading Saint Odd, the seventh book in the series, whilst in hospital last week. I couldn’t sleep so spent the night reading this. I love the character (not least because I think he and Sin would get along mighty fine) and have been captivated by each book. Saint Odd was the final story and I’m pleased to say, Koontz brought it to a fitting finale, giving Odd a wonderful send off and granting his long term wish.
     Stephen King would need to be there. He’s been with me for so long, it’d be rude not to invite him. I haven’t enjoyed every book he’s written (as with Koontz), but those I have – and there’s been many – I have lost myself in. And, he created Pennywise, one of my favourite horror characters.
     The final place, would be hard to fill. Clive Barker’s imagination is wonderfully vivid and warped – and he brought us Pinhead. He also showed me you can write about seemingly mundane placed and turn them into something much more. Before I read some of his work (I think it was Weaveworld in particular), I struggled to find a path. Now, I centre my stories on where I live, somewhere many would find boring, but I don’t. Not now I lift the pavement and look what’s crawling beneath. But what about Neil Gaiman? If for no other book than The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which will feature high on my top ten list of books for the rest of my life. Plus, I own a barbers and I’d love to have him sit in one of my chairs!
    But, I think the remaining seat would have to be David Eddings. Together with his wife, Leigh, he and his character Garion led me to wondrous places with amazing people. I’d love to meet Aunt Pol and Belgarath and talk about all the strange adventures they went on. The Belgariad was one of the first fantasy series I ever read, and the only one I’ve re-read.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Shaun says: I actually own two costumes. One is Pinhead, from Hellraiser and the other is the Mad Hatter.
    Pinhead is another of my favourite horror characters. He’s calm, collected and evil, and inhabits a world full of promises and pain. I wore this costume for my engagement party, with full head mask complete with pins, which was held on Halloween!
    The Mad Hatter costume was worn for my daughters’ birthday party (their birthdays are 4 days apart, plus 8 years). We had an Alice in Wonderland theme and I had full face makeup, wig and everything. Mr. Hatter is tapped and weird and perfectly crazy.
    For the fun factor, I’d go as the Mad Hatter, but, if I felt like being scary, it’d have to be Pinhead.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Shaun says: It would have to be either the pennies or the dentures. The pennies would probably have been used to lay on his eyes and pay Charon, the Ferryman, for crossing the River Styx into Hades.
    The teeth would have used to eat the buffet meal you were given whilst you waited for his ferry to come to port. You never used to get a buffet, but competition is rife and there’s always someone wanting to muscle in. A little buffet and, perhaps, a small glass of wine, can make all the difference.



3. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Shaun says: Oh, I’ve read so many. I think the spookiest will most likely be a Clive Barker one. His imagination is so bizarre and he takes you into such strange worlds, I’m sure one of his would be the winner. Weaveworld, perhaps, or Imajica.



4. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Shaun says: Well, I’ve just looked on a list of supernatural beings and saw Frosty the Snowman was classed as one… I think, if I was going to be one, it would have to be something a bit warmer than dear Frosty. Once I’m out of this skin, I pick up my scythe, pull on a cloak and clock in on my night job as the Grim Reaper.
    I tend to write quite a lot about Death and Mr. Grim. Sin, in my novel, wonders about him, and, in Dark Places, there’s a story called ‘I Am Death’, in which he contemplates life as he prepares to take his next soul. He’s not inherently good or evil. He just is and does what he must.



5. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Shaun says: I’d have to pick up my ereader. I had many books but no space so I ‘went digital’ instead. It’s quite funny, really, that 17 years or so ago, I was on Sky TV discussing digital publishing vs traditional methods, going up against someone from Curtis Brown. They didn’t think it would take off, but now I have a library in my back pocket!
    For my scartiest book, I think it’s likely to be The Scarlet Gospels, the latest Clive Barker book. I’ve yet to read it, having just finished Saint Odd and wanting to work on my And the Meek Shall Walk story (a more savage retelling of The Little Mermaid, inspired by my 12 year old daughter!) but, as it’s the continuing story of Pinhead, I think it’s safe to say it’ll be scary!



6. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Shaun says: I find it so easy! I think it’s because of Sin. I’ve spent so long with the character and his ‘issues’ (he took me ten years to write and he’s still going strong now), I found I could slip into his persona without any effort. I call him my ‘dark half’ as he’s so much a part of me. As such, walking on the dark side of my psyche (that’s with an ‘e’ not an ‘o’, as Sin would say) comes almost naturally. I believe you can’t have the light without the darkness and, if my writing is the darkness, my life has plenty of light!



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
Shaun says: Trick or treat, definitely. Who knows what strange things might happen if you ring his doorbell. The lack of decorations is obvious. He needs no ceremony for horror to put on a show.



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
Shaun says: If it’s candy, it would be full size – though Hersheys aren’t something we’re that familiar with here in the UK. If I’ve won, I wouldn’t hold back on mini anything. I’d prefer, however, to invest in a library. I love to hear children (and adults) reading. I’ve met adults who never read – why would you when you can see the movie? If I can inspire one child to turn a page, I’d be a happy man. As I was sent a photo, last year, of a young boy dressed as his favourite literary character for World Book Day – and it was my very own Vampire Cat from Zits’n’Bits, I think I may have done that!



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
Shaun says: I would tell them to pick up a book and read. Enter another world to help them continue the adventures in their own. Then I’d say they should write for themselves and no-one else. There shouldn’t be pressure to write, it should be natural and fulfilling. Any pressure simply places another brick on the dam of imagination. I’m blessed that my own work has been so well received, and I’m humbled by the opportunities I’ve had, such as writing for Universal and DC Comics – but with it all, I write because it’s such an urge, if I didn’t the words would dribble out of my nose. I write because I enjoy it and I can’t imagine not doing so. I don’t write for anyone or anything else.


Connect with Shaun!





A writer of many prize winning short stories and poems, Shaun Allan has written for more years than he would perhaps care to remember. Having once run an online poetry and prose magazine, he has appeared on Sky television to debate, against a major literary agent, the pros and cons of internet publishing as opposed to the more traditional method. Many of his personal experiences and memories are woven into Sin's point of view and sense of humour although he can't, at this point, teleport.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is Terry Maggert!



1. It’s the zombie apocalypse and writers have got to stick together to survive. Pick 3 authors to be on your zombie apocalypse killing team and tell us why you’d choose them.
Terry says: That’s easy. You need to assemble a team of people who are so morally bankrupt that they won’t balk at the most gruesome crimes against humanity. You also need to select people who can organize the kind of mission that requires a level of expertise we rarely see. That’s why I’ll pick three people—my editor Jennifer Clark Sell (I imagine her screaming at zombies as she decapitates them, “THAT is a dangling participle, bitch!”) as well as Amber Dalcourt (She’s a veteran of corporate nonsense. I see her working out a lot of frustration with each killing stroke). The final cog will be my distant twitter friend Peter Cawdron. He’s an Aussie and a natural fan of science, so his contribution would be dual—a desire to understand the outbreak, and then the wherewithal to feed the Zeds to any nearby animals. In Australia, EVERYTHING eats people. It seems like a natural fit to have him on the team.



2. If Stephen King and J. K. Rowling were drowning in a river, who would you save first? And now you have to tell us why.
Terry says: J. K. Rowling, and the reason is science. Her lack of subcutaneous fat would assure her of drowning before Stephen King.



3. We authors are voracious readers. My TBR list is approximately 8 miles long. What are you currently reading?

Terry says: I feel you. I wish I never had to sleep, because that would free up valuable time for reading, writing, and eating pie. I’m in the middle of Islands of Rage and Hope by john Ringo. It’s gun porn with an accidental dose of zombies, and it’s fantastic.



4. What is the one book that you could read a million times and never get bored with? 
Terry says: The White Dragon by Anne McCaffrey. I’ve loved it since I first cracked the spine, and it never gets old. Rereading it is like a visit from a best friend.



5. Last year my favorite read was The Martian by Andy Weir. What was your best read of 2014? 
Terry says: I was introduced to clockpunk through a book titled “Chasing the Star Garden” by Melanie Karsak. It was utterly unique to me. I found the vibe/atmosphere to be a little like Indian food—different, zesty, but demanding my attention.



6. This year my favorite read has been The Dog Stars by Peter Heller. What’s the best book you’ve read so far in 2015? 
Terry says: Dave Vs. the Monsters by John Birmingham. Dave is a foul mouthed reprobate who kills demons, and I loved every page of it.



7. You’re a writer by day and a superhero by night. (Take off those geeky glasses Superman) What’s your superpower? 
Terry says: I would be known as Ursu the Bearmaster. I would control a cavalry of bears.I would ride one of the bears, and my friends could ride the others. We would take them to car washes, keep them looking clean and fluffy, and trim their nails. We would get our way anywhere and everywhere. Seriously—are YOU going to tell me I can’t have extra bread at a restaurant? Not when I have sixty bears high-fiving me in your parking lot.



8. I have writing spots all over my house: my desk, my couch, the patio, and my bed. Where’s your favorite spot to write? 
Terry says: Checkered chair. Two cats on either side, one dog present. Large drink of tea/coffee/water. Legs extended onto the ottoman, feet tucked left under right. It’s between 10 PM and 3 AM, and the house is quiet around me. That spot, that confluence of elements—it’s perfect. If there is pie, even better. If there is pie and milk, then I will dominate. And then nap.



9. We’re supposed to love all of our children equally, but there are some scenes I’ve written that really stick out in my mind. Tell us your favorite scene from your book "Halfway Dead". 
Terry says: That’s easy—it’s the first scene. Carlie (a witch) kills a disgusting Wendigo with an enchanted pebble. I could tell you it’s a metaphor for David and Goliath or girl power or some other nonsense, but the truth is that among mythological creatures, there are few things more grotesque than a Wendigo. Having small, intense woman execute one in the first scene was both squishy gross and deeply satisfying. It sets the tone for the book and lets the reader know that Carlie, despite her stature, is not to be trifled with.



10. Sometimes a little too much of myself slips into my characters. Which one of your characters most resembles you? 
Terry says: I get accused of being Ring Hardigan because he has dark hair and likes beer, fishing, and naked women. We are CLEARLY different people. He’s 6’3. I’m 6’2. So there.



11. I’ve always got tunes rocking while I’m writing. Tell us five songs that are on your playlist.
Terry says: WELL OKAY. 1) The Cult “Rise”, because I love them and I must rock. 2) Yaz “Only You” because Alison Moyet’s voice is so expressive, it urges me to write with more emotion. 3) Anything by Lera Lynn. I want to marry her voice. 4) Nothing But Thieves “Trip Switch”. The bass line is hypnotic. 5) Queen. Anything by Queen. (Seriously, Kanye, don’t ever try to sing Queen again. Ever.)



12. If you could tell an aspiring author one tiny tidbit of information, what would you say? 
Terry says: Ignore and mock every single person who gives you advice IF they say that serious writers don’t do the following: 1) Write Science Fiction of Fantasy. 2) Write more than one book a year. 3) Want to make a living as a writer. To those people, I say go straight to hell and take your elitist idiocy with you. Was that too harsh? Heh.


Connect with Terry Maggert!



Left-handed. Father of an apparent nudist. Husband to a half-Norwegian. Herder of cats and dogs. Lover of pie. I write books.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is Michaelbrent Collings!




1. It’s the zombie apocalypse and writers have got to stick together to survive. Pick 3 authors to be on your zombie apocalypse killing team and tell us why you’d choose them.
Michaelbrent says:
Stephen King, Larry Correia, George R.R. Martin.
Stephen King – come ON. The dude probably knows more about apocalyptic stuff than anyone else alive. I'm sure he'd be a valuable resource.
Larry Correia – Larry's the bestselling author of the Monster Hunter International series, which gives him automatic cred in all things monsters. Plus: he's HUGE. And always armed. Most authors are (less face it) less than imposing physically. This dude is bigger than Conan.
George R. R. Martin – not to put too fine a point on it, but I think I could outrun him. Always a good idea not to be the slowest guy on the team.



2. If Stephen King and J. K. Rowling were drowning in a river, who would you save first? And now you have to tell us why.
Michaelbrent says: J.K. Rowling. They are both huge contributors to popular culture, and I hear they're really nice. But Rowling is younger, and has younger kids. Also, she's a woman – and I know it may be sexist, but I was raised in a "women and children first" kind of home.
Plus, there's a greater chance that King is a witch. So he'd survive.



3. We authors are voracious readers. My TBR list is approximately 8 miles long. What are you currently reading?
Michaelbrent says: I'm currently reading 14 by Peter Clines, Abigail and John: Portrait of a Marriage by Edith Gelles, Swan Song by Robert McCammon, His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik, and Sammy the Shark by Bobby Bishop. The last one is what I read with my toddler, so don't judge. The others sit happily atop various toilet tanks in my house, since I have four kids and pretty much everything but bathroom time has turned into a team sport. In fact, I don't even call it a bathroom anymore. I call it "my tiny tiny office with a fairly comfy chair and a lock."



4. What is the one book that you could read a million times and never get bored with?
Michaelbrent says: Crap. Really? Crap. Uhhh… Ender's Game springs to mind. I read it as a kid and have returned to it a dozen or so times over the years. A million reads might be a bit much, but it's got at least a few more reads in it.



5. Last year my favorite read was The Martian by Andy Weir. What was your best read of 2014?
Michaelbrent says: Gah! Really? I can't do things like that. My favorite book is always any good book I'm reading now. Books are there to fit my mood and fit my life, and any time they do that, they are a treasure. Plus, if I'm being honest, I can't remember as far back as 2014. I'm a writer, which is French for "generally incompetent," so asking me to remember anything farther back than when I put my shoes on this morning (on the wrong feet) is pretty much a lost cause.
Though I do remember I read Sammy the Shark. A lot.



6. This year my favorite read has been The Dog Stars by Peter Heller. What’s the best book you’ve read so far in 2015?
Michaelbrent says: See above. Double gah.



7. You’re a writer by day and a superhero by night. (Take off those geeky glasses Superman) What’s your superpower?
Michaelbrent says: My superpower is to let others see themselves the way I do. I think one of the saddest things about human nature is that we so often seem determined to see ourselves in the worst possible light, then attempt to live down to that expectation. But people are mostly awesome, and the better they know that, the better they tend to treat those around them.
Meredith says: I love this.


8. I have writing spots all over my house: my desk, my couch, the patio, and my bed. Where’s your favorite spot to write?
Michaelbrent says: Honestly? Anyplace with wifi and a refillable soft drink. I work at restaurants, book stores, coffee shops. I tend to stay out of my house because I don't want to disrupt my wife's life too much – she's too good a woman to have me inflicted on her 24/7.



9.  We’re supposed to love all of our children equally, but there are some scenes I’ve written that really stick out in my mind. Tell us your favorite scene from your book.
Michaelbrent says: I think my favorite scene would probably be in my book This Darkness Light. It's an apocalyptic thriller where a hitman is told to kill a good person who may be holding a Doomsday virus. The hitman is a good person (he's a hitman with a heart of gold, and a priest to boot), and he starts to have reservations so a psychotic killer is sent with him to make sure he stays on target. During one scene the psycho threatens the hitman's loved ones, making it graphically clear he'd love to kill them – and worse. Then he starts singing showtunes and songs from Disney's Aladdin. Because psycho. Love that scene – chilling, thrilling, and strangely funny all in one.



10. Sometimes a little too much of myself slips into my characters. Which one of your characters most resembles you?
Michaelbrent says: Ken Strickland. He's the main character in The Colony Saga – a zombie apocalypse story with the most amped-up zombies you've ever seen – they're fast, they're evolving and learning as they go, and headshots just piss them off. Ken is an average guy who finds himself a survivor in the aftermath and just wants to stay one step ahead of the things that threaten him and his family. I'm not a teacher, but like Ken I'm just a normal guy – no superhuman powers that would give me an edge – I love my family and worry about them, and I think people are mostly good and would help each other in an Apocalypse. Also like Ken, I do karate. Kee-yah!



11. I’ve always got tunes rocking while I’m writing. Tell us five songs that are on your playlist.
Michaelbrent says:
Friday Night by Lilly Allen
Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band
Walking on Air by Kerli
Find My Baby by Moby
Funhouse by Pink



12. If you could tell an aspiring author one tiny tidbit of information, what would you say?
Michaelbrent says: Wow – I assume by "aspiring writer" you mean "someone who'd like to do this for a living." To those people I say: it's a JOB. Don't go thinking you're going to puke up a masterwork on the first try, and that some agent will scoop it up in his/her magic barf bag and turn it into money. The average time for an author to "make it" ranges somewhere between five and sixteen thousand years. It's hard work, a second (or third) job for a long time before you make it. And even then, once you've made it you have to work your butt off doing marketing, PR appearances, and – oh, yeah – always writing your next book. Don't get me wrong, it's a cool job, and the best one I've ever had… but it's hard. Only those who give it their all – and then some – are going to stick around.


Connect with Michaelbrent Collings!



Michaelbrent Collings is one of the top indie horror writers in the US, one of Amazon's Most Popular Horror Writers (for three years and counting!), and an international bestseller in 40+ countries. He is also a produced screenwriter who works in Hollyweird, though he has never "done lunch" or engaged the services of a waxer.

His bestsellers include The Colony Saga, Strangers, Darkbound, Apparition, The Haunted, The Loon, and the YA fantasy series The Billy Saga.

He hopes someday to develop superpowers, and maybe get a cool robot arm.

Michaelbrent has a wife and several kids, all of whom are much better looking than he is (though he admits that's a low bar to set), and much MUCH cooler than he is (also a low bar).

He also has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MichaelbrentCollings and can be followed on Twitter through his username @mbcollings.

Sign up at http://eepurl.com/VHuvX for advance notice of MbC's new releases, sales, and freebies. You will also be kept safe when the Glorious Revolution begins! MWA-hahahahaha!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is Debbie Mumford


Let's see what Debbie had to say about reading, writing and zombies!



1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
Debbie says: Hmmm…Let’s see…I think Richelle Mead, because she knows all the cool vampires, Carrie Vaughn for her werewolf connections, and Devon Monk because she really understands Magic…to the Bone!



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Debbie says:  I’m a dragon, of course. Red scales, gold eyes, with a lovely diamond-tipped tail! The main characters in my “Sorcha’s Children” novels are dragon-shifters and I’d love to shift out of my human skin sometime and join them in flight!



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Debbie says:  The dentures. I’ll put them on a shelf above my writing desk and wait for them to inspire a story. Who knows? They might even start chattering and tell me all about their last owner’s misadventures.



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Debbie says:  I don’t know about spooky, but Diana Gabaldon writes some pretty intense torture scenes. One that made me put the book down and walk away came in “A Breath of Snow and Ashes” when Claire was abducted. What came after was terrifying in its reality!



5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Debbie says:  Well, since I’ve already told you about my affinity for dragons, I’ll move to my next favorite creature: a wolf. Intelligent, powerful, able to work cooperatively, and supremely untamed. If a wolf honors you with his trust, make sure you’re worthy!



6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Debbie says:  “Survivor in Death” by JD Robb is a favorite of mine. There’s nothing like a child in peril to make my blood run cold.



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Debbie says:  I don’t write horror, but that doesn’t mean I don’t write horrific scenes. I usually write those scenes early in the morning, before I have time to fully examine what needs to happen. I sit in my writing chair, put myself into my character, and write into the dark. What emerges from my subconscious often astounds me.



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
Debbie says:  Definitely “c”! Hey, his light’s on. I’m allowed to knock on his door on Halloween. Now if the light were off, I’d slink right on past with a wary glance over my shoulder.



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
Debbie says:  I’m in celebration mode! Definitely splurging on the full-size Hershey bars!



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
Debbie says:  I’d encourage her to take some time off. Do other things. Feed her muse. If she’s meant to write, when her battery is recharged, she won’t be able to stop herself from telling the stories that will be buzzing in her head.





Connect with Debbie Mumford


Debbie Mumford specializes in the unknown —fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fiction. Author of the popular “Sorcha’s Children” series, Debbie loves mythology and is especially fond of Celtic and Native American lore. She writes about dragons, thunderbirds and time-traveling lovers for adults as herself and for tweens and young adults as Deb Logan.

Connect with Debbie's alter ego Deb Logan!



Deb Logan writes Children's, Tween, and Young Adult fantasy. Her stories are light-hearted tales for the younger set—or ageless folk who remain young at heart. Author of the popular “Dani Erickson” series, Deb loves dragons and faeries and all things unexplained. She's especially fond of Celtic and Native American tales. Faeries and Dragons and Thunderbirds, Oh My!

Today's Authtoberfest feature: The emerging authors of NATION OF THE MOON!



This interview is a little different. We have a collection of authors about to release their debut Author Series 'Nation of the Moon.'  There's also a Thunderclap page for their project. Take a peek to learn more about the project and each author.

This post is a bit long but hang in there, it's worth it!


Emerging Author E. M. Nelson


1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
E. M. Nelson says: Stephen King because he gave me nightmares as a kid. My mom loved his books so when they were turned into movies, we all got to watch them… worst mistake of my childhood.
Dean Kuntz because he introduced me to the thrill of feeling like you are about to die, alone in your own home while reading a book. Also, he has one hecka twisted mind.
Stephanie Meyer because even though the movies sucked, she made a whole generation of readers love the idea of being with a dead guy…



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
E. M. Nelson says: Steampunk Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Because she is a character in an upcoming book of mine, and because I am absolutely in love with the funky/eclectic look that steampunk has going on.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
E. M. Nelson says: I take it all. I mean, she is offering for me to “take what I like” and it isn’t very likely that anyone will want them anyways, besides they’d all make great tools in creating some Halloween pranks.



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
E. M. Nelson says: "Whispers” by Dean Koontz… I read this when I was 13… I still have nightmares about it 17 years later. Like I said earier, he’s got a hecka twisted mind!



5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
E. M. Nelson says: Naturally I’d be a werewolf. That’s what my new story is about after all.



6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
E. M. Nelson says: I’ve gotten rid of all my scary books unfortunately. With all the moves for the Army and the fact that we have 5 very young kids, my shelves are filled with kid’s books and favorites like Harry Potter, The Green Rider series, and The Maze Runner series.



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
E. M. Nelson says: After putting my family to bed- I always write in the dark of night since it is quite and I can focus better (plus I may or may not be a vampire…)- I like to search for spooky images related to what I’m writing. I also have been known to crack open a scary book- before I had to get rid of them that is.



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
E. M. Nelson says: A! Even if he isn't handing out anything, I'd be game for meeting him and shaking his hand.



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
E. M. Nelson says: C! I’ve always wanted to be THAT house with the full sized candy bars. I loved those people as a kid! Besides, you’re less likely to get a visit from the TP fairy if you’re chill like that.



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
E. M. Nelson says: Do what you’ve gotta do, but save your work because we both know that you’ll be back eventually, and when that time comes those stories will be here patiently waiting for you to throw your heart and soul back into them.

Connect with E. M. Nelson!


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Emerging Author Matt Heslop


1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
Matt Heslop says: Brian D Sharkey because he has one sick twisted imagination and his books scare the crap out of me.
Jeff Lindsay because if you’re talking blood you must be talking about Dexter Morgan.
Stephen King because he made everyone afraid of clowns.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Matt Heslop says: Boba Fett because he’s Boba Fett



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Matt Heslop says: The dentures because nobody else can say they got dentures for Halloween.



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Matt Heslop says: “Based on Real Life Events” by Brian D Sharkey



5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Matt Heslop says: Vampire because they’re sexy and hard to kill.



6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Matt Heslop says: “Based on Real Life Events” by Brian D Sharkey



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Matt Heslop says: I think about the worst possible ways to die.



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
Matt Heslop says: A



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
Matt Heslop says: I won’t be home; I’ll be treating my friends to a night out.



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
Matt Heslop says: “People need to hear your story, they need to be scared to death and appreciate the life they have while they have it.” I’ve actually said this to my writer friend.

Connect with Matt Heslop!


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Emerging Author Johnny Craft


1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
Johnny Craft says: Grant Morrison, because he's into the same kind of drugs that I'm into. Scott Snyder, because he's a great horror writer, and I'm sure Grant and I could get him to smoke some hash. My third would be Mark Millar, mainly so I could just bug him about which comics of his are going to be made into movies. Sorry, I only read comics, so I only included comic book writers.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Johnny Craft says: Well... I'm 30.... Sooooo.....



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Johnny Craft says: Obviously you take the dentures! Those have sentimental value, a monetary value worth certainly more than 5 cents, and everyon gets old... You might need those dentures some day.



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Johnny Craft says: My ex-wife wrote a book called "I Plan to Smother Johnny Craft in His Sleep" but it was never published (only used as evidence). Does that count?



5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Johnny Craft says: I'd like to be a cute, cuddly, pink teddy bear with heart shaped eyes, and a rainbow tongue, who only speaks in song or limmerick... Why? Because, I'm the manliest dude I know.



6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Johnny Craft says: Aside from my massive "Goosebumps" collection from when I was nine, I guess I'd have to go with the original Todd McFarlane run of "Spawn". What's not to love?



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Johnny Craft says: I write a lot of horror. I actually have to work myself into a mood to NOT write something with a horrific theme to it. I sometimes worry it's because I'm a psychopath that just hasn't snapped yet. We will see if that's a sound theory when the news report comes out.



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
Johnny Craft says: A. I would compliment him for having so many wonderful ideas, but then I would ask him why he thinks it's a good idea to try to run a terrestrial radio station, in Maine, in the age of podcasts, Youtube, and everything-but-radio. (I'm not joking, WKIT 100.3, The Rock of Bangor! That's a real thing... not just something he made up, to make fun of, in his books.)



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
Johnny Craft says: A. But I would fill one of those t-shirt cannons from sporting events with them, and let the little kids blast the bigger bullies with delicious, confectionary, buckshot to the chest.



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?

Johnny Craft says: Remember the scene from "The Godfather" when Johnny Fontane cried to Don Corleone, because Jack Woltz wouldn't put him in that war movie?
"You can act like a man! What's the matter with you?! Is this how you've turned out? A Hollywood finnochio who cries like a woman?"
Now, if this writer friend WAS a woman, I think I'd have to rethink my response to another Godfather quote entirely.


Connect with Johnny Craft!

(Meredith says: With a name like Johnny Craft you'd better connect with him. I'm just saying. It's a great name.)


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Emerging Author Andrea Callahan



1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
Andrea says: Barbara Michaels / Elizabeth Peters – given the way she wrote about small towns, she’ll be able to gossip about all the neighbors with me.
Elizabeth Hunter – She has a great way of presenting the people and places that blend with everyday reality but are really a place apart. She’ll be able to find us the best places to hang out.
Robin McKinley – Everything in her books is poetry. I like nights like poetry, they linger on your soul for weeks afterword and make life sweeter.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Andrea says: I’ve always liked Velma from the Scooby-Doo series. She uses her brains and researches the facts to see to the heart of the matter, and is willing to get a clue.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Andrea says: The peppermint candies – I can take them and throw them away, with none the wiser. Sneakily, I replace the peppermint candies with Hershey Kisses.



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Andrea says: Okay, I don’t read horror. Never have, never will. So I can’t compare horror stories with you. Given that, the scariest book I’ve read is probably Crown of Shadows by CS Friedman. It’s the third in the series, actually, set in a world where what people imagine comes true. The lead character told people how to use this power to make a steady civilization, but then used the darkest of men’s beliefs to become an immortal monster. I really can’t imagine an entire planet feeding back to humanity whatever we dream up – that would be terrible.



5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Andrea says: Toturro (as in my neighbor Toturro) – chubby, fuzzy, and making people feel better when they are down. Best to nap with.


6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Andrea says: Someone in the House by Barbara Michaels. Mostly because the house affects how the characters feel. I find that someone hijacking my mind scares me more than mere physical threats.



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Andrea says: Getting as close as I can to sensory deprivation. I have found that if I want to make hearts beat when I write, I have to feel my own while writing. So dark, quiet, middle of the night writing.



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
Andrea says: A – If he’s handing out the good stuff, I may get a signed book anyway, and one I don’t already have



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
Andrea says: Probably D – Endangered species chocolate squares. I’m a bit of an environut, so giving out chocolate that saves the rainforest is a much better win.



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
Andrea says: Writing should be something you do because you can’t not do it. Don’t give up the writing, give up the things that make you feel the pressure. 

Connect with Andrea!



____________________________________


Emerging Author Aaron Farrow



1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
Aaron says: Stephen King, Robert Kirkman, and Maddox. I mainly picked them for their sense of humor. I think we could get into a lot of trouble.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Aaron says: Boba Fett. No one messes with the galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Aaron says: I’d choose the five pennies. Seems like a good opportunity to say “Keep the change, you filthy animal.”



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Aaron says: That’s a tough one. I’m going to go for the cop-out answer and pick The Shining. Stephen King was in his prime on that one and nailed the terror of childhood and isolation.



5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Aaron says: I would be a werewolf for the obvious benefit of plugging my story in Nation of the Moon. Nothing beats a little marketing synergy.



6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Aaron says: It would take too long to go over everything. I have nearly every Stephen King title, lots of Dean Koontz, some stuff by Brian Keene, and plenty of horror and scf-fi themed comics.



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Aaron says: I don’t have to do much. I pretty much watch and read horror constantly. The biggest thing I try to do when writing is ground the horror in real-life situations based on my experiences. Grounding the outlandish can make a horror tale much more effective.



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
Aaron says: I would go for the autograph. Might as well add it to my collection. If he yells at me at least I’d have a cool story.



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
Aaron says: I’m getting the cheap candies. Being a stingy curmudgeon always seemed like so much fun. I would seize my chance to finally live the dream.



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
Aaron says: Like anything creative, you should be doing it because you love it. My advice would be to ask them if they still love it. If they do, stick to it. If they lost the love, maybe it’s time to move on or take a break. If you follow your passion you can never go wrong.



____________________________________


Emerging Author Cody Grady


1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
Cody says: Picture the perfect evening thusly; a quaint British pub on a cool Halloween night with a roaring fire to dull the coming winter’s bite. There are just enough decorations to know the holiday is upon us, but no one has dressed up and those drinking are too busy with their pints to pay much attention to Legosi and Cheney silently pantomiming on a nearby television set. I meet Jim Butcher for dinner and the house ale of course, and we discuss his ability to stretch the conventions of fantasy beyond their means. His characters are simple, his plot direct, yet both pluck at my heartstrings. He rehashes old tales but in an elegant way I adore, making the mundane magical... reminding me to keep things simple and direct. With the meal consumed we signal the barkeep for another round and sit beside the burning logs, our duo joined by Neil Gaiman. In him, we find a master storyteller, who spins such mystical webs of fiction that they make you pray such dreamscapes are real. Gaiman touches the spiritual within us all, crafts those wispy morning remembrances into beautiful worlds we visit only in sleep. Like Morpheus he lulls us to the edge of slumber as the fire burns low and the last steins are cleaned and replaced upon their hooks. But at the first bell of midnight strikes, the phantasm that is Clive Barker sweeps through the door carrying with him the chilling wind and icy rain. Straight liquor with him, of course, to match his bitter, pain filled tales of woe. As he speaks, life becomes profane, fetid. Barker turns the mirror upon the darker versions of ourselves, finding the rotted core in our hearts before extracting it and laying the maggot filled organ out for display. He terrifies us for hours before slinking away, leaving us begging to be shown no more of the darkest depths of his mind. Yet even as the sunlight shines once more, it does not wash away the ichor left behind.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Cody says: I’ve never been one for dress up, antithetical as it may be to my extensive background in the theatre. Perhaps it is because I respect the practice, know how much goes into it professionally. If I was going out, however, I tend to lean towards the fantastical heroes, such as a swashbuckling Errol Flynn type or a caped crusader. Batman is an easy go to, but I could also see myself wielding Star-Lord’s blaster. Or Groot… when in doubt, be Groot.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Cody says: The dentures, of course. They make the best story. Why did she keep them? Are they a perverse memento or a senile oversight? Is Mrs. Robinson crazy, or have I been passed the last remaining vestiges of a tortured spirit? Perhaps they will begin chattering upon my bedside table late one night, and I will be forced to question whether or not I have become the protagonist in an R.L. Stine novel.



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Cody says: I’ve read a number, but a particular experience whilst reading Stephen King’s It has always made that story stand out above the rest. My mother had nearly all his novels, and she began looking the other way when I took to reading them. At first she made a few recommendations towards some of the lighter stuff, but when I grabbed It down from the shelf she gave me a long, sideways glance which, while Mom said nothing, conveyed everything. I scurried away and began devouring the novel at a rapid pace, unable to pull my eyes from the page for the mundane necessary tasks of life; flipping light switches, walking up stairs, etc. I was absorbed by the terrible fate of these children, and it stuck a chord since I wasn’t much older than those kids were when I first read it. This was the story of terrible things happening to children, and that idea had never really occurred to me before. Page after page turned in my hands as the story twisted and turned, and after one fearful encounter with Pennywise, I looked up to discover I had closed and locked all the windows and doors in my upstairs room. The fear finally sank in, and I dove into bed under the covers with haste, leaving the reading light on. The old and musty smelling paperback was tossed haphazardly beside me. I got little sleep that particular night, and my rest was disturbed for quite some time by the contents of that book.



5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Cody says: The Sandman. I’ve always been in love with the mythological concept of someone bringing us our dreams. These nocturnal musings can frighten, amuse, and mystify. Their abstract nature have left some to conclude dreams guide us, and even the most critical person has to agree that they provide solutions to everyday problems, even if those solutions are idle fantasy. I’d love the power to pass out hope, to terrify, to help rest the weary or cause the unjust to tremble. Morpheus is the ultimate storyteller; I’d settle for a few well placed sprinkles of sand in the eyes of those I think deserve it.



6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Cody says: The bookshelf is empty at the moment due to a room renovation that I haven’t found the time to finish. Going strictly from memory I’d have to say Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill. Much like his father the words fly by as one delves deep into the fantastical, but then a phrase knifes its way into the vulnerable, scarable parts of you. Something about Hill’s description of black scribbles for eyes causes the hair on the back of my neck to raise; the motion of the lines, the dehumanization and othering of not being able to see into another person… the lack of soul. Terrifies me.



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Cody says: For me true horror arises in solitude; in the absence of confirmation, of rationality, and of sanity. It is only in these moments of self doubt and apprehension that we truly experience fear in all of its biological and neurological capacities. Myself, a dark room, pen and paper. Perhaps some horror film soundtracks, if I’m feeling particularly macabre. If I don’t experience it personally, there on the page, then no reader ever will.





8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
Cody says: If the porch light is on then he is expecting people to knock. I hope he’s handing out the good stuff, but I still call my mom. I would let her get her favorite story signed, though, she’s a much bigger fan of him than me.



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
Cody says: The full size bars, of course. Anything else is less than charitable. Upon receipt of the Holy Grail of trick-or-treating, however, Robert Englund would then burst out of a nearby window and chase the screaming brats down the street, as I contracted him to do. ‘Tis the season, after all.



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
Cody says: Stop writing, of course. Give it a day, a week, a month. If it is meant to be then the stories won’t stop. Their dreams will be haunted, their life will become dull and gray. Soon they will be writing the life stories of those passing by, begin obscenely staring at people while at the coffee shop or in line at the grocery. Writers cannot stop; they can, however, choose to work hard at becoming better. That’s my only goal, and it should be theirs, too. Make your latest words your best ones.



____________________________________


Emerging Author John Graham

1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
John says: Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis, and Frank Miller. Hanging around with these three would guarantee me superstar status at any location with Comic Book fans or geeks. Plus the conversation would be loads of fun.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
John says: Due to my height, I can only pull off a Frankenstein effectively.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
John says: I would have to take the dentures, they would make a great prop for my costume.



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
John says: I don’t typically read spooky stuff, but I was a little panicked when I read Fablehaven book 1 by Brandon Mull. The scene with the baby on the roof trying to be let in was quite intense.



5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
John says: A werewolf of course. Not the typical savage kind, but one with more mental capacity.



6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
John says: Man, Myth, and Legends. This book is scary because it contains all the mysteries on earth that we can’t figure out. How frightening is it to realize there are so many things we don’t know about those that have lived before us.



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
John says: Watching darker movies, one of my favorites is Nightbreed by Clive Barker.



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
John says: C – but also ask her to bring some of my books so I can drop them off for him to read.



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
John says: D – copies of my comic books, so they don’t get cavities.


10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
John says: You can take a break, but you never stop being a writer. That’s just the way life works.


____________________________________


Emerging Author Casey Little

1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
Casey says: If I had to choose it would be Dean Koontz, David Baldacci and Jim Butcher. Jim would make it fun with his witty sense of humor; David and Dean would have the strategy making things interesting.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Casey says: I would pick a pirate costume because I’m a big fan of them. I’m also a bit of a history nut and I find their history intriguing.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Casey says: I would take the dentures, because I’m weird. I would probably find something to do with them. Hey, I’m creative.


4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Casey says: Out of Dean Koontz’s works (I’ve only read a few) but I would have to say that “The Door To December” was pretty cool because of the depth of the psychological impact. It was scary good J


5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Casey says: A Dragon, because being able to breathe fire and fly is just… awesome. Eating people wouldn’t be too bad….would that be cannibalism??



6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Casey says: I’m a fan of horror, guts, gore and the like. In a way I’ve become jaded enough to laugh at things that would normally be disgusting or scary. I also have a vivid imagination so when I read so most of the details are enhanced. One book comes to mind that I got in 4th grade. That when I had a soul. (Just kidding J ) It was a book called “Loch” by Paul Zindel, which ended up giving me nightmares as a kid, so I would probably pick that one.



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Casey says: Sometimes I’ll surf YouTube and listen creepy music plus I will always write at night or in a dark room with candle light. (It creates a really cool atmosphere.)



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
Casey says: a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph


9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
Casey says: c) full size Hershey bars



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
Casey says: Writing is not about pressure, it is not about deadlines or audience. It’s about telling a story, your story. Writing is something you should do out of love for the craft and embrace it for what it is. If it’s money you’re after…good luck with that. I would tell them to remember what made them love writing to begin with and to recall those feelings. Recall what inspired them to start putting words on paper. On the harsher side (brutal advice) if your love for the craft can be crushed with “pressure” then maybe you shouldn’t write professionally. I tend to be more brutal because I hate to sugar coat my opinion when asked. I’m brutally honest by nature.

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Don't forget to Take a peek at their Thunderclap page to learn more about the project and each author!