TN: Your novel, Word Wars, shows us a view of a very bleak possible future - what was your inspiration?
Chris: The inspiration for Word Wars came about after my reflection over Ray Bradbury's book, Fahrenheit 451. I also believe that Soylent Green and The Omega Man influenced me, to a lesser degree. I was intrigued by the prospect of a benign agency, gaining so much influence and power that it terrorized its own citizens to the point of revolt and civil war. I asked myself, what if we were denied the basic given right to read the printed word, and were forced to adopt a new color bar language? And this, because the government had secrets to hide from the general populace. How far would we go to recover our heritage?
TN: So you enjoy Ray Bradbury (and really, who doesn't?) What other authors do you enjoy and draw inspiration from?
Chris: I believe the high fantasy and science fiction of Poul Anderson really got me started on my own writing campaign. I loved his voice and description. His sense of irony also influenced me. Alan Dean Foster also affected me with his world-building. Other writers I've enjoyed and inspired me would be Joeseph Wambaugh, Peter Benchley, Michael Crichton, and bringing up the rear, would be James Rollins, who I've just discovered, but who has taught me a lot about action and pace.
TN: Have you always seen yourself as an SF writer, or do you entertain the notion of crossing genres at some point?
Chris: I had always seen myself as a SF writer because I loved to read the genre so much. My first agent told me that I was a better action/adventure writer, which I took with a grain of salt. It was only until my second agent convinced me to stretch my wings, that I considered urban fantasy, and then later, paranormal romance. I also had to confront the reality of the shrinking SF market and just how difficult it was to break into it. The SF slots have always been few and limited. I wanted to expand my chances for publication.
TN: Which leads me to the obvious question - what other novels have you written? And is there a romance novel in your future?
Chris: Over the years I've written about 17 novels. All of them were spec fiction to some degree. I'm on my eighth book in just the last three years, and of those, three have been offered contracts. Though I have never written a straight romance before, my books now contain only female main characters, and I would say the romance ratio in each of my stories now is easily running 50% of the storyline.
TN: There seems to be a trend toward female main characters in the industry these days. Do you find it challenging, as a man, to write a female lead at all?
Chris: Agent Nat Sobel has blogged about this and reports that he's seen a disturbing trend. The only way for male writers to break in nowadays is with a thriller. He also said that men better learn how to start writing female leads convincingly, or they'll find their opportunities limited. This is because roughly 65% of all books bought and read are by females. So the market is very female-centric right now. My agent has also agreed with this analogy and steered me toward the female audience.
Oh, you better believe I've started using female leads exclusively now. I don't find them hard to write at all. If I run into trouble or have doubts about something, I'll start a thread about it at AW and get crackshot advice. My sex scenes can get graphic, but I'm mostly a big teaser and use a lot of foreplay and seduction.
TN: As a female reader, and writer, I find it frustrating that the Industry believes women want only to read about strong women. What do you, as a male reader and writer, prefer to read when you read for entertainment?
Chris: I think women have been entitled to feel some empowerment and direction over their lives. It's been a long time coming, and I'm glad that we're rid of the Hemmingway damsel-in-distress days. Say goodbye to the women who serve as only backdrops, or convenient 'relief vehicles.' On the other hand, I find it implausible reading about a gal who is solving all the crimes and killing people by the dozens, using sex as a weapon and climbing ruthlessly to the top of the corporate ladder.
Personally, I'm a sucker for the naive and sweet, who has plenty of intelligence and hidden power, like the gal in Enchanted, Madison in Splash, and the female lead in Date with an Angel. They just don't do those types anymore. I'm talking about the displaced Goddess, who has to adjust to a frustrated male mortal, but still remains a vibrant and equal partner.
TN: Well you've hit the nail on the head for THIS interviewer! I couldn't agree more. But I'm curious - do you see the Publishing Industry as something in need of a drastic overhaul? Do you see it changing, or resisting change, over the years you've been involved?
Chris: I've been at this for over 22 years and I could rant about this one all day long. In those days I was pulling a couple grand per book, and those were very small presses. Just about every legit commercial publisher I knew back then has been absorbed by a larger company or gone out of business. In my humble opinion, the worst blight to hit (face-slap) this industry has been the introduction of POD technology (print-on-demand). It's fine for small runs and reprints, but to an author and his/her career, it's fundamentally worthless. The people running these shoestring publishing outfits have no business doing so. Unfortunately, 80 % of us will probably land with a POD when it's all said and done--unless you are willing to let your book disappear into obscurity. There are just so many publishing slots available from the biggies.
On the bright side, I'm so relieved and happy to be able to send entire books via email. This was a luxury we NEVER had back then, unless we were asked to send floppy disks, which rarely happened. The delivery process has indeed changed for the better.
What could change? You know, I wish marketing would keep their noses out of book selection and return the decision-making power right back to the editors, where it belongs and always has belonged.
TN: Wow, 22 years in the business - so what advice would you give a new writer struggling to break in?
Chris: This business is cruel and heartless at times--99% of it involves rejection and hearing "no" a lot. You have to hang in there for the long haul. There won't be any instant gratification, so prepare yourself. I started off with short stories; that might be a good idea for the newbie. Now, if you have your heart set on novel publication, realize that it will be very difficult, since it is so competitive. However, if you have a solid platform, specialize in a certain subject matter, and have creds in that area, you just might make a non-fiction book your first sale. Non-fiction out-sells fiction 3--1. That's how I got my start. My non-fiction earnings actually supported my fiction pursuits.
Always remember this:
A Writer is…
A humble, receptive student and negotiator
But the heart that beats within his breast
Is a determined savage
Unfamiliar with surrender
TN: So with those odds, basically it's "Don't quit your day job." Is writing your day job?
Chris: Yep, writing is it for me. I earn my keep by performing maintenance and cleaning on my residence. Absolutely keep your day job. Even debut authors with the large houses can't afford to leave their source of employment until they've achieved brand-name status. I'm still waiting for Wonka's golden ticket. You have to believe in yourself.
TN: Believe in yourself, good advice! So do you have anything you'd like to say to the readers before I let you get back to your writing?
Chris: In closing, Ill say thank you, Kristine, for this interview and exposure. It's been fun, and not surprisingly, a bit more thorough and professional than some I have had in the past! I think Trunk Novels is a unique venture and will attract some attention. Who knows what's next, eh?
I will say this: Don't forget to support your fellow authors who have landed with small press and e-book publishers. The trend always seems to be that we honor and support those big-deal authors, with large advances and huge publicity. There are some gems out there that might surprise you.
And, as a writer, the greatest disservice you can do to yourself is to give up. Enjoy the venture and ride. And be kind to yourself.
Heartfelt hugs to Lori, for starting this project. I hope she goes down in history, but not before a big book deal.
Chris
01 December 2008
01 October 2008
Interview with Brick Marlin
TN: Can you tell us what inspired Raising Riley?
Brick: Well, I wanted to write a tale about a boy who has more to fear than what lurks inside of his closet. I wanted (hoped) to show the reader what fear is, whether it was from his father, or the bullies at school; then, as an additive, include the supernatural horror.
TN: Is Horror a preferred genre, or do you enjoy writing other styles as well?
Brick: Horror is my preferred genre. Usually, I love to mix it with dark fantasy or sci-fi to give it a different voice or twist.
TN: Who are some of your influences - your favorite authors?
Brick: Wow, there so many to list. Let me see...here's a nice run down: Edgar Allan Poe; Harper Lee; Stephen King; Clive Barker; Ray Bradbury; Neil Gaiman; Richard Matheson; Richard Laymon; Dean Koontz; Kurt Vonnegut; Isaac Asimov; Frank Hubert; L. Ron Hubbard; Douglas Clegg; Brian Keene; and Gary Braunbeck.
TN: That's an interesting mix. Is there a genre you've been tempted to try but haven't? Anything that might stretch you?
Brick: Not really. Though I read a lot, and try to study how other authors write. I don't want to write exactly like them; that isn't the way to find your own voice. I believe that it has to come from deep down inside of you and how you would like to tell your tale. What emotions you feel that your character will feel inside his or her flesh. Some times, I try to listen to how people talk; their conversations; and pay close attention to detail on how things are designed and built. I suppose that I'll never stop learning the craft as I pursue further into this field.
TN: So no Romance or Mystery writing in your future - What got you interested writing? Was it something that started at a young age? Did anything in particular snap inside your head and made you realize Writing was what you really wanted to do?
Brick: No, I don't think that I'm smart enough to write a mystery; and romance really isn't up my alley. I think that the first time I wrote my first tale was in fifth or sixth grade. The whole class had to write a scary story, since Halloween was on the way, and I think a lot of the kids wrote about ghosts, pumpkins, skeletons, and sweet little monsters. I was a bit different. I wrote a story about a serial killer going around a town murdering children. I guess I was demented from the start.
I never really took writing serious until about 1985. My first actual short story for publication was in the newspaper when they had ran a Halloween issue. From then on, I wrote off and on. Ideas would come to me, but I sometimes never wrote them down. I didn't think that my stuff was any good. (Still don't, but that's just me being hard on myself I guess.)
When the year 2001 rolled around, I became a little more serious with the craft. And not until last year I allowed myself to be succumbed with the passion, enter into it full-throttle, and make up tale after tale.
Sometimes I think its more fun to stay in a fantasy world, rather than real life.
TN: I imagine as a demented writer from early on, you're a hard one to scare. When you're not reading, what other things entertain you?
Brick: Believe it or not, there is still some things that scare me. Lately, I've been thinking about playing music again. I played blues professionally for about twelve years. Its my other love. I usually don't watch much television, there's not much that is on that interests me. Sometimes I watch movies, but I'm picky about them, since I lean toward older horror and sci-fi flicks.
TN: Professional blues player? Now that's interesting. Music and Writing are both very creative ventures. Can you tell us - how does writing for an audience compare to playing music for an audience?
Brick: Music is such a great way to express yourself, let yourself go, and have fun playing on stage. When the groove is right, things go very well. But in the past, if things did not, and me and the other members in the band were disgruntled with each other about something, we'd have to deal with it on stage while playing side by side. We'd keep it professional, though, and try not to argue or fight.
I think that writing is a different form of expression, one in which you can also let yourself go and allow the ideas to come. It allows me to be on my own and bring more creativity to the table, too. If I'm writing a story, and I have trouble with the character not doing what he or she is suppose to be doing, I delete them - like killing them off, and not having to worry about any more tension.
With music, I sort of felt that I was in a box at times. I really wanted to learn jazz, but I don't think that I have the smarts for it. I love listening to the classics, such as Toots Thielemans, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, etc., but I'm not so sure that I can figure I out how to play along with the groove. It's a whole different animal.
TN: So you've enjoyed the limelight as a musician - where do you hope writing will take you? What's your dream as far as being an author?
Brick: I think that my dream is to have a lot of fans that would enjoy my work. I would love to write for a living, but I don't know if it will ever happen. From what I've read and heard about other authors, the road is very long and narrow. It definitely isn't easy. But I'm willing to do the best that I can possibly do - then see where it takes me.
TN: That's a healthy attitude for a writer to have these days. Can you give us an idea of what you're currently working on or what you hope to be writing next?
Brick: About a month ago, I finished another novel; then wrote up a novelette. Both tales accompany my first book "The Darkened Image". I've also written a few short stories, too. The next project I have in mind will be more of a dark fantasy, set in present day. I haven't gotten all of my research and facts together yet, but it's in the works.
TN: A writer's work is never done! So, to conclude, is there anything you'd like to say to the readers out there who'll be coming by to read Raising Riley?
Brick: I really hope that they will enjoy my tale, and not be very upset that I have pushed the envelope a bit on Riley's abuse. Other authors have written characters that have gone through far worse than what Riley had, and their stories have become well-known. I can't say if Raising Riley will ever tread that much water, but I guess one never knows.
Brick: Well, I wanted to write a tale about a boy who has more to fear than what lurks inside of his closet. I wanted (hoped) to show the reader what fear is, whether it was from his father, or the bullies at school; then, as an additive, include the supernatural horror.
TN: Is Horror a preferred genre, or do you enjoy writing other styles as well?
Brick: Horror is my preferred genre. Usually, I love to mix it with dark fantasy or sci-fi to give it a different voice or twist.
TN: Who are some of your influences - your favorite authors?
Brick: Wow, there so many to list. Let me see...here's a nice run down: Edgar Allan Poe; Harper Lee; Stephen King; Clive Barker; Ray Bradbury; Neil Gaiman; Richard Matheson; Richard Laymon; Dean Koontz; Kurt Vonnegut; Isaac Asimov; Frank Hubert; L. Ron Hubbard; Douglas Clegg; Brian Keene; and Gary Braunbeck.
TN: That's an interesting mix. Is there a genre you've been tempted to try but haven't? Anything that might stretch you?
Brick: Not really. Though I read a lot, and try to study how other authors write. I don't want to write exactly like them; that isn't the way to find your own voice. I believe that it has to come from deep down inside of you and how you would like to tell your tale. What emotions you feel that your character will feel inside his or her flesh. Some times, I try to listen to how people talk; their conversations; and pay close attention to detail on how things are designed and built. I suppose that I'll never stop learning the craft as I pursue further into this field.
TN: So no Romance or Mystery writing in your future - What got you interested writing? Was it something that started at a young age? Did anything in particular snap inside your head and made you realize Writing was what you really wanted to do?
Brick: No, I don't think that I'm smart enough to write a mystery; and romance really isn't up my alley. I think that the first time I wrote my first tale was in fifth or sixth grade. The whole class had to write a scary story, since Halloween was on the way, and I think a lot of the kids wrote about ghosts, pumpkins, skeletons, and sweet little monsters. I was a bit different. I wrote a story about a serial killer going around a town murdering children. I guess I was demented from the start.
I never really took writing serious until about 1985. My first actual short story for publication was in the newspaper when they had ran a Halloween issue. From then on, I wrote off and on. Ideas would come to me, but I sometimes never wrote them down. I didn't think that my stuff was any good. (Still don't, but that's just me being hard on myself I guess.)
When the year 2001 rolled around, I became a little more serious with the craft. And not until last year I allowed myself to be succumbed with the passion, enter into it full-throttle, and make up tale after tale.
Sometimes I think its more fun to stay in a fantasy world, rather than real life.
TN: I imagine as a demented writer from early on, you're a hard one to scare. When you're not reading, what other things entertain you?
Brick: Believe it or not, there is still some things that scare me. Lately, I've been thinking about playing music again. I played blues professionally for about twelve years. Its my other love. I usually don't watch much television, there's not much that is on that interests me. Sometimes I watch movies, but I'm picky about them, since I lean toward older horror and sci-fi flicks.
TN: Professional blues player? Now that's interesting. Music and Writing are both very creative ventures. Can you tell us - how does writing for an audience compare to playing music for an audience?
Brick: Music is such a great way to express yourself, let yourself go, and have fun playing on stage. When the groove is right, things go very well. But in the past, if things did not, and me and the other members in the band were disgruntled with each other about something, we'd have to deal with it on stage while playing side by side. We'd keep it professional, though, and try not to argue or fight.
I think that writing is a different form of expression, one in which you can also let yourself go and allow the ideas to come. It allows me to be on my own and bring more creativity to the table, too. If I'm writing a story, and I have trouble with the character not doing what he or she is suppose to be doing, I delete them - like killing them off, and not having to worry about any more tension.
With music, I sort of felt that I was in a box at times. I really wanted to learn jazz, but I don't think that I have the smarts for it. I love listening to the classics, such as Toots Thielemans, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, etc., but I'm not so sure that I can figure I out how to play along with the groove. It's a whole different animal.
TN: So you've enjoyed the limelight as a musician - where do you hope writing will take you? What's your dream as far as being an author?
Brick: I think that my dream is to have a lot of fans that would enjoy my work. I would love to write for a living, but I don't know if it will ever happen. From what I've read and heard about other authors, the road is very long and narrow. It definitely isn't easy. But I'm willing to do the best that I can possibly do - then see where it takes me.
TN: That's a healthy attitude for a writer to have these days. Can you give us an idea of what you're currently working on or what you hope to be writing next?
Brick: About a month ago, I finished another novel; then wrote up a novelette. Both tales accompany my first book "The Darkened Image". I've also written a few short stories, too. The next project I have in mind will be more of a dark fantasy, set in present day. I haven't gotten all of my research and facts together yet, but it's in the works.
TN: A writer's work is never done! So, to conclude, is there anything you'd like to say to the readers out there who'll be coming by to read Raising Riley?
Brick: I really hope that they will enjoy my tale, and not be very upset that I have pushed the envelope a bit on Riley's abuse. Other authors have written characters that have gone through far worse than what Riley had, and their stories have become well-known. I can't say if Raising Riley will ever tread that much water, but I guess one never knows.
01 August 2008
Interview with Steve Barber
TN: Did I read your Bio correctly - you wanted to be a shepherd? What happened to that dream?
Steve: Well, I'm ashamed to admit it, but I flunked out of shepherd school. I cRAMmed for the final, but it was EWEsless.
TN: That's a shame. So, having been fleeced on your shepherding dreams, what prompted you to start to write?
Steve: I've pretty much been writing all my life--just not fiction. Most has been work-related, you know, marketing material, advertising, trade journal articles and the like. But about six or seven years ago a friend convinced me to join an on line writing site.
I started out with a few (hopefully) humorous essays and a few song parodies. From there, it just seemed natural to try my hand at writing a short story. So I did. It was pretty bad. Hopefully, I've gotten better since then
TN: So you enjoy writing shorts, have you ever considered trying your hand at a full length novel?
Steve: That's not something I want to do right now. Maybe in the future. Probably in the future. But for now, I'm very happy writing shorts. Poe and O. Henry are my patron saints, after all.
TN: You mention Poe, and I've read your collection of shorts here at Trunk Novels, so I'm curious - Did something compel you to lean toward the darker, mysterious, slightly edgy side of life, or does that come naturally to you?
Steve: I blame Poe. I blame Rod Serling. It can't possibly be my fault. I'm a victim, here.
TN: So, what moves you to write? What motivates these twisted views?
Steve: Just like every other writer, it's the lust for obscene amounts of money and power.
Oh, alright. I'll be serious.
For me, writing is like procreating. It's caused by a primal desire to leave something behind. Writing stories may not be as much fun as making babies, but it does fulfill that need. I suspect it also fills a narcissist need too. I'd like to think I'm not the kind of person who is always jumping up and down yelling, "Look at me. Look at me," but in effect, I do that every time I send out a submission. So, yeah, ego plays a part as well. I want people to read my stuff. All writers want that.
TN: I always knew you had a submissive streak! So can you share with us a little bit about the other stories you've written ?
Steve: If you don't submit, you might's well quit. Sure. I can tell you about some of them, anyhow.
One of my favorites was about an undertaker who was afraid to die, and took some rather unusual steps to avoid it. I also wrote about a pretentious literary writer, turned into a serial killer, a good ol' boy trying to get a little respite from the vampires who have overtaken his small country town, and a family on vacation at a very different sort of amusement park. I'm also in the process of revising a story about a sous chef who, unless he thinks fast, is going to have to cook his young son and serve him up to some very hungry alien creatures.
Yesterday I finished the first draft of a new story. The Green party has come to dominate society. Gas and oil are things of the past, and meat eaters are history. Racism is no more, because everybody's the same. It's a perfect society, unless you talk to the woman and the two kids who just don't fit in. And the penalty for not fitting in is pretty harsh.
I'll be happy to tell you more, but it'll cost you ten cents a word.
TN: Those do sound very interesting! You clearly love the macabre and, dare I say, twisted - have you ever had a story idea that scared you too much to write it?
Steve: No. Not at all, though I've heard other horror writers say that. I guess with me, it's because if I'm writing it, I know it's fiction. I don't ever have to worry about that ax actually thunking down into the middle of my forehead, because I can stop it any time I want to. At least I've been able to stop it so far.
TN: It's interesting that you should say "I can stop it any time I want to", as if you were being accused of addiction or something. Do you think writing is addictive?
Steve: I think so, yes. When the muse dumps on me, regardless of where I am, I can't wait to get back to the keyboard and get going. I've been known to jot down a story idea a beverage napkin, then find it months later stuck in my wallet.
TN: So do you find yourself often writing things down in strange places?
Steve: You heard about that, huh? Well, it was a long time ago and the doctors say I'm much better now.
TN: That's good to know! But, I couldn't help noticing the cover of your short stories collection has an "interesting" sheep on it. What can you tell us about that?
Steve: Are you questioning my taste in women?
TN: Ha! I wouldn't dream of it. I want to thank you for taking the time to answer some questions and let the readers get to know you. Is there anything you'd like to say to them before I let you get back to writing? Any parting words of wisdom?
Steve: You betcha.
*leans closer and stares into the readers' eyes*
Folks, when you go back to the website, you'll see a little orange button up near the top of the screen on the right hand side. Click it. Then follow the directions. You'll be happy you did. Trunk Novels will be happy you did. And, most importantly, I'll be happy you did. You wouldn't want to see me unhappy, would you, because when I'm unhappy, I sometimes...do things.
Thanks, Kristine. It's been fun.
Steve: Well, I'm ashamed to admit it, but I flunked out of shepherd school. I cRAMmed for the final, but it was EWEsless.
TN: That's a shame. So, having been fleeced on your shepherding dreams, what prompted you to start to write?
Steve: I've pretty much been writing all my life--just not fiction. Most has been work-related, you know, marketing material, advertising, trade journal articles and the like. But about six or seven years ago a friend convinced me to join an on line writing site.
I started out with a few (hopefully) humorous essays and a few song parodies. From there, it just seemed natural to try my hand at writing a short story. So I did. It was pretty bad. Hopefully, I've gotten better since then
TN: So you enjoy writing shorts, have you ever considered trying your hand at a full length novel?
Steve: That's not something I want to do right now. Maybe in the future. Probably in the future. But for now, I'm very happy writing shorts. Poe and O. Henry are my patron saints, after all.
TN: You mention Poe, and I've read your collection of shorts here at Trunk Novels, so I'm curious - Did something compel you to lean toward the darker, mysterious, slightly edgy side of life, or does that come naturally to you?
Steve: I blame Poe. I blame Rod Serling. It can't possibly be my fault. I'm a victim, here.
TN: So, what moves you to write? What motivates these twisted views?
Steve: Just like every other writer, it's the lust for obscene amounts of money and power.
Oh, alright. I'll be serious.
For me, writing is like procreating. It's caused by a primal desire to leave something behind. Writing stories may not be as much fun as making babies, but it does fulfill that need. I suspect it also fills a narcissist need too. I'd like to think I'm not the kind of person who is always jumping up and down yelling, "Look at me. Look at me," but in effect, I do that every time I send out a submission. So, yeah, ego plays a part as well. I want people to read my stuff. All writers want that.
TN: I always knew you had a submissive streak! So can you share with us a little bit about the other stories you've written ?
Steve: If you don't submit, you might's well quit. Sure. I can tell you about some of them, anyhow.
One of my favorites was about an undertaker who was afraid to die, and took some rather unusual steps to avoid it. I also wrote about a pretentious literary writer, turned into a serial killer, a good ol' boy trying to get a little respite from the vampires who have overtaken his small country town, and a family on vacation at a very different sort of amusement park. I'm also in the process of revising a story about a sous chef who, unless he thinks fast, is going to have to cook his young son and serve him up to some very hungry alien creatures.
Yesterday I finished the first draft of a new story. The Green party has come to dominate society. Gas and oil are things of the past, and meat eaters are history. Racism is no more, because everybody's the same. It's a perfect society, unless you talk to the woman and the two kids who just don't fit in. And the penalty for not fitting in is pretty harsh.
I'll be happy to tell you more, but it'll cost you ten cents a word.
TN: Those do sound very interesting! You clearly love the macabre and, dare I say, twisted - have you ever had a story idea that scared you too much to write it?
Steve: No. Not at all, though I've heard other horror writers say that. I guess with me, it's because if I'm writing it, I know it's fiction. I don't ever have to worry about that ax actually thunking down into the middle of my forehead, because I can stop it any time I want to. At least I've been able to stop it so far.
TN: It's interesting that you should say "I can stop it any time I want to", as if you were being accused of addiction or something. Do you think writing is addictive?
Steve: I think so, yes. When the muse dumps on me, regardless of where I am, I can't wait to get back to the keyboard and get going. I've been known to jot down a story idea a beverage napkin, then find it months later stuck in my wallet.
TN: So do you find yourself often writing things down in strange places?
Steve: You heard about that, huh? Well, it was a long time ago and the doctors say I'm much better now.
TN: That's good to know! But, I couldn't help noticing the cover of your short stories collection has an "interesting" sheep on it. What can you tell us about that?
Steve: Are you questioning my taste in women?
TN: Ha! I wouldn't dream of it. I want to thank you for taking the time to answer some questions and let the readers get to know you. Is there anything you'd like to say to them before I let you get back to writing? Any parting words of wisdom?
Steve: You betcha.
*leans closer and stares into the readers' eyes*
Folks, when you go back to the website, you'll see a little orange button up near the top of the screen on the right hand side. Click it. Then follow the directions. You'll be happy you did. Trunk Novels will be happy you did. And, most importantly, I'll be happy you did. You wouldn't want to see me unhappy, would you, because when I'm unhappy, I sometimes...do things.
Thanks, Kristine. It's been fun.
01 July 2008
Interview with Mary Butler
TN: I'm curious - what was your inspiration for The Bad Genie?
Mary: I was sitting outside a bar, waiting for folks to arrive for our 20th high school reunion. I had an hour to kill and a pad of paper. I was tired of reading about good people who did nice things. I wanted to write about a rotten kid who did reprehensible things. I started writing and before I knew it, I was late for the reunion, but had the first two chapters written.
TN: So you started writing outside a bar one day. Do you often pick up a pen and paper and start to write in different places like that?
Mary: I'll write anywhere and everywhere. I always carry a notebook and pen. I've written stories in my car, on the soccer fields and in the choir loft at church. Fully half of The Bad Genie was written at soccer practice. With a full time job and two kids, I never know when I will have "writing time", so I steal the time whenever I can.
TN: So you're not just an Author, you're a Mom. Do your kids influence what you write at all?
Mary: Of course! Who do you think insisted I put a T-Rex in the story? My youngest is obsessed with dinosaurs. His big brother is very much like Frankie. They were my beta readers all the way through the process. When I write for children, my characters are usually little boys. I spend so much time around them.
TN: That's wonderful, being so close to your sons. Do they show any interest in being writers themselves one day?
Mary: My eldest son occasionally will write stories. He loves biographies and the Hardy Boys series. My youngest is still learning to read. Last night he read a whole Dr. Seuss book to me by himself. He prefers nonfiction about animals and nature. Maybe he's a future freelance writer.
TN: That's interesting - your son might venture into non-fiction or freelance. Do you ever venture out of genre and write full-length novels?
Mary: I do. I write for both children and adults, short stories and full-length novels, and in multiple genres. My current project which I'll be querying shortly is a paranormal mystery. It's 95,000 words and most definitely for adults.
TN: Can you tell us a little something about the other stories you've written?
Mary: How many hours do you have? My current paranormal mystery is The First Ghost.
Portia Mahaffey is the only woman in a family of clairvoyants without a "gift." Following an accident, she wakes up with the ability to see dead people. The girl in the hospital bed next to her doesn't wake up again. Corinne was murdered and she wants Portia to convince the police that her death was no accident. Thrilled with Portia’s help, Corinne blabs about her to another spirit, an angry murdered wife who wants Portia to be her instrument of revenge.
This is no haunted house tale. Portia quickly learns that ghosts are everywhere. So are soul-eating demons, a hot Emergency Room doctor--and a little, old lady who tells Portia that she's Death. But you can call her Hephzibah. Who knew that hanging out with the dead could be so hazardous to life?
My short stories have appeared in Liar's League, Mouth Full of Bullets, and Coyote Wild.
TN: The First Ghost sounds really interesting. Is there something new on the horizon? A new project you're itching to write?
Mary: I'm torn at the moment. I'm itching to write Second Sight, the sequel to The First Ghost, but I also have a middle-grade project in mind called War of the Crickets. It's your typical boy-and-his-cricket-save-the-holler story.
TN: That sounds like a fun read! So tell us, what other hobbies fill your time, when you're not writing?
Mary: My hobbies? Who has time? Okay, I also garden and raise miniature donkeys on my farm. I'm active in cub scouts and sports with my kids, especially soccer. Plus I read. A lot.
TN: Oh, there's a favorite question - What do you like to read?
Mary: I read a lot of different things. I especially read fantasy and mysteries. I'm addicted to middle-grade fantasy. I love anything with exciting action and humor. I read non-fiction sporadically, mostly as "research" for writing
TN: I want to thank you for taking the time for this interview. Your story The Bad Genie is sure to be a big hit. Is there anything you like to say to everyone before we let you get back to writing?
Mary: Goodbye and thanks for all the fish?
Mary: I was sitting outside a bar, waiting for folks to arrive for our 20th high school reunion. I had an hour to kill and a pad of paper. I was tired of reading about good people who did nice things. I wanted to write about a rotten kid who did reprehensible things. I started writing and before I knew it, I was late for the reunion, but had the first two chapters written.
TN: So you started writing outside a bar one day. Do you often pick up a pen and paper and start to write in different places like that?
Mary: I'll write anywhere and everywhere. I always carry a notebook and pen. I've written stories in my car, on the soccer fields and in the choir loft at church. Fully half of The Bad Genie was written at soccer practice. With a full time job and two kids, I never know when I will have "writing time", so I steal the time whenever I can.
TN: So you're not just an Author, you're a Mom. Do your kids influence what you write at all?
Mary: Of course! Who do you think insisted I put a T-Rex in the story? My youngest is obsessed with dinosaurs. His big brother is very much like Frankie. They were my beta readers all the way through the process. When I write for children, my characters are usually little boys. I spend so much time around them.
TN: That's wonderful, being so close to your sons. Do they show any interest in being writers themselves one day?
Mary: My eldest son occasionally will write stories. He loves biographies and the Hardy Boys series. My youngest is still learning to read. Last night he read a whole Dr. Seuss book to me by himself. He prefers nonfiction about animals and nature. Maybe he's a future freelance writer.
TN: That's interesting - your son might venture into non-fiction or freelance. Do you ever venture out of genre and write full-length novels?
Mary: I do. I write for both children and adults, short stories and full-length novels, and in multiple genres. My current project which I'll be querying shortly is a paranormal mystery. It's 95,000 words and most definitely for adults.
TN: Can you tell us a little something about the other stories you've written?
Mary: How many hours do you have? My current paranormal mystery is The First Ghost.
Portia Mahaffey is the only woman in a family of clairvoyants without a "gift." Following an accident, she wakes up with the ability to see dead people. The girl in the hospital bed next to her doesn't wake up again. Corinne was murdered and she wants Portia to convince the police that her death was no accident. Thrilled with Portia’s help, Corinne blabs about her to another spirit, an angry murdered wife who wants Portia to be her instrument of revenge.
This is no haunted house tale. Portia quickly learns that ghosts are everywhere. So are soul-eating demons, a hot Emergency Room doctor--and a little, old lady who tells Portia that she's Death. But you can call her Hephzibah. Who knew that hanging out with the dead could be so hazardous to life?
My short stories have appeared in Liar's League, Mouth Full of Bullets, and Coyote Wild.
TN: The First Ghost sounds really interesting. Is there something new on the horizon? A new project you're itching to write?
Mary: I'm torn at the moment. I'm itching to write Second Sight, the sequel to The First Ghost, but I also have a middle-grade project in mind called War of the Crickets. It's your typical boy-and-his-cricket-save-the-holler story.
TN: That sounds like a fun read! So tell us, what other hobbies fill your time, when you're not writing?
Mary: My hobbies? Who has time? Okay, I also garden and raise miniature donkeys on my farm. I'm active in cub scouts and sports with my kids, especially soccer. Plus I read. A lot.
TN: Oh, there's a favorite question - What do you like to read?
Mary: I read a lot of different things. I especially read fantasy and mysteries. I'm addicted to middle-grade fantasy. I love anything with exciting action and humor. I read non-fiction sporadically, mostly as "research" for writing
TN: I want to thank you for taking the time for this interview. Your story The Bad Genie is sure to be a big hit. Is there anything you like to say to everyone before we let you get back to writing?
Mary: Goodbye and thanks for all the fish?
01 June 2008
Interview with Kristine Williams
TN: Your bio says you were born on April Fools Day. What sign does that make you? Does being born on April Fools Day give you any special abilities?
KW: It makes me Aries the Ram, actually. Able to remark snidely in a single bound. But when coupled with my Blonde Powers, I can deliver a blank stare that causes my enemies to wander off, muttering.
TN: The ability to make your enemies mutter could be a very useful skill. Can you do that at ramming speed?
KW: Actually yes, I can. You just add a little finger-hair twirl and cock your head to the side.
TN: Cool!
Your bio also said that you were working on "reinventing the humble computer keyboard." What does that mean exactly?
KW: Well, I've found a way to merge a hobby of mine - lapidary art - with the dreaded modern necessity of the computer keyboard. After all, even if you prefer to write your novels by hand - with paper and pen - most of us find using a computer a job requirement. And I'd fallen in love with the images of Steampunk Keyboards, but could never afford one myself. So I thought "what's the opposite of the modern, computerized world?" the answer, to me, was The Stone age.
So I started experimenting with tumbled beach rocks, replacing the computer keys with rocks small enough to fit and be used. Then I loved that so much, I figured other materials would work just as well, so I began looking around. Making a computer keyboard out of colored glass balls really got me excited. Then I tried cutting jaspers into squares, and made one that way.
Now I've realized the possibilities are endless!
TN: That sounds... Er... How do they work? Do you have pictures? Have you ever used one to write a novel?
KW: Funny you should ask! I do have pictures, and a blog, at www.primordialink.wordpress.com. And while I do play around with them right after they're made, I haven't used one for any length of time myself. I use a laptop computer at home, and it's not always convenient to have a keyboard plugged in.
But I do have two Beta testers who use them regularly, and I know that one of those Beta testers did, in fact, write a novel with his.
TN: Wow! But, speaking of novels (nice segue, no?), tell me about yours. What inspired you to write Keeper?
KW: Very nice segue! You've obviously done this before.
What inspired me to write Keeper, in all honesty, was this guilty pleasure I have watching those great, perhaps now old fashioned, "buddy shows". You know, two guys - usually cops, or a PI and his pals, or fighter pilots on a space ship - mix that with my love of Science Fiction, easy banter between to characters, and stories that were written for no other reason than to tell a story, and you have my motivation.
One of the authors I adored as a young reader was Alistair MacLean. Remember Ice Station Zebra? Force Ten From Navarone? Books like that were filled with comrades-in-arms, and told simple stories. Like popcorn for the mind. No deep meanings, no navel-gazing. Just pure reading pleasure. And I knew right then that's what I wanted to be - a writer of mental popcorn.
Everyone loves popcorn, right? So with Keeper, I tried to do just that, and build these two comrades up from the day they met.
TN: Do you prefer older stories, regardless of the medium, over newer works?
KW: You know, for the most part, I do. I really do. Maybe it's a matter of looking back through rose colored glasses - but older stories didn't feel like they were trying so hard. They were just there, telling you a story - probably a theme used millions of times before - and not trying to pretend they were the Next Big Deal. Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is an old favorite of mine. It was unique without trying to be. It was just a story, about a boy, his friend, and a grand adventure they had. Deeper meanings are there, if you want them to be, but really it's just an adventure tale. Television and movies used to be like that - telling stories just to give the audience an escape and an adventure.
Seems nowadays people feel the need to be socially relevant, talk about important issues, or explore darker regions of humanity.
Maybe we wouldn't have so many dark regions if we had more recess.
TN: It sounds like you think society has lost track of the little things.
KW: I definitely do, yes. Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I believe society as a whole HAS lost track of the simple things. Those basic bits of life that keep us centered and on track. Relying on conversation to entertain you during long family car trips. Dinner every evening, on time, with the whole family at a table. Playing a simple board game with friends, instead of plugging in and texting them. Talking long walks, enjoying what you have instead of coveting what you want.
I think even the ability to sit quietly in a room and daydream is a dying art. The imagination is SO much more powerful than people want to realize!
TN: What's your favorite simple thing to do with friends and family? What about when you're alone?
KW: My favorite thing to do with friends and family is playing games - board games, card games, any kind of games. We often get together and play card games for hours. When I'm alone, if I'm not writing, I love to putter. I'll get some wild idea about creating - say - a computer keyboard with rocks, and I can spend many happy hours trying to make that happen. Or I'll sit in the garage for a long time, drilling polished rock pendants while my mind wanders around.
But sit me in a rocking chair (which is why I don't have one) and I can just rock back and forth for hours, doing absolutely nothing!
TN: That sounds like absolute bliss.
What about your other novels? What can you tell me, and our readers, about them?
KW: Well, Keeper has a couple of sequels, taking the characters on further adventures and watching them grow and change. Then I wanted to explore a version of what I'd call near-future "could have been" where the country we live in was comprised of walled-off cities with minimal communication between them, so I wrote Minefield and it's sequel Identity. I didn't really feel as attached to those tales as I had with Keeper, but they were an interesting change of pace for me.
Lately, though, I felt the need to change up what had become my Standard Operating Procedure - of writing alternate chapter/POVs between the two main heroes. That's when I wrote Ether, a story in which a man accidentally finds an alternate world, and has to figure out how to get back home. The entire novel is told from his point of view, and I had a blast writing that one. Like most writers, I'd have to say the best novel is the one being written now - Anomaly - a tale of alternate realities, time travel, and the ramifications of messing with the two.
TN: Alternate POVs. Alternate worlds. Alternate realities. I’m noticing a theme throughout all of your work. Do you explore alternatives consciously or is it just one of those things that has happened?
KW: I think it's probably more on purpose, on my part. I've always been disappointed that there aren't any new frontiers for us to pioneer, you know? The way our ancestors would explore a new landmass, then pioneering folk would volunteer to leave their settled lives and become members of a new community in a strange, frightening new land. Well now that we've settled the whole planet, pretty much, there's nowhere new and scary to go.
And since I figured I would have done that - been one to leave my settled life and forge a new colony - I'm left to do that in my imagination. So I really enjoy imagining "What If" scenarios. What If the world was completely different? What If I really could explore alien planets and discover new life?
Stuff like that.
TN: If you could explore anywhere, or anywhen, where would it be?
KW: If I had my way, by now, we'd have a colony in the deep sea. Some kind of complex, experimenting and exploring the idea of humans living, working, and colonizing the sea floor. Obviously we'd be living inside structures, but learning to harvest the sea for all of our needs, exploring new species, studying those we know so little about, and who knows what we'd find down there. Maybe there's a cure for cancer in algae. Maybe there's an alternative to fossil fuels in whale poop. We know more about the surface of the Moon than we do our own oceans.
That just seems wrong to me.
TN: Your answers make me have more questions, but I've already taken enough of your time. Is there anything you'd like to add?
KW: Yeah, read my book! :D And read as many books as you can find, new and old. Then go sit outside, without your mp3 players or your cell phone, and reacquaint yourself with your imagination. I bet it has a lot to show you.
TN: Thank you. I hope everyone follows your advice, at least once.
KW: It makes me Aries the Ram, actually. Able to remark snidely in a single bound. But when coupled with my Blonde Powers, I can deliver a blank stare that causes my enemies to wander off, muttering.
TN: The ability to make your enemies mutter could be a very useful skill. Can you do that at ramming speed?
KW: Actually yes, I can. You just add a little finger-hair twirl and cock your head to the side.
TN: Cool!
Your bio also said that you were working on "reinventing the humble computer keyboard." What does that mean exactly?
KW: Well, I've found a way to merge a hobby of mine - lapidary art - with the dreaded modern necessity of the computer keyboard. After all, even if you prefer to write your novels by hand - with paper and pen - most of us find using a computer a job requirement. And I'd fallen in love with the images of Steampunk Keyboards, but could never afford one myself. So I thought "what's the opposite of the modern, computerized world?" the answer, to me, was The Stone age.
So I started experimenting with tumbled beach rocks, replacing the computer keys with rocks small enough to fit and be used. Then I loved that so much, I figured other materials would work just as well, so I began looking around. Making a computer keyboard out of colored glass balls really got me excited. Then I tried cutting jaspers into squares, and made one that way.
Now I've realized the possibilities are endless!
TN: That sounds... Er... How do they work? Do you have pictures? Have you ever used one to write a novel?
KW: Funny you should ask! I do have pictures, and a blog, at www.primordialink.wordpress.com. And while I do play around with them right after they're made, I haven't used one for any length of time myself. I use a laptop computer at home, and it's not always convenient to have a keyboard plugged in.
But I do have two Beta testers who use them regularly, and I know that one of those Beta testers did, in fact, write a novel with his.
TN: Wow! But, speaking of novels (nice segue, no?), tell me about yours. What inspired you to write Keeper?
KW: Very nice segue! You've obviously done this before.
What inspired me to write Keeper, in all honesty, was this guilty pleasure I have watching those great, perhaps now old fashioned, "buddy shows". You know, two guys - usually cops, or a PI and his pals, or fighter pilots on a space ship - mix that with my love of Science Fiction, easy banter between to characters, and stories that were written for no other reason than to tell a story, and you have my motivation.
One of the authors I adored as a young reader was Alistair MacLean. Remember Ice Station Zebra? Force Ten From Navarone? Books like that were filled with comrades-in-arms, and told simple stories. Like popcorn for the mind. No deep meanings, no navel-gazing. Just pure reading pleasure. And I knew right then that's what I wanted to be - a writer of mental popcorn.
Everyone loves popcorn, right? So with Keeper, I tried to do just that, and build these two comrades up from the day they met.
TN: Do you prefer older stories, regardless of the medium, over newer works?
KW: You know, for the most part, I do. I really do. Maybe it's a matter of looking back through rose colored glasses - but older stories didn't feel like they were trying so hard. They were just there, telling you a story - probably a theme used millions of times before - and not trying to pretend they were the Next Big Deal. Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is an old favorite of mine. It was unique without trying to be. It was just a story, about a boy, his friend, and a grand adventure they had. Deeper meanings are there, if you want them to be, but really it's just an adventure tale. Television and movies used to be like that - telling stories just to give the audience an escape and an adventure.
Seems nowadays people feel the need to be socially relevant, talk about important issues, or explore darker regions of humanity.
Maybe we wouldn't have so many dark regions if we had more recess.
TN: It sounds like you think society has lost track of the little things.
KW: I definitely do, yes. Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I believe society as a whole HAS lost track of the simple things. Those basic bits of life that keep us centered and on track. Relying on conversation to entertain you during long family car trips. Dinner every evening, on time, with the whole family at a table. Playing a simple board game with friends, instead of plugging in and texting them. Talking long walks, enjoying what you have instead of coveting what you want.
I think even the ability to sit quietly in a room and daydream is a dying art. The imagination is SO much more powerful than people want to realize!
TN: What's your favorite simple thing to do with friends and family? What about when you're alone?
KW: My favorite thing to do with friends and family is playing games - board games, card games, any kind of games. We often get together and play card games for hours. When I'm alone, if I'm not writing, I love to putter. I'll get some wild idea about creating - say - a computer keyboard with rocks, and I can spend many happy hours trying to make that happen. Or I'll sit in the garage for a long time, drilling polished rock pendants while my mind wanders around.
But sit me in a rocking chair (which is why I don't have one) and I can just rock back and forth for hours, doing absolutely nothing!
TN: That sounds like absolute bliss.
What about your other novels? What can you tell me, and our readers, about them?
KW: Well, Keeper has a couple of sequels, taking the characters on further adventures and watching them grow and change. Then I wanted to explore a version of what I'd call near-future "could have been" where the country we live in was comprised of walled-off cities with minimal communication between them, so I wrote Minefield and it's sequel Identity. I didn't really feel as attached to those tales as I had with Keeper, but they were an interesting change of pace for me.
Lately, though, I felt the need to change up what had become my Standard Operating Procedure - of writing alternate chapter/POVs between the two main heroes. That's when I wrote Ether, a story in which a man accidentally finds an alternate world, and has to figure out how to get back home. The entire novel is told from his point of view, and I had a blast writing that one. Like most writers, I'd have to say the best novel is the one being written now - Anomaly - a tale of alternate realities, time travel, and the ramifications of messing with the two.
TN: Alternate POVs. Alternate worlds. Alternate realities. I’m noticing a theme throughout all of your work. Do you explore alternatives consciously or is it just one of those things that has happened?
KW: I think it's probably more on purpose, on my part. I've always been disappointed that there aren't any new frontiers for us to pioneer, you know? The way our ancestors would explore a new landmass, then pioneering folk would volunteer to leave their settled lives and become members of a new community in a strange, frightening new land. Well now that we've settled the whole planet, pretty much, there's nowhere new and scary to go.
And since I figured I would have done that - been one to leave my settled life and forge a new colony - I'm left to do that in my imagination. So I really enjoy imagining "What If" scenarios. What If the world was completely different? What If I really could explore alien planets and discover new life?
Stuff like that.
TN: If you could explore anywhere, or anywhen, where would it be?
KW: If I had my way, by now, we'd have a colony in the deep sea. Some kind of complex, experimenting and exploring the idea of humans living, working, and colonizing the sea floor. Obviously we'd be living inside structures, but learning to harvest the sea for all of our needs, exploring new species, studying those we know so little about, and who knows what we'd find down there. Maybe there's a cure for cancer in algae. Maybe there's an alternative to fossil fuels in whale poop. We know more about the surface of the Moon than we do our own oceans.
That just seems wrong to me.
TN: Your answers make me have more questions, but I've already taken enough of your time. Is there anything you'd like to add?
KW: Yeah, read my book! :D And read as many books as you can find, new and old. Then go sit outside, without your mp3 players or your cell phone, and reacquaint yourself with your imagination. I bet it has a lot to show you.
TN: Thank you. I hope everyone follows your advice, at least once.
19 May 2008
Grand Opening - June 1st
Thank you, everyone, for visiting. As you can see at our main website, Trunk Novels is ready to roll out its first content on Sunday, June 1st. At that time, we will feature Keeper, a novel by Kristine Williams.
In future months, we will feature The Bad Genie by Mary Butler, The Remembering & Other Stories by Steve Barber, and Word Wars by Chris Stevenson.
At this time, we are accepting submissions. In particular, we are looking for novels, novellas, short story collections, and memoirs that are well-written but have been rejected by everyone under the sun. Submissions can be sent to trunked(at)trunknovels(dot)com as an .rtf or .doc file.
On June 1st, please check back here to read an interview with Kristine Williams.
Thank you again for visiting. We look forward to seeing more of you.
In future months, we will feature The Bad Genie by Mary Butler, The Remembering & Other Stories by Steve Barber, and Word Wars by Chris Stevenson.
At this time, we are accepting submissions. In particular, we are looking for novels, novellas, short story collections, and memoirs that are well-written but have been rejected by everyone under the sun. Submissions can be sent to trunked(at)trunknovels(dot)com as an .rtf or .doc file.
On June 1st, please check back here to read an interview with Kristine Williams.
Thank you again for visiting. We look forward to seeing more of you.
08 May 2008
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