tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77798936985248659842024-03-19T19:48:16.307+11:00Smash DragonsFantasy and Speculative Fiction Book BlogSmash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-86918354758079993632017-10-18T15:47:00.003+11:002017-10-18T15:48:32.453+11:00I'm back... kind of. <div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm back... and boy does it feel weird to be blogging again after a long lay off. My deepest apologies for the delay, but life has been kicking me in the nuts as of late. My relationship almost fell apart, my mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and I went through (and am still going through) my own health related stuff. Alongside the daily grind of parenthood and work meant something had to give.</div>
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The good news is that my partner and I are going strong again, and that my mum's prognosis is good. I'd like to be able to promise regular reviews and posts to you all, but at this stage I'm just taking things one day at a time. Here's hoping things will continue to get better, and that Smash Dragons will take off again soon.</div>
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Thanks for understanding, peeps.</div>
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Matt</div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-71373924860373282292017-06-30T10:40:00.000+10:002017-06-30T10:40:18.132+10:00Review - The Book Club by Alan Baxter<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love cosmic horror. I love the mind numbing terror and pervasive weirdness of it, and I adore reading about inter-dimensional powers and creatures that lurk in the great depths of the universe. I've been a fan of the genre for many years now, with icons such as Lovecraft and Barron all keeping me up late at night with stories of dark horror and depth. So when I started to read The Book Club I was hopeful that it would live up to the rich legacy that has come before it. After finishing it I was stunned. It lived up to my expectations... and then some. </div>
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The Book Club is one of the best novellas that I've read in all of my years as a reader. I can't remember the last time I was so enthralled by a story, or so emotionally wrecked by the plot twists and conclusion to the story. On the surface the story is relatively simple. The wife of protagonist Jason Wilkes goes missing after attending her book club meeting one night, and Wilkes spends the aftermath of her disappearance desperately trying to get information out of the other shadowy members of the club. Relatively straightforward, right? Well Baxter then takes the story and drops it off a cliff into the darkest places of your imagination and bombards you with cosmic twist after cosmic twist. And don't get me started on that finale. Gut wrenching, yet also fucking awesome. </div>
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The Book Club basically combines everything that I love about cosmic horror with the thrills and spills of a police procedural and mystery story. As a story it also has incredible heart and soul, with an emotional tone that I could relate to immediately (as a husband and father of a young child). The cosmic horror itself is original and subtle at first, and abrupt and jarringly awesome towards the end. There are things we shouldn't mess with in the dark depths of reality, and Baxter gleefully plays around with this notion in this novella. </div>
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To put it simply, this book is nightmare fuel (in a good way). Baxter continues to grow and impress as a storyteller, and I can't wait to see what he releases next. The Book Club is a must read for fans of cosmic horror, horror, and mystery stories.</div>
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5 out of 5 stars. </div>
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You can pick up a digital or hardback copy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Club-Alan-Baxter-ebook/dp/B071ZT4BR4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1497591300&sr=8-6&keywords=Alan+Baxter" target="_blank">here</a>. There are also signed limited edition copies of The Book Club available <a href="http://www.pspublishing.co.uk/the-book-club-hardcover-by-alan-baxter-4248-p.asp" target="_blank">here</a>. Get in people, you won't regret it. It's worth buying for Ben Baldwin's cover art alone! </div>
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Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-15593172260177888092017-06-06T13:13:00.001+10:002017-06-06T13:13:33.130+10:00Review - Evil is a Matter of Perspective <div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56dmYrv-G-E/WTYdiz4-RLI/AAAAAAAABic/-wcj5TUj78srm3v_3aPO1MkVGVcmWXsygCK4B/s1600/30636532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56dmYrv-G-E/WTYdiz4-RLI/AAAAAAAABic/-wcj5TUj78srm3v_3aPO1MkVGVcmWXsygCK4B/s320/30636532.jpg" width="213" /></a>The title says it all. In this anthology, evil really is a matter of perspective. And damn, it's fucking fantastic! Featuring some of the sharpest stories I've read in many years, this anthology delivers on so many different levels. Enjoy morally demented characters? This tome has you covered. Like cracking action sequences and bloody mayhem? You'll find it in spades. I was enthralled from start to finish as I waded through familiar universes and some that weren't so familiar. In fact, one of the coolest things about this anthology was that it introduced me to some new writers whose work I am now dying to check out more. </div>
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Did I have any favourites? Well I thought Michael R. Fletcher's 'The Broken Dead' reinforced my view that he's the best up and coming talent in dark fantasy right now. I adored Alex Marshall's 'The Divine Death of Jirella Martigore', and Teresa Frohock and Shaun Speakman impressed with 'Every Hair Casts a Shadow' and 'The Darkness Within the Light'. My favourite story, however, was 'Blood Penny' by Deborah A. Wolf. Telling the tale of a demon-tainted waif, Wolf weaved a dark and suspenseful story of revenge and black magic that left me stunned and overjoyed at the same time.</div>
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All in all I loved this book. I can't really top that. Evil is a Matter of Perspective is, hands down, one of the best dark fantasy tomes I've ever read. If you like grimdark or fantasy fiction you'll find a lot to love here. </div>
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Five out of five stars. A must read for speculative fiction fans. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Evil-Matter-Perspective-Adrian-Tchaikovsky-ebook/dp/B072HSWC8R/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496718752&sr=8-1&keywords=Evil+is+a+matter+of+perspective" target="_blank">Buy</a> a copy today. </div>
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<br />Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-77985950129125875212017-05-17T14:15:00.000+10:002017-05-17T14:15:01.950+10:00I'm Alive! <div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey Everyone! </div>
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My deepest apologies for the lack of posts and reviews lately. Things have been incredibly hectic at the lair as of late, and I have had lot of other things going on as well that have had a major impact on my blogging. </div>
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So, what have I been up to the past two months? </div>
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Well, I've been through a big health scare, I've had family come to visit over Easter, and I've been flat out working for Cohesion Press (be sure to check us out <a href="https://cohesionpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a>). </div>
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The last one is particularly important, because it means I have to change things up a little in order to maintain a healthy work/life balance. As the stay-at-home parent (well technically, work from home) for my beautiful daughter I also need to prioritise caring for her alongside work. </div>
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So what does that mean for Smash Dragons? </div>
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Well, it means that I won't be posting large reviews in the future. Don't worry, you'll still get reviews, but they'll just be shorter and sharper. As much as I enjoy going into depth with my reviews it just isn't feasible anymore given my commitments. It also means that I'll probably only post a review once a week. As an editor, proofreader, and slush pile assassin for Cohesion Press I literally have a stack of stories and books on my desk to check out and work on over the coming months. Cohesion is also gearing up for something massive later this year, but that's top secret right now! So yeah, I'm incredibly busy. </div>
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But fear not... my vision for Smash Dragons in the future is for it to still be very active (albeit in a learning and meaner form). </div>
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Next week I'll be posting a review of Robin Hobb's latest book <i>Assassin's Fate</i>. </div>
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Spoiler Alert. It's awesome! </div>
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Oh oh... I almost forgot. Smash Dragons will be getting a much needed makeover in a few months. A new coat of paint, some tinkering etc. More on that in a few weeks. </div>
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Be good to each other peeps, and keep on reading! </div>
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Matt </div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-12702047614725871372017-03-22T16:22:00.000+11:002017-03-22T16:29:36.812+11:00Art! <div style="text-align: justify;">
It's no great secret that I love genre art. I tend to share heaps of it on my social media feeds, and I fanatically follow (or stalk) artists whose work I adore. </div>
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In my opinion there's nothing better than a beautiful piece of artwork (except an amazing book). It's one of the reasons that I grew up loving things like Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer 40k. The dynamic and colourful depictions of Wizards and Space Marines were what drew me in in the first place. Art has power like that, and since those early days I endeavoured to support and promote artists as much as I possibly could. </div>
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And that brings me to recent times. I'd long been thinking about investing some cash into bringing some of my favourite speculative fiction characters to life, and a few weeks ago I decided to finally take the plunge. Once I made that decision I had to pick a character, and then I had to pick an artist to bring them to life. </div>
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The first part was easy. I settled on Elric of Melnibone because he holds a special place in my heart. My dad loved Michael Moorcock and his work, and I was raised from a young age on a heady mix of the albino prince and his dark brand of sword and sorcery. He's also one of the most iconic characters in all of fantasy fiction, so my decision there was a relatively simple one. </div>
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The next part in the process was more difficult. I wanted to find a talented artist to do him justice, but I also didn't want to pay thousands of dollars for it (I'm not loaded, and I have a family to care for). Another stipulation early on was that I wanted to give a relatively new artist a crack at depicting Elric in all of his dark glory. After a few days searching around I eventually settled on artist John Anthony Di Giovanni. He came highly recommended to me by author and friend Michael R. Fletcher, and I was absolutely blown away by the cover work that he'd done for Michael's books prior to that. </div>
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So I dropped him a line. We spoke for a couple of days about ideas and costs and I was very impressed by his professional yet incredibly friendly approach. We settled on a deal, and he got to work. Just like that. No hassles, no delays, nothing. Five days later he sent me this rough image so we could establish which pose I preferred.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1n7Km_nHGWI/WNHmH4u7rPI/AAAAAAAABhU/yY2nr_3k4HMAsW6B-YSuU_vcjinlooH3QCK4B/s1600/ELRIC_ROUGH1_01.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1n7Km_nHGWI/WNHmH4u7rPI/AAAAAAAABhU/yY2nr_3k4HMAsW6B-YSuU_vcjinlooH3QCK4B/s400/ELRIC_ROUGH1_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was blown away. Speechless. Not only had he nailed my brief, but he had taken it places I never imagined it could go. I spent then next day or so just staring at the image and thinking to myself just how happy my old man would have been with all of them. Alas, decisions had to be made. I had to pick one so Anthony could move forward, and to be honest I struggled. I loved all of them so much for different reasons. After much deliberation though I made another leap and picked two! I had confidence and faith in the ability of John Anthony Di Giovanni to deliver, so I figured why the hell not? And fuck me... deliver he did.</div>
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I got these 'roughs' a few days later... </div>
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Then, after some suggested tweaks and brainstorming, he sent me the final products a few days after that.<br />
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Behold, Elric in all of his dark and wonderful glory... </div>
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Brilliant right? I still am blown away every time I look at them. And as I type the high resolution images are with a specialist printer waiting to be printed and framed up!</div>
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Honestly I just can't wait to see them on my wall in the near future. John Anthony Di Giovanni did an amazing job, and was ultimate professional throughout the whole process. He listened when I had ideas, and made suggestions when he needed to. I was so happy with him and the finished results that I immediately booked him in for another two pieces!</div>
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And hey, you're all in luck. He's taking bookings at the moment, so be sure to stop by his <a href="http://www.jadillustrated.com/" target="_blank">website</a> here to view his portfolio and contact details.</div>
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Well... what are you waiting for? GO! </div>
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Until next time people... be nice to each other and keep on reading (and making art!). </div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-79641432804866678562017-02-28T10:48:00.000+11:002017-02-28T14:54:41.586+11:00Interview - Philip Fracassi <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Greetings everyone!</b></div>
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<b>I'm delighted to bring you yet another instalment in our ongoing interview series here at Smash Dragons. This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Philip Fracassi. Philip is one of a new wave of writers who are emerging within speculative fiction and blowing everyone's minds. We chatted about a large range of things, including his bizarre (and cool!) experience digging a grave whilst Christopher Walken read script lines to him. </b></div>
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<b>Enjoy! </b></div>
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Philip Fracassi, welcome to Smash Dragons. </div>
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First up, tell me a little about yourself and your writing journey so far.</div>
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It has been a journey, that’s a great word. Like most writers, I started very early, writing about monsters and aliens and killers in the night and heartbreak, at least what heartbreak was to a kid. I use to love writing poetry and still do, but that’s more for me than anything I’d ever consider for public consumption.</div>
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When I was older I wrote a few literary novels and hundreds of pieces about everything from relationships to madmen to philosophical essays. But I never really felt any of it was precisely what I wanted to be doing, and I didn’t feel any of it was good enough, again, to release into the wild. </div>
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Then, about five or six years ago, I got a gig writing screenplays. Kid movies. And that took off and I ended up making a semi-living as a screenwriter-for-hire kinda thing. Since I’ve always been a horror nut, and loved horror movies, I decided to try my hand at writing horror scripts. One of those was bought and made in 2015, which was a little indie thriller called GIRL MISSING. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYH0OXwH838/WLS1SFl5tJI/AAAAAAAABgI/QoYN6sWsyfMNTY7fK8A1v1XgzdbVVfmaQCK4B/s1600/philip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYH0OXwH838/WLS1SFl5tJI/AAAAAAAABgI/QoYN6sWsyfMNTY7fK8A1v1XgzdbVVfmaQCK4B/s320/philip.jpg" width="320" /></a>Anyway, right around the time I sold that movie, I had this insane epiphany: Why not write horror fiction? Combine all my experience and labors of love from the literary stuff I’d been writing with my life-long love of horror.</div>
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Once that decision was made – and this was an incredibly exciting decision for me – blammo! The floodgates opened and everything sort of took off from there. And I haven’t looked back.</div>
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<b>What led you into screenwriting? Has your exposure to the world of Hollywood had any influence on your creative path? </b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYqNwZw_lFI/WLS4o_9yRVI/AAAAAAAABgU/u5lVNrZxSl8E6w6zLdqKlux2cuVPD7B4gCK4B/s1600/29750127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYqNwZw_lFI/WLS4o_9yRVI/AAAAAAAABgU/u5lVNrZxSl8E6w6zLdqKlux2cuVPD7B4gCK4B/s320/29750127.jpg" width="200" /></a>I fell into screenwriting. What happened was I’d self-published a novel (The Egotist), and was the owner of a bookstore in Venice Beach at the time and was meeting all sorts of great, creative people. One of these folks read my novel and we became friends, and it so happened she produced these movies for Disney and offered to let me have a crack at writing a draft of their next movie, which was called Spooky Buddies. I did it and they loved it and I really loved doing it so I just kept doing it. And as I mentioned, it became a semi-career from that point on. I’ve done many, many scripts as a work-for-hire (no credit), but have also sold a couple.</div>
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I have a movie going into production soon called VINTAGE (although that title may change), that I’m pretty excited about, and I have some other projects in the works, as well, that I can’t talk about. But it’s a lot of fun and can be okay money if you can get something made.</div>
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I don’t really think my exposure to Hollywood or production (my day job is working as a Location Manager for studio films and television) has had any direct effect on my fiction, but I do think screenwriting has. It definitely forces me to put “story” first, and a story’s “concept” second. Unlike a lot of modern Weird fiction, my stories tend to read like movies – they are structured and they have a beginning, middle and end. Not a ton of ambiguity in my stuff. And I think my work is very visual and visceral, mainly due to the fact that in screenwriting you need to really put the reader into the scene visually, and emotionally, so when the producer or director or actor is reading the script, they really feel like they’re “inside” the story.</div>
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My first experience of your work was Mother, and to be honest it freaked me out a little. Take me through the creative genesis of that particular story. </div>
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Mother was my first serious salvo into genre fiction. The story came from a very simple idea: What if the person lying next to you in your bed at night wasn’t the person you thought they were? What if there were secrets beneath the skin that you didn’t – or didn’t want to – see? </div>
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From that core idea came the characters of Julie and Howard, and all the nasty things that happen to both of them. The interesting thing about that story is that there really is no hero, no real antagonist or protagonist, no one to really root for. And it’s hard to pinpoint who exactly the monster of the story is… because they both have their faults and, as it turns out, their secrets.</div>
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That story was originally called something different, and it wasn’t until I was fortunate enough to get feedback on an early draft from Laird Barron that it really came together. I love that story because it’s the one that started my new career, and it was the one that really taught me how to write genre fiction. But mostly I love it because it scares people, upsets people, and makes readers squirm a bit. All the good stuff you want a story to do. </div>
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One of the things I love about your work is that it takes what are average situations (swimming in a pool for example) and flips them on their head, transforming the mundane into something more monstrous. What is it about every day activity that fuels your writing? </div>
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Yes, this is an excellent point. I do like to find horror in the everyday. But unlike some authors who did this with serial killers or the evil of humankind, so to speak, I like to mash it up with something completely supernatural or left field. Something that hopefully shocks you and makes you think both, “This is horrible and impossible,” but also, “Oh man, this could totally happen.”</div>
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As an example, my current novella, Fragile Dreams, which is about an earthquake. Again, average guy on a job interview. What could go wrong? That’s where I like to step in and shake things up.</div>
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I think that’s what makes a story sticky. If you feel like it could happen to you, but that it’s also so fantastic that you’re madly entertained by it. I have a new story I’m working on called “The Wheel” that plays into this philosophy, and I’m very excited about it. The story literally takes place on a Ferris Wheel, and the idea is to make the reader think, “C’mon, what could possibly go wrong?” And then reveal the horror, hopefully surprising them and scaring them all at once. Stephen Graham Jones said something to the effect of horror writers needing to one-up the wildest expectation of the reader, because that’s what they’re paying us for, right? So I try to do that as best I’m able.</div>
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You write from a number of fascinating perspectives in your work, ranging from children through to sociopathic adults. I’m curious, is it hard to get your head around these different mindsets when you’re writing? </div>
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Again, I think my screenwriting experience has served me well here. I’m used to having to write dialogue for different characters, who all have different backgrounds, different philosophies, different characteristics. Men, women, young, old, kind, nasty… whatever the story calls for. I think this has allowed me to get into a lot of different heads and I’ve parlayed that skill into my fiction. </div>
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Plus it helps to hear voices and have psychopathic tendencies. </div>
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Are you a plotter or a pantser? What works for you when writing? </div>
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Plotter. I definitely know where I’m going before I write Word One. That doesn’t mean I don’t change my mind, but I absolutely have the beats laid out in my head before I write. I don’t want to be worrying about what happens next when writing the prose, I want to be able to concentrate solely on the prose itself and make it the best it can be. It also helps to know where you are going so you can drop hints, foreshadow, etc. I like to do that kind of stuff. </div>
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That said, as I mentioned, I might change my mind and go a different direction that I think is better, or scarier, or stronger. Then I’m a pantser for a little while, I suppose. But overall, yeah, I know where I’m headed.</div>
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What’s your take on the horror genre at the moment? What do we, as an industry, need to do better in your opinion in the years to come? </div>
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Here’s my take. I think it’s generational. I think the resurgence of horror now has a lot to do with the fact that folks who grew up in the 80’s are now hitting their 30’s and 40’s, which is when your combined life experience and creative skillset really culminate to allow you to be the best writer you can be. Folks my age grew up in the renaissance of horror – King, Barker, Koontz, Freddy, Micheal and Jason. I think there’s a very solid reason why you’re seeing a surge of great writing right now. The kids have grown up and they’ve got some warped childhood shit in their heads, ready to spill.</div>
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In regards to what the industry needs to do better? Heck, I don’t know. I just got here. I’ll have a better answer for you in ten years or so.</div>
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Tell me about your upcoming collection Behold the Void. What stories will it include? Does it have any new work in it? </div>
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Behold the Void includes nine stories and a wonderful, humbling introduction by Laird Barron. Most of the stories are longer pieces, novelette-length, and the final story, Mandala, is a full novella. Of the nine, Mother, Altar, Coffin, and The Baby Farmer are reprints. Soft Construction of a Sunset, Fail-Safe, Surfer Girl, The Horse Thief and Mandala are original to the collection. So half-and-half, I guess.</div>
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You’re a big admirer of Laird Barron, and I can see his influence on your work. Who else has had an impact on your storytelling?</div>
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Laird has definitely impacted my work, both as a writer and as a friend. I would likely not be doing this at all if it weren’t for him. </div>
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Regarding influences, I think many of the writers that have influenced my prose, if not the plots, are the more literary giants like Faulkner, Hemingway and poets like Charles Simic and Frank Stanford. On the modern horror side, King is the biggest influence as far as how to write with flair, and keep folks engaged. Ralph Robert Moore and Jack Ketchum’s work taught me a lot about using brutality, violence, physicality and sex to create texture within a story. The rest of my influences are buried deep in the subconscious, I’m sure, because I’m constantly reading a wide swath of work in order to fine-tune my prose. </div>
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The story ideas themselves I take full credit for, and I’d prefer not to think too much on where they originate.</div>
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What’s the one trope that you wish horror writers would move past and abandon? </div>
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Oh, gosh, I don’t know. Folks can write whatever makes them happy. I don’t really care. More power to anyone willing to put pen to paper, so to speak.</div>
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I suppose if I had one pet peeve it’s ambiguity. I’m not a fan. I don’t mind a little bit of letting the reader fill in the blanks, but you still got to tell a story, in my opinion. I read too many stories where I finish the thing and couldn’t for the life of me tell you what the hell happened or why. But that’s just me. I like a story that tells you something that you could tell somebody else over a beer or a cup of coffee (without giving away any spoilers, of course!).</div>
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<b>If you could spend the day with one other writer, dead or alive, in order to pick their brain who would it be and why? </b></div>
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Oh, that’s an easy one. Stephen King. I’d love to just listen to him talk about writing for a few hours – his approach, his method, his philosophies on story development, characters, prose… that would be something where at the end of the day I know, without a doubt, I’d walk away ten times the writer I was at the get-go.</div>
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There’s been a surge in horror novellas the past few years, and big industry names such as Ellen Datlow and Stephen Graham Jones have come out in support of this format as the perfect medium for telling a horror story. What’s your take on it?</div>
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I love novellas as a format. I think they’re a near-perfect page-count for horror. Sometimes you’ll read a horror novel (Cujo is an example I like to use) and be like, why the heck do I care about half the stuff going on here? It’s pointless side-story, filler anecdotes, unneeded character background, etc. </div>
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I think the novel format is great for world-building, and if a story has a lot to say then there’s nothing wrong with a novel. But novellas are convenient because horror tends to be situational. Meaning, this happened, then this super-crazy thing happened, it ended poorly, and now these folks are dead. The End. </div>
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But The Shining needed to be a novel, right? There was some major world-building there. That’s my take, anyway.</div>
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What’s your favourite book? Why?</div>
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The Fountainhead is a perfect novel. The Sound and the Fury is the most well-written novel I’ve ever read. The Shining is the scariest. But I think my favorite novel is A Fan’s Notes by Frederick Exley. It’s the most perfect blend of madness and comedy I’ve ever read. The man was a genius.</div>
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<b>You’re a regular guest on the Lovecraft Ezine Podcast (in fact that’s how I discovered you as a writer). How cool is it to sit down with that amazing bunch of people to talk about the industry at large? </b></div>
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It’s incredibly cool. But I’ll let you in on a secret – I’m not a very smart guy. Borderline dumb, in fact. The only time I’m smart is when I write – it’s like a channel opens up inside my head and all these words and ideas pour out – but when I’m talking or trying to remember facts or ideas or rationalize or discuss something of a scholastic nature, my brain just sort of sputters and spits and I lose the words. </div>
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So when I get to sit in on the eZine it’s sort of like being in a classroom with a handful of these really smart, really advanced students who talk circles around me. It’s a lot of fun to listen, and I try to chime in when I can, but mainly I’m just there to play the role of lowest common denominator, and it’s a role I cherish, believe me. </div>
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What new writers have impressed you recently?</div>
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Truth be told I’m a fairly new writer to the scene, so I’m not sure any of the folks I’d mention would be any newer than I am. That said, I love the work of Michael Wehunt, Christopher Slatsky, and Ted Grau, all of whom have had a debut collection come out the last year or so. You could do worse than starting there.</div>
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<b>Tell me something random about yourself? </b></div>
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Geez… something random… well, I’m on record as having produced the first ever live streaming concert over the internet. Blind Boys of Alabama live from the House of Blues. Early 90’s. Wall Street Journal interviewed me and everything. Oh, I also once dug a grave while Christopher Walken delivered his lines to me during filming of the movie The Prophecy.<br />
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I’ve had a few different lives</div>
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<b>What scares Philip Fracassi?</b></div>
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Honestly? And I mean this sincerely, the thing that scares me the most is the frailty of life. I feel like I have so much I want to do, so many stories I want to write and share with the world, and something inside me is constantly ticking, a clock that reminds me every minute of every day that this could be the last day, the last hour, of my life, and that drives me to create, to write, to push everything else aside and Get It Down. That’s what pushes me to write as much as I can, whenever I can. I do it out of fear. </div>
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<b>When you’re not writing or reading what do you do to ‘chill out’? </b></div>
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Read. Sorry, but yeah, read. Honestly, I’d love to say it’s something else, but it’s not. I read every possible moment I can squeeze in between work, writing and my family. I play the occasional video game with my son, or see the occasional movie, but mainly my life revolves around books. Fishing would be a more interesting answer but the truth is I hate worms.</div>
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<b>What work is in the pipeline for you after the release of Behold the Void? </b></div>
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Next up is a novella called “Sacculina,” coming from JournalStone in May 2017. It’s a really fun story about a small group of guys who charter an ocean fishing boat in order to relax, bond, all that good stuff. I won’t say what happens once they’re out in that water, or what kind of bad they run into, but I can tell you with pretty firm conviction that it’s not what you think.</div>
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I also have stories coming in the next Dark Discoveries magazine, a bug alien story called “Ateuchus,” plus stories coming in future issues of Ravenwood Quarterly and the Lovecraft eZine. I’ve been commissioned for a few other things that’ll keep me very busy, but nothing I can announce as of yet.</div>
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Otherwise I have a new movie going into production, and, as I mentioned before, a couple other script projects. I’m also working very hard on a novel that is going through that all-so-annoying revision process with my wonderful agent. </div>
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I’d like to line up another collection of stories for 2018 or early 2019, so we’ll see if that happens.</div>
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<b>Philip Fracassi, thanks for stopping by Smash Dragons. </b></div>
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<b>You can buy all of Philip's work online and at all good book retailers. Behold The Void, his upcoming collection, is available to pre-order <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Behold-Void-Philip-Fracassi-ebook/dp/B01N7WAWGG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488237476&sr=8-1&keywords=Behold+the+void" target="_blank">here</a>. You can also stay up to date with Philip by checking out his <a href="https://pfracassi.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. Finally, be sure to check out <a href="https://lovecraftzine.com/" target="_blank">The Lovecraft Ezine</a>. They do a regular podcast every week or two that features special guests and fascinating discussion about genre fiction. </b></div>
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Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-16304125982802680532017-02-10T12:56:00.000+11:002017-02-10T12:56:38.157+11:00Review - The Blood of Whisperers by Devin Madson<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm rarely surprised by fantasy fiction lately. After twenty five years of reading it I've noticed a lot of the books are the same. Male protagonists (usually), medieval European settings, and an ancient and powerful evil that will need destroying. Throw in a wise old wizard or two and you get my drift. So when I read something different I'm usually very surprised and delighted. And when that something draws you into a world so immersive and wonderful then it becomes an experience for the ages.</div>
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The Blood of Whisperers is, to put it simply, one of the best fantasy books I've ever read. Madson has managed to combine the wonder and depth of epic fantasy with the grit and emotional power of modern day grimdark, and in doing so forged a book that is, in my opinion, the complete package. Following three main protagonists, The Blood of Whisperers depicts a bloody and chaotic world where the Empire is on it's knees following a coup and the subsequent societal upheaval that usually follows such an event. Navigating the deadly politics of the new regime, the protagonists must each try and survive long enough in order to gain revenge. </div>
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I loved everything about this book. For starters the world building is sublime. Madson wields an efficient, yet beautiful voice, when she describes things and crafts her universe page after page. As a reader you can really tell just how much thought and love she has put into designing the world of the Crimson Throne. Drawing heavily from places like Feudal Japan, Madson carefully peels back layer after layer as you read, and you are slowly drawn into an intricate web of cultures, magical systems, politics and socio-economic groups. And it works! It works so well that you find yourself thinking about it for weeks afterwards. It was also incredibly refreshing to read a book not set in a world based on Medieval Europe. </div>
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Another wonderful feature of this book is it's characters. Characters are the beating heart of every good story, and this rings especially true for The Blood of Whisperers. Madson has created a cast of enthralling and deeply layered characters whose words and actions have power and meaning on every single page. And when bad things happen to those characters, you feel real and sincere emotional loss. Sometimes you even cry (yes... I shed a tear or two whilst reading this book). She has also taken it further with individuals like Endymion, who ability as an Empath allows him to 'feel' other peoples emotions and know their deepest and darkest secrets. I adored the psi-like powers of Endymion (and others), as they gave me a unique and incredibly deep insight into the minds of those around him. Madson's characterisation is so formidable that there are also so many other memorable characters in this story. Hana Otako is a favourite with her strong will and complex nature, as is Darius Laroth, the right hand man to Emperor Kin. </div>
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The action and pacing of The Blood of Whisperers is also superb. Madson finds that balance between action and reaction and drives the story forward at a formidable pace. The Blood of Whisperers is primarily about vengeance, and there is plenty of that occurring as the world fractures and everyone is caught up in the political machinations of players both seen and unseen. And when battles do occur they are choreographed nicely and have far reaching consequences that a reader will not always notice. This sort of thing takes real skill, after reading this book I know Madson has that in spades. In fact, I don't really have anything critical to say about The Blood of Whisperers. I loved everything about it that much. </div>
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The Blood of Whisperers is a superb read filled with emotional power, riveting characters, and mesmerising storytelling. If you have any interest in speculative fiction you'll find something to love in this book. Madson is, in my opinion, a star on the rise. </div>
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Highly recommended. </div>
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5 out of 5 stars. </div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-28036094573765151142017-02-06T10:55:00.001+11:002017-02-06T11:18:41.958+11:00Review - The Final Reconciliation by Todd Keisling<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been on a bit of a novella kick the past six months. I've consumed titles by authors such as Laird Barron and Stephen Graham Jones, and for the most part loved every single one of them. So I was delighted to see author Todd Keisling continue this trend of excellence with The Final Reconciliation, a creepy and enthralling take on Chambers' Yellow King mythos. </div>
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Told in an interview narrative, The Final Reconciliation tells the story of the Yellow Kings, a progressive metal band whose members, along with a couple of hundred other people, were horrifically killed at a private performance of their first and only album. The lone survivor, band member and guitarist Aidan Cross, recounts in this interview the terrifying events that led up to that fateful night. </div>
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I loved this novella. I loved it so much that I actually went back and read it all over again after finishing. The Final Reconciliation is a wonderful example of a story that builds slowly yet surely and culminates in an ending that will blow your skill sideways. The pacing is superb, and Keisling slowly draws you in deeper and deeper until you realise that it's too late to escape. The characterisation is on point, with the depictions of band members and the dynamics of the music industry authentic and fascinating. I genuinely felt like I was watching a biopic of the Yellow Kings as I read, and that they were a real band whose demise was a great mystery wrapped up with conspiracy theories (like the death of Tupac, or Elvis). The inclusion of Camilla, a gypsy and groupie who drives wedges between the band members (like a modern day Yoko Ono or Courtney Love) was also brilliant, and I was terrified watching her manipulate the band members into performing a concert that would open a celestial gate and allow her entry into Carcosa. </div>
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Speaking of Carcosa, I adored how Keisling weaved Hastur and the Yellow King mythos into this story. A creation of author Robert W. Chambers, the Yellow King has seen a resurgence in recents years (True Detective touched on a lot of this mythos in its first season) after living in the dark shadow of Lovecraft's Cthulhu for so long. And thank fuck it has, because Hastur is arguably more terrifying and confronting than Cthulhu. The imagery and horror that Keisling throws down before you in this novella will blow you away. There's plenty of sex, buckets of blood, and loads of unearthly tunes that transcend reality and take you to another place. Carcosa itself is terrifying, and Hastur and his minions will stay at the forefront of your mind long after finishing this story. The final performance of the Yellow Kings, where they unleash all of this hell, is both stunning and jaw dropping. In fact, Keisling does an amazing job conveying the idea that music transforms you and takes you on journeys both physical and spiritual. In the case of the Yellow Kings, this isn't always a good thing. </div>
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The Final Reconciliation is a brilliant tale of metal and mythos fiction told with a wonderful voice. Keisling has nailed it, and I personally can't wait to read more from him. If you like music (especially metal or rock) and mythos fiction, then you'll love this story. </div>
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4.5 stars out of 5. </div>
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You can buy The Final Reconciliation <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Final-Reconciliation-Todd-Keisling-ebook/dp/B01N385I94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486338896&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Final+reconciliation" target="_blank">here</a>. Trust me, you won't regret it. </div>
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Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-3436579526977902562017-01-25T12:00:00.001+11:002017-01-25T12:12:59.761+11:00Review - The Mirror's Truth by Michael R. Fletcher <div style="text-align: justify;">
They're baaacck..... </div>
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And this time... it's personal! </div>
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Yes, that enthralling trio of characters who blew me away in Beyond Redemption have returned, and this time around they've brought with them an even bigger sack of mayhem, insanity, and destruction. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0UqdzU6sEk/WIf4m12DjVI/AAAAAAAABe8/7_qP78q53L8np8VAJ4xJH038rzBabrBHwCK4B/s1600/31303801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0UqdzU6sEk/WIf4m12DjVI/AAAAAAAABe8/7_qP78q53L8np8VAJ4xJH038rzBabrBHwCK4B/s320/31303801.jpg" width="212" /></a>I must admit I was a little hesitant going into this book. Follow-ups tend to either be flat, or downright disappointing. I also had some reservations about the fact that it was going to be self published, with images of bad covers and poor layout from other self published titles fresh in my minds eye. So I was delighted when Fletcher blew my brain right out of the water with this incredible sequel to his cult hit. The Mirror's Truth incorporates everything that was brilliant about Beyond Redemption, and then injects it with a concoction of steroids and uppers before releasing back upon the world. </div>
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The world building is truly wonderful in The Mirror's Truth. The darkness is there again in spades, and the insanity and madness that reigned supreme in Beyond Redemption have been significantly increased for this book. Fletcher also has done a magnificent job capturing the tone and mood of this horrible world, a world that has been pushed even deeper in the abyss by the looming threat of total war. This book is not for the faint of heart. You really need to gird yourself whilst reading it at times. It can be uncompromising and truly bleak, but it is in those sorts of moments that Fletcher's razor sharp wit and black sense of humour truly shines. Paired with formidable moments of violence, this fucked up formula of darkness is truly breathtaking to read. </div>
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What takes The Mirror's Truth to an even greater level of achievement is it's intense characterisation. Fletcher switches things up a little by shining a light inside the minds of characters like Stehlen, and fuck me it's terrifying what the reader finds in there. This insight into the protagonists and antagonists of the story make's The Mirror's Truth feel more relatable to a reader, and it really deepened my bond with the mad hatters that are Bedeckt, Stehlen, and Wichtig. This emotional investment in turn meant that when shit hit the fan (a Fletcher speciality) I was on the edge of my seat fearful and enthralled by what was unfolding before my eyes. The Mirror's Truth rockets along at a frenetic pace, and before you know it you've reached the epic conclusion and been dumped unceremoniously back into the real world yearning for more. </div>
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For a self published book the cover is also truly outstanding. Artist John Anthony Di Giovanni has captured Bedeckt and the mood of the world perfectly, and the type and layout by designer Shawn King is both wonderful and incredibly professional. All of this elevates The Mirror's Truth to the point where it becomes the complete package for a reader and book lover.</div>
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Just when you think things can't get any darker, they do. And just when you think it can't get any more fucked up, it does. Darkness incarnate, and fucking enjoyable beyond words, The Mirror's Truth is one of the most outstanding grimdark novels that I've ever read. </div>
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Buy it. Buy it now. </div>
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5 out of 5 stars.<br />
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You can find out more information and purchase details for The Mirror's Truth <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mirrors-Truth-Novel-Manifest-Delusions/dp/0995312222/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485306319&sr=8-1&keywords=The+mirror%27s+truth" target="_blank">here</a>. Also, be sure to follow Michael and his Doppels over at his <a href="http://michaelrfletcher.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-26266287918965829742017-01-18T11:40:00.000+11:002017-01-18T11:42:01.935+11:00Interview - James A. Moore<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Sup Peeps! </b></div>
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<b>I'm delighted to bring you the first instalment of our ongoing interview series for 2017. This week, I had the pleasure of talking to one of the true gentlemen of speculative fiction, James A. Moore. I hope you all enjoy it! </b></div>
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<b>James A. Moore, welcome to Smash Dragons! </b><b>First up, tell us a little about yourself and your career so far. </b></div>
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Well, to say it’s been convoluted would be an understatement. I started off in comic books, working here and there for Marvel Comics on a few projects. Some were published, like the story “Of Love, Cats & Curiosity,” in issue 15 of Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, and several were not. I was just taking over on a couple of titles when they got cancelled and then Marvel had a purge that ended with every contact I had there unemployed. </div>
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I did a lot of work with roleplaying games, mostly with White Wolf Games for Vampire: the Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, and the rest of the World of Darkness. </div>
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Then one day I decided to write a novel and I sat down and started working on the first of those at the same time I was working with White Wolf. </div>
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<b><b>Did you always envisage yourself writing stories when you were younger? Can you remember the first story you wrote? What was it about?</b></b></div>
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Nope. I had every intention of being a comic book artist. Turns out my ability to draw was nowhere near my levels of ambition and one of the editors at marvel was nice enough to be direct and point that out to me while he also suggested I try my hand at writing. </div>
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I was writing my first novel when a friend of mine told me I should write a short story first. So I set the novel aside and wrote a story called “Simon’s Muse,” about a writer who meets his idol and find out over the span of time that his idol’s muse is actually the bogeyman. </div>
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<b>You mentioned that you started off in comic books. I'm curious, Batman vs Superman... where do you sit in this long running debate?</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDvuveuE4Uw/WH61RvkNKWI/AAAAAAAABeE/qnUt7yVh_9QK7fjy6u-1JfOYUCCQIPjVwCK4B/s1600/22547392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDvuveuE4Uw/WH61RvkNKWI/AAAAAAAABeE/qnUt7yVh_9QK7fjy6u-1JfOYUCCQIPjVwCK4B/s320/22547392.jpg" width="207" /></a>Superman. Batman's one hope is Kryptonite and he'd never get close enough to him if Superman was even a little bit alert that day.</div>
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<b>Every writer has a process. I'm curious, what's yours? Are you a plotter or a panther? What do you think are the positives and negatives to your particular approach?</b></div>
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Oh, I’m definitely a pantser. I don’t know if there are advantages, but I know that whenever I plot something out properly I feel like it loses all spontaneity and that hurts my head. I like the surprises and the way that, sometimes, characters do things I did not expect from them. I think it makes for a better book, at least for me. </div>
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<b>I’m a massive fan of your Crowley stories. How did the genesis of Crowley come about? Was it a light bulb moment, or the culmination of many different thoughts and creative threads? </b></div>
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Thank you very kindly! I’m rather fond of the bastard myself. I sort of had plans for Crowley in comic books, but they never came to fruition. Instead of losing him, I made a few adjustments and plopped him into my first novel, UNDER THE OVERTREE, when I needed a character like him. Believe me, he has evolved a lot over the years. </div>
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<b>Will we see more Crowley stories in the future?</b></div>
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Oh yes. I’m just finishing a collaboration with Charles R. Rutledge and we have another planned. I also have a stand alone story set for him in Victorian England, and I’m about three quarters of the way through a weird western called BOOMTOWN, which actually precedes several of his adventures in the old west. </div>
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I couldn’t get away from Crowley if I wanted to. He wants to be talked about.</div>
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<b><b>I’ve recently started to read Seven Forges, the first book in your epic fantasy series. I have been struck by just how different (in a good way) it feels to a lot of the fantasy that is being published today. Was this a conscious decision on your part? To write something that stands out from the crowd? </b></b></div>
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Absolutely. When I was younger, before I started writing, I read almost nothing but fantasy. A friend of mine introduced me to horror when I told him I was sick to death of reading the same story again and again (Orphan boy finds Item of Power, uses Item of Power to save the Land from Evil Menace coming back for Round Two.) It was a fun story the first hundred times, but it got stale. So I decided no dragons, no elves, no ancient menace coming back to threaten the Land. They had to be new and different or I didn’t want to deal with them. </div>
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<b>What’s your take on publishing right now? What do we, as an industry and community, need to do better in your opinion? </b></div>
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Buy books and read them. Seriously. Make sure you post your reviews online, on Amazon, on Goodreads, the whole nine yards. On the publishing side? Harder to say. I know several very successful self-pubbed authors. I am more and more impressed by the successful ones every day. I’m likely going to be publishing a lot of my backstock on my own in the hear future, rather than giving up half of everything, including control of how the books are done. Time will tell. </div>
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I will say this: Publishing is constantly changing these days and I’m interested in seeing what it becomes. </div>
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<b>Tell me a random fact about yourself.</b></div>
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I’m seven years a widow this year. I still love and miss my wife, but life moves forward and so have I. </div>
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<b>What’s the most cherished book in your library? Why?</b></div>
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Stephen King’s THE STAND, the original version, not the unabridged volume that is far too thick and unwieldy. I think it’s one of the best books ever written and it drew me into reading again when I was seriously thinking of stopping. </div>
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<b>Favourite movie? Why?</b></div>
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That's waaaaay to hard to answer. So I'll say Captain America: The Winter Solider, because it's a phenomenal example of practical special effects and one hell of a fun story. My answer would be entirely different tomorrow or the day after.</div>
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<b>If you could shoot the breeze for a day with any other writer (dead or alive) who would it be and why?</b></div>
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Too many choices. I’ve met several of my favorites. These days? I’d love to pick the brain of Ray Bradbury, who has always been a favorite of mine </div>
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<b>You write about horrifying things in a lot of your stories. I’m curious, what scares James A. Moore?</b></div>
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What used to scare the hell out of me was losing my loved ones. I couldn’t imagine what my world would be like without them. These days, having lost my wife and several family members I’m not as afraid of that as I once was. If I’m being honest, I’m not exactly happy with the results of the latest election and I think we’ll see dark times ahead. That scares me a lot. </div>
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<b>What do you do when you’re not writing? </b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXCCagtpAcA/WH61XLsjT4I/AAAAAAAABeM/ctH95J-YBiMhlrs7eTNDDrwRvWlm0MuUQCK4B/s1600/6515854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXCCagtpAcA/WH61XLsjT4I/AAAAAAAABeM/ctH95J-YBiMhlrs7eTNDDrwRvWlm0MuUQCK4B/s320/6515854.jpg" width="198" /></a>I read books, I work at a Starbucks not far from my house because I truly love being able to cover my medical expenses, get out of the house and have a 401K, along with Christopher Golden I’m teaching a few writing courses, and I am an avid movie buff. </div>
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<b>You mentioned that you work at Starbucks. What's the weirdest order you've ever received? </b></div>
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Short coffee (8 ounces) with ten pumps of white mocha and 8 raw sugars and extra caramel drizzle. Basically about two ounces of actual coffee and enough sugar to jack an elephant's blood sugar into the stratosphere. </div>
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<b>One of the things I admire about your work is its scope and breadth. You happily dance across genres, pushing yourself from horror through to military horror and even epic fantasy. What is the reasoning behind this? Is it to stay fresh creatively? </b></div>
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I hate the idea of being forced into one model of writing. I like to write about whatever strikes my fancy and that means looking outside of the horror genre from time to time. Horror is my first love, and likely always will be, but I want to do different things. </div>
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<b>You’ve collaborated with Charles R. Rutledge (another author whose work I deeply admire) on a number of writing projects. Just how hard is it to work alongside another author? What are the benefits and negatives of collaborations in your opinion?</b></div>
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The first rule of writing with someone else is to find someone you like and admire. The two are not always the same thing. I’ve written with Kevin Andrew Murphy, Jeff Strand, Christopher Golden and Charles. R. Rutledge. I enjoyed each process for different reasons. Mostly I like the idea of playing in a shared sandbox of ideas. I like reading a story that I’m a part of. In the case of working with Charles, we like to throw curveballs at each other and watch what comes of it. </div>
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<b>If you had to pick three other writers to be on your zombie apocalypse team who would they be? Why?</b></div>
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Brian Keene, because he owns lots of guns and has done his research. Jonathan Maberry becasue he's done the research and has mad martial arts skills. Charles R. Rutledge for both of the aforementioned reasons. </div>
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<b>What's the best piece of advice that you could give to people wanting to break into the industry?</b></div>
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Work at it every day. Finish one project at a time. Develop a thick hide. Don't quit the day job. Read outside of your genre, read inside of your genre. Write what you want to read, not what you think someone else might like to read. </div>
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<b>What book are you most looking forward to reading in 2017? </b></div>
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Grim Death and Bill the electrocuted criminal by Mike Mignola and Thomas E. Sneigoski. The two of them working together on a novel is a notion that absolutely delights me. You can check out a link <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grim-Death-Bill-Electrocuted-Criminal/dp/1250077680/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484699049&sr=1-2&keywords=thomas+e+sniegoski&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b>Finally, what's on the horizon for James A. Moore this year? </b></div>
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I'm working on the sequel to <i>The Last Sacrifice</i> right now. That's called <i>Fallen Gods</i>. <i>Indigo</i>, a mosaic novel with Charlaine Harris, Christopher Golden, Kelley Armstrong, Jonathan Maberry, Kat Richardson, Seanan McGuire, Tim Lebbon, Cherie Priest, and Mark Morris and yours truly comes out in June. And, with Christopher Golden, the novella ten years in the making, <i>Bloodstained Wonderland</i> is coming out this year as a limited edition from Earthling Publications. Also, Charles R. Rutlede and I have our third Griffin & Price novel, <i>A Hell Within</i>, coming out from Cohesion Press later this year. I like staying busy. People can check out my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/James-Moore/e/B008MP0DT8" target="_blank">Amazon</a> page for more information and pre-order details. </div>
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<b>James A. Moore, thanks for dropping by! </b></div>
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<b>You can find James's work at all good book retailers. Be sure to check out his <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Forges-James-Moore-ebook/dp/B01MCZLAM4/ref=la_B008MP0DT8_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484699242&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Seven Forges</a> series (I'm reading through it now and it's fucking amazing!) and his latest book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Sacrifice-James-Moore-ebook/dp/B01MTMTS53/ref=la_B008MP0DT8_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484699242&sr=1-2" target="_blank">The Last Sacrifice</a>. His work with Cohesion Press is also top notch military horror (Crowley for the win!). </b></div>
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<b>Until next time good people, be nice to each other and keep on reading! </b></div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-3107309512227428162017-01-18T09:52:00.003+11:002017-01-18T09:54:27.790+11:00Review - Bound by Alan Baxter<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Smash Dragons is back baby! After a lay off over the holiday period I'm delighted to get back into the swing of things with you all. Up first, I decided to revisit my review of Alan Baxter's <i>Bound</i>. It has just recently been released by Ragnarok Publications in the US and UK (with a blurb from me on the cover), and is an amazing read. </b><br />
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<b>Buy it, buy it now. </b><br />
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I picked up Bound, by Alan Baxter, on the recommendation of a friend. I owe that friend a few drinks now. </div>
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Bound is about cage fighter Alex Caine, a man who can see his opponents moves before they make them. Following a successful fight Alex is approached by an Englishman called Welby, who knows his secret and wants Alex to help him unlock the key to an ancient and powerful grimoire. Drawn into a world filled with magic, violence, and a chaotic Fey godling called Uthentia, Alex must harness his innate magical ability and fighting skills to prevent the end of the world as we know it.<br />
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Upon finishing Bound my first thought was 'damn.'</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOKeYyU8yn4/WH6dnwSbrlI/AAAAAAAABdU/XK2P_G8K-YQ7h6-2PSjGO_1QXPlCTNW6QCK4B/s1600/Bound-Cover-FINAL-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOKeYyU8yn4/WH6dnwSbrlI/AAAAAAAABdU/XK2P_G8K-YQ7h6-2PSjGO_1QXPlCTNW6QCK4B/s320/Bound-Cover-FINAL-web.jpg" width="210" /></a>My second thought was that if Stephen King and Jim Butcher ever had a love child then it would be Alan Baxter.</div>
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Finally, my third thought was that Bound is a seriously entertaining read.</div>
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Full of dark, gritty and bloody goodness, Bound is possibly one of the best urban fantasy novels I've read in many years. Cracking action and dialogue propel the story along at a fast pace as the reader journeys from the cages of the underground fighting scene in Sydney to the icy wastes of Iceland. I loved the fight scenes, and I could tell they were written by someone who has trained extensively in hand to hand combat and martial arts. I almost felt the bones being broken and smashed at times throughout the book, and it was this gruesome realism that kept me enthralled page after page. The world in which Bound is set was also gloriously gritty and full of things that go bump in the night. Dark horrors exist everywhere (the Three Sisters for example) in this universe, and the world is full of mythical and supernatural creatures such as gargoyles and the Fey.</div>
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Alex Caine was also a fascinating protagonist, flawed in many ways but still very noble and honest. He was a believable hero whom I couldn't help but cheer for as the odds kept stacking up against him. His rages, lust, frustration, and mistakes throughout the story only added depth to his character and made him more human. His dialogue and interplay with the other characters (like Silhouette) throughout the novel were also loaded with wit and humour that had me chuckling well into the night. </div>
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The other characters and creatures in Bound were also interesting. I loved the idea of the Kin, and the dark horrors like the Three Sisters and the Subcontractor. However, the two characters I absolutely adored were the evil duo of Mr. Hood and Miss Sparks and their Black Diamond Inc. They are the perfect narrative foil for Alex and Silhouette, and their dark and twisted relationship and actions brought a real nefarious essence to the story that was both creepy and strangely thrilling as well. </div>
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All in all Bound was a bloody excellent read. I cannot recommend this book enough to fans of Butcher and Wendig.</div>
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4 out of 5 stars!</div>
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<b>For more information, and purchase details, go <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bound-Alex-Caine-Alan-Baxter/dp/1941987834/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484693462&sr=8-1&keywords=Bound+alan+baxter" target="_blank">here</a>. Also, be sure to check out Alan's other work on Amazon or at his <a href="http://www.alanbaxteronline.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. He is a wonderful writer with incredible talent. </b></div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-20330182802160234862016-12-16T12:30:00.001+11:002016-12-16T13:59:23.765+11:00Best of 2016! <div style="text-align: justify;">
Well it's that time of the year again. The festive season is in full swing here at the lair (no, I'm not drunk... yet), and I figured it was time I reflected on what has been an amazing year for genre fiction. </div>
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Looking back over the books I read in 2016 made me realise just how lucky I am to be a reader. I've witnessed the emergence of some stunning new talent this year, and I've rediscovered some old favourites along the way. To paraphrase George R R Martin, I've lived a thousand different lives over the past twelve months, and I've loved every single one of them! Choosing a top ten proved extremely difficult. I struggled to make my selections for a long time. However, after much deliberation and thought I managed to nut it out, and I'm pretty happy with the list I came up with. Most of the top ten have full reviews (those that don't never fear, I will get to them soon), which I have provided links to if you'd like to check them out. I've also linked purchase information. It is the season of giving after all, and as a friend of mine pointed out when you buy a book you are buying two gifts essentially (one for the reader, and another for the author of the book you purchased). So be generous to those around you! </div>
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So without further ado, I give you my top ten best reads of 2016! </div>
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<b>1 - The Fisherman by John Langan/Crow Shine by Alan Baxter</b></div>
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I cheated a little here, but I really couldn't seperate the two. The Fisherman is a magnificent character- driven cosmic horror that crawled under my skin and refused to budge. Langan is a masterful storyteller, and The Fisherman is hands down one of the best books I've ever read, period. You can buy The Fisherman <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fisherman-John-Langan/dp/1939905214/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481841710&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Fisherman" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Crow Shine is also an incredible book that is filled to the brim with rich and powerful dark fiction. It is one of the best collections I've ever read, and Baxter is one of the best short fiction writers working in the world today. I loved this book so much I even forked out a lot of money to buy a signed limited edition copy of it! Highly recommended. Check out my full review <a href="http://smashdragons.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/review-crow-shine-by-alan-baxter.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and buy yourself a copy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crow-Shine-Alan-Baxter/dp/1925212416/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481841756&sr=8-1&keywords=Crow+Shine" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvZs1EbCWEE/WFM66Lhb_cI/AAAAAAAABbs/SaDzuTEhxYIXQm75H6RJsaeODlB9Sz40gCK4B/s1600/31113703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvZs1EbCWEE/WFM66Lhb_cI/AAAAAAAABbs/SaDzuTEhxYIXQm75H6RJsaeODlB9Sz40gCK4B/s200/31113703.jpg" width="125" /></a><b>2 - The Grief Hole by Kaaron Warren </b><br />
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Words cannot describe how good this book is. Poignant, chilling, and powerful, The Grief Hole is arguably one of the best ghost stories I've read in all of my years as a reader. Warren takes you on a terrifying journey into the world of loss and grief, and in doing so rips out your heart, stomps on it, and shoves it back into your chest. Captivating work. You can buy a copy of it <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Hole-Kaaron-Warren/dp/192549604X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481841820&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Grief+Hole" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b>3 - Swift to Chase by Laird Barron</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjz1J_p1ZaE/WFM7TPnZf3I/AAAAAAAABb0/2qH63LCqRc8nn8mCtiWNWlfTOBBR7FJJQCK4B/s1600/31134830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjz1J_p1ZaE/WFM7TPnZf3I/AAAAAAAABb0/2qH63LCqRc8nn8mCtiWNWlfTOBBR7FJJQCK4B/s200/31134830.jpg" width="132" /></a>Swift to Chase, Barron's fourth short fiction collection, is arguably his best. It is an enthralling and frightening journey across both time and space that digs even further into his ever-growing cosmic mythos. Barron always pushes the boundaries, and this remains the case in Swift to Chase. I was hooked on every single story in this book, and Barron took my mind to places I never imagined I would go. Poetic, intoxicating, and brave storytelling, Swift to Chase is cements Barron's position as one of the best genre writers in the world today. Check out my full review <a href="http://smashdragons.blogspot.com.au/2016/10/review-swift-to-chase-by-laird-barron_19.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and pick up a copy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swift-Chase-Laird-Barron/dp/1945373059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481842778&sr=8-1&keywords=Swift+to+Chase" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b>4 - The Blood of Whisperers by Devin Madson</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iArA_MF7dl0/WFM8ZNbv0_I/AAAAAAAABcA/s6NHVc-rapgHNaXeDCl2SCjTYF9UGPJOQCK4B/s1600/18483450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iArA_MF7dl0/WFM8ZNbv0_I/AAAAAAAABcA/s6NHVc-rapgHNaXeDCl2SCjTYF9UGPJOQCK4B/s200/18483450.jpg" width="129" /></a>Have you ever read the opening few line of a book and fallen instantly in love with it? I have. The Blood of Whisperers had me hooked with the lines: <i>We are judged. That's what the Sixth Law says. It says the gods are always watching. That they can hear the whispers of our souls. </i>From that first page onwards I was drawn into one of the best fantasy books I've ever read. Wonderful Asian inspired world building, brilliant characterisation, and a story that will destroy you emotionally, Madson takes everything I love about writers like Guy Gavriel Kay and makes it better. Highly recommended. You can pick up a copy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Whisperers-Vengeance-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00FHBHQYK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481843266&sr=8-2&keywords=Blood+of+Whisperers" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<b>5 - The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle </b></div>
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The Ballad of Black Tom is cosmic horror at its finest. It is raw and formidable storytelling, with LaValle never shying away from both honouring and critiquing Lovecraft and his work. I was enthralled by the setting (1920s New York) and shifting points of view, and I adored the pacing of it. LaValle sets everything up like a chess master, and leaves you reeling at the end. Brilliant characterisation and top off what is one of the best stories I've read in many years. Madness encapsulated in novella form, and mesmerising from start to finish, I can only hope that LaValle writes more stories in this genre. You can buy a copy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ballad-Black-Tom-Victor-LaValle/dp/0765387867/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481843903&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Ballad+of+Black+Tom" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b>6 - Last Year, When We Were Young by Andrew J. McKiernan</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FehQPuePRnE/WFM91m4yVgI/AAAAAAAABcU/dEH3Zysm-5EJzT0bxZhpIAUBB9Rca0anwCK4B/s1600/22523234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FehQPuePRnE/WFM91m4yVgI/AAAAAAAABcU/dEH3Zysm-5EJzT0bxZhpIAUBB9Rca0anwCK4B/s200/22523234.jpg" width="132" /></a>Although this collection was published a couple of years ago (and won an award mind you), I didn't read it until early this year. And holy hell, what a collection! McKiernan is one of the most talented writers I've ever come across. Writing in a style that is both poetic and muscular, he dances across genres with glee with stories that range from Lovecraftian horror through to a clown counter revolutionary movement. One of my all time favourite collections. You can read my full review <a href="http://smashdragons.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/review-last-year-when-we-were-young-by.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and pick up a copy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Year-When-Were-Young/dp/0992509521/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481845516&sr=8-1&keywords=Last+Year%2C+When+We+Were+Young" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<b>7 - Into the Mist by Lee Murray</b></div>
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I'm a big lover of military horror, and Lee Murray nails everything I love about the genre with this book. Thrilling, action packed, and utterly enthralling, Into the Mist blends ancient myths and primordial horror with a wonderful setting and powerful characterisation. Lee Murray is a writer to watch. Brilliant stuff. My full review can be found <a href="http://smashdragons.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/review-into-mist-by-lee-murray.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and you can pick up a copy of the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Into-Mist-Taine-McKenna-Adventures/dp/0994302983/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481844379&sr=8-1&keywords=Into+the+Mist" target="_blank">here</a> (Just be mindful that the publisher is currently switching distributors. Updated entires should be up soon).</div>
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<b>8 - The Mirror's Truth by Michael R. Fletcher</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJjRkRKF54E/WFM_B4gNgSI/AAAAAAAABco/N5h1MGwsZ8sCTQJ4YwnZqmCrcchjgM3TwCK4B/s1600/31303801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJjRkRKF54E/WFM_B4gNgSI/AAAAAAAABco/N5h1MGwsZ8sCTQJ4YwnZqmCrcchjgM3TwCK4B/s200/31303801.jpg" width="132" /></a>Like Grimdark? Well it gets no darker than the work of Michael R. Fletcher. Fletcher burst onto the Grimdark scene last year with his book Beyond Redemption, which had me in a frenzy with his incredibly original world building and hellishly dark storyline (check out my full review of BR <a href="http://smashdragons.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/book-review-beyond-redemption-by.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Fletcher continues with the mayhem in The Mirror's Truth. Brutal, uncompromising, and even more fucked up than Beyond Redemption, I loved diving back into this universe! I can't wait to see what comes next from Fletcher. </div>
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<b>9 - American Nocturne by Hank Schwaeble</b> </div>
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I rediscovered my love for short stories this year, and this collection was the book that started that it all. Dark, evocative, and utterly addictive, Schwaeble writes a power and precision that is honestly astounding. There are so many twists and turns in this collection that I didn't know left from right at times, and his take on Lovecraftian horror left me chilled to the core for months afterwards (and it has the best line about goats I've ever read). A masterful collection. Check out my full review <a href="https://www.amazon.com/American-Nocturne-Hank-Schwaeble/dp/0994428669/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481846749&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=American+Noctune" target="_blank">here</a>, and you will be able to buy a copy of it online again soon (Cohesion Press, the publisher, is currently switching distributors and putting everything back up with updated information). So keep an eye out for it. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CegZBQW8T40/WFM_oFyYQ6I/AAAAAAAABc4/OGdYhEeDFhoMOAjAgs1HeTEtpCYhcWx9QCK4B/s1600/28510550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CegZBQW8T40/WFM_oFyYQ6I/AAAAAAAABc4/OGdYhEeDFhoMOAjAgs1HeTEtpCYhcWx9QCK4B/s200/28510550.jpg" width="129" /></a><b>10 - Vigil by Angela Slatter</b> </div>
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I've been a big fan of Slatter's work for a few years now, and Vigil further cements her standing in my eyes. A powerhouse of a book that is filled to the brim with brilliant action sequences, jarring twists and thrills, and a universe that is both fantastical and grounded at the same time. Vigil was the kick up the arse urban fantasy needed, and I absolutely adored reading it from start to finish. I can't wait to read the next instalment! You can check out my full review <a href="http://smashdragons.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/review-vigil-by-angela-slatter.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and it can be purchased <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vigil/dp/1784294020/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1481847540&sr=8-4&keywords=Vigil" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<b>Honourable Mentions - </b></div>
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I'd feel terrible if I didn't take the time mention the following entries that I loved as well. 2016 really was a magnificent year for speculative fiction, and I really did struggle to pick a top ten. All of the following books are brilliant in their own right, and they just missed out on a top ten entry. You all should definitely check them out:</div>
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<i>Tallwood</i> by Amanda Kool, <i>Leviathan's Blood</i> by Ben Peek, <i>The Angel of the Abyss</i> by Hank Schwaeble, <i>A Shattered Empire</i> by Mitchell Hogan, <i>A Head Full of Ghosts</i> by Paul Tremblay, <i>Lovecraft Country</i> by Matt Ruff, <i>Mongrels</i> by Stephen Graham Jones, <i>The Children of Old Leech</i> edited by Ross. E Lockhart and Justin Steele, <i>Fathomless</i> by Greig Beck, <i>Children of Lovecraft</i> edited by Ellen Datlow, <i>Crooked</i> by Austin Grossman, <i>Armageddon Bound</i> by Tim Marquitz, <i>Cthulhu: Deep Down Under </i>edited by Steve Proposch, Christopher Sequeira, and Bryce Stevens, <i>SNAFU: Black Ops</i> edited by Geoff Brown and Amanda J. Spedding, <i>The Warren </i>by Brian Evenson, <i>X's for Eyes</i> by Laird Barron, <i>Jade Gods</i> by Patrick Freivald, <i>The Stars Askew</i> by Rjurik Davidson, <i>Disappearance at Devil's Rock</i>, <i>The Lure of Devouring Light</i> by Michael Griffin, <i>The Last Mortal Bond</i> by Brian Staveley, My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier, Suspended in Dusk edited by Simon Dewar, <i>Squid's Grief</i> by DK Mok, <i>The Wheel of Osheim</i> by Mark Lawrence, <i>Sharp Ends</i> by Joe Abercrombie and <i>Black Jade</i> by Kylie Chan. </div>
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So there you have it. 2016 has been a stellar year for speculative fiction, and I'm already very excited by what I'm seeing on the release calendar for next year. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday over Christmas, and I look forward to sharing the book love with you in 2017. Keep being good to each other people. </div>
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Matt<br />
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In the spirit of honesty and full disclosure... I have included titles here from my employer Cohesion Press. I want to point out that <i>Into the Mist</i> and <i>American Nocturne </i>were both rated and reviewed BEFORE I started working for them, and are in my top ten on their own merit. The other Cohesion Press titles (Fathomless, SNAFU: Black Ops, Jade Gods, and The Angel of the Abyss) that I have listed in my honourable mentions are all also wonderful and brilliant in their own right, but they were published AFTER I started working for Cohesion. I wanted to prevent any accusations of bias being levelled against me or Cohesion Press. I highly recommend that you check them out also. </div>
<br />Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-75252753041551135502016-11-18T13:07:00.000+11:002016-11-18T13:09:52.725+11:00Review - Crow Shine by Alan Baxter<div style="text-align: justify;">
Writing this review was hard. Damn hard. </div>
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Not because Crow Shine is a bad book. Rather, it was hard because it was so damn good. I've been a fan of Alan Baxter's work for a number of years now. I adored his Alex Caine series, and I've consumed most of his short fiction work with gusto and glee. So when I heard he was releasing a short fiction collection that included some new and original stories I was beside myself with excitement and anticipation. </div>
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Fast forward a few months, and after turning the last page of Crow Shine I found myself sitting and pondering the immensity and power of what I had just read. </div>
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I was still there thinking an hour later. </div>
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Crow Shine is an amazing ensemble of rich and powerful dark fiction that, to put it simply, blew me away. The book opens with the title story "Crow Shine", an intoxicating and heady tale of magical brews, dark choices and soulful music. I adored the imagery in this story, and its exploration of whether or not we are fully in control of our choices was enthralling. The next story, "The Beat of a Pale Wing" was also brilliant, with Baxter injecting dark and ritualistic magic into a story about disposing bodies, revenge, and gangsters. He follows up this brutal and dark story with a short that damn near broke me. "Tiny Lives" is a powerful and heartbreaking account of a toymaker who creates clockwork miracles for customers in order to raise money for his sick daughter. A tale of a father's ultimate sacrifice and love for their child, I openly wept after reading the ending. Baxter continued to tear at my mind and soul with "Old Promise, New Blood", a story about family, pacts, and blood magic, and "In the Name of the Father", a creepy account of a priest whose ministry leaves a path of victims in his wake. This pattern continued as Baxter explored the concepts of justice and death in "Shadows of the Lonely Dead". "The Chart of the Vagrant Mariner" then took me to the depths of madness in what was an incredible tale of pirates and cosmic horror, and "The Old Magic" broke my heart all over again as a witch watches her loved ones die around her as her longevity comes back to bite her. A truly poignant and gut wrenching tale that left me staring at a wall and pondering my own mortality for ages afterwards. </div>
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All in all I couldn't find one weak story in this collection. I savoured reading it, and will read it all over again soon. Baxter is a masterful storyteller whose ability to pull apart the membrane of reality and explore the voids in-between marks him as one of the best dark fiction writers in the world today. His work has breadth, scope, and intensity, and it prompts readers to ask questions of themselves and of life itself. It delves into places that are uncomfortable and terrifying, and it delights in the shades that form the basis of our lives and the decisions we make. </div>
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The human condition lies at the beating heart of this book, and it's a testament to Baxter's skill as a writer that he handles this with both subtlety and power. Crow Shine is raw, and it is incredibly emotional. It is dark, and at times it is even darker still. There is, more often than not, very little light at the end of the tunnel. And it is, most of all, truthful and honest about our existence. Sometimes, as Baxter writes in his afterward, the dragons do win. </div>
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Hands down one of the best collections I've ever read, and a book that will take pride of place on my shelves. Formidable storytelling. </div>
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Get in people. </div>
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5 out of 5 stars. </div>
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<b>Crow Shine is available now online at all good book retailers. Go <a href="http://www.alanbaxteronline.com/books/crow-shine/" target="_blank">here</a> for more information, and to check out some of the amazing writers who have blurbed this brilliant collection. </b></div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-89799576903884278792016-11-09T10:01:00.000+11:002016-11-09T10:28:33.512+11:00Interview - Devin Madson<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hey Everyone!</b></div>
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<b>I'm delighted to bring you the next instalment in our ongoing interview series we have running here at Smash Dragons. This week I had the amazing opportunity to chat to Devin Madson, an author whose work has blown my mind in recent months. Devin kindly took time out of her hectic schedule to chat about things such as the craft of writing, the publishing industry, and giant penguins! </b></div>
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<b>I hope you enjoy. </b></div>
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<b>Devin Madson, welcome to Smash Dragons. </b></div>
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Thank you! How super fun to be here.</div>
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<b>First up, tell me a little about yourself. Just who is Devin Madson?</b></div>
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Well, I am! To be official, Devin Madson is an Australian fantasy author and vlogger. I live in the middle of nowhere with my partner, three kids, the dog we named after the Greek muse of epic poetry and Lilly the blue-tongue lizard. Sadly it isn’t the name I was born with. My parents weren’t thinking ‘fantasy author’ when they named me.</div>
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<b>When did you start writing? Can you remember the first story you ever wrote? What was it about?</b></div>
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I started writing waaaay back in my very first year of primary school. The teacher wanted us to write a single page story and I was SO upset it wasn’t allowed to be longer. I actually still have the first story I ever wrote at home where it could be as long as I liked. It’s called The Little Sad Christmas Tree and it proves even seven year olds can be cruel to their characters…</div>
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<b>Have you always wanted to be a writer? Or was it something that evolved organically as you got older?</b></div>
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Always. Always. Always. Well initially (when I was seven) I wanted to be a writer and illustrator, but MAN do I suck at drawing. Even my stick figures look wrong.</div>
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<b>Tell me about the genesis of The Vengeance Trilogy. Was there one particular moment that started the ball rolling, or was it the culmination of lots of different things? </b></div>
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The original idea, way back in 2007, came from a conversation with a friend about what it would be like to be an Empath, because it wouldn’t just be like ‘Oh, that person feels sad’. It would be far more absorbing, to a debilitating degree in a lot of cases. So I wrote a story about that. It was a shit story and bears very little resemblance to what you are reading now, but years later when I came back to it again I was able to extract some good from it.</div>
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The new story came partly from conversations with my mentor at the time, and partly from a pair of Confucian sayings. Firstly that ‘Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves’ and secondly ‘When two tigers fight one limps away terribly wounded, the other is dead.’ I have to thank the wonderful Alan Baxter for the last one, which I gleaned during one of his fight writing workshops at WorldCon in 2010. It left quite an impression on me.</div>
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<b>What was the reasoning behind originally crowd funding (via Pozible) your books? What were the positives and negatives of choosing to do this? Would you go down that path again in the future?</b></div>
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Hmmm… my reasoning was that if I was going to produce a book as professionally as a big publishing house then I was going to require funds to do that. Crowdfunding was so vogue at the time and I, rather naively, thought it would serve as a good way to get some promotional traction for my books, too. It doesn’t really work like that. If you start out as a nobody you’re pretty well guaranteed to end as a nobody. The best I can say of it is that it was an experience, but no, not an experience I ever want to have again.</div>
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<b>One of the most remarkable things that I loved about your first book The Blood of Whisperers (I'm about to start the second one) was your ability to weave beautiful prose and narrative into what is a large and incredibly detailed fantasy universe. Was this something you were very conscious of when writing, or does it come naturally to you? </b></div>
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It sounds terribly arrogant to say it comes naturally to me, but while my brain darts all over the place while I’m writing, that isn’t one of the things it focuses on. I don’t pre-plan any details, they just seem to be there, fully formed when I need them as though there’s a separate world-building department in the back of my head that throws things at me when I need them. I often feel like I’m just coaxing information from the characters about the world they live in.</div>
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<b>What was the appeal of setting your story in a world inspired by Feudal Japan? Why do you think we haven't seen more Eastern inspired speculative fiction? </b></div>
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I’ve always found the Asian asthetic to be very beautiful and inspiring, and perhaps because there are a lot less eastern inspired fantasy novels out there my hands didn’t feel as tied. It allowed me to create my own world, to carve out my own space, without feeling caught to that sense of western medieval realism so prevalent in speculative fiction at the moment.</div>
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As to why we don’t see it more, this is probably because authors feel they would have to be more accurate in their depiction and do more research to get it right, but really it’s just the same as everything else. Unless you’re writing historical fiction you’re just pulling inspiration. Perfect accuracy is not required.</div>
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<b>How much research did you undertake before constructing the vivid and amazing world of your Vengeance trilogy?</b></div>
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I research in bursts. I’ll go looking for the answer to a specific question and end up reading about something only slightly related for an hour, so it’s quite hard to say how much research I did. In general I research very specific things, like how high blood spurts from the neck when someone is decapitated, and how one folds a kimono correctly. Mostly the research is never used as is, just all gets smashed together so I can pull the finished world from my brain. Rather like a bunch of choc chips held together by made up cookie dough. Mmm cookies.</div>
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<b>Characterisation is incredibly important, and it is something I feel you've nailed in books. What makes a good character in your opinion? What are some of the most common mistakes people make with characterisation? </b></div>
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A good character has to be a real person. They need to be flawed and contradictory, they need to have goals and dreams and fears and they have to live all of this constantly, on the page, like a real person, not just sit back and let the author tell us about them.</div>
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The most common mistake people make when writing characters is hedging them in with a pre-planned plot. If you’ve already planned what is going to happen and are fitting your character into the story like you’re casting for a play, then an actors is all they will ever be. They can be good actors, but they are still actors. There’s no such thing as plot-based stories and character-based stories, there’s just a story, because plot IS character in action. What happens next at any point in a story shouldn’t be dictated by the plot but rather by what the characters would do next if they were real people. The best piece of advice I have for writing good characters is to let them breathe. Let them write the story, not you.</div>
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<b>I'm going to echo a few different people here... why do you keep killing and hurting the characters I love? </b></div>
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Sorry! I don’t generally set out to kill and hurt characters, because I don’t plan, so really they are killing and hurting themselves. Once you choose to write in a world where humanity is portrayed honestly, where people are as capable of cruelty and anger as kindness and love, then unfortunately these things are going to happen. Characters want different things and are willing to go to different lengths to get what they want. Something, or rather someone, has got to break.</div>
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<b>Do you have a favourite character in The Vengeance Trilogy? </b></div>
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No, I don’t actually have a favourite character. I have favourite relationships. I know Darius is a big favourite with a lot of people, but for me it isn’t him I love, but rather his relationship with Malice and his relationship with Emperor Kin. There’s always been something magical about having Endymion and Hope in the same room as another example. If I had to pick a single character I would have to say that Hana grew on me the most, but again it isn’t her, but her development that I love, so I guess I’m just really bad at this question.</div>
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<b>Every writer has a process that they follow. I'm curious, what's yours? Are you a plotter or pantser? Do you write in a particular space, or use a particular program (like Scrivener for example) when you working on your stories? </b></div>
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Pantser. I am 100% a pantser because plotting messes with my characters. That doesn’t mean I have no idea where things are going. Generally I say “I have a sneaking suspicion that X is about to happen,” and I might note that down so I stop thinking about it, but if it doesn’t eventuate then that’s ok too. As for space, I write wherever I can. I carry my laptop from couch to desk to kitchen bench. I’ve had to learn over the last seven years how to write even when my kids are killing each other. And I write in Word so it’s just about the words. Give me the option to keep notes and character profiles and shit in my file and you’re just asking me to procrastinate. I have notebooks for notes and don’t make character profiles.</div>
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<b>You've recently started a new online series where you offer writing advice and publishing tips to new writers. What was the motivation behind creating this series? What's your take on publishing and the industry at the moment? What does the industry need to do better? </b></div>
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I found that I was spending a lot of time talking… ok fine, ranting about writing and the simple mistakes that so many new authors make that are really easy fixes. It seemed not a day was going by without my editor complaining about something or other in the various manuscripts she was working on, and I realized that so much of it is ignorance. I was really fortunate in my writing mentors, but not everyone gets that, so I decided to talk about it and make the information more easily accessible to those who need it without them having to ask questions of scary authors and editors or get the wrong answer from a well-meaning writing group.</div>
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The publishing industry is still in a state of flux, but as a whole I think we need to strive for a greater level of quality. And this is across the board, not just big publishers or self-publishers, but for everyone. There is such a huge glut of books it is becoming hard to find something good to read now. People avoid a lot of self-published work for this reason, and self-publishers need to work harder to change that perception. But being published by one of the Big 5 is no longer a guarantee of quality either, because just like the self-publishers they are often throwing things out before they are ready. The Big 5 are huge beasts of companies that have the turning circle of an aircraft carrier and struggle to keep up with change. So they cut the same corners as everyone else and we get books with poor covers, books with less editing, a lot of the same thing over and over again, and promotion starts to fall by the wayside unless you’re one of the premium authors keeping them afloat.</div>
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<b>You mentioned that you’re a pantser when writing. In your opinion, what are the positives and negatives to this approach?</b></div>
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The best thing about it is that it makes writing first drafts exciting, because I have no idea what is going to happen from line to line most of the time. It’s a bit like reading a book for the first time, except that you have to type it down as you go and take procrastination breaks. It also means that my characters are free to entirely be themselves and I don’t run the risk of forcing them into actions they wouldn’t normally take. Obviously the biggest downside is the amount of rewrites that are often necessary, because by the time I reach the end of a book the beginning usually doesn’t quite work anymore. But as much as I hate doing rewrites, they have never failed to improve the story, and I often continue to uncover hidden secrets in the story as I go. There’s a particular discovery at the end of The Gods of Vice I didn’t uncover until one of the last rewrites and it totally changed the course of the story from there. A character was being very recalcitrant about sharing that one.</div>
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<b>What's the most important piece of advice you've received in relation to your writing?</b></div>
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There are so many, but the most important is probably to not treat your readers like they are stupid. The more work you make them do the more they will love your writing. Don’t dictate to them, instead let them step into the role of a partner and take ownership of the story they are reading.</div>
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<b>What's the most cherished book in your library? Why? </b></div>
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That’s a tough one. I would probably have to say my signed copy of The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett. It is tattered and worn and all the more beautiful now than it was when he signed it for me. It is not only an awesome book, but it reminds me that I had better get a move on with my work because, like him, I’m not going to live forever.</div>
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<b>Your third book, The Grave at Storms End, comes out soon. What can readers expect from the final book of your trilogy?</b></div>
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The whole book takes place over eight days, the eight days that will define the fate of Kisia, so it’s not messing around. And even though my editor had to read it many times in editing passes, she still cries. Sorry.</div>
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<b>What do you think are your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a writer? </b></div>
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This has to be the hardest question you’ve asked yet! On the whole writers aren’t that keen on talking themselves up because it feels all too much like lying. But if you must have an answer I guess a strength is that I don’t often struggle for words, especially in first drafts. The fact that I’m a perfectionist is both a strength and a weakness. While the fact that I groan and fuss and throw tantrums over the writing of action scenes is definitely a weakness. Action scenes and I have an interesting relationship.</div>
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<b>If you could spend the day with one other writer (dead or alive) in order to pick their brain who would it be and why?</b></div>
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So many hard questions! I don’t really have one hero writer that I venerate above all others. There are plenty of amazing authors I would love to spend a day with, but to pick one? That’s hard. I think I’m going to have to say Scott Lynch of Locke Lamora fame. He is a master of unexpected twists and turns, of vivid world building and writes the greatest dialogue of any author I think I’ve ever read. And even more than that he’s had to deal with divorce and depression that nearly derailed his career for good. I was a complete nobody when this happened to me, unlike Scott Lynch, but being able to pick the brain of someone who has been there too would be invaluable. How do you keep writing in those situations?</div>
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<b>You’ve been very outspoken (rightly so) about the importance of having a good editor and team behind you in order to produce the best book possible as an author. What should new writers look out for when looking for an editor?</b></div>
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I do shout about editors a lot, yes. But I must admit that the finding of a good editor is not always easy. I was ridiculously fortunate and happened across my gem quite by chance and over the years we’ve become great friends as well as having a professional relationship. But I know I’m in a minority. There are a lot of people out there who offer editorial services, but they aren’t properly trained and have little experience. The SFWA have some great information on how to avoid getting scammed in their Writers Beware pages. It pretty much comes down to making sure they are qualified. Making sure they have experience. Making sure they aren’t overcharging you (or undercharging you because that’s a sure sign they aren’t a professional service). But the very best way to find yourself a good editor is by word of mouth. Ask around. Get in contact with a few, get quotes, send a sample, see if you’re a good fit. Don’t just take the first one you find.</div>
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<b>What do you want to see more of in future speculative fiction releases?</b></div>
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More diversity of settings (another reason I adore Scott Lynch) as well as people, and continuing to push for strong female characters. I don’t mean strong here in the ass-kicking sense of having a female doing the man’s job and acting like a man, but rather strong as in well-written. We need less of the tight leather clad warrior woman and more REAL women, who run the full spectrum. Give them moments of great strength and agency, but also allow them true, honest, human weaknesses. Allow them to make mistakes. We seem to get caught up on making sure they are strong and capable and forget the other half.</div>
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Oh and giant penguins. Can we have more giant penguins?</div>
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<b>Where can readers pick up copies of your books?</b></div>
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At the moment the best place to buy my books is from my website, where you can get all three, but as of this week the first book, The Blood of Whisperers, is heading out into the world and will soon be available in print everywhere! The Gods of Vice should be joining it within a few weeks, and The Grave at Storm’s End a few weeks after that. You can also find the ebooks in all the usual places and an audiobook of The Blood of Whisperers is currently in production, so if you prefer to hear your stories keep an eye out for that.</div>
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<b>What are you working on right now? Can you give us a little sneak peek?</b> </div>
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Right now I am working on what I call my ‘Epic’. It’s a massive story I’ve been writing off and on for over ten years. It has gone through so many incarnations I couldn’t count them if I tried, but though I wrote The Vengeance Trilogy in that time I never truly shook these characters from my head. So I’m finally going to get their story down properly so they leave me alone. It’s a bit like creative exorcism. And sadly no, I can’t share, because I’m a pantser and am not entirely sure what I’m doing. So everything I have might end up getting entirely changed and rewritten. There you go, biggest downside to being a pantser - you have to keep it all to yourself until it’s finished. Except for beta readers of course, I shout a lot about needing those too.</div>
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<b>Devin Madson, thanks for stopping by!</b></div>
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<b>You can buy all of Devin's books over at her <a href="http://www.devinmadson.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or online at all good book retailers. I implore you all to make them your next book purchases. I'm halfway through the series, and I've already come to the conclusion that they are amongst the finest fantasy novels that I've ever read. Devin Madson is set for big things, of that I am sure. Also make sure you check out her Youtube series Storyworks. The first one can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=C_x2f4tj3Ns" target="_blank">here</a>. They are great! </b></div>
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<b>Until next time, be good to each other and keep on reading!</b></div>
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Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-27194669087837139742016-11-01T06:00:00.000+11:002016-11-01T08:39:00.166+11:00Interview and Giveaway: P. C. Cast<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hello Everyone!</b></div>
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<b>I'm delighted to be a part of the amazing blog tour celebrating the release of P. C. Cast's <i>Moon Chosen. </i>Check out the blurb and cover below:</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0r9ApRzIFk/WBaYX13kahI/AAAAAAAABZg/OMmaIAWXLqITcI0hs9xB3vwtW5oxyTdSgCK4B/s1600/28591281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0r9ApRzIFk/WBaYX13kahI/AAAAAAAABZg/OMmaIAWXLqITcI0hs9xB3vwtW5oxyTdSgCK4B/s320/28591281.jpg" width="211" /></a><i>An Epic Fantasy set in a world where humans, their animal allies, and the earth itself has been drastically changed</i></div>
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<i>Chosen to embrace her true identity. Chosen to follow her destiny. Chosen to change her world.</i></div>
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<i>Mari is an Earth Walker, heir to the unique healing powers of her Clan. She has cast her duties aside, but when she is chosen by a special animal ally, her destiny is altered forever. </i></div>
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<i>When a deadly attack tears her world apart, Mari reveals the strength of her powers and the forbidden secret of her dual nature.</i></div>
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<i>Darkness is coming, and with it, a force more terrible and destructive than the world has ever seen. Forming a tumultuous alliance with Nik, the son of a leader from a rival clan, she must fight to save her people. </i></div>
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<i>MOON CHOSEN is the first book in the stunning Tales of the New World trilogy. </i></div>
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<b>Cast kindly took time out of her hectic schedule to answer a few questions for Smash Dragons. </b></div>
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<b>P. C. Cast, welcome to Smash Dragons. </b></div>
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<b>What was your inspiration behind the incredible universe you have built in <i>Moon Chosen</i>?</b></div>
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PC: Thank you for asking! The idea of animal allies and the bonds formed between animals, at first specifically canines and humans, was inspired by my bond with my working dog, Badger. I had something scary happen in my life about four years ago, and I decided to invest in a personal protection canine. I’ve always had a menagerie of dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc., etc., but I had no experience with working dogs or German Shepherds. They delivered Badger, my personal protection canine, and the moment he and I met we had an immediate connection. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced, and was so profound that I knew it must be the foundation for a new adventure – for me and for my readers! I, of course, had to include other fabulous canine familiars, as well as a variety of felines, equines, and many other surprises. </div>
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The physical setting was inspired by my move to the northwest. The beauty and wildness of the landscape surrounding me set my imagination on fire, and as usual, I turned to my brilliant father who helped me extrapolate what might happen to our world if it had survived a series of massive solar flares that changed the atmosphere, topography, flora and fauna – as well as humans. Then I added a big dose of goddess magick! </div>
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<b>How many books will be in the Tales of a New World series?</b></div>
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PC: Right now I have 5 books planned in the series.</div>
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<b>How long was the writing/planning process?</b></div>
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PC: Almost two years! I brainstormed and plotted for almost a year, and it took me another year to write <i>Moon Chosen</i>. </div>
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<b>P. C. Cast, thanks for stopping by!</b></div>
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<b>Smash Dragons has a paperback copy of <i>Moon Chosen </i>to giveaway to one lucky reader. In order to be eligible all you have to do is share or retweet this post online. You must also be based in Australia (sorry, but the postage is just too costly to send it overseas). Happy hunting! And stayed tuned for my review of <i>Moon Chosen </i>in a couple of weeks. </b></div>
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<b><i>Moon Chosen </i>is now available from all good book retailers. Check out Pan Macmillan's <a href="http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781925483727" target="_blank">website</a> for more information.</b></div>
<b><br /></b>Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-22255613732405685972016-10-31T14:30:00.000+11:002016-10-31T14:55:24.430+11:00Happy Release Day for The Angel of the Abyss by Hank Schwaeble. <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It's Halloween! You know what that means. Costumes... candy... blood sacrifices upon the altar of the Prin... err... maybe not that last one. </b></div>
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<b>It also means The Angel of the Abyss is here! </b></div>
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<b>IT'S FINALLY HERE!</b></div>
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<b>You have no idea how long I've waited for this book to be released. I work for Cohesion Press (full disclosure), and have seen this book creeping up on my radar for months now in our pending releases. To see it finally fly out into the big wide world brings a bloody tear to my eye. </b></div>
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<b><b>You guys are going to love it so much. Honest truth. </b></b></div>
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<b>Not convinced? Check out this plot summary and see if it tickles your fancy: </b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulASNZ5C-XY/WBaOV_owZmI/AAAAAAAABZQ/-iyyA7KBYPkpEOQP_RdveoHrCw2hnkGHQCK4B/s1600/AngelAbyss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulASNZ5C-XY/WBaOV_owZmI/AAAAAAAABZQ/-iyyA7KBYPkpEOQP_RdveoHrCw2hnkGHQCK4B/s320/AngelAbyss.jpg" width="206" /></a>Never one to leave well enough alone, ex-special forces interrogator and demon-magnet Jake Hatcher went looking for trouble, and found it.</div>
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Finally able to be with the woman he truly loves, his bank account swollen beyond proportion, life for anyone else would seem charmed. But Hatcher’s good fortune came at a steep price. Two years after witnessing former lover Vivian Fall disappear into perdition, he may finally have been offered a way to free her. But the forces determined to stop him are hidden, and a deal with the Devil cannot easily be trusted. </div>
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Hatcher must discover for himself if he has what it takes to survive a battle of wit and wills with both an unknown contender for the Throne of Damnation and the being that has been its occupant since the dawn of Creation – The Lord of the Underworld, the Father of All Lies, the Great Deceiver…</div>
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The Angel of the Abyss.</div>
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<b>Still not convinced... look at that cover! </b></div>
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<b>Still not convinced? What is wrong with you!? I'll sweeten the deal and give you a chance to win a digital copy of The Angel of the Abyss (see below for entry details). </b><b>Hank also kindly dropped by on a whirlwind visit to answer a few questions about his new release:</b></div>
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<b>Mr. Schwaeble, welcome back to Smash Dragons!</b></div>
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<b>The Angel of the Abyss is finally here! What can readers expect in this latest Jake Hatcher adventure? </b></div>
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Glad you asked! After the events of the first two books, Hatcher finds himself unable to really enjoy being with the woman he loves, despite having inherited the luxury of a small fortune, thanks to the guilt he feels over the fate of Vivian Fall. His tenacity in pursuing any avenue that might provide a chance to save places him in the middle of a power struggle for the throne of Hell--due to an instability for which he is largely responsible--and in navigating those treacherous waters he must face the prospect that very little of what he presumed to be true actually is. All while battling demons and other nefarious forces, I might add.</div>
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<b>2) Jake is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting characters in dark fiction right now. I’m curious, how did you come up with his character? How much of Hank Schwaeble is there in Jake Hatcher?</b></div>
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Many years ago, I read about how one research study concluded that what separates societies that are hopelessly corrupt and societies where bargains and agreements tend to be honored is a prevailing belief in some sort of "hell," the idea being that a belief in consequences in the form of judgment in an afterlife has the effect of making people refrain from cheating or swindling or purloining from others. Whether that's true or not, it got me thinking about whether someone inclined to "do the right thing" would still do so if they were assured they would be punished with an eternity in Hell, regardless. So I began musing about a character, a warrior, who was "damned" and had no real hope of salvation, but who through events beyond his control becomes the only hope to save the rest of mankind from sharing his fate. I thought it presented both a powerful character premise and a fabulous backdrop for a supernatural thriller.</div>
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<b>3) What can you tell us about this unknown contender for the Throne of Damnation? Any hints? </b></div>
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Only that Hatcher, out of his depth and desperate, effectively makes a deal with the devil to find the would-be usurper in exchange for a promise regarding Vivian's fate--and, of course, everything goes according to plan without any surprises. And if you believe that, I have a quick way for you to make millions buying undeveloped Florida real estate on the cheap.</div>
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<b>4) The cover art for this release is outstanding! Did you have much input in its design and configuration? </b></div>
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For this one, I think I vaguely mentioned to my publisher that I'd like a representation of Hatcher, with a looming demonic shadow behind him. While I wasn't thinking specifically of the cover it has, once again Dean Samed nailed it, in my opinion. He always seems to exceed expectations. As does Cohesion Press.</div>
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<b>5) Finally, what can fans expect in the future from Hank Schwaeble?</b></div>
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I've already signed a contract for my next novel, THE EMPEROR OF SHADOWS, coming from Cohesion Press next year. So, I'll be busy with that for a while. In the near future, I have a Jake Hatcher novella appearing in the SNAFU: Black Ops anthology, due out in December from Cohesion. Sharing the billing with some great authors for that one, so it should be a treat. And I'll be teaching a Horror University seminar at StokerCon 17 this spring, so I'd love to get the word out for anyone planning to attend to make sure they sign up. </div>
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<b>Hank Schwaeble, thanks for stopping by!</b></div>
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<b>In order to be eligible to win a digital copy of The Angel of the Abyss all you have to do is share or retweet this post online! Get in! The winner will be announced in three days. Also, if you haven't read any of Hank's work I highly recommend that you do. His short story collection American Nocturne (also published by Cohesion) is magnificent, as are his novels Damnable and Diabolical (book 1 and 2 respectively in the series that The Angel of the Abyss is a part of). All of Hank's work is available from all good book retailers. </b><b> </b></div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-25928652371327828062016-10-31T09:09:00.000+11:002016-10-31T09:09:12.131+11:00Interview - Matthew J. Hellscream<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hello Groovers! </b></div>
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<b>I'm delighted to bring you yet another interview in our ongoing series here at Smash Dragons. This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Matthew J. Hellscream, a writer whose stock is rising fast amongst fans. We chatted about lots of different things, including our shared admiration for the movie Predator! </b></div>
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<b>I hope you enjoy it! </b></div>
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<b>Matthew J. Hellscream, welcome to Smash Dragons. </b></div>
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Thanks for having me, Mr. Summers!</div>
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<b>First up, tell me a little but about yourself and your writing career so far.</b></div>
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Well, if the name wasn't a dead giveaway, I write horror. Technically, I guess you'd call me a speculative fiction author. I am the author of Metro 7, the very first Australian fiction novel funded on Kickstarter. I went back to Kickstarter to successfully fund my second novel, Carnifex. I've also released two short stories which are currently available on Kindle. So far I've relied on Kickstarter to bring my nightmares to life, but I'll be looking at other models in future.</div>
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<b>When did you first start writing? Was writing something you ever envisaged yourself doing when you were younger?</b></div>
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It absolutely was something I've wanted to do for a long time. My mother brought home a typewriter when I was about 10 or so, and I wrote my very first 'story' which was a blatant rip-off of Jurassic Park: The Lost World. It involved all of my good friends being torn apart by dinosaurs in gruesome ways. I could spell Pachycephalosaurus, but I couldn't spell their. Go figure!</div>
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After that, I did it for fun. I just wrote stories for myself. When I was in Grade 10 I wrote a zombie story and entered it into the Mary Poppins Award, run by the local paper in my hometown, and I ended up winning third place against a couple of kids who were in Grade 12. That was when I knew I wanted to do it for real. I didn't actively pursue the dream until I moved to the big smoke in my early 20s, but now, I'm not looking back.</div>
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<b>How do you balance working full time with your writing career?</b></div>
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It's killer, dude. You have to sacrifice a lot to make it work. You need to make time to hit your goals, be it word count or plot progression. I have around two hours of commuting time each day that I use to write. I pop the headphones in, and focus on writing as much as I can in the limited time I've got. When I'm home, I edit what I wrote that day, and start to gear up for what I'm going to write the next day. </div>
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I'm also a member of the wonderful Brisbane NaNoWriMo group who hold monthly write-ins. I may not always attend, but I always use those days to smash my word counts.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtaapjQFJH4/WBZvEMm8sOI/AAAAAAAABYw/QsfjdzDltJoQ1c1ejHBtfWj8MPsMSEDqwCK4B/s1600/21851973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtaapjQFJH4/WBZvEMm8sOI/AAAAAAAABYw/QsfjdzDltJoQ1c1ejHBtfWj8MPsMSEDqwCK4B/s320/21851973.jpg" width="213" /></a><b>You mainly write in the ballpark of what I would call ‘dark speculative fiction’. What is it about this area that you find appealing?</b></div>
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It's what I grew up on, and it's the type of fiction that I most enjoy. One of my formative childhood experiences was being utterly traumatised by being exposed to the movie Predator many years before I should have been. Well, what I say traumatised, I really mean that it captured my imagination and fundamentally changed my life. I loved it, and I wanted more.</div>
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I love speculative fiction because you can explore any topic, any theme, no matter how taboo, in clever and interesting ways. For example, Metro 7 might be a relentless action-horror novel, but the themes within it allowed me to explore my feelings about my father's death at the hands of the Big C.</div>
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<b>What’s your take on the speculative fiction scene here in Australia right now? What do we, as a community, need to do better in your opinion?</b></div>
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I think we've got a lot of amazing talent in Australia, and that's worth celebrating. I went to Kickstarter for my books, because I didn’t think I had a chance in hell of breaking into the traditional publishing scene in Australia. Horror just didn’t seem like it was on the traditional publishing radar, but in the last few years we’ve had so many awesome scary books come out, that I really think horror is entering another upswing. And I’m very excited about that.</div>
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As for what we can do better? I honestly don't know. I’m kind of keeping my head down low, working on my own projects. As long as people are writing awesome books and treating their fellow creatives with respect, it’s all good.</div>
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<b>I’ve started reading Carnifex, and I have to say it has been an incredible ride so far. Tell me about the genesis of this book. What inspired you to write it?</b></div>
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I've always loved extinct Australian megafauna. As I was visiting the Brisbane Museum one day back in 2014, I came across a cross-section reconstruction of the head of a Marsupial Lion, aka the Thylacoleo Carnifex. This apex predator immediately grabbed my attention, and I had to learn everything I could about it.</div>
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As I was researching this fearsome creature, I saw mention of a theory about many of the big cat sightings that are so prevalent up and down the east coast of Australia. That theory was that a population of these Marsupial Lions might still be out there, surviving, and occasionally being seen.</div>
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Combined with a creepy, fictional Queensland small town called Kooyah and an ancient secret that the locals want to keep buried, Carnifex emerged from the shadows almost organically, hungry for flesh.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uDbXm4a7Hk/WBZvJw1KDmI/AAAAAAAABY4/WZiMGEXNL40uV1hgpEwXYYHMuWjr9S-tgCK4B/s1600/30898012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uDbXm4a7Hk/WBZvJw1KDmI/AAAAAAAABY4/WZiMGEXNL40uV1hgpEwXYYHMuWjr9S-tgCK4B/s320/30898012.jpg" width="211" /></a><b>Monsters and creatures feature in your fiction a lot. I’m curious; did you grow up on a steady diet of monster movies and books? Do you have a favourite monster?</b></div>
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I grew up on a steady diet of 80s cartoons, horror movies and Monty Python. One of the themes I most enjoy is transformation, be it energy, form or consciousness. I'm looking forward to exploring those in future planned works.</div>
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Do I have a favourite monster? Yes, I do play favourites. John Carptenter's The Thing is my absolute favourite. Followed closely by all of the various aliens from the Alien series, and the Yuatja from the Predator series. They just don't make monsters like they used to. Those are the benchmarks that I strive to reach for when I’m creating my monsters.</div>
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<b>Metro 7 was your first book. What challenges did you face whilst writing it? In your opinion how have you improved as a writer since you first published it?</b></div>
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To be completely honest? I had no idea what I was doing. I just had this idea, and I had to get it out of my head. It took 5 years to finish the first draft, and then another 12 months to get it to a point where I was happy with it. Metro 7 is a first, self-published novel, and it shows. It has its share of problems. But I think the story stands on its own merits, and I have people chasing me for the sequel.</div>
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I've improved a lot since publishing Metro 7 in 2014. I've focused on furthering my knowledge of the craft, and have been sharpening my claws in preparation for the future. My main aim is to write captivating, cinematic page-turners, and my focus is on making them the best that they can be.</div>
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<b>Last time we spoke you were working on a Lovecraftian novella. How’s that coming along? What other projects do you have in the pipeline?</b></div>
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It's coming along very well! It was initially envisioned as a 20k word novella, but I've hit the 20k mark and I'm barely a quarter of the way through the story I want to tell. The working title is Deepwatch, and it's going to be pretty special.</div>
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I also write 'Screamers', which are short, brutal, extreme horror novellas, and I'm going to be releasing a Christmas themed Screamer in December called Slay Bells.</div>
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I also have another 3 books in the immediate pipeline:</div>
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Deep 6, the sequel to Metro 7.</div>
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Earth to Embers, a Kaiju/Mecha thriller.</div>
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Dirtworld: The True, Untold Story of Citizen Sin.</div>
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<b>Every writer has a certain process that they go through when writing. What’s yours? Are you a planner or pantser? </b></div>
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Metro 7 was pansted, but every story since has been planned. If not chapter by chapter, then at least by outline. For example, Carnifex was planned chapter by chapter. Even then, some of my characters derailed my plot a couple of times and I had to improvise. Deepwatch is a little looser, with key moments planned that I want to hit, while allowing my characters their own freedom to explore and express themselves.</div>
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I use a program called Scrivener, which makes it incredibly easy to outline, storyboard and manage research and other reference material. I would be lost without it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs4LJMa-q9w/WBZvPMmzDiI/AAAAAAAABZA/9QuT7JCmay8T7oDcB41n5B3B_AbSqaNFwCK4B/s1600/30352987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs4LJMa-q9w/WBZvPMmzDiI/AAAAAAAABZA/9QuT7JCmay8T7oDcB41n5B3B_AbSqaNFwCK4B/s320/30352987.jpg" width="219" /></a><b>If you could spend the day with another author to pick their brain who would it be and why?</b></div>
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Argh, this is an excruciatingly difficult question! I would love to spend a day with Stephen King, but I wouldn’t want to intrude on his privacy. I know he values it. I would say Scott Sigler, because he's a rad dude and seems like he would be down to talk shop, as well as have a couple of beers. His hard scifi horror books are incredible.</div>
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<b>What is the most cherished book on your shelves? Why?</b></div>
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A totally beat-up, spine-split, signed copy of Scarecrow by Matthew Reilly. </div>
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When I was in High School I went through a huge Matthew Reilly phase. I read his entire back catalogue. His story about self-publishing his book Contest, selling it out of the back of his car, inspired me to take the same route. On my graduation day way back in 2003, Matthew Reilly was doing a signing in Bundaberg, which is about 2 hours from where I went to school in Hervey Bay. Mum drove me to Bundaberg and back for the signing. Matthew and I talked about writing, and he said that famous quote to me - You're not an aspiring writer, you're a writer. Period.</div>
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And here I am. That day, which my copy of Scarecrow represents, was the day I made the choice. I was going to chase my dreams, and fight to make them a reality.</div>
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<b>Best convention experience so far?</b></div>
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Without a doubt, Supanova Brisbane 2015. Peter Cullen, the voice of Generation 1 Optimus Prime was a guest, and I had the honour of meeting the man who brought one of my childhood heroes to life.</div>
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When I had my photo taken with him, I told him exactly that, and we both teared up as we shook hands. That was a very special moment. He was such a lovely guy.</div>
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I’m exhibiting at Supanova this year for the first time. It’s crazy to think that I’ll be showing my books at the same convention as Matthew Reilly! I’m hoping that my best convention experience is still to come.</div>
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<b>You mentioned earlier that you used Kickstarter as a means to fund/partially fund your work. Do you think more authors should use models like Kickstarter to get their projects off the ground? What other models do you think will gain popularity over the coming years?</b></div>
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I think that creators really need to be exploring every avenue available to bring their projects to fuition. In the coming years there is going to be a paradigm shift in the way that creators connect with their audiences. We're already seeing the beginnings of this today.</div>
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We not only have Kickstarter, but IndioGogo, GoFundMe, Patreon, PledgeMusic, InkShares... Crowdfunding itself is a boom market, because it does something that no other funding model has done before - it gives creators the ability the directly connect with their audience, and a way for audiences to directly support the creators they want to support.</div>
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I'm toying with the idea of using Patreon myself in future, as I think it's a pretty fantastic platform, and ideal for my business model. That's one thing that I think is very important to recognise as an independent creator - you're not only an artist, but you need to understand the business, and you need a model that supports it. You can't keep writing books if you can't pay your rent and keep the lights on!</div>
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<b>I must admit I had a good chuckle when you mentioned being 'traumatised' by the movie Predator. That was a movie that changed my life as well. If you could translate one of your stories to film which one would it be and why? Who would play the lead roles?</b></div>
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Ooh, I really want to answer with a book that I've written, but haven't published yet! But I guess that would be cheating. Earth to Embers, my Kaiju/Mecha thriller, is the most cinematic book I've written so far, with an enormous scale, and an absolutely insane set of action setpieces.</div>
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If I had to choose one that I've already published, I would have to go with Metro 7. I would love to bring it to the big screen. I think it would translate very well to film. It's got stomach-churning monsters, and a bunch of space marines that are trapped in a situation that is way out of their depth.</div>
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As for casting? I've got some suggestions.</div>
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Chris Hemsworth would play Draco Goldwing, the heroic Captain of the Icarus. The rest of my space marines? Michelle Rodriguez would play Ava, Domhnall Gleeson would play Vynce, Mike Colter would play Raze. I looooooved him in Luke Cage!</div>
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And as for the villain? Veck Simms? My ideal casting would be Jason Momoa. He's got the perfect blend of physicality and quiet menace, but at the same time, can be charming as hell.</div>
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<b>You're a big fan of genre art, and I must admit I'm extremely jealous of some of the pieces you have on your walls (Shin Godzilla mainly). Who are your favourite artists? What is it about them that you love?</b></div>
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My favourite artist at the moment is Tristan Jones, who created that spectacular piece of Shin Godzilla art you mention. Which isn't actually on my wall yet! I need to get that sucker framed, pronto!</div>
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I found him through an amazing piece of realistic Dino Riders art a few years back. I think someone retweeted it on Twitter, and I had to follow him. I've been a fan ever since.</div>
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It's a bit of a dream of mine to collaborate with him some day.</div>
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<b>Finally, why should readers buy your books? What do stories from Matthew J. Hellscream bring to the table?</b></div>
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My stories are cinematic page-turners. They're filled with incredible monsters, rich characters, villains that will make your skin crawl and buckets upon buckets of blood and guts. They're also uniquely Australian. I have a passion for celebrating Australian mythlogy, and this is only going to be explored further in my future works.</div>
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<b>Matthew J. Hellscream, thanks for stopping by! </b></div>
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<b>You can buy all of Matthew's work (print and digital) online at retailers such as Amazon and Booktopia. Be sure to stay up to date with Matthew as well by stopping by his website <a href="https://matthewjhellscream.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Also, keep an eye out for my review of Carnifex, which should drop in a week or two. It's a wonderful read that I recommend you all check out immediately. </b></div>
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<b>Until next time peeps... be nice to each other and keep on reading! </b></div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-54262649551209098622016-10-19T14:38:00.001+11:002016-10-19T15:11:29.511+11:00Review - Swift to Chase by Laird Barron<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's not often that my first reaction to finishing a book is to sit and stare out a window in disbelief, but that was all my mind could summon my body to do after turning the last page in Laird Barron's new collection <i>Swift to Chase</i>. </div>
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It is that good. </div>
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I've been a fan of Barron's for a number of years now, and every time I think I've got a handle on the sheer breadth and scope of his fiction he releases a new short story, collection, or novella that blows my mental battleship straight out of the water. <i>Swift to Chase</i> is no different. Barron, wielding plot strings like a cosmic puppet master, fuses everything we've come to associate and love with his work (that wicked blend of horror, noir, and pulp) and takes it in new and wonderful directions with this latest release. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oObNxq8Qr8/WAbqq5xkZ8I/AAAAAAAABYI/Gh0nirPEGvQPX-oHCfMLEHdSrxvFBAUYgCK4B/s1600/31134830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oObNxq8Qr8/WAbqq5xkZ8I/AAAAAAAABYI/Gh0nirPEGvQPX-oHCfMLEHdSrxvFBAUYgCK4B/s320/31134830.jpg" width="212" /></a>The collection is broken down into three distinct parts, though each is related to the other and to Laird's larger mythos that he has been steadily constructing over the past decade. The first part deals primarily with Jessica Mace, Laird's pulpy and noir protagonist whose broken nature and encounters with the darkness will leave you with chills that you can't shake. "Termination Dust" is the standout in this section, as Barron takes you back through Jessica's adventures and time as he slowly lifts the veil on the evil that stalks everyone hungrily. The second part includes some of this collections most powerful and disturbing tales. My favourite, "Ardor" tells the story of a man hunting for someone in the harsh and uncaring wilds of Alaska. This story showcases Barron's ability to weave an incredibly unique, surreal and fascinating tale whilst also grounding it within the scope of a moody noir and cosmic piece. "Ardor" is uncompromising, beautiful, deeply disturbing in places. It also highlights the fact that you CAN write exceptional cosmic horror out from under the shadow of Lovecraft and his acolytes. This section also includes "the worms crawl in", a revenge story that quickly escapes its boundaries and escalates beyond all expectations, and "Ears Prick Up", a remarkable story that includes robotic canine war machines and a post-apocalyptic Romanesque civilisation with an Emperor at its head. I was addicted to this particular tale from the outset, with Barron hooking me in with his unique, raw and poetic cadence:</div>
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"My kind is swift to chase, swift to battle. My imperfect memory is long with longing for the fight." </div>
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Some writers can create permanent and lasting memories in a readers mind. Barron achieves that in spades with "Ears Prick Up". The stark and haunting image of Rex loping across the frozen tundra will remain with me to my dying days I suspect. </div>
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In the third section Barron ramps it up even further with the cosmic and surreal strangeness of his tales. "Black Dog" takes a blind date and twists it with a bizarre and eerie ending, and "Slave Arm", a short and ambitious piece, answers so much and before asking even more. This final section is rounded out by two of my favourite stories from the collection, "Frontier Death Song", a terrifying and brilliant tale that draws upon wild hunt mythology, and "Tomahawk Park Survivors Raffle", a story where several familiar and recurring characters reappear as loose ends are tied up, and the violence and horror hinted at in the preceding stories is fully realised and set loose upon our world. </div>
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Swift to Chase is, to put it simply, masterful. It is an enthralling and terrifying journey across many different landscapes, from the physical to the mental, through to forays across time and space. It is indicative of Barron's skill that he somehow manages, despite the shifts in time and place, to make this collection one of his most accessible yet, with each and every story relating directly back to his ever-growing mythos. It also represents a new and wonderful direction for Barron in many ways. From the cold and biting harshness of Alaska through to the carnivorous reality that lies just beyond the perception of most, Barron weaves a seductive web that traps readers and makes morsels of them. This book answers some questions, whilst posing even more. It also elevates Barron to a pedestal where few other writers exist. Intoxicating, ambitious, and utterly superb storytelling, Swift to Chase is amongst Barron's finest work to date. </div>
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5 out of 5 stars. </div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-64733856389944623242016-10-17T16:28:00.000+11:002016-10-17T17:30:12.657+11:00Cohesion Con 2016 - A Report<div style="text-align: justify;">
Where does one start with a convention report? I suppose, like with all things, at the beginning. </div>
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For those of you who aren't in the know, the Book Expo Australia was cancelled at short notice three days before it was supposed to occur. I won't go into too much detail in regards to this, but the sudden cancellation left a lot of publishers, authors, and artists high and dry with stock they were going to sell, and bookings that couldn't be cancelled at such short notice.</div>
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Most people decided to incur the costs, and cancelled their reservations without refund. Disappointment and anger flowed freely online, as people debated what went wrong and pondered how they were going to survive with new and unforeseen debts now hanging over their heads (publishing is often a fine line between solvency and bankruptcy). </div>
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Amidst all of this Geoff Brown, and a number of other authors and editors, plotted and made plans. A few hours after the expo was cancelled I got a phone call from Geoff.</div>
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"We're still coming up. Fuck it. We'll hold our own convention." </div>
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A few hours after that phone call Geoff and Cohesion Press announced that Galaxy Bookshop would host an event that included book signings, launches for Fathomless and Primordial, interviews and meet and greets. </div>
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Welcome to Cohesion Con 2016! </div>
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Day 1 - </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JuWzoVplqY/WARXKcupzXI/AAAAAAAABV0/aMMDwmdCPHE8tWQn7YkJy4ByaDkeVcGUACK4B/s1600/14606414_10153997985508479_7073809612368036938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JuWzoVplqY/WARXKcupzXI/AAAAAAAABV0/aMMDwmdCPHE8tWQn7YkJy4ByaDkeVcGUACK4B/s320/14606414_10153997985508479_7073809612368036938_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>My wife, daughter, and I arrived at our hotel Friday afternoon after a mostly uneventful drive up. We had prepared for almost any child related disaster on the trip, so when our daughter behaved herself we were relieved (props to Frozen for keeping her happy). After getting our luggage up to the room and taking in the view over the Parramatta CBD, we decided to venture forth and explore the surrounding area. I was buzzing, the fatigue from our long commute fading as the family and I followed our noses (and stomachs) down to Harris Park (also known as 'Little India'), where we inhaled some of the best curries I've had in years. A great start to the weekend! </div>
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On the walk back to the hotel, Geoff messaged the group we had set up on Facebook. </div>
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"Anyone up for a coffee?" </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DFflZ1GesA/WART3El9pCI/AAAAAAAABUM/JHFNZNR4aRQMEfnRi4iDrPIW-wa1w6_awCK4B/s1600/14611021_10154489612335761_7932978532357131630_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DFflZ1GesA/WART3El9pCI/AAAAAAAABUM/JHFNZNR4aRQMEfnRi4iDrPIW-wa1w6_awCK4B/s320/14611021_10154489612335761_7932978532357131630_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Andrew J. McKiernan was keen, as was I. Plans were made to meet in the lobby downstairs in the hotel where both Geoff and Andrew were staying once I got back from our adventure (across the road from me).</div>
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After settling the little one in with my better half, I wandered over to meet Geoff and Andrew. Butterflies gripped my stomach, as I sat down in the lobby and waited. </div>
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A couple of minutes later, Andrew strolled up looking relaxed (the luxurious Turkish spa in his room probably had something to do with it!) and greeted me with warmth and kindness, instantly putting my nervousness at ease. Within minutes we were laughing and chatting about different things, from learning to drive right through to parenthood and books we loved. Geoff appeared, and greeted me like a long lost friend. All of my nerves evaporated, as we continued to laugh and chat in the lobby. </div>
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"What time is Lee due?" </div>
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"Soon, I think." </div>
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Lo and behold, an airport shuttle pulled up to the hotel, and out jumped Lee Murray, all smiles and excitement at finally arriving after a long trip from New Zealand. Hugs and greetings were exchanged, and we moved into the hotel restaurant to eat and continue getting to know each other. A couple of hours later, after much laughter and good conversation, I walked back across the road and up to my room to get some much needed sleep. </div>
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Day 2 - </div>
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Having planned to catch up with everyone again after lunch, my wife and I took the little one to Parramatta and did some shopping in the morning. I wandered into a board game store, and almost spent a shitload of money on some expansions to Arkham Horror. Luckily, I was able to restrain myself and keep what money I had to spend at Galaxy Bookshop the following day.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxEsanJuhZY/WARZHrBGfoI/AAAAAAAABWc/ewah1ELPlig-_TYs2KEKg5kxSuaTlikLACK4B/s1600/14590292_1065320986918058_930019100557385796_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxEsanJuhZY/WARZHrBGfoI/AAAAAAAABWc/ewah1ELPlig-_TYs2KEKg5kxSuaTlikLACK4B/s320/14590292_1065320986918058_930019100557385796_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>After more retail therapy, we met up with one of our best friends who lives in Sydney and had a wonderful lunch (dining out in Sydney is brilliant when you come from a town where the best eating is at the local pub). Dashing back to Rosehill afterwards, I scampered over the road again for coffee and finally got to meet Andrew and Geoff's lovely partners, Kylie and Dawn. More great conversation followed, and the laughter and merriment from the group echoed around the restaurant. Lee, because she is an amazing human being, gave me three books for nothing whilst we were drinking coffee and tea. My haul had begun! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8UARDomM5Y/WARa5tHjKeI/AAAAAAAABW8/i_trX5WIeUkY3Z7ekFbfjJB46nGlRjPDACK4B/s1600/14642280_10209410500212113_6023392032867854737_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8UARDomM5Y/WARa5tHjKeI/AAAAAAAABW8/i_trX5WIeUkY3Z7ekFbfjJB46nGlRjPDACK4B/s320/14642280_10209410500212113_6023392032867854737_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Plans were made to go out for dinner, but I couldn't make it as I was on 'Daddy Daycare' duty for the night. I did hear on the grapevine though that the police were called to settle and contain an unruly lot at the gourmet pizza place down the road, and that Andrew trashed his luxurious hotel room in true rock star fashion in the early hours of the morning (ok so that didn't happen... but I never let the truth get in the way of a good story). </div>
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Day 3 - </div>
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The day had finally arrived. Cohesion Con 2016! Galaxy Bookshop, a temple for speculative fiction fans statewide! HELL YEAH! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E2JlI5mZz7w/WARZ8DHRnBI/AAAAAAAABWw/Jv0lnm8NPokUOwLN0G3047vNOiozfHYdACK4B/s1600/14670743_10154489613130761_1697371481633947413_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E2JlI5mZz7w/WARZ8DHRnBI/AAAAAAAABWw/Jv0lnm8NPokUOwLN0G3047vNOiozfHYdACK4B/s320/14670743_10154489613130761_1697371481633947413_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gobbling down a quick brekkie, we jumped in the car and raced over to our friends place in Alexandria again. A quick kiss and cuddle goodbye, and I practically ran to Redfern Station as my excitement grew. A short train ride into the CBD, and I stared up at Galaxy Bookshop. I was finally here! I went to walk into the shop... heavenly trumpets sounding in my head as I imagined the gates of the shop opening up before me... and ran straight into the glass doors that were still locked (I was ten minutes early and the store was still closed). </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXS5JDl6xs4/WARWZgrX3dI/AAAAAAAABVk/2mPNSVtmDjQtq13n-riZhx6WJNCSUcdxQCK4B/s1600/14670603_10154489608630761_6457835523490473343_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXS5JDl6xs4/WARWZgrX3dI/AAAAAAAABVk/2mPNSVtmDjQtq13n-riZhx6WJNCSUcdxQCK4B/s320/14670603_10154489608630761_6457835523490473343_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Luckily, no one witnessed me making a total git of myself!</div>
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Finally the doors opened, and I flew up the stairs and almost fell over at the sheer concentration of speculative fiction books in one location. Thousands of books... fantasy... science fiction... horror... weird... all together. I wandered up and down the aisles, like a kid (a balding and hairy kid admittedly) in a candy store, looking at titles, making notes of prices, and planning my purchases. </div>
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A few minutes later Geoff, Dawn, Andrew, Kylie, and Lee showed up and as a group we marvelled at the shop. Lee immediately started doing some Christmas shopping, and the rest of us wandered around and struggled to wipe the smiles off our face as we picked up book after book to examine. The lovely staff at Galaxy (Allison, Tamara, and Craig) made us all feel incredibly welcome, and discussions about where everything was taking place were had. Feeling the pangs of hunger, we headed across the road to the Queen Victoria Building to have some brunch, and to wait on the arrival of a few other people. </div>
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Whilst we were enjoying our coffee and chatting a tall and roguishly handsome (cheque's in the mail isn't it mate?) man wandered up to the table and introduced himself to me first. </div>
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"Geoff... I'm Adrian." </div>
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"... err hi... I'm Matthew" </div>
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Adrian (of Grimdark Magazine fame, and a very cool dude!) soon met the real Geoff (who was outside having a smoke when Adrian rocked up), and the general merriment continued. </div>
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Out of the corner of my eye I saw a flash of red, and AJ Spedding arrived and plonked down next to me at the table after greeting everyone. </div>
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"Fuck. I need a coffee!" </div>
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Yeah... she's that cool. </div>
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The conversation and laughter continued, as we all enjoyed each other's company and talked shop. Adrian, AJ, Lee, Andrew and I chatted about authors such as Mark Lawrence, book piracy, and the projects we were all working on. I also introduced AJ to the amazing artwork of Jason Deem. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vr6vC6HPxvU/WARUII90MaI/AAAAAAAABUU/PnCDEzFieOMuya9_Z1OQa1E9Za2vkF4-gCK4B/s1600/14656424_1065321033584720_979053983066782122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vr6vC6HPxvU/WARUII90MaI/AAAAAAAABUU/PnCDEzFieOMuya9_Z1OQa1E9Za2vkF4-gCK4B/s320/14656424_1065321033584720_979053983066782122_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Alan Baxter suddenly appeared, like a wizard emerging from behind the curtains at a show, full of energy and carrying a large box filled to the brim with his new collection Crow Shine (if you haven't pre-ordered it go <a href="http://www.alanbaxteronline.com/books/crow-shine/" target="_blank">here</a> and do so now... it's amazing). We all reached for our wallets, and practically threw our money at him for signed copies. </div>
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Once our bellies were full and our mood was soaring, we wandered back over to Galaxy and the tables were set up and loaded with books and all sorts of other goodies. I hung around and continue to browse, not wanting to get in anyone's way as they set up (I did keep one eye on Lee though, in case she grabbed all of the ARCs of Fathomless and made a dash for the nearest exit). </div>
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After set up was done everyone relaxed and stood around chatting. Adrian and I decided to get the party started, and walked up to the signing tables and loaded ourselves up with books. Cohesion Con 2016 had officially begun. I grabbed a copy of everything that was available and walked up to the cash register to pay. As I eagerly pulled out my wallet (again) Greig Beck, one of my all-time favourite writers, strolled past and introduced himself to everyone at the signing tables. Before I could complete my transaction I heard Greig ask everyone where I was, and I timidly raised my hand like a kid who'd been caught with his hand in the lolly jar. Greig rushed over, shook my hand and handed me a gift (context... I do some editing and beta reading for Greig on the side). I quickly unwrapped the paper, and was greeted with a signed first edition of Matthew Reilly's Great Zoo of China (I'm a big fan of Reilly, so my mind was blown by Greig's generosity). Feeling absolutely stunned by everyone's kindness and generosity, and I stumbled back to the signing tables in a haze, where Andrew got the ball rolling by signing my copy of his outstanding collection for me (Last Year, When We Were Young... buy it now. I swear you won't regret it). I worked my way along the tables... convincing Geoff (a reluctant signer hehe) and AJ into penning their signatures in copies of SNAFU: Survival of the Fittest, SNAFU: Unnatural Creatures, and their stunning graphic novel The Road to Golgotha (I found your sneaky signature AJ!).</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXo4SiZY6X8/WARWAD0Iw9I/AAAAAAAABVY/SZSsU7MHwpQiKDnJ6t4SO8BvBid_v6JAwCK4B/s1600/14650613_10154489598635761_4642673939146700363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXo4SiZY6X8/WARWAD0Iw9I/AAAAAAAABVY/SZSsU7MHwpQiKDnJ6t4SO8BvBid_v6JAwCK4B/s320/14650613_10154489598635761_4642673939146700363_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Next up was Greig, who continued to blow my mind by showing me the acknowledgement he had written for me at the start of Fathomless! I damn near fainted after seeing that. Lee then kept the good times flowing by signing a copy of Into the Mist for me to go with the books she had already gifted to me the day before. Finally, I reached that cheeky photo bomber also known as Alan Baxter, who made my day by signing whatever I put in front of him (he'll sign anything... seriously). With my haul safely secured, I was able to stand back, watch, and chat with Adrian (his knowledge of the industry is amazing). After awhile Adrian had to bail (boo!), so I wandered up to the back of the store where B. Michael Radburn and Wanda Wiltshire, two more authors who were also doing signings at the shop, had set up their tables. I knew Baz from his work in SNAFU, so it was a real delight to finally meet him and get his signature above his story 'Cargo'. </div>
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As I turned around and strolled back towards the front of the shop, winding my way in between throngs of people waiting to meet some of their favourite writers, I noticed Mitchell Hogan standing there. He had snuck in and signed a bucket load of his books for the shop without me even noticing. I immediately made a beeline to him and introduced myself (I suspect he was rather alarmed at first as I bore down on him). We chatted for ages, popping downstairs for a sneaky beer and yarn (see what you missed Adrian? Mitchell Hogan... buying me a beer!) before we made our way back upstairs where an impromptu Q&A (run by the Annie and the cool people from the Read3r'z Re-Vu group) was taking place. After that was wrapped up Mitchell and I continued chatting, and I convinced him to buy a copy of Bradley Beaulieu's Twelve Kings, a wonderful swords and sandals fantasy. Like Adrian, he too had to bail and get home to his wife and daughters, so I sat with Dawn and chatted about books and our shared love for all things Sara Douglass. </div>
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As the afternoon unfolded and the crowds began to thin, we started to pack up and make plans for dinner. Alan knew of a great burger joint called Grill'd, so we loaded up the cars (we won't speak about Geoff and his liberal interpretation of our road rules here in NSW hehe) after Galaxy shut their doors, said our goodbyes to the people that had to head home, and walked up to World Square to grab a bite to eat. </div>
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The next couple of hours were a blur to be honest, as we ate, drank, and laughed after a long and incredibly fun day. We celebrated the successful launches of <i>Fathomless </i>and <i>Primordial</i>, and the fact that everyone had left the shop with mighty hauls! By the end of it we were all exhausted, and with long trips ahead for people like Geoff and Lee, we called it a night and said our goodbyes to each other. AJ and Alan were heading my way (back towards Town Hall train station), so we walked together in the warm air of the city. As I pondered which train I'd have to catch back to Redfern Alan asked me where I was heading. </div>
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"Alexandria. We are staying with a friend for the night" </div>
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"Ok. Sweet! That'd be great." </div>
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So after farewelling AJ at the station I then found myself whizzing around the streets of Sydney with Alan, chatting about Cormac McCarthy, Laird Barron, and the fun trials and tribulations of parenting toddlers as he expertly weaved his car in and out of streets I'd never heard of. Dropping me at my place of residence for the night a little later, he shook my hand, bade me farewell, and sped off into the night to make his own way home. I'm still in awe that one of my favourite authors gave me a lift home! An incredibly act of kindness. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HLWCImczig/WARdRSpytkI/AAAAAAAABXk/UcE6kfALaGEagdny-o57GLRq1TlLD8bQACK4B/s1600/14666067_10209418855981002_2188953959412231466_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HLWCImczig/WARdRSpytkI/AAAAAAAABXk/UcE6kfALaGEagdny-o57GLRq1TlLD8bQACK4B/s320/14666067_10209418855981002_2188953959412231466_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>We set out early, wanting to get our trip done by lunch time so we could have the afternoon to relax. After four hours of driving we arrived home, and I was able to finally sit down and relax. Sipping my coffee as my wife and daughter napped on the couch, I was able to reflect on what was one of the most amazing and enjoyable weekends I've ever had. I met and socialised with some amazing people, visited a store that blew my mind, and bought a stack of signed books that will take pride of place on my bookshelves for decades to come. Most of all though, I got to be an active participant in our wonderful speculative fiction community. I'm grateful for Geoff, Galaxy Bookshop, and everyone else I met over the weekend for making that happen. Together, we are legion people. Onward to Cohesion Con 2017! </div>
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<b>You can find signed copies of all of Cohesion Press's amazing books at Galaxy Bookshop. Be sure to pop in as soon as possible to pick up your copies before they run out (if they have run out, ask them to order more in!) Also, remember to grab a signed copy of Andrew J. McKiernan's and Alan Baxter's collections (Last Year, When We Were Young and Crow Shine respectively) whilst you're there! Both are great collections that will blow your minds! </b></div>
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<b>For more information about Cohesion Press head on over to their <a href="https://cohesionpress.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. Big things are coming! </b></div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-87607210160697375862016-10-17T08:55:00.000+11:002016-10-17T08:57:58.013+11:00Interview - Dead Samed<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hello Peeps! </b></div>
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<b>This week on Smash Dragons I had the amazing opportunity to sit down and shoot the breeze with artist Dean Samed. Dean, for those of you who live with your heads in the ground, is one of the premier cover artists working in speculative fiction today. He is also one of my favourite artists and designers. We had a ball chatting about art, his process, and the next big project coming up for him. </b></div>
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<b>Enjoy the interview, and check out some of the cover work Dean has done in recent times! </b></div>
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<b>Dean Samed, welcome to Smash Dragons. First up, tell me a little about yourself and your career so far illustrating and creating art. </b></div>
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Hey team, thanks for having me!! My name is Dean Samed, and I’m a cover artist / horror specialist, from the UK. I work with self-pub authors, small to mid level indies and the occasional titan — in publishing markets across the globe.</div>
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My big break in publishing, as it were, came with the boom of e-reader devices. Previously, I had worked in music, however the growth of independent publishers allowed me to pursue my digital arts services full time.</div>
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As a self-proclaimed ‘horror specialist’, I favour the more macabre concepts… however, I have worked in all kinds of genres.</div>
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<b>When did you first discover you had a knack for drawing? Was it something that came naturally to you, or did you have to work extremely hard to develop your skills?</b><br />
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I started very young, preferring to draw in black biro… extreme / intricate sketches of monsters, robots, death machines, architecture, comics, all kinds of stuff. In terms of natural ability, I don’t believe my skills were prodigious in any way, I just REALLY enjoyed getting my ideas on paper. Looking back, it was all pretty deranged.</div>
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I first used a digital art program on a computer, when I was 11 (in the hospital), and the obsession for digital media started from there. I’ve spent an ungodly amount of time developing my skill set, so there’s no innate talent (I believe), just hours invested.</div>
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<b>You started freelancing at a young age. What was the most important lesson that you learnt from those early years? </b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOh4LBqIbck/WAP1GedN0cI/AAAAAAAABTA/AJ3k37TJ4m0HOBAnmZLKrz7BptHm7J1NQCK4B/s1600/Jagged%2BSeraphim%2B-%2BReboot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOh4LBqIbck/WAP1GedN0cI/AAAAAAAABTA/AJ3k37TJ4m0HOBAnmZLKrz7BptHm7J1NQCK4B/s320/Jagged%2BSeraphim%2B-%2BReboot.png" width="242" /></a>Working as a creative contractor, being ‘good’ is only a fraction of the battle. I started freelancing for cash, at 14 years old… and in those first few years, I learnt an insane number of skills, that would help me to build up to my current level.</div>
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How to read a client’s needs, how to appease objections, diplomacy, how to ask for money, how to value your own time, how to infiltrate a ‘niche’ — are just a few of the lessons I learned in those formative years.<br />
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Later, I went on to study at university, and hardly any of these business-essential skillets were taught!! I believe you can only learn by doing, the baptism of fire as it were.</div>
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<b>How would you describe your style? Is there anything you don't actually like illustrating? </b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9JDTbecY8A/WAP1WmHtCjI/AAAAAAAABTI/MdjM18IJh44ymHD_kL6ICWeHGT29YA2QwCK4B/s1600/Curse%2BServant%2B-%2BFB%2BCover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9JDTbecY8A/WAP1WmHtCjI/AAAAAAAABTI/MdjM18IJh44ymHD_kL6ICWeHGT29YA2QwCK4B/s320/Curse%2BServant%2B-%2BFB%2BCover.png" width="212" /></a>The style I work in is digital compositing, which can be described as ‘collage on steroids’. Photographic elements are chopped up, re-arranged, and then processed / overpainted to create new, photorealistic scenes.<br />
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The aesthetic itself, is very sharp and stylised. The only things I don’t like illustrating are contrived concepts, that already have too much air time. Particularly the zombie / survival horror genre, there was a time period where a lot of the covers I was working on, were quite similar. I do prefer to work with the strange and unusual.</div>
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<b>You do a lot of work designing jaw dropping covers. I'm curious, what has been your favourite cover so far? </b></div>
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Producing book covers, is a bit different from doing personal work. With illustrative design, you have to sell the concept of a story, and achieve a sense of unison / balance between typography and imagery. Of all the covers I’ve done, I feel the cover for Jay Bonansinga’s Lucid achieves that balance well. Always been happy with that one.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmQi9pTXdpc/WAP2pjR2OuI/AAAAAAAABTs/xbINmzBJtkU_QaUOC3q57v6OcSSD6S9qACK4B/s1600/9782290345900_LaTourSombreT2_couv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmQi9pTXdpc/WAP2pjR2OuI/AAAAAAAABTs/xbINmzBJtkU_QaUOC3q57v6OcSSD6S9qACK4B/s320/9782290345900_LaTourSombreT2_couv.jpg" width="197" /></a><b>Can you remember the first piece of work you sold? What was it?</b></div>
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The first work I sold, was illustration / design for Drum n Bass flyers, when I was 14 years old… for a promotion company called Breakology. </div>
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<b>Take me through the process of creating a cover. Do you have a structured framework that you follow or do you go where your mood takes you with the piece? </b><br />
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There is definitely a schema of work, that I’ve developed for producing book covers. To start, is the consultation with the client — we discuss the story, their ideas for the cover, and figure out a plan of action. At this stage, we may agree on stock resources, and in many cases, I’ll produce a ‘moodboard’ to generate ideas.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yNAIuvJIBQ/WAP1twyHz_I/AAAAAAAABTQ/aV9MHeRQFr4IY1eYn_IMFltNdbMAGDhzACK4B/s1600/The%2BGunslinger.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yNAIuvJIBQ/WAP1twyHz_I/AAAAAAAABTQ/aV9MHeRQFr4IY1eYn_IMFltNdbMAGDhzACK4B/s320/The%2BGunslinger.png" width="197" /></a>After that, the heavy lifting occurs, I produce the artwork / typography, and run it past the client for review, and make amendments if necessary. With the front cover complete, we tackle the full wrap / POD — and that’s pretty much it!!</div>
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<b>What's your take on the speculative fiction scene at the moment? What do we need to do better in the years to come? </b></div>
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I think it’s great that there’s such a diversity of voices in publishing right now. I have to admit, at present I’m reading MUCH MORE non-fiction, than fiction at the moment. When I do get the time, I really enjoy military sci-fi, cyberpunk, and of course horror too… but that’s a difficult genre to get ‘right’. </div>
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<b>Who are your favourite artists? What is it about their work that you adore</b>? </div>
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My favourite artists work with digital media, but they have the ability to transcend the medium, and produce work that is ‘beyond’ digital. The best of all worlds.<br />
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I enjoy the work of Marcela Bolivar who produces dreamy / ethereal work with an organic aesthetic, and the work of Jarek Kubicki who really blurs the lines between natural media and digital. Both artists favour a dark aesthetic, but execute without gratuity or contrivance. Fiercely elegant work, I like that.</div>
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<b>Tell me a random fact about yourself? </b></div>
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I lost the vision in my right eye, when I was 11 years old.</div>
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<b>You deal with the terrifying day in and day out. I'm curious, what scares Dean Samed? What is it about that macabre that you love so much? </b></div>
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I don’t scare too easily, when it comes to media… I do find the notion of ‘Body Horror’ to be unsettling, losing your humanity / degenerating into an alien state. That’s more horrific than being stalked by an assailant in my opinion.</div>
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For me, Horror / Macabre Art is a celebration of the unknown. Many of the great mysteries in life are being systematically solved by modern science, so I'm interested in the peripheries, the primordial anxieties, the uncertainty of mortality and what lays beyond.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBwj7ny6hFg/WAP2f7904HI/AAAAAAAABTk/rBLRQlWAJwcZ78xSaIzG9YkAjDF9f989ACK4B/s1600/Ares%2BVirus%2BII%2BART.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBwj7ny6hFg/WAP2f7904HI/AAAAAAAABTk/rBLRQlWAJwcZ78xSaIzG9YkAjDF9f989ACK4B/s320/Ares%2BVirus%2BII%2BART.png" width="212" /></a>Violence is in our DNA, and is a driving force of the universe. I like to explore the beauty in the carnage.<br />
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<b>What's on the horizon for you and your art? I've heard whispers of a big project coming up? </b></div>
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For the here and now, I’m still very much involved in book cover design — but I have a new stock photography project that is pretty exciting. We’ll be shooting various ‘genre-fiction’ stock concepts, for digital artists and cover designers.</div>
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Locating decent stock photography can be a daily grind, I’d like to remedy that with this new business., and maybe change the face of cover art worldwide in the process!!</div>
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<b>Dean Samed, thanks for stopping by!</b></div>
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Pleasure dude! </div>
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<b>You can check out Dean's amazing work over at his website <a href="http://deansamed.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. His contact details are also listed. If you need a cover done for your speculative fiction story then I highly recommend you drop him a line. </b><b>He is one of the nicest and most professional artists working in the industry. And his art kicks ass. The total package! </b><b>Also, keep an eye out for his new company <a href="https://www.facebook.com/neostockphotography/?pnref=lhc" target="_blank">NeoStock</a>. They will be servicing all of your stock art needs soon! </b></div>
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<b>Until next time good people, be nice to each other and art harder! </b></div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-51441237966777525652016-10-02T00:30:00.000+10:002016-10-02T00:30:08.128+10:00Interview - S. C. Flynn<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hey Everyone!</b></div>
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<b>I'm delighted to be participating in S. C. Flynn's ongoing blog tour to promote his new release <i>Children of the Different. </i>I will be reviewing this title in a couple of weeks, but I've been very impressed by what I've read so far. Flynn kindly took time out of his hectic schedule to chat to me here at Smash Dragons. I hope you enjoy!</b></div>
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<b>Also, you check out this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Children-Different-S-C-Flynn-ebook/dp/B01H95GI5Y/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8#nav-subnav" target="_blank">link</a> for more information and purchase details. I promise you won't regret it. </b></div>
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<b>S. C. Flynn, welcome to Smash Dragons. First up, tell me a little about yourself. Just who is S. C. Flynn?</b></div>
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I am glad to be here, Matthew – thanks! I’m an Australian – g’day mate – from a small town in Western Australia exactly the same size as Cootamundra. So I am you, basically! Don’t worry, we’ll find something that sets us apart!</div>
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I have lived in Europe for many years – London, Milan and now Dublin. My wife is Italian and Italian is my second language. One time when we were visiting another town in WA, the lady at the hotel reception heard us speaking a foreign language and asked where I was from. When I said “Narrogin, Western Australia”, she gave me a very suspicious look!</div>
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<b>Tell me about writing journey so far? Have you always wanted to write? How has your background in blogging helped you develop as a writer?</b><br />
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I have always written, or at least made up stories. When I was about four, I used to sit in a wheatbin and make up adventures – how Australian is that?</div>
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I see blogging as very different from fiction. I have written quite a lot for newspapers and magazines, so altogether I have a fair amount of bloggy-journalistic experience. That is certainly useful when it comes to writing guest posts and self-promotion generally – and in being more in touch with the market and what other people are writing, reviewing and talking about – but blogging requires different skills from writing fiction, in my opinion.</div>
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I would say that it is certainly possible to be good at blogging and not be good at writing fiction, and the other way round. My fiction style was developed over many years of practice before I started blogging, so I think that for me, they developed independently. </div>
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<b>Tell me about your upcoming book Children of the Different. What can readers expect from it?</b><br />
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<i>Children </i>is a Young Adult Post-Apocalyptic fantasy novel. The fantasy aspects are influenced partly by the Aboriginal Dreamtime. The main characters spend quite a lot of time in comas, during which their spirits travel through a dreamscape called the Changeland, where time, place and cause and effect are very different from the outside world. “A surreal and trippy dystopia”, one reviewer has called it.</div>
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Readers should not expect a typical Young Adult love triangle, because there isn’t one! There are female buddies, a twin brother-sister bond between the main characters, and friendship in general. And a slight touch of romance, I have to admit…</div>
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There is a lot of action and the pace is rapid. This is a Young Adult novel, so there is no coarse language, sex or grotesque violence.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4MoiPYEVoA/V-8caq1s-hI/AAAAAAAABSU/Njri1XnWhHwasZUwUzhct60ufRq1fziPQCK4B/s1600/ChildrenoftheDifferentweb150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4MoiPYEVoA/V-8caq1s-hI/AAAAAAAABSU/Njri1XnWhHwasZUwUzhct60ufRq1fziPQCK4B/s320/ChildrenoftheDifferentweb150.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>How long did it take you to write Children of the Different? Did you face any particular challenges whilst writing it?</b></div>
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The overall writing process – from initial brainstorming to final version via beta readers, multiple redrafts and copyeditor – took about three and a half years. I am an obsessive reviser, but there were long pauses during that time, as well.</div>
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<i>Children</i> is the seventh novel I have completed, although it is the first one that I am publishing. Three of the others – all fantasy, but very different from this one – are of the same standard as <i>Children</i> and publishable, while the other three were part of the learning curve and will forever remain hidden. Out of all that novel writing, <i>Children of the Different</i> was by far the easiest to write. The story came to me largely fully-formed and the first draft was done in two months – even on the days when I sat down without a clear idea as to the next scene, I found what I needed.</div>
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I had never written a Young Adult novel before, so that brought some new challenges. I think the main one – apart from not being allowed to write about sex, of course – was the need to keep the style very simple and clear, and to underline certain key concepts more than I normally would.</div>
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<b><i>Children of the Different</i> is set in a post apocalyptic Australia isn't it? Can you tell me a little bit about the world and the landscape?</b><br />
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Nineteen years before the story starts, most of the world’s population was killed by a brain disease known as the Great Madness. The survivors live in small, scattered communities, each following a different approach to life. As an after-effect of the Madness, at the start of adolescence young people enter the Changeland that I referred to before, and either emerge with special powers or permanently damaged.</div>
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The setting is Western Australia. Many different landscapes appear – the giant forests of the South West near where I come from, the ocean, the desert, the city of Perth. Advance reviewers have generally thought the setting is one of the novel’s strengths.<br />
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<b>What was behind your decision to self publish this book?</b><br />
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I spent many years trying to play the traditional publishing game. I had two professional literary agents for long periods at different times, but they were unable to find a publisher for my writing. I was probably very close to breaking through for a long time, but it did not happen. Perhaps that was just bad luck, but I decided to do something about it.</div>
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With <i>Children of the Different</i>, I decided to try a new approach – a new sub-genre and a new strategy. I was certain that people would like my stories if I could only reach them; the response so far from advance reviewers indicates that I was right.</div>
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I was suspicious of self-publishing for a long time – as I said, I saw myself as making a writing career in the traditional agent/publisher way. So when I decided to self-publish, my guiding principle was to only do it if I could offer a product as good as the major publishers. I hired a team of professionals – copyeditor, artist, formatter and audiobook narrator - to help me achieve that.</div>
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I would like to mention specifically the audiobook narrator, Stephen Briggs. Stephen is an old university mate of mine and has been a professional voice artist for many years in Sydney and now Melbourne. It was great working with him on this project – Stephen narrating in Melbourne and me supervising from Dublin. I love what he has done with the character’s voices and the novel generally; initial reviews for the audiobook on Audible and Amazon show that other people feel the same.</div>
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<b>What's your take on the publishing industry right now?</b><br />
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I am only just starting out, but I would say that the industry is extremely varied but durable. The novel continues to survive, although there have been predictions about its death for as long as I can remember. Genre fiction seems particularly strong at the moment, supported by a constant stream of movies and TV shows. Statistics can be misleading, but the print novel appears to still be popular, alongside ebooks. Audiobooks are relatively new, but are likely to become more popular in future; they are ideal for people who commute or who want a story while they do the housework, etc.</div>
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So in short, I think it is a good time to be trying to publish and sell genre fiction.</div>
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<b>Characterisation is so important in any good story. I'm curious, what do you think makes a good character?</b><br />
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Realism and consistency, I think. We all know how frustrating it is to think while reading a story “No one would do that/think that” or “This particular character would not act like that”.</div>
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At a more basic level, readers have to care what happens to a character (and even baddies have to be compelling in some way). </div>
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<b>I've read that you’re a fanatical jazz musician. Do you have any other hobbies that keep you fresh? </b><br />
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Ha ha! Yes, I inherited my fanaticism; I was on the stage playing for money in my parents’ band when I was thirteen and I am still playing the same tunes now. When I was old enough, my father said “This is a trumpet and these are your parts to learn – first rehearsal is this evening at 7pm sharp. Opening night is tomorrow.”</div>
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Like you and most of your followers, Matthew, I am a compulsive reader. Apart from that, films. I don’t have time for much else these days.</div>
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<b>What's your favourite book? Why?</b><br />
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<i>Hyperion</i> by Dan Simmons. A group of characters with fascinating stories, and a remarkable range of fully-realised ideas.</div>
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<b>If you could sit down for coffee with any author, dead or alive, who would it be and why?</b><br />
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Jennifer Fallon. Her writing influenced me. I am also fascinated by the primordial connection between Australian and Antarctica, that were connected in Gondwana millions of years ago. Jennifer lives that connection, spending part of each year in Antarctica.</div>
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<b>Who would be in your zombie apocalypse team? Why? </b><br />
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Adam Roberts: he could pun us out of any situation.</div>
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Kameron Hurley: someone has to be boss.</div>
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Myke Cole: the muscle of the group.</div>
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Ursula Le Guin: a new high priestess for a new world.</div>
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<b>Why do you think there is a surge in the Young Adult market in recent years? What appealed to you about writing a YA novel?</b></div>
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There are more people in the target age group than ever before. They are born using technology, so ebooks and audiobooks have become new areas of market growth. Again, technology largely drives the ongoing science fiction and fantasy film market that supports the book market.</div>
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As I said before, I have been close to making it in writing for quite a long time now without breaking through, so the large commercial market of Young Adult fiction was an attraction. </div>
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I also enjoy the challenge of writing according to the stricter rules that apply. A YA novel must still have all the basics of a good story – characters, plot, setting – but you do not have the easy ways of getting a reaction through swearing or sex. As a writer, you have to work harder with the basics of story-telling to achieve your effects. It’s good discipline, actually.</div>
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“Self-editing has more levels to it than you can possibly imagine, kid. When you think you’ve been severe on your own writing, you have – maybe - just taken the first step.”</div>
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In every way you can! It’s an ongoing process, I think, and maybe one that never ends.</div>
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The hardest lesson for me to learn – probably one that you have learn all over again for every separate novel you write – is pacing. My personal tendency, I think, has always been to go too fast, out of fear of boring the reader. Going too fast – not giving enough description, for example - risks not giving the reader time to adjust to the setting and feeling lost. It has been really pleasing for me that one of the aspects of <i>Children</i> that has been really popular with early reviewers is the sense of place. That indicates that I have learnt the lesson. For this novel, at least.</div>
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I think another important aspect is the growth of a personal style of writing, but one which you can adapt as required. Probably all of my “mature” novels read as if they were written by the same person, which is good. For <i>Children</i>, however, I was able to modify that style for the Young Adult sub-genre. So: simplified vocabulary, clear and regular sentence structure, more emphasis of key background concepts than I would normally do. It’s still me, though!</div>
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<b>What projects do you have planned over the next year or two?</b></div>
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I haven’t decided yet. Early reviews indicate a fair level of interest in seeing more of the world of <i>Children of the Different</i>, so I could write a sequel, or maybe some stories set in that world.</div>
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The main alternative would be to publish one of the novels I have already completed. I will wait and see what happens with <i>Children</i>.</div>
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<b>S. C. Flynn, thanks for stopping by!</b></div>
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My pleasure!</div>
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<b>You can purchase <i>Children of the Different </i>at all good book retailers. I recommended you go out and buy it as soon as possible, and stay up to date with all things Flynn at his blog <a href="https://scflynn.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></div>
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Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-38874162217129941852016-09-28T14:00:00.000+10:002016-09-28T14:00:07.330+10:00Review - Chasing Embers by James Bennett<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Hey everyone!</b></div>
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<b>I'm delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for James Bennett's debut novel <i>Chasing Embers </i>from Orbit Books. Check out my review below, and be sure to hit up the other sites mentioned below. <i>Chasing Embers</i> really is a wonderful read, and I can't wait to see what else happens in the great universe Bennett has masterfully constructed!</b></div>
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<i>Chasing Embers</i> caught my eye from the moment it landed at the front door. Killer cover art, and a premise that had me biting at the bit to get stuck in. So I made myself a coffee, opened the cover, and from that very first page I was hooked. </div>
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So what did I love about it? A hell of a lot. <i>Chasing Embers</i> is a fast moving, yet detailed and layered fantasy that provides plenty of thrills as you read it. There are loads of creepy monsters and magical creatures to enjoy, and a rich mythology to explore. Bennett keeps the story motoring along at a rapid pace by breaking up the world building with what are arguably some of the finest action sequences I've read in recent years. Seriously, they will leave your pulse racing. What makes this book even more wonderful are it's characters. Ben is a wonderful protagonist who reminded me a lot of Atticus (from Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series). They both share an interesting sense of angst and similar philosophical attitudes that stems from their long lives. Ben's relationship with Rose was also fascinating and at times hilarious, and I really enjoyed the dysfunctional to and fro between them throughout the book. </div>
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Oh did I mention there's a big bloody dragon in this book? Yeah. Enough said. </div>
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Chasing Embers is a fine work of urban fantasy. It has something in it for everyone to love. Romance? Check. Action that will leave you breathless? Check. Rich and detailed world building and monsters and magic that will delight and terrify you? Yeah, it has that too. </div>
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I could go on and on about this book, but I won't. Go out and buy it if you dig urban fantasy, or just speculative fiction in general. I guarantee you won't regret it. </div>
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4 out of 5 stars. </div>
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<b>Blurb:</b></div>
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<b>For fans of Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher comes a fabulously fun and fast-paced new contemporary fantasy series about a world of myth and legend that’s about to break loose . . .</b></div>
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Behind every myth there is a spark of truth . . .</div>
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There's nothing special about Ben Garston. He’s just a guy with an attitude in a beaten-up leather jacket, drowning his sorrows about his ex in a local bar. </div>
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Or so he’d have you believe.</div>
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What Ben Garston can’t let you know is that he’s also known as Red Ben. He can’t let you know that the world of myth and legend isn’t as make-believe as you think, and it’s his job to keep that a secret. And there’s no way he can let you know what’s really hiding beneath his skin . . .</div>
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But not even Ben knows what kind of hell is about to break loose. Because the delicate balance between his world and ours is about to be shattered.</div>
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Something's been hiding in the heart of the city – and it’s about to be unleashed.</div>
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<b>About the author:</b></div>
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James Bennett is a British writer born in Loughborough and raised in Sussex, South Africa and Cornwall. </div>
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His travels have furnished him with an abiding love of different cultures, history and mythology. He’s had several short stories published internationally and Chasing Embers is his debut fantasy novel. James currently lives in west Wales and draws inspiration from long walks, deep forests and old stones . . . and also the odd bottle of wine.</div>
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<br />Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-54751472189822870312016-09-26T10:25:00.000+10:002016-09-26T10:46:04.605+10:00Interview - Nicholas Sansbury Smith<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hello Peeps!</b></div>
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<b>I'm delighted to be able to bring you the next instalment in our ongoing interview series here at Smash Dragons. This week I had the amazing opportunity to be able to chat with Nicholas Sansbury Smith, a writer who has taken the thriller and military horror genres by storm in recent years. Nick graciously took time out of his hectic schedule to chat about publishing, his approach to writing, and what's coming up for his fans. </b></div>
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<b>Enjoy!</b></div>
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<b>Nick, welcome to Smash Dragons. </b><b>Why did you start writing? Do you remember the first piece you wrote? </b></div>
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Thanks for having me Matthew! Happy to be here. The first thing I ever wrote was a space opera. I was eight years old and decided it wouldn’t be any good without some illustration. What I created was a thirty page story with some pretty craptastic drawings! That book still sits in my library today and I’ll never forget a quote I would like to share... “The missile exploded and we knew we were done for.” Two pages later. “We parachuted from the plane into the trees and we knew we weren’t done for.” </div>
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The rest is history! </div>
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<b>Your Extinction Cycle series has had an incredible run so far. Take me through origins of this series. How did you come up with idea for Ghost Team and the Variants?</b></div>
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I’ve always enjoyed books on special ops, and I always wanted to write a zombie story, but I also wanted to write a story based on realistic science that would have the reader asking, is this possible? If you look at the reviews on Amazon you will see just that. Many readers have enjoyed this story, I think, because of the science explaining the Variants. The idea for the monsters came from a lot of bad dreams, books, video games, movies, and interviews I did with my readers. I wanted to create the most terrifying ‘zombie’ I could, full with sucker, popping lips, and snapping joints.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5njWL1lh7M/V-hp5_GTTzI/AAAAAAAABQ0/C5xCr17lALId7mMtLA0eL88Zt39RRtliQCK4B/s1600/24156733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5njWL1lh7M/V-hp5_GTTzI/AAAAAAAABQ0/C5xCr17lALId7mMtLA0eL88Zt39RRtliQCK4B/s320/24156733.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>One of the things I adore about your Extinction Cycle series is the perfect balance that you strike between military action and science fiction. How hard is it to find that perfect mix between the two? How much research did you undertake before you started writing Extinction Horizon? </b></div>
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It was pretty difficult, yes. I spent a few weeks researching special forces and Ebola before I started writing the book. Then I worked with a team of active military and veterans on the military themes. For the science I worked with a biomedical engineer and a virologist. Even with all of that research and ‘dream team’ of beta readers and editors, I still made mistakes. I’m not sure the perfect mix exists in fiction. Thankfully there is a thing called hand waving in science fiction. Sometimes the author must use that to explain the unexplainable. I did that a few times in the series, including in book 6. But the plot for Aftermath is top-secret. </div>
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<b>What do you think was the secret behind the success of your Extinction Cycle books? </b></div>
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I think I provided a story that was unique enough that it helped the series stand out in a field of the same old stories. The science really helped, too, because like I said earlier, a majority of readers seemed to find it was realistic enough to make the plot feasible. </div>
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<b>Tell me about your latest book Hell Divers. What was the reasoning behind traditionally publishing it when you've had such great success self publishing?</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22VVYZpVh8M/V-hops4PaZI/AAAAAAAABQs/uU1Ghosj_ksQnxEVJQFj7V2CvTdSsGP2QCK4B/s1600/29343106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22VVYZpVh8M/V-hops4PaZI/AAAAAAAABQs/uU1Ghosj_ksQnxEVJQFj7V2CvTdSsGP2QCK4B/s320/29343106.jpg" width="200" /></a>I actually struggled with what to do with this one. At one point I was pretty set on self-publishing. In the end I decided to go with Blackstone Publishing because they did such a fantastic job with the Extinction Cycle audiobooks and they had a really good marketing plan for the trilogy. We just hit the USA Today Bestseller list, and I’m thrilled things are going so well!</div>
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<b>You're one of a growing number of hybrid authors who traditionally publish and self publish their work . I'm curious, what are the benefits and negatives of this approach? Do you have a preference, or do you make that call depending on the project? </b></div>
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The answer to that is really freaking long and changes on the project, but take a look at this to see this blog post to see if it answers anything for you. </div>
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http://discoverscifi.com/adventures-hybrid-publishing/</div>
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<b>Tell me a random fact about yourself that no one else knows. </b></div>
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I have hobbit feet. </div>
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<b>Who would be on your zombie apocalypse team? Why? </b></div>
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My girlfriend’s Pitbull, Ace. Her grandpa, Lester. He has a great tennis swing. And my author friend Anthony Melchiorri. I’d hope he could find a cure for the virus. </div>
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<b>Take me through a day of writing with Nicholas Sansbury Smith. Do you have a particular routine, or is each day different to the other? </b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iF_eeJpaK4/V-hn4amv_aI/AAAAAAAABQk/HT_sue54TMwEULYDSYuDCtCa4x4buhsAACK4B/s1600/ECycle6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iF_eeJpaK4/V-hn4amv_aI/AAAAAAAABQk/HT_sue54TMwEULYDSYuDCtCa4x4buhsAACK4B/s320/ECycle6.jpg" width="200" /></a>I usually answer fans and edit in the morning and write in the afternoons and at night. I work 7 days a week, and on the weekends I usually spend my time trying to get ahead on my word count for the next week. </div>
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<b>What other projects do you have in the pipeline? I noticed you are contributing a story to the upcoming military horror anthology SNAFU: Black Ops (Cohesion Press). Can you tell us anything about that?</b></div>
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I have several more Extinction Cycle books planned (see Extinction Aftermath cover for next instalment in series), Hell Divers 2/3 and an EMP series that I’m going to self-publish later this year. The story to Black Ops is an Extinction Cycle story featuring two of the main characters. I also have the Kindle World launch of the Extinction Cycle coming up in October. We have a dozen fantastic authors that are contributing stories to the Extinction Cycle world. </div>
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<b>You write about some scary shit. I'm curious, what frightens you? </b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIBG2HcUAOQ/V-hqI32mJWI/AAAAAAAABRA/xNj_0C-iYVw2bHtChkMXmNNOX-cCXcO8gCK4B/s1600/12998664_990771367675724_5382684439382404004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIBG2HcUAOQ/V-hqI32mJWI/AAAAAAAABRA/xNj_0C-iYVw2bHtChkMXmNNOX-cCXcO8gCK4B/s320/12998664_990771367675724_5382684439382404004_n.jpg" width="207" /></a>The things I write about frighten me. The Variant sucker faces from the Extinction Cycle came from a nightmare I had a long time ago. Snakes also scare me, and you might see a Variant like form show up in book 6 and 7 of the Extinction Cycle. The Sirens in my Extinction Cycle are probably the creepiest monsters I've created. The most horrifying sound in the world to me are air raid sirens. That's why I gave the beasts in Hell Divers the ability to make noises just like the air raid sirens on the airships. </div>
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<b>What's your take on the speculative fiction scene right now? What do we need to do better? </b></div>
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That’s a tough question. I think the answer really depends on whom you ask. For me, it’s not a question of writing better books--it’s a matter of writing unique storylines. One thing I try and always do is use a new theme that’s never been used before, but hell, I have my critics that would say I fail at this. It’s becoming more and more difficult to write a truly original storyline. Editors will tell you that virtually every story has been told and it’s just a matter of how you retell it. My goal is to prove them wrong and I think that other authors/publishers should strive to do the same thing. </div>
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<b>Most cherished book in your library? </b></div>
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Signed copy of The Forever War by Joe Haldeman! </div>
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<b>Best convention experience? </b></div>
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Best convention? I'd have to say San Diego Comiccon. I loved New York, but the weather in San Diego is amazing. Both are great experiences for science fiction fans. The only downside of San Diego is it's very hard to get into panels. It seemed the lines were way longer than in New York.</div>
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<b>Best advice for aspiring writers? </b></div>
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My advice to other writers is always to keep writing. There are so many distractions in this business. Both positive and negative. Focus on being creative and writing the best damn story you can. </div>
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<b>Nicholas Sansbury Smith, thanks for stopping by!</b></div>
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<b>You can find Nick's work at all good book retailers, but here is the link to his <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nicholas-Sansbury-Smith/e/B00BVNB3TC" target="_blank">Amazon</a> page. Also, stay up to date with what's happening with Nick and his work by checking out his <a href="http://nicholassansburysmith.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</b></div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-42089112490438237232016-09-23T11:40:00.001+10:002016-09-23T11:48:00.522+10:00Book Expo Australia - 8th - 9th October <div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey Everyone! </div>
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The Book Expo Australia is coming up, and I thought I bring everyone up to speed regarding my schedule and appearances at it. </div>
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For those of you who don't know the expo will be held at Rosehill Showgrounds on the 8th and 9th of October, and each day will be packed with panels, events, and plenty of author signings and appearances. </div>
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I've heard a lot of good things about the expo, so I am absolutely delighted to be participating in it this year both as a guest and a master of ceremonies. </div>
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As it stands my schedule is as follows:</div>
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<b>Saturday 8th October: </b></div>
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<b>10:30 - 11:30</b></div>
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<b>Confronting Issues - Authors who have written about death, murder, suicide and grief. Guests include Kaaron Warren, John Larkin, and Amanda Howard. Hosted by Matthew Summers. (Venue to be announced) </b></div>
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<b>11:30 - 12:30 </b></div>
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<b>Evil is a Matter of Perspective - Authors and editors will debate that antagonists are only evil from one perspective. Take another angle and they aren't so evil after all. Come along and offer points of view and ask questions to add to the debate. Guests include Adrian Collins from Grimdark Magazine, award winning authors Lee Murray and Kaaron Warren, and yours truly! (Venue to be announced) </b></div>
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<b>Sunday 9th October:</b></div>
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<b>11:00 - 11:30 </b></div>
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<b>The Art of Being a Good Reviewer - While the number of book bloggers flourish their success is still dominated by the quality of the review. A good review will gain attention of the publisher and may be quoted on the book and during the publicity campaign. What makes a good review? Should you post a bad review? Should you stick to one genre or read widely? Hosted by Simon and Schuster's Anable Pandiella. (Venue to be announced) </b></div>
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<b>12:30 - 13:30 </b></div>
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<b>Better Reads? Anthology Collection vs Collaborative Writing</b></div>
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What book makes the better read? An anthology collection of short stories or story written by a collaboration of a number of authors? Would the different style and tone of the anthology be interesting or would you enjoy the changing tone and pace of the collaborative piece? A debate featuring authors from the Refuge Collection and Northern Beaches Writing Group. Come along and hear Lee Murray, Kaaron Warren, Steve Dillon, Zena Shapter, Chris Lake, Tony McFadden and Kylie Pfeiffer debate the different methods of producing and readable book. </div>
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Moderated by Matthew Summers. (Venue to be announced) </div>
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I will by lurking about the show ground when I'm not at these events. You'll probably find me mostly around the Cohesion Press exhibitor stand, buying books and helping out if need be. Swing by and buy some of the amazing Cohesion titles on offer (Fathomless by Greig Beck, Primordial by David Wood and Alan Baxter, SNAFU anthologies and so much more). I'll also be on the look out for Lee... as we battle for a coveted ARC copy of Greig Beck's Fathomless. I've heard she cheats... so I will have stay frosty and ready to make a dive for the pile at the stand before she does. Don't be alarmed if you see two grown adults tangling over a book! </div>
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So yeah, make sure you get along to the Expo. It will be a great event filled to the brim with amazing events and discussion. To sweeten the deal I'm chuffed to be able to offer you a discount on tickets. Simply go <a href="http://bookexpo.com.au/tickets-2/" target="_blank">here</a> and enter the coupon code EBTickets (use both upper and lower case) when making your purchases. </div>
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I hope to see you all there! </div>
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Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779893698524865984.post-66762130769652163562016-09-23T08:48:00.003+10:002016-09-23T08:51:07.578+10:00Excerpt - Red Tide by Marc Turner. <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hello Everyone!</b></div>
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<b>I'm delighted to be able to bring you this exclusive excerpt from the Marc Turner's upcoming book Red Tide. If you haven't read any of Marc's books you're missing out. They combine the wide breadth and scope of epic fantasy with scintillating and swashbuckling action more reminiscent of pulpy sword and sorcery stories. </b></div>
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<b>I love them, and I suspect you will too. Read on for Marc's introduction to this scene, and then dive on into to the action itself!</b></div>
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<b>Excerpt - </b></div>
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<b>Much of Red Tide is set in a place called the Rubyholt Isles, a shattered nation of pirate-infested islands and treacherous waterways. In the following passage, one of the protagonists of the book, Galantas, is fleeing in a boat from a ship commanded by a race of people called the Augerans (also known as the stone-skins). With the enemy closing fast, Galantas seeks to escape by sailing through a notorious waterway called the Dragon’s Boneyard. Here is the beginning of the scene.</b></div>
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The channel had now narrowed to the length of three ships. In the water ahead were threads of what appeared to be fireweed, but Galantas knew them to be the strands of a vast underwater web spun by the creature that dwelled there—the Weaver, it had come to be called, after the spiders of the same name that infested Bezzle’s underground aqueduct. </div>
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Its lair was at the foot of the southern heights, so Barnick steered the boat toward the cliff on the north side. As he did so, he let the wave beneath the craft recede. The slower pace would allow the stone-skins to get closer, but it would also reduce the Islanders’ chances of catching the Weaver’s eye.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t55f6S0oNpU/V-RdAy9omTI/AAAAAAAABPk/w4gnniaw3uMtdLOVipAdMWGHZiqPhAcXACK4B/s1600/28220888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t55f6S0oNpU/V-RdAy9omTI/AAAAAAAABPk/w4gnniaw3uMtdLOVipAdMWGHZiqPhAcXACK4B/s320/28220888.jpg" width="216" /></a>The water seemed unnaturally still. Beneath the surface, Galantas could make out two towers that might once have guarded a road between the cliffs. To the west, the skeletons of four more dragons jutted from the water, while at the base of the southern bluff was a patch of shimmering blackness that marked the portal between this world and whatever hellhole the Weaver called home. </div>
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As the boat drew level, Galantas held his breath. These were the critical moments, he knew. If the beast remained in its lair until the stone-skins arrived, its attention would surely be drawn to the larger ship.</div>
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Assuming it wasn’t already lying in wait somewhere ahead.</div>
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Time crawled. The channel was in shadow, and the air had an unmistakable chill to it. Qinta frowned at a flock of starbeaks overhead, but when he opened his mouth to explain the birds’ import, Galantas forestalled him with a raised finger. The boat crept forward. In keeping close to the northern cliffs, Barnick was forced to take the craft through the partly submerged rib cage of one of the dragons. Each bone was as thick as the trunk of a ketar tree. The boat was traveling toward the head of the creature, and as it cleared the chest cavity, Galantas glanced down to locate the beast’s skull in the water.</div>
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Only to find it was missing, the bones of the neck bitten through.</div>
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Suppressing a shudder, he looked back the way they had come. The Augerans were still following, but the wave of water-magic under their vessel had subsided just as Barnick’s had. They couldn’t know what awaited them in the channel, yet the warning in the dragons’ bones was clear. One set would have been a curiosity, two, a coincidence. Five, though . . .</div>
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The Augerans’ caution was understandable, but it stood to play into Galantas’s hands, because the lower their ship rode in the water, the greater the chance that their keel would tangle in the Weaver’s threads.</div>
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Nearly there.</div>
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“Galantas!” Qinta said, pointing toward the rent.</div>
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Something moved in the darkness, spreading through the water like a bruise. Coming for Galantas’s boat? The stone-skins couldn’t be the Weaver’s target because their ship hadn’t yet entered the strait. Nor was that likely to change if they had seen the creature too.</div>
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Time to be going.</div>
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“Barnick!” Galantas yelled. “Go, go, go!”</div>
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<b>You can buy Red Tide online at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Red-Tide-Chronicles-Exile-Three/dp/0765337142" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/red-tide-marc-turner/1123611422?ean=9780765337146" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> and at all other good book retailers. Be sure to check out Marc's other books in this series as well, and stay abreast of all his news by checking out his <a href="http://www.marcturner.net/" target="_blank">website</a>. He is, as Starburst Magazine said, one of the best newcomers in fantasy right now. </b></div>
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Marc Turner was born in Toronto, Canada, but grew up in England. He graduated from Lincoln College, Oxford University, in 1996 with a BA (Hons) in law, and subsequently joined a top ten law firm in the City of London. After realising that working there did not mix well with simple pleasures such as having a life, he fled north first to Leeds and then to Durham in search of a better work-life balance. Unfortunately it proved elusive, and so in 2007, rather than take the next step and move to Scotland, he began working part time so he could devote more time to his writing. Following the sale of his debut epic fantasy novel, When the Heavens Fall, he started writing full time.</div>
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Why writing? Because it is the only work he knows where daydreaming isn't frowned upon, and because he has learned from bitter experience that he cannot not write.</div>
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The authors whose work has most influenced him are Steven Erikson and Joe Abercrombie. Consequently he writes fast-paced, multi-threaded novels with a liberal sprinkling of humour; novels written on a panoramic scale, peopled by characters that stay in the memory. Or at least that's the theory.</div>
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He lives in Durham, England, with his wife and son.</div>
Smash Dragonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00533014951606064608noreply@blogger.com0