I Asked Anne Rice A Question....AND SHE RESPONDED!

Yes....I am a groupie.  So, I figured, "why not ask Anne Rice, Queen of all that is amazing in the literary world, for her opinion on marketing an idea to the industry that isn't one of the industry norms?" Guess what, SHE RESPONDED!

I am so thankful for authors like Anne Rice, who are more than willing to reach out to others with advice.  It's not an easy industry to navigate through and it really helps when seasoned pros can give their two cents on an issue/question.

Once again, I'd like to thank Ms. Rice for her response and insight.

Keep writing people, keep writing!!!


Best Wishes,

Marcus

KHET CHRONICLES: BLOOD TIES Only 1 More FREE Giveaway Day!

One more day to get the ebook for FREE!!!

Click Here For Your Copy

Thanks For Reading!

Marcus

Whew! Talk About A Hiatus!

Hey everyone, yes...I know I've been M.I.A. Between work, moving, and starting a new unisex bracelet brand, I've been somewhat exhausted :)

Well, here I am, starting to get back into the grind so that I can try to have the second Khet Chronicles installment done by Spring 2013.  Obviously this date is tentative, but I have my fingers crossed and will try to do everything in my power to keep this deadline!

The first book is doing very well and getting awesome reviews through Amazon, thanks to all of you and the power of social media!  I want to thank you for your help in spreading the word about my book and invite you to see the new website that's been set-up for my writing! 

Once again, thank you and I hope to bring you more adventure soon from the Khet Chronicles!

Best Wishes!

Marcus

Author: Shannon Shaw

Hello Everyone. Today I'd like to introduce you to an author who has a nice thriller out titled Returns.

Your Name

Shannon Shaw


Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong resident of Alabama. I currently live in the Rocket City which is better known as Huntsville. I have been a high school teacher and a coach for the past sixteen years. I just retired from being a high school head football coach to spend more time with my family and to invest more in my writing. I am married to a wonderful woman who has been the inspiration for several of my strong female characters. She has been my rock and has supported my writing through every step. She likes to say she is my biggest fan plus her technical writing expertise comes in handy in a pinch. We have one amazing daughter. She is 4 going on 21 at the moment, but she is fantastic. She asks me every night if she can help me write. Lately, she has been asking me to create her a children’s book. I have been secretly sketching out the details. It will be a private copy just for her.


Tell us about your book.

My current book is called Returns. It is a thriller set in the fictional town of Everett Valley, Georgia. The tale revolves around Samuel Carsten. He is a young part time journalist and professor. He is called to the reading of his estranged grandfather’s will to find things are not what they seem. Soon, he is burdened with the knowledge of the horrors of his family. Samuel can choose to bury the unspeakable acts and become extremely wealthy or have the secret exposed and destroy his life.


What motivated you to write this particular story?

I have always been fascinated by people that create chaos in the world through their unspeakable acts. I think often times we tend to forget the impact killers have on their own families and the lasting legacy. I was watching a documentary about serial killers when the idea popped into my head. I ran from the room to jot down some notes and the book was born.


How did you choose the genre you write in?

I actually write across several genres. I allow the story to speak to me so if the story is horror, action, or romance it pours out. I try not to limit myself.


What makes your book(s) unique?

Characters with real emotions, real pain, but ultimately the works are fun and exciting. I also try to create worlds unlike the worlds readers have encountered before.


Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Honestly, I never have. If I appear to be getting stuck at a particular part in the story I think about other issues or scenes. Occasionally, I will write the parts out of order. I have found a great way to keep the story flowing is to outline the highlights. The story flows onto the screen much faster if you know where every piece joins together. I will free write if an idea pops into my head, but not often.


Where do you get your ideas?

I will see a topic and think that I can change it into something bent or twisted. Sometimes I will hear a song or hear a word that will trigger and emotional response then build the story outward.


Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

Jack London, Call of the Wild was my first book I ever read as a kid. I was enthralled. As an adult I am a huge Clive Cussler fan. I would love to be Dirk Pitt. I pick up his books and cannot put them down.


Who are your favorite authors?

Clive Cussler (Oh, I wish I was Dirk Pitt), Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Richard Matheson, Philip K. Dick, and Max Brooks.


Are you currently working on a project?

I am writing the first book in my Created series. The series follows the main character as he deals with a government cover up while struggling to learn how to become a vampire. As his past and future collide, he must make hard decisions about which world he wants to belong. The underlying story seems simple, but there are several twists that are very original including zombie nurses, nanotechnology and patchwork monsters to name a few. This first book has been a pleasure to write. I have so much fun when I get to write. The development of the characters and building the world has been an amazing experience. I have written parts of the first three books. I hope to have the first book available by the end of April 2012.


What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment as a writer?

I know many writers who never take the hardest step which is putting his or her work before the masses. I am very proud to say that I have published my first book.


What advice do you have for others who are trying to get published or going self published?

I want people to understand that writing should not be about the money. I know many aspiring authors read the great stories about people writing books becoming rich seemingly overnight, but for many of those writers it has been hard work and multiple works that have pushed out which have created the success. The easy way to explain what every writer should do is simple; work. Write a book you are proud of and want to share. Once the book is published, market and write then write and write some more.


Can you explain your writing process?

I started writing without notes or outlines because I knew where my story was going, but the process seemed slow. Eventually, I started writing rough outlines. The outlines generally do not include dialogue unless I have a line that works out during the process. I have found that the outline format I use is much faster and it keeps me focused with the direction of my works.


Any fun facts you are willing to share?

I tend to write thrillers, but I have a passion for horror and paranormal. I love my characters from Returns, which is a thriller, so I decided before publication to expand the book into a series of which I have parts of the next three written. The series is entitled All The Dead Bodies. Created is planned out for a five book series. I am alternating between the Dead Bodies and Created series as a way to minimize the time between novels.

Where can readers learn more about you and your work (social media)?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/ShannonShaw 
Blog/Website: http://www.shannonshawbooks.com 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shannonfshaw 
Twitter: ShannonFShaw 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/shannonfshaw 
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/shannonfshaw


What format does your book(s) come in?

Currently, my book is enrolled in the Kindle Select Program. I am exclusively through Amazon until April. The addition of new titles to my catalogue is making me strongly consider branching out, but so far the Amazon experience has been amazing for me.


Links to your books?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/AwiA4U

Six Sentence Sunday: Excerpt From "Dark Snow"

Okay, this is from one of my work in progress titles called Dark Snow. I hope you all like it! The full Prologue can be read here! Dark Snow Prologue ************************************************

#SixSunday #SixSentence
The force of the bullet slamming into my body took my feet out from beneath me and threw me out the door. My face met the ground before any other part of me – the crushed quartz walkway cutting deep into its flesh. I heard my vertebrae pop loudly as they overextended. For a split second blackness coated my vision, and just for a moment I thought I was going to pass out...then the pain hit. It raced through every fiber of my being, burning me from the inside out. Silver.

Khet Chronicles: Blood Ties AVAILABLE NOW!

Hello Everyone! My Book is now available through Amazon!


Please check it out and let me know what you think. It's already sold quite a few copies and has received several 5 star reviews in the short amount of time that it has been out!

Khet Chronicles: Blood Ties!

I'm sure you'll all love it and I can't wait to see what you have to say.


Best Regards,

Marcus

The Book Comes Out FRIDAY!

THE FINAL BOOK COVER!

Hello Everyone! The long awaited (at least it is by me) book, Khet Chronicles: Blood Ties will be released on Friday!


Please check out my site, facebook, and twitter accounts so that you can stay up to date on what's happening.


I really want to thank you all for being so supportive over the last 2 years and for being so kind.


From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

A New Year, A New Career, No New Book???...

Hello World...or should I say the people who still check out this blog :)


Life has been interesting these last few months. My book was suppose to launch in December...it's now February and still no book.


I did start a new career that keeps me very busy with little time to actually focus on much else. I miss the days of sitting in the cafe typing for hours and taking in the warmth and general sense of well being from the environment surrounding me. But so far life is keeping me busy in a good way. I'll try to start writing some more fiction and I'll keep people posted as to when they can expect my book...right now it feels like this book is just never going to show up! *grrr*


Anyways, I hope you're all happy and healthy. Keep writing and keep pushing for your dreams.


Best Wishes!

Marcus

I'm Back!...Kind of

It's a beautiful day here in NYC. I'm siting here, in a local Starbucks, editing my book and thinking about all of the events that have happened within the last 4 months.

Unfortunately my great-grandfather's wife passed away as did my father's sister (one of my dearly loved aunts).

Add to the fact that I moved to NYC in February, found a job here in the city, and have been preparing for school to start...I've been completely exhausted.

So, I thought that I would come on here and apologize for being M.I.A. For so long on the many web outlets that I generally utilize, and make a promise to you as well as to myself. I will write like a maniac and keep in touch with my reader/viewer base on a more regular basis.

Thank you all for reading my fiction and for supporting my upcoming book – and thank you for understanding that sometimes life can royally screw up your plans :)


Take care and remember to live your life.


Best Wishes!

Marcus

Writing The Sequel

Okay, so I'm on the bus, headed back to NYC from visiting friends and family in MOCO, MD over the Easter weekend.


My book, Khet Chronicles: Blodd Ties will soon be available in book stores as well as online, so what should a writer do when trying to smother the anxiety taking root in their psyche due to the fear of their "baby", their first novel being rejected by the masses??? Write the sequel!


I look at it like this...one way or another, my books will be published. If no one decides to buy them, that's their prerogative, but I still have a story to tell, and at the end of the day I feel telling it is more important than worrying about who will like my story and who won't. Besides...it gives me more reason to drink numerous cups of coffee (every writer does...and if they don't, they should!)


So, here I sit on a bus, typing and listening to music, while trying not to bother anyone sitting around me. Writing is a necessity to someone like myself. Write a book...and then write another. If you worry about sales, marketability, and opinions, then you're no longer a writer...you're a business person. Getting paid for my work is an added bonus that I look at as a perk, but not a guarantee.




Anyways :)


I'm hoping that my proof is waiting at home for me to review. I've also taken the liberty of creating my own media kit for the book so that I can start trying to land some reviews and appearances on talk radio, local tv, and local newspapers. If there's anything I've learned from my author friends on Twitter and Facebook, it's that you are responsible for your success or failure, no one else. You've got to take the reigns and control your own destiny.


I'm also looking to do a web tour on blogger sites, so if you are willing, I would love to set something up. Shoot me an email at NebuKhetsCry@gmail.com to set a date. I'll also forward you an advance of the book in digital format....this is not ebook formatting, just me creating a PDF out of the novel for you to read before conducting an interview. I'll also forward you my media kit.


Thank you everyone who has assisted me and been kind enough to answer questions that I've had along the way.




Best Regards!

Marcus Twyman

Six Sentence Sunday: 11-7-2010

Here's another Six Sentence Sunday piece. I hope you guys like it. Please check out other great writers who contribute to this Sunday event by searching the hash tags #sixsentence and #sixsunday on Twitter.

Thanks y'all!


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Image Source: roleplayerguild.com


In time, he'd know...come to understand the ways of carnal desire – fulfillment. He'd understand the pleasure of pushing his flesh up against that of another. The moist, slippery way that his skin could slide against that of a lover's when covered in perspiration. The salty taste of skin as his tongue run's over a throat's throbbing artery. The way his fangs could slide so effortlessly into the tender meat of the person he's penetrated with his manhood. Yes, in time he would know...come to understand what it means to be a vampire.

OK, Blast From The Xtina Past!

OK, found my old youtube channel and my old videos (they're quite random )

Here's a video from Christina Aguilera's "Back To Basics" tour. I layered the song from the album over her actual live singing because my camera just picked up feedback and noise when I was taking the footage. Either way I hope you enjoy.

PS: I swear I'll post something more appropriate tomorrow :)

By appropriate I mean writing.

Author Interview/Guest Blog: A. F. Stewart

Here's a great read for your Tuesday! Author, A. F. Stewart, has kindly written a guest blog for this site's readers. She has a book out called Chronicles Of The Undead.


Please make sure to check out her site and give her book a read. And remember, author's love reader feedback. If you do go and grab a copy of her book, please go and give her some feedback...we rely on you to nourish our fragile egos :)


Without further delay, I give you A. F. Stewart!



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A. F. Stewart

Some thoughts on writing and publishing




I have always loved books and have been scribbling stories and poems since I could pick up a crayon to write. I gained an interest in fantasy and sci-fi young, when I found short stories by Ray Bradbury and Harlan Ellison in Scholastic (a Canadian publishing company for children) magazines. My love of all things fantastic was firmly established when I saw Star Wars at age ten and then discovered comic book writers like Frank Miller and Neil Gaiman; there was no turning back after that. What intrigues me most about writing fantasy is the whole “what if” factor. I like to ask and answer the questions of a supernatural world existing just beyond our own. Who, or what, would live there and what would their lives be like? And since I’ve always thought tragedy makes a more memorable story, I gravitate to the darker aspects of fantasy in my writing.


The idea of writing as a career came slowly. I dabbled with the notion, writing my first book (as yet unpublished) and sending a few stories in to contests and magazines, but life got in the way of writing as a serious pursuit. Then I found the concept of self-publishing. I thought “why not?” I could see if readers would be interested in my work and test the waters of the writing world. I self-published a book or two of poetry and story collections and began marketing the books. That’s when I discovered the whole “traditional vs. self published" controversy.


Now, I think the whole debate is silly. The fact is there are advantages to being traditionally published, but it is an exclusive club, hard to break into to, even if you are talented. And some well-written books just have little or no chance of being accepted by a publisher because they are not that commercially viable. Self-publishing is not a rival for the traditionally published; it is just another option for some authors.


The worst argument against self-publishing is the “all self-published books are bad” nonsense. Of course bad books get self-published, but so do good books. And you can say the same thing about traditionally published books. One advantage with self-published books is that it is easier to find online excerpts to weed out the bad from the good. I’ve reviewed several excellent independently published books on my blog (http://afstewartblog.blogspot.com/).


I’ve also found the independent writing community very supportive and they’ve received my writing efforts positively. Their encouraging feedback was one of the reasons I decided to publish my vampire horror novella, Chronicles of the Undead.

The book came about one day when the thought occurred to me, “what would happen if someone found out their neighbors weren’t what they seemed?” My mind went straight to the paranormal and I thought, “what if they were vampires, what would happen?”


I played with those ideas, setting the whole story in Georgian England (between the years 1795 and 1825) in the city of London. Then I got my brilliant (or ill-advised, depending on how you look at it) idea of writing the book as diary entries, from the point of view of three different members of the same family. It sounded good at the time, but I had no idea how complex it would be to write a novella length book of journal entries without a word of dialogue.


I started with the research, studying the historical facts, lifestyle, and calendar dates of both eighteenth century Georgian England and Regency England, and examining the folklore of vampires. Then I had to find the voices and motivation of three characters (including one intractable character) and work out the intricacies of the linked plotline that spanned decades. And all that before I even started trying to write enough diary entries to create a 168 page book. It was a challenge, but I think it turned out well.




Here’s the book blurb:


Chronicles of the Undead


Family Secrets.

Three generations of one family share their intimacies with the world of the vampire. Inside the personal journals of the Harrington family, a dark and dangerous odyssey unfolds. Three members of this tormented family, Samuel, his son Edmund, and Edmund’s daughter Charlotte, struggle during the 18th and 19th century in London, England, as the lives of this family intersects with supernatural forces. Two intriguing vampires befriend, manipulate and play with all three souls, altering their lives forever.


Their fears, private confidences and weaknesses are revealed as one selfish act ends in horrific tragedy, with far-reaching consequences.
Who succumbs to the seduction and danger of the vampire? Who grapples to combat the evil influence that permeates their lives?


You can find all my books (and some free excerpts) on my website:
http://afallon.bravehost.com/

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Here's a link you can use to find A. F. Stewart's books for sale http://afallon.bravehost.com/

Guest Blog/Artist Interview: Lauren Curtis

Hello Everyone!

I hope you all had an amazing Halloween and for my pagan friends, a blessed Samhain.

I have another guest blog/interview for today and I'm sure you all will find her fascinating. Her name is Lauren Curtis. She's a fascinating photographer/artist and her images invoke beauty out of darkness.

After you read her post, please be sure to check out her websites and artwork.

Without further delay, I give you the talented, Lauren Curtis.



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Lauren Curtis

Marcus: What inspired you to create art?

Lauren:My father started teaching me to draw when I was a child and ever since the 7th grade, I knew I wanted to be a professional artist. Initially I was inspired by nature and as soon as I started learning about art history and mythology in high school, ancient cultures such as Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Celtic have had a huge influence on my work.

Marcus: How do you visualize a concept so that you can "create" it? How do you bring an idea into creation?

Lauren: It all starts with an idea from something I saw, read, experienced. I then do rough pencil sketches (if it's a drawing, painting or mixed media piece) or I shoot photographs of the subject. It may then take months before I feel the right "mood" to create the final piece but sometimes it can be within days or weeks.

Marcus: Why do darker feelings/tones translate into your artwork so readily?

Lauren: I've been involved in the Gothic scene since I was about 17 and have been a practicing Eclectic Wiccan for 23+ years...these often misunderstood cultures value the mystical, mysterious and the Occult, although they in NO WAY represent the demonic sides of things for MOST practitioners. However, we do see that you need darkness in order to have light, and death to have life...these are natural cycles in nature and are to be respected so this translates into a lot of my work, especially my new photo collages series, "X-Rayted" & "Curio-cities" which utilize images photographed from x-rays, bones, Victorian woodcuts and more.

Marcus: Do you have a "Dream Project" that you hope to one day work on? If so, what does it consist of?

Lauren: I LOVE to travel and do so as often as I can afford to (which is tougher these days!) so it would be amazing to travel the world for a period of time shooting photos and sketching ideas. Egypt, Greece & Italy are 3 places I haven't been yet that I would really love to visit and experience their mythology and art 1st hand!

Marcus: Anything else that you would like to talk about concerning you, your artwork, and your field, or plans for the future?

Lauren: Two years ago I finally took the leap to do art full time. I've been doing freelance illustration and graphic work as well as exhibiting in a minimum of 2 shows a month across the US. I've been expanding my social network promotions and sales and hope to continue to build on my career, both in my personal work and commercial work. To me it is in no way "selling out" to do commissions for clients...I always do my on work as well and I'm honored that people like my work enough to pay me to create something for them! I also have a line of original greeting cards and T-shirts so those with smaller budgets can still buy artistic items even if they can't afford originals. It's a great way to get my work out there! You can view my work on:


http://www.LaurenCurtisArt.com (commercial & fine art)
http://www.laurencurtisart.mosaicglobe.com (fine art, photography, art updates)
http://www.laurencurtis.imagekind.com (cards, T-shirts, photography, illustration)
http://laurencurtis.wordpress.com (my Blog!)


Feel free to email me with any questions about my art!
Thanks to Marcus for inviting me to guest blog on his site...he will be a guest blogger on mine as well.


~Lauren Curtis






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I want to thank Lauren for allowing me to introduce my readers to her amazing talent and once again, I encourage all of you to check out her sites and to drop her a line about anything you may want to ask her or to inquire about some of her awesome creations.

Best Regards,

Marcus Twyman

Six Sentence Sunday

#SixSunday / #SixSentence


His teeth sink deeper into the warm, tender, flesh of his victim. Moans escape him as he sucks at the hot, flowing, blood that streams out of the deep punctures. His tongue travels down the side of his victim and then back up, to circle around a hardened nipple. Lightly, he flicks his tongue back and forth across the tip and then he gently rolls it between his teeth. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he once again plunges his teeth down into the flesh – taking the nipple into his mouth and suckling on the blood that wells up around it like a demonic infant. He hadn't planned on bringing death to this one, but the blood is too sweet...too enticing to walk away from, so he draws every last drop from his prey as he's thrown into a sinfully delicious orgasm.

Author Interview: Jeremy C. Shipp

I recently had the honor of conducting an interview with the amazingly talented author, Jeremy C. Shipp. His list of publication credits include having short stories appear in approximately 50 publications which include Cemetery Dance, ChiZine, Apex Magazine, Pseudopod, and Withersin.


Some of his published books are Vacation, Cursed, and Sheep and Wolves. This November, Jeremy will have a new book hit the bookshelves called, Fungus Of The Heart. I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book and I must say that the stories are unique and keep the reader thinking.



Please read the interview with Jeremy C. Shipp below and go grab a copy of his book Fungus Of The Heart when it comes out this November.



Hardcover and paperback copies are available for preorder now through Screaming Dog Press. Click here to preorder yours!



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Jeremy C. Shipp

Interview Questions:

Marcus: Why do you write? What is it that compels you to formulate a story and put it down on paper?

Jeremy: Writing keeps me sane. Writing allows me to use my imagination to connect with others in a fun and fascinating way. Also, if I stopped writing, my creative energy would go supernova, and that would definitely smart.


Marcus: What is it that inspires you to write about darker stories and subjects?

Jeremy: On a personal level, writing dark fiction helps me to process and cope with reality. Also, I believe that shining a light on the darkness is important, because problems are more dangerous when they’re ignored. That being said, my work isn’t simply about the evils of our world. I give my stories heart. The world may be a horrifying place at times, but it’s also a wonderful place, full of humor and love and friendship.


Marcus: What genre do you consider your writing to be a part of? I feel like you cross several genres and maybe even create your own to a degree.

Jeremy: When writing a story, I give myself as much freedom as possible and write about whatever world that forms in my mind. In the end, my tales tend to be some combination of horror, fantasy, Bizarro, mystery, and sci-fi.

Marcus: Can you tell me a little about "Fungus of the Heart" (the book) and how it came to be?

Jeremy: In my life, there’s nothing more important to me than relationships. And this reflects in my writing. I love writing dialogue and character interactions. With “Fungus of the Heart” I wanted to write stories that focus on the power of relationships. The power of respect and love. The power of disrespect and hatred.


Marcus: Why did you pick the short story "Fungus of the Heart" as the title of your book?

Jeremy: I’m one of those people who believe that human beings are inherently good. I believe that most people have good intentions. However, there are times when a “fungus” can grow in people’s hearts and souls. This “fungus” can take many forms, and can cause many problems. Sometimes we find ways to cure ourselves or to cure each other. And sometimes we don’t.


Marcus: I read the whole book and I must say, I loved "The Haunted House". What was the inspiration behind this story?

Jeremy: Every horror writer is required by law to write a haunted house story. So I thought, if I have to write such a story, I might as well put my own twist on the idea. I decided to write a story where the ghost isn’t the one doing the haunting. The ghost is there to help.


Marcus: This question is a little random, but what was the last good thriller/horror movie that you saw?

Jeremy: I’ve seen quite a few slinkster cool films recently, including Carrie, Sick Girl, Ink, The House of the Devil.


Marcus: What do you want your readers to walk away with after reading "Fungus Of The Heart"?

Jeremy: After my readers finish the book, I want their hearts, minds and spleens to tingle. I want my readers to feel both disturbed and heartened.


Marcus: How did you decide on which short stories to include in your book?

Jeremy: I wrote most of the stories with the collection in mind, though I did choose some older stories to include, such as “Just Another Vampire Story” and “Monkey Boy and the Monsters.” I felt that these tales fit with the overall theme and flow of the collection.


Marcus: What are you tired of reading about in present day fiction? What would you like to see more of?

Jeremy: Just when I thought I was tired of reading about vampires, I read Let the Right One In. And so, I believe that any archetype or topic can be written about in a fresh way. I’d love to read more dark fantasy and horror tales with a heart.


Marcus: What was the last book you read?

Jeremy: I read books in clusters. The last cluster of books I read included Little Women, Never Let Me Go, We, and The Hunger Games.

Marcus: Any advice for aspiring authors who want to see their work published?

Jeremy: Write every day. Read every day. It might take you a while to write publishable stories, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just keep writing and honing your craft. When submitting your work, be sure to follow the submission guidelines.

Marcus: Any advice you can give new/aspiring authors in regards to rejection?

Jeremy: Rejection letters are high in vitamin C, and you can also use them to create papier-mâché statues of Charles in Charge characters. Also, receiving rejection letters simply means that you’re on the road toward success. It’s impossible to travel such a difficult road without hitting a few potholes.


Marcus: Anything else you'd like to say? Any last words for our readers?

Jeremy: If an attic clown ever offers to give you a giggle massage, just say no. Trust me.


Marcus: Thank you so much for taking the time to conduct this interview and I wish you luck on your book tour. Please feel free to stop by anytime and discuss your work or to do a guest post even. Bye, Jeremy, and I can't wait to read your next book!




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To find out more about Jeremy C. Shipp and his writing, visit his official website: http://www.jeremycshipp.com/

Khet Chronicles: Sunset Over Bloodied Waters (Excerpt)

OK, I couldn't help myself. I just had to post a quick, brief, excerpt from the new Khet Chronicle book I'm working on.

This excerpt has Kalin and Kora in it. If you read the free sample that's posted online through Freado.com from the first book, then you'll know who these two are.

This passage is rough and unedited (the book is still in its first draft stages) but I hope you enjoy it anyways.

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Excerpt (Ch. 1)



I found Kora outside. She was sitting on the ground under a huge oak, playing with a small twig. I watched as she twisted it between her fingers and then slowly started to break it into tiny little pieces. Her gaze was focused on the ground in front of her, I don't think she even noticed my approach.

“What's going on lady?” Her head shot up in surprise. Yup, I'd caught her off guard.

Her irises swirled with small red streaks from the beginnings of her phase. With a visible shake, she disbursed her energy, letting it leak off into the surrounding air and then smiled faintly at me. Her eyes were now their normal dark blue.

“Oh, nothing.” Her voice said otherwise. There was a note of sadness beneath her words.

“Kora...seriously, you know you're no good at lying. What's going on K.T.? You look like somebody just called you the meanest name in the book and then laughed at you.” K.T. Was my nickname for her. Kora Twymkowski...K.T., get it?

I sat down next to her, leaning my back against the massive oak, noticing the huge shadow it cast on the grassy ground in front of me. I bumped her shoulder lightly with my own, getting her attention. She looked at me and I noticed the beginnings of tears. Oh shit...what can of worms did I just open?

She sighed visibly and reached up, wiping the tears from her eyes before they could fall. “I was thinking about my family—about my mother, my father...my brothers.” She glanced over at me from the corner of her eyes and then quickly back to the ground...

New Kim Harrison Cover: Pale Demon

OK, So I was stalking one of my favorite authors on their website (don't tell anyone), and I came across her new cover for the next book in the "Hollows" series that stars a spicy, red haired, witch, named Rachel, who doesn't mind kicking butt (human, demon, or other). Yes, I'm talking about the amazing Kim Harrison.

I am so excited! I love her books and her characters, and every time a book comes out I'm first to stand in line to buy it (slight exaggeration) and then I read it in a day and wind up feeling bad that I didn't stretch my reading over two weeks so that I could savor the story slowly *sigh*


From what Kim Harrison's website says, the new Hollows book should be released in February of 2011, which means I can convince someone to buy it for my birthday! Woowho!


Make sure you check out Kim Harrison's books if you haven't already, they're everything that a good Dark Urban Fantasy series should be.


You can find out more about the author here: Kim Harrison's Official Site

Vlog Update: 10-27-2010

Poem: Heart Break

The pain tears into me,
Pulling my soul out from beneath my body's flesh,
I'm tortured by the emptiness,
By the lack of feeling...the feeling of being loved,

Your face was my anchor,
But now the absence of your presence hurls me into oblivion,
There's no bittersweet ending for me,
Just the pain and lonliness of a heart still breaking.