Game of Straws by S.B Knight

How many of us have grown using games of chance to make a decision? I’m sure some have either flipped a coin, played Eeny, Meeny, Miny, moe, or in some cased picked the short straw.  The question is have you ever considered what could happen in any of those games if the rules were more “twisted”.

Writer S.B. Knight will help you take that journey and gives the reader a taste of what outcomes would come from a different form of pick the short straw.  In the short story Game of Straws the reader will find out what just is in that imagination.

Adam takes his girl, Melody, and their friends Jack and Jennifer to his grandfather’s old home. The place can be called picturesque if it wasn’t so far out in the sticks.  Adam and Melody have a plan to eventually make the place a bed and breakfast but first they must check the hold home out.

It is inside this house that the group comes across an old wooden box. Adam is hesitate to touch the box as his grandfather had told him it needs to be protected.  The scary thing, the box needs to be protected from people, not the other way around.

It is here when the short story takes the reader into an interesting game of chance that will impact all those in the house.  The details of what happens are better left for those who read the short story.

S.B. Knight takes the same style of writing he’s used in his other books and puts this to good work in the story.  He takes a bit of time to get you used to the characters involved, before sending the challenge their way.  He is also able to take a game many of us may have played when growing up and give it a completely new twist.  This is a short story many readers will enjoy.

Ten Questions + 1 featuring author Doug Lamoreux

Below is the interview from author Doug Lamoreux who is the writer of The Melting Dead, his newest book.  He has also written the book Dracula’s Demeter.  The man is also an actor the photo that he sent for this post appears to be from one of the movies he acted in. The film by Peter O’Keefe, titled Infidel. I do hope you enjoy his answers to the questions as they are just below.

Question 1: What inspired you to write The Melting Dead?

My love of horror films and my need for a laugh coming off of writing Dracula’s Demeter.  That was a wonderful experience with a book I’m deeply proud of, but it is a studiously researched literary work and following that I needed to do something that made me laugh and scream at my keyboard.  And with zombies being all the rage, right then, I thought I’d try my take.  The Melting Dead is the result.

Question 2: Is there any significance to the name/names of your main characters?

Yes. Usually and this time certainly.  Some of the characters here are named after characters in horror films, some after friends, some after not-friends.  For fun, The Melting Dead is filled with references to, allusions to, titles of, quotes from over 600 horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films within the prose.  Some are out in the open, some pretty well hidden.  Some are in the names, but only a few.  Aside from being a fun read for everyone, it’s a nifty word search for horror geeks.

Question 3: During the writing process did you find yourself thinking about any of your own memories?

Always. But I’m never sure how or if that translates to the story.

Question 4: What were some of your favorite books growing up?

I was a film buff, devoted to Famous Monsters and other horror magazines and comic books.  I didn’t read many books until much later in life.  A sad fact with our education system; they don’t encourage reading, they’re more interested in regurgitation.  I did read the horror classics, of course, and 1984, Lord of the Flies,  Brave New World, Animal Farm, and others, but they were few and far between.  I am a voracious reader now, usually two novels at a time.  In the last three years, I’ve read all the books I should have read as a boy: Treasure Island, Kidnapped, Captain’s Courageous, The Three Musketeers, Robinson Crusoe, Heart of Darkness, and nearly everything in the Rex Stout, Agatha Christie, and Arthur Conan Doyle canons.  You MUST read to write and when I’m not writing, I read.

Question 5: Do you hear from fans of the book, and if you do what do they say?

The Melting Dead is so new it hasn’t any fans yet. (And I appreciate, Shawn, you giving it a look. Thank you.)  I have heard from fans of my other works and, I’m delighted to say, people have been wonderfully complimentary and gracious.  One of the greatest things an author can hope to hear is some version of, I’m looking forward to your next book, and I’ve been fortunate to have heard it a few times.  A nice feeling.  I will tell you, as a horror film historian and fanatical fan, nothing could best being told that Dracula’s Demeter was a worthy addition to the Dracula mythology.  I’ve heard that from Fangoria, Famous Monsters of Filmland (the magazine I grew up on), and from Professor Elizabeth Miller, the world’s foremost authority on Bram Stoker’s Dracula and President of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula.  What more could a horror fan hope for?  I didn’t intend to toot my own horn but, to that, TOOT!

Question 6: What was the feeling like when you saw the very first printed version of your book?

My brother, wildlife photographer and writer Daniel D. Lamoreux, shot the cover for The Melting Dead and it turned out beautifully. The colors are brilliant, yet eerie.  I was delighted, there was my melting zombie island.  Now, go back to Apparition Lake, my first novel (co-written with Dan) or The Devil’s Bed, my first solo novel, then you get jumping up and down.  But you can’t jump up and down after all of them, my knees aren’t what they once were.

Question 7: Do you continue to write?

Absolutely, until I’m forcibly stopped.  Just finishing a murder noir novel, An Agent of Wrath, the first ‘Nod Blake Paranormal Mystery’ of what I hope becomes a series, set in 1979 Chicago with a dinosaur of a private detective who acts as if it’s 1949.  Then it’s back to straight horror with something I can only tease by not teasing it yet.

Question 8: What is the message you are want people to take away from the book?

There are a few messages in there, I’m sure, but I’m not trying to build a better world through melting monsters.  I’m trying to entertain.  If folks read my books, then put them down feeling they’ve been entertained by the experience, it’s all good.

Question 9: If you could envision a future for your main character, what would it be?

It would be… a sequel.

Question 10: Who are those in the dedication of the book, and their importance to you?

This answer brings us back to question one.  The Melting Dead is dedicated to “The writers of all the filmic horrors from Georges Méliès to the present.” which is exactly what I meant when I said I loved horror films, the good, the bad, and the so bad they’re ugly.  This book is my Thank You to the folks that enriched my childhood with films going bump in the night.

The + 1 Question: If you had any one place in the world you could travel to for a book tour, where would that place be, and why?

The United Kingdom.  Ireland, Scotland and England.  Ancient histories, gloomy moors. I’d love to sit in the cemetery overlooking Whitby harbor, or see Stonehenge, or visit Dartmoor, or speak to the ghosts in the Tower of London.  I wouldn’t sell many books but I’d have a grand time!

The Melting Dead by Doug Lamoreux

Often you hear how scary movies or scary stories will cause a person to have nightmares. They often tap into a primal fear that awakens within someones subconscious as they sleep. The outcome is a sudden alertness as you can awake screaming, shaking or just in a pool of your own sweat.   

Now those used to these horrific tales are not often found to have these nightmares. If your name is Angela Roskowic you are well used to the fear that can be induced by horror. You are a fanatic and can draw references to any horror film as you just observe the daily life you lead working in Chicago in Theatre.  

So you can imagine the nervousness that Angela feels when she finds herself having these scream evoking nightmares suddenly. She’s about to begin a trip to find a possible retreat for those in the Chicagoland Directors’ Guild to “get away and play.” Angela was surely kicking herself for missing the meeting when the plan was discussed as she was “volunteered” to find a location. 

This is the starting point to the book, “The Melting Dead”, written by author Doug Lamoreux. This is a book that will take you within the zombie genre, BUT has enough twists that it may not seem like any zombie book you have read.  

As the story evolves in the book you are introduced to a good cast of characters. The story takes place around an island located in the Mississippi River. The area has simple people that do not take too kindly to a group of Goths who rob a local gas station.  The local police and sheriff become involved in the eventual chase for the robbers.  The theft does not go off as planned as the reader will find out as the getaway ends up to create a large “stink”. If you are wondering why the quotations around stink, well you must read the book to find out why. 

To help the reader get an idea of what you will find yourself getting into let me give you an example of what you will find coming from the mind and thoughts of Angela as you read the book.  There is a period where it is referenced that Angela is entering the small town territory of Salem’s Lot and Let’s Scare Jessica to Death.  A small town where stares followed her like stares from the Stepford wives. Now these are somewhat paraphrased but near direct quotes from the book and some of the things readers will hopefully love about the book. 

Doug Lamoreux’s writing style is also something found to be quite interesting. The story seems to follow Angela’s story line for the most part but at times there is a break in the story.  A change in the story taking you away from one piece of action is not forgotten. A “narrator” type of tone will help bring you back to a piece of the story you feel may have been forgotten.  The story has elements of humor tossed in as well that is well placed amongst the action of the book. 

The other thing that Doug does well is develop his characters.  A great example is how the fear of one fisherman’s wife is used to explain the man’s “willingness” to act as a one way taxi to the island. One way, you ask, well he will drop some people off and head back to the main land leaving them stranded. There are of course other characters within this story that are equally well developed. A sample: the islands park ranger, a group of squatters, and the islands caretakers. 

The Melting Dead is one of those books that could be missed within the Zombie Genre. Potential readers could find themselves going, “Oh just another zombie book.” This would be a shame as the book is one of those that should be read and enjoyed for its story.  The book is well written and you may wonder do I know all the movies Angela’s character mentions throughout the book. It was something that is included well within the story as not since Scream has there been a good story that evokes other horror themed entertainment in this way.

Ten Questions + 1 featuring author Michele Roger

In a continuation of the Author Interviews I bring you Author, Michele Roger. Michele wrote the book, The Conservatory.  I do hope you enjoy the Ten +1 questions.

Question 1:

What inspired you to write The Conservatory?

The Conservatory is an emulsion of childhood fears, real life experiences whilst living in an actual haunted house and midnight walks at the local community college that was once a TB Sanitarium.  It too is said to be haunted.  Being a music teacher and harpist in real life also added to the authenticity of the plot.  The hack and slash style of blood and gore, I can only say probably was inspired by the fact that I was going through a divorce at the time.

Question 2:

Is there any significance to the names of your main characters?

I am completely inept at subtlety when it comes to character names.  I would love to write a fusion of name and character in Henry Miller fashion but alas, the best I could come up with for the female lead music teacher sadly, was Melody. Her lover, and the male lead, Dr. Lewis is based on the good looks of a friend of mine and the logic and profound calm of my best friend, Stacie for whom, Martin Lewis derives his last name.

Question 3:

During the writing process did you find yourself thinking about any of your own memories?

When I was four, I had a bad case of pneumonia with a high fever that lasted all night.  When I woke the next morning, I ran down the stairs straight into my grandmothers arms and told her that the little blue doctors were coming back to take me away.  I then told her of their tiny knives and drills and that I was trying to call out for her but I couldn’t scream.  To this day, I can still recall their rubbery skin and their nasal breaths.  Was it a dream or was it real?  I don’t know.  But it was such a vivid memory, I used it.

Question 4:

What were some of your favorite books growing up?

I loved  all kinds books.  I read my grandmothers recipes and cook books in French.  I read a lot of Asimov.  For a while, I collected the sci fi series of books, “V”.  Then I started my print addiction to everything Steven King.  But it was in high school that I learned there was books that people said I shouldn’t read.  It was a lovely form of rebellion to banned books.

Question 5:

Do you hear from fans of the book, and if you do what do they say?

A woman in London recently wrote me and said that she can read The Conservatory on her morning commute into work.  But in the evening, when its dark outside, it frightens her too much.  That is the best compliment I ever got!  Another woman told me that she loves music and hence decided to read my book.  She had never read horror before and now she enjoys the genre.  Converting people to a new form of literature is a great feeling.

Question 6:

What was the feeling like when you saw the very first printed version of your book?

I was sued over The Conservatory.  I never thought I would see it in print.  So when the first copy arrived, I felt as if I could finally exhale.  No matter how it performed on the market, The Conservatory had come to life so to speak.

Question 7:

Do you continue to write?

Yes.  My short story, “Though She Be Little, She is Fierce” , my first zombie story, is going to be published in an anthology this fall by Evil Girlfriend Media.  I am self publishing a collection of stories written by myself and friends in my own anthology to be released this summer.  And finally, I’m launching a huge, new novel and podcasting it.  The podcasts will of course be free.  The book will be released next spring.  It’s called Eternal Kingdom.  Think vampire crossed with the Gladiator movie and you have an idea of the blood bath the story takes on.  The characters are deep and driven and I’m having a great time writing it!

Question 8:

What is the message you are want people to take away from the book?

The Conservatory itself is rather tongue and cheek.  When they say the music business is “cut throat”, it is.  But in the Conservatory, I mean it quite literally.

Question 9:

If you could envision a future for your main character, what would it be?

If I tell you that here then I give away part of the ending of the Conservatory….sorry.

Question 10:
Who are those in the dedication of the book, and their importance to you?

I dedicated the book to my son and daughter.  Both are in college right now.  Both of them are taking creative career paths.  I have been ridiculed for raising two kids on my own by means of music and writing.  If I had a dime for every time someone asked, “why don’t you go get a real job?” I would be rich.  The point of the dedication is small but poignant.  Do what you love, kids, the money will come.  Furthermore, if you are doing what you love, the things many people spend money on to be happy wont be necessary.

The + 1 Question:

If you had any one place in the world you could travel to for a book tour, where would that place be, and why?

There is a space ship leaving in something like ten years to go colonize Mars.  I think I would like to do a book tour there.  How do I set that up?

Ten Questions + 1 featuring author Karen A. Wyle

I continue with the Author Interviews with Author Karen A. Wyle author of Twin-Bred.

Question 1:

What inspired you to write Twin-Bred?

After decades of reading science fiction, I tend to filter most new information through a science fiction lens. I somehow found an article about “womb twin survivors” — people who had been twins in utero, but lost their twin shortly before or after birth. The article described the significant trauma and enduring sense of loss felt by the surviving twins. That set me thinking about the bond between twins in general — and about what sort of gulfs that bond might be able to bridge, such as the fundamental comprehension gap between two sentient species. And who better to believe in such an attempt than a womb twin survivor?

Question 2:

Is there any significance to the name/names of your main characters?

The name “Mara Cadell” started with the initials MC, for Main Character. I decided those initials were as good a starting point as any. “Mara” means “bitter,” according to several websites, and that meaning seemed appropriate — as does “battle,” one meaning of “Cadell.”

Similarly, “Levi Thomas” started with the initials LT for Lost Twin. “Thomas” apparently means “twin.” As best I can recall, I chose Levi because (a) I liked the sound, (b) I envisioned Mara as Jewish, and (c) it may mean “joined.”

 

Question 3:

During the writing process did you find yourself thinking about any of your own memories?

I probably remembered more about my previous attempts to write fiction than about anything connected to the story. I wrote my first novel, if one defines “novel” somewhat generously, at the age of ten. It consisted of 200 handwritten (penciled) pages, in approximately 100 chapters. A second effort stalled after about forty pages, and while I wrote a couple of short stories for a class in college, I had not attempted a novel for some decades before deciding to give National Novel Writing Month a whirl in 2010.

Question 4:

What were some of your favorite books growing up?

In no particular order, either of importance or chronology, and leaving many out: J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings; C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia; A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle; The Ship That Flew by Hilda Lewis; Walter Farley’s Black Stallion series;  and The Secret Garden and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Question 5:

Do you hear from fans of the book, and if you do what do they say?

I have a Google Alert for “Twin-Bred,” and check Amazon and Goodreads now and then for new reviews. I’ve also solicited reviews from many book bloggers, some of whom have added extra comments when they provided a link to the review.

I’ve had very few outright negative reactions to the book. Some readers love it; some like it with reservations, often reservations I share.

Question 6:

What was the feeling like when you saw the very first printed version of your book?

It was a thrill — a high. Since I’d self-published, there was not the sense of vindication that one might get on first sight of a traditionally published book — but it was nonetheless delightful.

Question 7:

Do you continue to write?

Indeed I do!

Since Twin-Bred came out, I’ve published the novel Wander Home, a family drama with mystery and romance elements, set in a re-imagined afterlife. I subsequently published the short story “The Library,” set in the same afterlife and featuring one of the same characters. Just last week (as I write this), I published Reach: a Twin-Bred novel, the sequel to Twin-Bred. I have published one SF story dealing with human cloning, “The Baby” — and the novel coming next October, Division, deals with that subject in a very different context.

 

Question 8:

What is the message you are want people to take away from the book?

I didn’t write Twin-Bred to push any message, but I hope people finish the book feeling some mixture of affection, compassion and hope — for the fictional folks in the story, irrational as that may be, and for all of us flawed sentient beings who fumble and strive.

Question 9:

If you could envision a future for your main character, what would it be?

Well, I’ve written the next bit of it, in the sequel! I can’t say much about that without spoilers where Twin-Bred itself is concerned. I will toss out a few teasers:

–not all the action takes place on Tofarn;

–some secondary characters are more important this time around; and

–a Tofa gets pregnant!

 
Question 10:
Who are those in the dedication of the book, and their importance to you?

“To my family” speaks for itself.

The Office of Letters and Light runs National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo or Nano for short). In this annual online event, folks all over the world undertake to write a (very) rough draft of a novel, at least 50,000 words long, entirely within the month of November. (There are offshoots such as “Camp Nano” that take place at other times of the year.)

NaNoWriMo helped me return not just to a childhood ambition, but to a childhood identity. I believed for the first part of my life that I was meant to be an author. Now I can believe it once again.

The + 1 Question:

If you had any one place in the world you could travel to for a book tour, where would that place be, and why?

I have a cousin in Scotland whom I haven’t seen in many years. I’d love to go to Edinburgh, take in the architecture, and hope my cousin could come meet me there.

Twin-Bred by Karen A. Wyle

The novel, “Twin-Bred”, investigates a problem that has plagued mankind, and the animal kingdom, for centuries. Author Karen A. Wyle takes the reader into an ingenious idea that is put forth by a human scientist on the planet Tofarn.

Tofarn is the world that humans settled on after leaving Earth and have lived side by side with the planets native race the Tofa. The problem the humans have had with their neighbors is there is a large communication gap. Over the many years of cohabitation on the planet the humans have had a hard time communicating with the alien Tofa.

The communication gap is not the only issue as the Tofa may resemble humans in way, but are alien. The race has some differences. Those being things like 4 arms and they are tall. They also seem to react to scents differently than humans.  There are other differences but to find those you must read the book.

The story revolves around a project started by scientist, Mara Cadell. A woman who has a brilliant idea of bridging the language gap, but at the same time is flawed. Mara has a psychologist to help her through some of the flaws and she has her twin prober to help her. There is one problem with her twin. Her fraternal twin, Levi, has passed away.

Mara uses this odd relationship with her dead brother to come up with the idea behind the project. The project is to use the strength of twins to create a bond between human and tofa. The plan is to impregnate both human and tofa mothers with a human and tofa embryo. This would mean when the time came the mothers would give birth to a child of each species.

The plan that Karen A. Wyle lays out in the novel is something that could be used to solve issues back her on Earth.  How many different groups see someone who looks different and automatically distrusts them?  There have been wars and other conflicts for ages due to simple differences. So you must understand the importance of the project upon the characters in, Twin-Bred.

The story can be enjoyed by fans of Sci-fi and those who are also fans of speculative fiction. The story does not leave out some intrigue as there are those behind the scenes who want something from those within the project. It’s possible those who allowed the project to take place had secret motives.  Those individuals may not be the only ones with another plan as it could go down to the participants in the project. The key thing about Twin-Bred is it’s a book that will open your eyes to different thoughts and methods of dealing with conflict and just living together.

If you’d like to see what Karen A Wyle wanted you to get out of the book be sure to check out the follow interview with the author.

Ten Questions + 1 featuring author Mariana Llanos

I recently reviewed Author Mariana Llanos’ book Tristan Wolf and while doing a follow up email she gave me a great idea.  See, after each review goes live I make sure to email the individual who sent me the book to let them know it is now out there to read.    She asked if I do author interviews she’d be interested. So, the idea struck me why not, and here is the first of what I hope will lead to other interviews.

Question 1:

What inspired you to write Tristan Wolf?

ML: I wanted to write a story for my two boys, something we could read together at night. Then the phrase “Tristan was a loner” got stuck on my head and I started elaborating. So I guess I can say that my boys inspired me and Tristan took over.

Question 2:

Is there any significance to the name Tristan?

ML: Not really. I just like it a lot. It sounds poetical and has personality. I thought it was perfect for my hero.

 Question 3:

During the writing process did you find yourself thinking about any of your own special childhood memories?

ML: I can relate to the daydreaming side of the story as I used to do it all the time. I still do it…I can play all kind of scenarios in my head and cry and laugh and feel very emotional. Then I usually say “shoot! I should’ve written that!”  When I was young,  I lived in a big house with an even bigger backyard that was a paradise to explore. I used to pretend that I was ‘Smurfette’ and played all sort of adventures. Also my love for wolves dates back from when I was kid and was fascinated by them.

 Question 4:

What were some of your favorite books growing up?

ML: I started reading very young…I loved The Little Prince, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Match Girl, Peter Pan, Rosemary Wells books…I didn’t have a lot of children’s books though so I had to read what my parents had handy. That’s how I read Shakespeare’s Hamlet at ten and fell in love with it.

 Question 5:

Do you hear from fans of the book, and if you do what do they say?

ML: So far I’ve had very good comments. They mostly like the twist! I can’t say much because I’d spoil it.  They like the fact that there are wolves in the book and they also love the illustrations made by my very good friend Rocio Perez del Solar. Parents usually mention that they get engaged in the story and it’s not only a children’s book but a short story a grown-up can enjoy as well. I’m very pleased with the input I am getting from my readers through my Facebook fan page and Amazon reviews. Everybody is welcomed to like my page: www.facebook.com/tristanwolfofficial

 Question 6:

What was the feeling like when you saw the very first printed version of your book?

ML: Of course I got teary-eyed. It was finally in my hands! And my named looked so good on the cover. I realized (again) that writing is what I am meant to do. The book really looked better that what I had expected. I just had so many doubts, but they were dissipated when I saw it.

Question 7:

Do you continue to write?

ML: I’m trying! I have a 20 month old baby that takes most of my time. I have started working on Tristan’s next adventure. I want him to come back, I miss him.

Question 8:

What is the message you are want people to take away from the book?

ML:  I want grown-ups to remember when they were kids and used to imagine and daydream, I really want them to relate to this story. And for kids, I just want them to know that it is OK to be a kid, that they don’t have to grow out of “it” so soon. That their imagination can take them places they have never been and can be fun and exciting too!

 Question 9:

If you could envision a future for your main character, what would it be?

ML: I could see Tristan in many other adventures, wherever he wants to go! I can see him being a kid for a long time.

Question 10:

Who are those in the dedication of the book, and their importance to you?

ML: They are my family. My husband Aaron who supports me with his eyes shut. Fabio, my oldest child who has helped me proof my book and even correct my grammar and spelling. He is only 9! Andre is my little funny boy and his smile can light up a room. And Alana is my baby girl who steals my heart every time she hugs me with those tiny hands. I hope they feel proud of their mom, as everything I do, literally, is for them.

 

 

The + 1 Question:

If you had any one place in the world you could travel to for a book tour, where would that place be, and why?

ML: I am from Peru…I think I’d go there to share my joy with friends and family. And after the book tour is finished I’d go to one our beautiful beaches and sit on the sand with the breeze on my face and start dreaming of my next project.

Mariana Llanos