David T. Wilbanks

HELLFIGHTER TO SEE LIGHT OF DAY

2012-01-31T10:57:00.000-06:00

I am working with an artist on the next Acid Grave Press project which will be a heroic fantasy novella by yours truly. It is titled HELLFIGHTER and should appeal to those who like their fantasy dark with doses of humor. As some of you may know, this tale has been around for a while and accepted twice for publication, however things didn’t work out either time for reasons I’ll keep private. As with all AGP books, this one will be available in e-format only. I am excited about this tale and will potentially expand it into a series after we see how the first one sells. Watch for it later this year, sword and sorcery fans.

MALCONTENTS Reviewed at Ginger Nuts of Horror

2012-01-23T20:11:00.000-06:00

And he likes it.

CLICK HERE

Get DEAD EARTH: THE GREEN DAWN Free!!!

2011-12-14T16:36:00.000-06:00

During the month of December, Permuted is having a huge sale. Check it out at the link below and please note that Mark Justice's and my novella DEAD EARTH: THE GREEN DAWN is way at the bottom for free. Just click one of the links under the cover image on the site and you are all set to download.

PERMUTED BLACK DECEMBER SALE!

Twitter Name Change

2011-12-10T07:22:00.001-06:00

Please note! I've changed my username on Twitter by removing the underscore at the beginning. Thanks!!! Now it's @davidtwilbanks

James Carroll

2011-12-10T06:54:00.001-06:00

James Carroll has become one of my favorite people. I usually favor laid back folks with good heads on their shoulders and he fits the bill. (Having excellent taste in music doesn't hurt either.) You might know him from one of his short stories or his excellent reviews over at Page Horrific. I'm here to tell you that, now that PH is closed, you can read his reviews and other blog posts over at his own site Asylum Windows. And you can find that HERE.

"The Outsider Trio" Reviewed at Antibacterial Pope

2011-12-06T16:32:00.001-06:00

Ending things is David T. Wilbanks' THE OUTSIDER TRIO. After two years, a man returns to proclaim his love for his girlfriend only to find she has been missing for six months. Malcom learns Violet (a professional violinist [sic]) has been kidnapped by some kind of cult-like musician, and with the help of an occult practitioner, manages to track her down, being held prisoner in another dimension. TRIO features some dark humor and all kinds of weird monsters, making for a fun way to wrap up a satisfying collection.

For full MALCONTENTS review, click here.

BLACK WINGS, edited by S.T. Joshi

2011-12-03T11:27:00.001-06:00

The first book I read on my new Kindle was a great one. Old H.P. Lovecraft gets a makeover in these new stories of weird, cosmic horror. If you're a fan of the old master, you most likely clicked the purchase button the minute you found out that Lovecraft expert S.T. Joshi was the editor. But even if you don't have an inkling of who Joshi or Lovecraft is(!!!), there's still plenty here for you to enjoy. Joshi shows excellent taste in having acquired the majority of these tales; each author stepped up and brought something unique to the task. For me, it was interesting to see what great writers like Michael Marshall Smith and Brian Stableford had contributed. Things do seem to peter out a tiny bit towards the end but maybe that was just me petering out because I read this book straight through and I don't usually do that with an anthology--which is a hardy recommendation all on its own!

BLACK WINGS: Tales of Lovecraftian Horror is essential reading for lovers of Lovecraft and most definitely recommended to horror fiction fans in general.

Link: BLACK WINGS

KELL'S LEGEND by Andy Remic

2011-12-01T16:47:00.001-06:00

I was browsing ye local Barnes & Noble at the Mall of America when I came across KELL'S LEGEND by Andy Remic. Actually, I spotted the third book in the trilogy first (a new release) which somehow prompted me to scurry deeper into the shelves to find the first one because these things MUST be read in order (I'm not sure if it was the packaging, the description or what; I don't usually buy books cold off the store shelf).

Well, time has passed and I've burned through its pages and must say it was ACTION-PACKED and very VIOLENT! Pure fun and all good things to this pulp-loving S.O.B.. Calling itself "Epic Fantasy," it reads like a muscular combo of sword & sorcery, steampunk and straight-up horror (MONSTERS!). The characters are bigger than life and many of them are very, VERY NASTY!

WARNING: This book is not for the squeamish nor the Politically Correct.

People who know me and like what I like will SURELY love this. Now I wait eagerly by the mailbox for the next two books because I need more of this FINE FARE.

HIGHEST ADVENTURE RATING!

Read more about this trilogy HERE!

Island of Lost Souls (2011 DVD)

2011-11-29T18:01:00.001-06:00

I was excited to finally view this movie because it’s based on one of my favorite novels: The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells. Wells didn’t like this 1932 adaption much—and I can see why he’d say that—but I certainly enjoyed it. A bonus in this DVD edition (among other swell things) is an interview with one of my favorite bands, Devo, whose concept of de-evolution was greatly influenced by this movie. I had not known that this interview, and two early Devo music videos, were included with the disc before I pre-ordered it, so it came as a nice surprise. Anyway, I can safely state that this DVD belongs in any classic horror collection and was well worth the price. The link below will tell you more about this thrilling and effective movie.

Island of Lost Souls on Wikipedia

DTW is one of the top 32 authors to follow on Google+

2011-11-03T16:34:00.003-05:00

Well, isn't that nice? I'm not sure how I made the list, but it was a day brightener for sure.

LINK TO ARTICLE

For my fellow Tarzan fans

2011-10-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the story of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs. BrownTrout is pleased to present this calendar celebrating this favorite literary and comic character. The story of Tarzan is compelling told, and his adventures are beautifully displayed in this square wall calendar featuring illustration by a multitude of talented artists including J. Allen St. John, Frank Frazetta, M.C. Wyeth, John Coleman Burroughs, Zdenek Burian, Robert K. Abbett, Dean Williams and Mel Greifinger.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Check Out Ed Gorman's New One

2011-10-14T19:12:00.000-05:00

“The kind of hero any small town could take to its heart.” —Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times

“Ed Gorman is the poet of dark suspense.” —The Bloomsbury Review

“Sam McCain has the rueful wisdom and charm of an exemplary hero is curious not only about whodunit but also about some of the more elusive riddles of human existence.” —San Francisco Chronicle

The murder of a wealthy young woman sparks a backlash against the hippie commune that has recently arrived in Black River Falls.

A hippie commune has invaded Black River Falls. While the majority of the townspeople believe that the bohemians have the right to stay—despite how bizarre some of their ways can seem—as always, there is a minority that constantly accuses them of everything from criminal activities to Satanism. As usual, lawyer and private investigator Sam McCain finds himself in the middle of the controversy, especially when the teenage daughter of Paul Mainwaring, one of the town’s wealthiest men, is found murdered in the commune’s barn. A deeply troubled young man (and Vietnam vet) named Neil Cameron is immediately charged with the crime, but Sam has serious doubts.

In this lively and poignant new novel, Ed Gorman offers readers his richest portrait yet about Black River Falls and its people.

Ed Gorman is the beloved author of dozens of mystery novels, including the New York Times bestselling Frankenstein, which he co-wrote with Dean Koontz. His Sam McCain series includes Fools Rush In, the Day the Music Died, Ticket to Ride, Bad Moon Rising, and many others. He has received the Shamus Award, the Spur Award, and the International Fiction Writers Award. Ed lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

amazon.com

My New Novella in MalContents

2011-09-24T15:49:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to announce that my new novella The Outsider Trio is now available in the book MalContents for Kindle download. Alongside my novella are three others by Randy Chandler, Gregory L. Norris and Ryan C. Thomas. And all this fiction can be yours for only four dollars, so if you have a Kindle, please consider giving this a look.

If you only read books on paper, don't worry, you won't have to wait long. I'm not sure yet what the price of a hard copy will be but I'll be sure to announce it as soon as the book becomes available.

Here's more from Grand Mall Press:

Four thrilling, disturbing novellas by Randy Chandler, Gregory L. Norris, Ryan C. Thomas, and David T. Wilbanks. An unfortunate prostitute joins a freak show to get away from her sordid past only to find that death follows her everywhere. A cooking show host is targeted by a jealous chef who wields a sharp blade and a supernatural grudge. A family man is given a choice by a deadly stranger to decide between love or survival. A former lover enlists the help of a shaman to find his kidnapped girlfriend in a land of mystical demons and gods.

BUY THE BOOK!

Schubert: Der Doppelgänger

2011-09-18T15:43:00.000-05:00

The night is quiet, the streets are calm,
In this house my beloved once lived:
She has long since left the town,
But the house still stands, here in the same place.
A man stands there also and looks to the sky,
And wrings his hands overwhelmed by pain:
Upon seeing his face, I am terrified--
The moon shows me my own form!
O you Doppelgänger! you pale comrade!
Why do you ape the pain of my love
Which tormented me upon this spot
So many a night, so long ago?

Poem: Heinrich Heine
Music: Franz Schubert

Feature Friday: The Big Book of Adventure Stories

2011-09-18T09:07:00.003-05:00

If you read my fiction then you probably enjoy adventure stories. And if you enjoy adventure then I think the purchase of this big fat book is a no-brainer. I just finished the Sword and Sorcery section and am quite pleased. And just look at the names on the cover. Wow! I love books like this because I love the good, old stuff. I'm also very excited about Penzler's zombie anthology which will be out any day now.

(And, yes, I know it's not Friday as I post this.)

Wisdom Wednesday: Aurelius

2011-09-14T17:51:00.003-05:00

"Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast, and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live." -- Marcus Aurelius

Music Monday: Paperback Writer

2011-09-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

If I were to choose a favorite pop or rock band of all time, it would definitely have to be these guys:

Most people are Lennon fans but I love McCartney's melodies even if his lyrics weren't always as good as John's. But screw comparisons. Enjoy the magic that is The Beatles. It won't happen again--ever.

Readers Unite!

2011-09-11T13:34:00.003-05:00

Let the world know that you are a proud reader of books. There are plenty of things you can do to share the joy.

Join an online book forum, or start a local book club with your friends, where you can have discussions about favorite authors, stories, topics or fiction genres.

Write reviews and let everyone know what you think; post your reviews in your blog or on GoodReads or Amazon. The review doesn't always have to be positive, let them know when you don't like something too. Be honest. The book world needs more honesty.

If you are on Twitter or have a Facebook account, tell your friends what you're reading and how much you like it. Encourage them to read books too. They don't know what they're missing.

Spread the reading bug and get involved today! The book world needs you!

Feature Friday: Stephen King's N.

2011-09-09T16:27:00.000-05:00

I ordered this graphic novel from Amazon sometime back and just last night decided to crack it open. I'm happy to say it's a spooky treat and I look forward to polishing it off tonight. It's based on a short story by the King of horror and I wager is available almost everywhere fine comics are sold. A sort of Lovecraft meets psychological horror concept. Check it out.

Writer James Carroll weighs in on DE:tGD

2011-08-20T11:43:00.002-05:00

http://asylumwindows.wordpress.com/tag/david-t-wilbanks/

The Third Dead Earth Book's Title Revealed!

2011-07-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

DEAD EARTH: SANCTUARY

Now you know what to look for. Probably sometime later this year or early next.

Brian Keene, Mary SanGiovanni and DTW Interviewed

2011-07-13T18:41:00.002-05:00

While I was at CONvergence 2011, I was invited to sit in on a podcast interview with authors Brian Keene, Mary SanGiovanni and interviewer Taylor Kent. It was a lot of fun but now I kick myself because I forgot to mention the Living After Midnight horror anthology. I hope that my AGP partner Craig Clarke forgives me for this memory lapse. Put it down to nerves, maybe because I was sitting next to the one and only Brian Keene.

If you ever do a podcast interview, be sure to make a list of talking points and to speak clearly. Because I sure as hell didn't.

CLICK HERE for the half hour interview.

[Picture snapped by Brian Keene 2011]

Dead Earth in Top Ten Permuted eBooks

2011-07-10T18:02:00.005-05:00

Top 10 bestselling Permuted Press eBooks to date (excluding co-published editions) as of June 2011:

#1 EX-HEROES by Peter Clines
#2 THE INFECTION by Craig DiLouie
#3 DYING TO LIVE by Kim Paffenroth
#4 DEAD EARTH: THE GREEN DAWN by Mark Justice & David T. Wilbanks
#5 DYING TO LIVE: LIFE SENTENCE by Kim Paffenroth
#6 EDEN by Tony Monchinski
#7 THE UNDEAD edited by D.L. Snell
#8 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A WEREWOLF HUNTER by Brian P. Easton
#9 DEAD EARTH: THE VENGEANCE ROAD by Mark Justice & David T. Wilbanks
#10 EMPIRE by David Dunwoody

Forum Tab

2011-07-09T07:39:00.002-05:00

There’s a new tab on the DTW website, right there at the top. This takes you to Dunderthome, a message board where folks talk about books, movies and music--mostly. I’m the host and you are invited to join up if it looks good to you. It’s a nice, quiet corner of the Internet away from all the tweeting, blogging, facebooking, googleplussing, etc. No trolls or hotheads allowed.

Anya Bast Likes Dead Earth

2011-07-06T18:10:00.000-05:00

At CONvergence 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting paranormal romance writer Anya Bast, she of the NY Times Bestsellers list. Anya was very friendly and we had a nice chat at the signing table we shared on the last day of the convention. There, I gave her a signed copy of DEAD EARTH: THE VENGEANCE ROAD and it wasn't long before I found out she had started reading it on the plane ride home, and…well, here she talks about the whole convention on her Fire and Ice blog.

Be sure to check out her books! I've linked to her website below:

ANYA BAST

DTW’s 2011 Great CONvergence Adventure

2011-07-04T11:08:00.000-05:00

First day, Thursday, June 30: Show up around 2 PM and get my wife Roz registered, something we should have done a lot earlier because it would have been cheaper. After which we walk around like confused ducklings for a while before driving home again up Highway 100.

Later, we go back for the Opening Ceremony because Brian Keene said so on Twitter. After the ceremony, BK hands me his card and tells me to call him. That BK is a busy Guest of Honor at these things is apparent immediately.

Second day, July 1, it’s Friday but feels like Saturday for some odd reason. Show up early for 12:30 eBook panel, because I always show up early for everything. And I’m glad I did because parking looks like it’s going to be a bitch. This is my first panel anywhere—ever--so am somewhat nervous at first but the good questions and interesting eBook chat soon warm me up to the proceedings. Someone I actually know from Internet Interaction, Rich Ristow, could not make the con, but I did meet Anya Bast, Michael Merriam and Michael Zecca. At the end, I hand out some Smashwords codes for a free copy of Living After Midnight to make Craig Clarke a happy camper. Chat with a few audience members. I don’t have another panel until 3:30 so decide to sit in the audience for 2:00’s Essential Elements of Horror Literature. They have an open chair because of Ristow’s absence so BK calls me up to fill in. How cool is that? A great discussion ensues and I meet other panelists Roy C. Booth (whom I also know from the Internet), Tim Lieder and Joel Arnold. After that, it’s Ask a Writer at 3:30, where I’m surrounded by interesting and informative authors: Anya Bast, Kelly McCullough, Dana Baird, Michael Merriam and GoH Seanan McGuire, who, before the panel begins, states she really likes my publisher, Permuted Press. Questions about agents leave me silent because, well, I don’t have one. Roz shows up to watch this panel and she has a good time. After it’s over, we walk around the con awhile and then head home.

Third day, July 2, it’s Saturday and I have an 11 AM book signing with Dr. Kakalios. Before the signing, we chat with BK and Mary Sangiovanni; BK invites me to sit in on a podcast interview with him and Mary later on. At this first signing, I sign zero books. Bummer, but I hear it happens to the best of them. Whatever. Next up at 12:30 PM, it’s Happy Writers and Fast Writers and I’m on a panel with most of the folks I’ve met previously in other panels except for local freelance author David Walbridge whom, as it turns out, we’ve met previously. 2 PM and I’m entertained by the one-on-one with BK and moderator C. Robert Cargill. After that, it’s the podcast interview where I meet Taylor Kent and his wife. Mary, BK and I are pleasantly grilled on all things horror and then for me it’s time to go home and rest because later that night there’s a panel on zombies. So we jump ahead to 10 PM and the panel consists of me, BK, Erik Pakieser, GoH Edward Douglas (really nice guy) and Cynthia Booth. I notice these later audiences include folks who may have been consuming numerous alcoholic beverages. A great time is had, then it’s off for a couple drinks of my own with BK, Mary and entourage in the hotel bar. Midnight and I go home or else it’s pumpkin time.

Last day, July 3, Sunday. In and out for a signing with Anya Bast, who is a real sweetheart—go buy her books, paranormal romance fans! I sign a lot of books this time, maybe because the table has been moved to a more prominent position, facing the lobby (not off to the side like the first time). I chat with a bunch of fine readers and hope they enjoy the books! After the signing’s over, Roz and I are out of there.

Summing up, it was pretty much as I expected. I warmed up to doing panels but think there’s room for improvement, because isn’t there always? Enjoyed chatting with con-goers, meeting people who like what I like! Confirmed what I already knew from Internet Interaction: that Brian Keene is a great guy. (And Mary is a great guy too!). And that con folks like to dress funny and drink—a lot; as Roz says, there are geeks and then there are GEEKS. But it’s all good. The best part for me was meeting other writers and chatting with them; that’s called networking and this con was good for that.

Suggestion for CONvergence committee: How about a mass book signing next year? We'll talk...

My Amazon Page

2011-06-26T08:12:00.000-05:00

Here's a handy page at Amazon should you want to purchase a DTW-related product. Check it out and happy shopping.

DTW at Amazon

Vintage Horror Review of LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT

2011-06-21T21:47:00.003-05:00

http://www.vintagehorror.com/node/192

My Updated 2011 CONvergence Schedule

2011-06-19T07:22:00.000-05:00

Here is my current schedule for CONvergence 2011 which is being held June 30 through July 3 at the Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington, MN. I'll be signing copies of DEAD EARTH: THE VENGEANCE ROAD and sitting on panels.

Friday, July 1:

12:30 PM eBooks - Books and Publishers panel

3:30 PM Ask a Writer panel

Saturday, July 2:

11:00 AM David T. Wilbanks and Dr. Jim Kakalios book signing

12:30 PM Happy Writers and Fast Writers panel

10:00 PM Zombies and Their Slow (or Fast) Movement into Popular Culture panel

Sunday, July 3:

2:00 PM Anya Bast and David T. Wilbanks book signing

Hope to see you all there!

Novellas

2011-05-30T20:55:00.001-05:00

I'm polishing a novella that should appear in an anthology with three others. It's an occult thriller that gets mighty weird by tale's end. After that's finished, I'll start writing another novella, this one taking place in a galaxy far, far away. (No, not that galaxy.) It will be a horror and sf blend, as I'm want to do. Both of these are being submitted upon request, which is a lot nicer than submitting a story cold to every place under the sun. I'd like to tell you more but I don't want the editors to slap me silly.

To all DEAD EARTH fans and others reading this, please keep your thoughts and prayers with my DE writing partner, Mark Justice. His wife Norma is undergoing heart surgery and we all should wish her a speedy recovery. Thank you.

My 2011 CONvergence Schedule

2011-04-23T12:47:00.000-05:00

Subject to change, here is my schedule for CONvergence 2011 which is being held this summer at the Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington, MN. Come chat with me and get a book signed.

Friday, July 1:

12:30 PM eBooks - Books and Publishers panel

3:30 PM Ask a Writer panel

Saturday, July 2:

11:00 AM David T. Wilbanks book signing

12:30 PM Happy Writers and Fast Writers panel

10:00 PM Zombies and Their Slow (or Fast) Movement into Popular Culture panel

Sunday, July 3:

2:00 PM Anya Bast and David T. Wilbanks book signing

Hope to see you all there!

New Review for Living After Midnight

2011-04-19T16:44:00.002-05:00

Check it out.

http://horrorworld.org/hw/2011/04/living-after-midnight/

And thanks!

A chat with the DEAD EARTH guys.

2011-04-02T08:05:00.002-05:00

http://nakedsnakepress.net/?p=619

LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT Only 99 Cents!

2011-04-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

Read all about it over at Acid Grave Press!

Acid Grave Press T-shirts and Stuff

2011-03-25T19:48:00.001-05:00

Acid Grave Press now has a logo store online at Cafe Press. Check it out and pick up a little something for yourself or maybe even the whole family. Just think, you could be the first person in your neighborhood to own an AGP teddy bear! Not only that, but you'd be helping us spread the word about our e-book publications.

So head on over and happy shopping!

Acid Grave Press Logo Store

DEPRAVED reviewed at Page Horrific

2011-03-23T17:54:00.002-05:00

DEPRAVED by Bryan Smith

Datlow, Feldstein Win Lifetime Horror Award

2011-03-22T16:33:00.000-05:00

This just in from the Horror Writers Association:

The Horror Writers Association has chosen two long-time icons of the genre to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award this year. The award, given in recognition of the recipient’s overall body of work, will go to Ellen Datlow and to Al Feldstein.

Ellen Datlow is unquestionably one of the most influential editors in the history of the horror genre. Her long-running The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror (which she co-edited with Terri Windling, Kelly Link, and Gavin J. Grant), and, more recently, The Best Horror of the Year have helped define the art of horror writing since 1988. Other acclaimed works she’s edited include Inferno, Poe: 19 New Tales Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Darkness: Two Decades of Modern Horror, Lovecraft Unbound, The Beastly Bride (with Terri Windling), Teeth: Vampire Tales (also with Terri Windling), and Haunted Legends (with Nick Mamatas). Forthcoming are Supernatural Noir, Naked City: Tales of Urban Fantasy, Blood and Other Cravings, and the young adult dystopian anthology After (the last with Windling). She was fiction editor of OMNI Magazine and SCIFICTION and has won multiple Locus Awards, Hugo Awards, Stoker Awards, International Horror Guild Awards, World Fantasy Awards, and The Shirley Jackson Award for her editing. She was named recipient of the 2007 Karl Edward Wagner Award, given during the British Fantasy Convention for “outstanding contribution to the genre.” Ellen also co-curates the long-running Fantastic Fiction at KGB reading series in New York City’s East Village. Ellen, who will be attending the gala Stoker Awards presentation in Long Island on June 18 to receive the award in person, said, “WOW! I’m honored, and a bit taken aback—I’ve still got a lot more editing to do (I hope). Thank you.”

Al Feldstein is one of the most influential figures in the history of horror comics and graphic novels. Al arrived at the legendary company EC Comics in 1948, and went on to serve as one of the chief editors of EC’s “New Trend” series, which included Tales from the Crypt, The Haunt of Fear, The Vault of Horror, Shock SuspenStories, Weird Science, Weird Fantasy, Crime SuspenStories, Panic, and Piracy. Feldstein originally contributed one story per issue as both writer and illustrator, but he eventually decided to focus on editing, providing art only for covers. He adapted stories by Ray Bradbury, and gave Harlan Ellison his first sale. His EC work has been reprinted in dozens of different editions, and has been adapted to film (The Vault of Horror, Tales from the Crypt). He is a recipient of the 1994 Inkpot Award from the San Diego ComicCon, and has also been recognized for his work as a painter. While Mr. Feldstein’s health will prevent him from accepting the award in person, he had this to say: “I am flattered beyond belief and deeply appreciative of the very special honor that you have bestowed upon me … mainly your organization’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be named the recipient of this award.”

To learn more about this year’s winners, visit them online at www.datlow.com and www.alfeldstein.com.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious of the Bram Stoker Awards, given by the HWA in acknowledgment of superior achievement not just in a single work but over an entire career. Past Lifetime Achievement Award winners include such noted authors as Stephen King, Anne Rice, Joyce Carol Oates, Ray Bradbury, F. Paul Wilson, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Brian Lumley, William F. Nolan, and Peter Straub. Winners must have exhibited a profound, positive impact on the fields of horror and dark fantasy and be at least sixty years of age or have been published for a minimum of thirty-five years.

The LAAs will be presented on June 18 as part of the Bram Stoker Awards presentation in Long Island. The awards highlight an entire Stoker Awards Weekend* happening from June 16–19 at the Long Island Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. For more information on the Stoker Awards Weekend, please visit the website at http://www.stokerweekend2011.org/http://www.stokerweekend2011.org/> <
The Horror Writers Association is a worldwide organization promoting dark literature and its creators. Started in 1985, it has more than five hundred members who are writing professionally in fiction, nonfiction, videogames, films, comics, and other media.

* The Stoker Weekend and the awards banquet are open to the public. For more information about the HWA, the Bram Stoker Awards, or the Lifetime Achievement Awards, please visit www.horror.org < http://www.horror.org/> .

Great new contest at Somebody Dies blog.

2011-02-22T16:27:00.003-06:00

Click here to check it out!!

DTW interviewed by Neal Hock

2011-01-29T10:20:00.001-06:00

I'm not going to post much today because I'm feeling a bit under the weather. Nothing serious, just the blahs.

Here's an interview with me over at Neal Hock's blog: http://bookhoundsden.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-david-t-wilbanks.html

Thanks, e-Readers!

2011-01-22T13:27:00.002-06:00

Earlier this week, Jacob Kier, our editor at Permuted Press, and my pal author William Meikle both pointed out that the e-versions of the Dead Earth books are selling like hotcakes. Shortly after hearing this news, I became a ratings junkie, checking Amazon often for the latest statistics. Both books are currently in the top 100 but strangely enough The Green Dawn is on the science fiction list and The Vengeance Road is on the horror/occult list. I guess that’s because the saga could be considered horror/sf--but I like to think of them as fantastic pulp horror/sf adventure; is there a category for that? I am very happy regardless of which chart they’re on. Thanks to all of you who took a chance on a couple of newer names and decided to download our books. I hope you were not disappointed! Let me know, or better yet, post a review and tell a few friends. I’d appreciate it and I’m sure Mark Justice would too.

Speaking of Dead Earth, the writing on the new book goes well. We have plenty of new ideas and are taking the characters on a long journey they’ll never forget—hopefully the readers won’t forget either. So for those of you who crave more of the adventures of Jubal Slate and company, it’s definitely on its way.

In related news, I’ll be on the next Pod of Horror, the podcast hosted by Mark Justice. It’s been a while since we've actually talked over the phone—we usually use email—and I look forward to the experience. There will be lots to discuss so check it out when it becomes available.

Until next time, take care of yourself--and each other.

LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT Rockin' Reviews!

2011-01-15T16:39:00.001-06:00

Another week has flown by and lots of stuff has happened, so let’s get to it, shall we?

Spotlighting Kent Gowran in both cases, here are two swell reviews for the horror eBook anthology Living After Midnight edited by Craig Clarke and yours truly--which you can pick up anywhere fine eBooks are sold, for the measly sum of $2.99.

Dead In the South review

Ginger Nuts of Horror review

Speaking of which, have you seen the site for Acid Grave Press? It’s the place to watch for eBook publications that will kick as much ass as Living After Midnight does. Right now we’re planning on two books a year and yes, we have the second book of the year slotted already, and no, I’m not yet revealing what it’s going to be. However, I will tell you that it’s a reprint of a small press cult horror favorite.

Over at Page Horrific, I got to interview author (and ninja) Jon F. Merz about his new novel THE KENSEI coming out on January 18th. Just click a Page Horrific link and you are there.
And keep your eye on PH for more reviews coming soon. Things have slowed down there but we are nowhere near finished.

The creation of Dead Earth 3 is moving along nicely. It’s fun becoming absorbed again in this post-apocalyptic zombie world, returning to the characters featured in Dead Earth: The Vengeance Road--and putting them through hell! Mark Justice and I are big meanies that way but we do it all for fans of over-the-top pulp action. And I’m guessing that’s probably you.

By the way, if you’d like to interview me or have me guest host on your genre fiction blog, drop me a line and we’ll work something out.

Until next time, take care of yourself--and each other.

The Earth? Still Dead!

2011-01-08T14:32:00.001-06:00

A special thing happened this week: Mark Justice and I began writing the third Dead Earth book, another novel this time. I think we’re off to a fine start and I look forward to the continuing adventures in a world overrun by the hungry dead, as filtered through our own twisted vision, of course; fortunately, we are twisted in a complementary fashion. There will be plenty more blood, scares and action for fans to look forward to--should be pretty cool! I’ll keep you posted here on our progress.

Speaking of Dead Earth, editor and author Nick Cato over at Anti-Bacterial Pope reviewed The Vengeance Road this week. Take a look at that here. Here’s a nice bite from the article:

"[...]THE VENGEANCE ROAD is a brain-smashing good time[...]."

Over at Page Horrific, you can look forward to an interview with thriller writer Jon Merz some time in the next few weeks. I’ve been reading an advanced copy of his new Lawson vampire novel The Kensei, and can assure you that it’s tons of fun for those who enjoy martial arts, vampires, action and adventure. I mean, what’s not to like, right? You’ll be able to pick it up January 18th, so keep an eye out, or just pre-order it online like all the other rabid Lawson fans do.

Doom metal has been crushing my skull these last few days, and a skull-crushing doesn’t come any sweeter than that! If you like heavy music like Black Sabbath used to make and haven’t checked out the latest Electric Wizard album Black Masses yet, you should definitely do so! Your skull will thank me later!

That’s all from me this week. Until next time, take care of yourself--and each other.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-01T13:16:00.000-06:00

It’s 2011, I still walk the planet, and, boy, does it feel good.

I’m listening to Black Sabbath’s Vol. 4 as I write this, looking forward to a future where I blog here more often instead of just posting my book news. I’ll be stretching my wings, doing a book review here and an album review there—or whatever else is rattling around in my skull.

Speaking of albums, have you heard the band Ghost yet? Their new CD is called Opus Eponymous and it has been in constant rotation here at the Dave Cave ever since I downloaded it from Amazon. To me, these Swedish fellows sound like an updated Blue Oyster Cult, one that has a hardcore love for ye olde Devil. It’s a doom record with melodic harmonies, tightly performed with laser-like precision and no filler. Damn near perfect, I’d say. Other comparisons I’ve heard have been to King Diamond, Black Sabbath and Hammer horror film soundtracks. So if all that sounds tempting, stop dawdling, go forth and buy the dang thing! And just keep telling yourself, it’s only a studio album, it’s only a studio album…

Mark Justice and I have begun writing the third Dead Earth book so I will be pretty busy between writing that and other fiction, maintaining Page Horrific, moderating Reading Rebellion and trying to get the word out on my other various projects like The Vengeance Road and Living After Midnight. All that means is that I’ll have less time for message boards, eventually just posting on my own. I’ll still maintain a presence on Facebook but probably not as often as last year. But, heck, you already know where this blog is in cyberspace, so you will always know where I am.

Nice to see you here, by the way.

Until next time, take care of yourself--and each other.

Announcing: LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT (eBook) edited by Wilbanks and Clarke

2010-12-20T21:01:00.000-06:00

Living After Midnight consists of 6 horror and dark-fantasy stories inspired by hard-rock and heavy-metal bands. You're sure to be impressed with this original lineup: “Spooky Tooth” by Randy Chandler, “Iron Maiden” by Matthew Fryer, “Black Sabbath” by Steven L. Shrewsbury, “Judas Priest” by David T. Wilbanks, “Motorhead” by Kent Gowran, and “Slayer” by L.L. Soares.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/30498

TEN 2010 ALBUMS I ENJOYED

2010-12-19T09:10:00.001-06:00

#1 John Grant – QUEEN OF DENMARK

#2 Devo – SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY

#3 Brant Bjork – GODS AND GODDESSES

#4 Cee Lo Green – THE LADY KILLER

#5 Killing Joke – ABSOLUTE DISSENT

#6 Scorpions – STING IN THE TAIL

#7 Accept – BLOOD OF THE NATIONS

#8 Melvins – THE BRIDE SCREAMED MURDER

#9 John Mellencamp – NO BETTER THAN THIS

#10 Grand Magus – HAMMER OF THE NORTH

FANGORIA reviews DEAD EARTH:TVR!

2010-12-18T13:53:00.003-06:00

‎"[...]packs in a heavy dose of blazing shoot-'em up action and intense scares." -- FANGORIA

http://tinyurl.com/25548tz

Reading Rebellion

2010-12-07T21:21:00.000-06:00

Message boards are still the best and most direct way to discuss books on the Internet. That's why I created Reading Rebellion, a place where hardcore readers can hang out and chat about their favorite books and authors. So, stop on by and let us know what's on your mind.

READING REBELLION

Nice blurb for the new Dead Earth book.

2010-11-11T16:13:00.000-06:00

‎"Wilbanks and Justice rock. This deserves to be huge." -- William Meikle, author of THE INVASION

Neal Hock Reviews DEAD EARTH: THE GREEN DAWN

2010-11-04T16:48:00.001-05:00

Click here for the five-star review!

Very cool limited time offer...

2010-11-02T18:17:00.000-05:00

Buy one of these:

And get one of these free:

Here's how!

http://www.permutedpress.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86

Mark and Dave Interviewed about DE:TVR by ITW

2010-11-01T17:11:00.000-05:00

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Busy Beaver

2010-10-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe how much stuff is going on right now. It's feast or famine in the publishing biz, that's for damn sure! Following is some stuff I'd like to announce; just click the links. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There's more to come, so stay tuned!

DEAD EARTH: THE VENGEANCE ROAD is available for Kindle purchase!

The DEAD EARTH series has its own Facebook page! Go on and Like it!

The online horror fiction blog PAGE HORRIFIC is up and running!

And PAGE HORRIFIC has its own Facebook page too!

And coming soon...DEAD EARTH: THE GREEN DAWN eBook! Wherever fine eBooks are sold! Here's the cover for your viewing delight:

More news to come. Watch this blog, friends!

C'mon and Like Us!

2010-10-11T16:15:00.000-05:00

I've set up a DEAD EARTH Facebook page for fans of Mark, myself or the series. Be sure to stop by and "like" the page if you wish. Thanks for your time and interest, folks. Here's the LINK.

Feast Your Eyes!

2010-10-10T07:59:00.002-05:00

Coming soon to an online store near you! Makes the perfect Xmas gift.

Adam Nevill: APARTMENT 16

2010-09-26T07:49:00.000-05:00

I've been doing a lot of reading lately and having good luck with new authors. Here's a book you might enjoy if you like Ramsey Campbell or Clive Barker:

Check it out at AMAZON.

Two Book Recommendations

2010-09-19T11:15:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to mention I enjoyed both of these books. Links to Amazon are included so you can find out more.

DYLAN

PATIENT ZERO

Jason Dark: Ghost Hunter

2010-09-16T16:52:00.001-05:00

I'm sure a lot of you pulp fiction fans will be interested in this.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to receive in the mail a handful of horror adventure books written by Guido Henkel. The new series is called Jason Dark: Ghost Hunter and it's for those horror readers who love their gothic tales told in a fast-paced pulp-action style. Each booklet is about 60-pages long and comes with a slick cover featuring spooky cover art. But the series is not only available in book form; you can also either pay for a download or read the tales at the site for FREE. So head on over right now and check them out for yourself:

JasonDarkSeries.Com

THE SHIMMER by David Morrell

2010-09-04T09:15:00.001-05:00

Title: The Shimmer
Author: David Morrell
Publisher: Vanguard Press
File Under: Paranormal Thriller

Based on a real world phenomenon, David Morrell’s novel THE SHIMMER is a journey into the paranormal, namely the mysteries surrounding the strange, colorful lights seen in the night skies of Rostov, Texas. The lights attract hordes of people like a bulb attracts moths and they have been doing so throughout history. However, we find that not everyone is affected by this event in exactly the same way and that some people cannot see the lights at all. After a mass murder on the site, the media and military get involved and all hell breaks loose, which leads to a slam-bang ending that would look cool up on the big screen.

Although the tone of the novel is typical of Morrell-the-thriller-writer, I think the balance of interest favors those interested in the paranormal and its psychological effects rather than those seeking straight thrills, because the heart of the story are the lights and how they affect the lives of the characters, for better or worse (usually worse). Though the going is predictable at times, there is plenty here to hold the average fiction reader’s attention, especially those who watch the skies at night in hopes of seeing something extraordinary.

10 Questions for William Meikle (Part Two of Two)

2010-09-01T16:27:00.000-05:00

William Meikle is a Scottish writer with ten novels published in the genre press and over 200 short story credits in thirteen countries. He is the author of the ongoing Midnight Eye series among others, and his work appears in a number of professional anthologies. He lives in a remote corner of Newfoundland with icebergs, whales and bald eagles for company. In the winters he gets warm vicariously through the lives of others in cyberspace, so please check him out at williammeikle.com.

6. Which grammar or writing-related books do you still reference?

WM: I've got the big 2-volume Oxford English Dictionary, Roget's Thesaurus, and Strunk and White. I've never used anything else, but I did have an old-fashioned education and had the basics drummed into me at an early age.

7. How much should a writer get paid for their work?

WM: To be facetious, as much as they are worth.

I've become a convert in recent years to the idea of aiming for the highest markets you can. For much of my early career I stuck to small press markets, paying in copies or token amounts. This was more to do with a lack of confidence in my own ability than from any desire to stay in the "trenches". And that became the problem. I got cosy down there, and racked up large numbers of stories in print in small mags.

My Road to Damascus moment came in 2005 when I appeared in a Scottish anthology alongside the likes of Charlie Stross, Jane Yolen and Hal Duncan. I got to stand beside them all at a mass signing, and I thought "I can do this."

Since then I've been aiming higher. There are more misses now, but the hits are so much more satisfying.

Which brings me back to the payment issue. I -thought- I was happy down in the small presses, but I was deluding myself. The real feelings of achievement come when you feel you are getting a decent reward for the job. Sometimes that comes with money, other times with exposure and kudos, but all the time it comes from setting your sights as high as you can and aiming for the gold ring.

8. I think writers, no matter how advanced, keep learning. Based on your own reading in genre fiction, what do writers need to learn most?

WM: Characters should drive plot. I see far too many books that are great ideas but the characters are only doing what they do to serve the basic premise. A lot of writers don't seem to understand what motivates people who -aren't- writers. We get a lot of books peopled by writerly types, and not nearly enough featuring other sections of the public.

I'm firmly of the belief that writers should get out more.

9. What are your favorite Meikle books and why?

WM: The Valley, my weird Western, is probably the one I'm most happy with as a whole.

The origins of "The Valley" are pretty simple to trace. In Fortean circles there have been attempts to find a picture that many claim to have seen, yet no-one has been able to find. This fabled photograph is said to show a group of Civil-War era men standing in a row wearing big grins. Spreadeagled on the ground in front of them is the body of a huge bird, a being that could only come from pre-history. In some accounts this bird is a giant eagle, in others it is even stranger, a leathery, paper thin Pterosaur. Whatever the case, that image was the thing in my mind, and I had a "What if..." moment, wondering what would happen if cowboys came across a Lost World. From that single thought, the initial concept of The Valley was born.

There's a long tradition of Lost World tales, both in movies and fiction. Over the years I've devoured as many as I can find, from Conan Doyle through Haggard, from Tarzan in Pellucidar to Doug McLure in the Land that Time Forgot. Many of these tales involve dinosaurs, but I wanted something different. For a while I didn't know exactly what "creatures" I needed, but that all changed as soon as the setting clicked. Back in 2007 I had the good fortune to holiday in the Rockies. It was while scanning through photographs of that trip that the thought of the high mountain valley came to me, and when Neil Jackson told me about Montana and the Big Hole Valley, I knew I'd found my spot. And the pictures of the ice and snow from my trip also gave me the era from which I would draw my creatures -- the last Ice Age. I now knew that my protagonists would be heading into a Lost Valley where relic animals lived, and that these creatures would be hairy and large. I had an image of a herd of mammoths by a partially-frozen lake, and that was the image that drove me on in the early concepts.

So there's the fact that it's cowboys, it's a lost world, and it has monsters from pre-history. I've been a lifelong Ray Harryhausen fan, and that's how I see this book in my mind, as a Harryhausen film. I'd love to see it as a movie.

Maybe someday.

10.What is your latest book and what¹s forthcoming?

WM: Up next will be the ebook releases of my vikings vs yeti novel: Berserker, and Heaven and Hell, a collection of Carnacki stories.

In print this Fall will be the release of the 3rd of The Midnight Eye Files: The Skin Game.

There's a whole bunch of anthology appearances forthcoming in:

- Mountain Magic: Spellbinding Tales of Appalachia (Woodland Press)

- Specters in Coal Dust (Woodland Press)

- Call of Lovecraft (Papercut Books)

- Watch (Imprint Phoenix)

- Cthulhu 2012 (Mythos Books)

- Gaslight Arcanum (Edge Publishing)

I also have a story coming in a new pro market Daily Science Fiction.

There's also the ebook release of all of my Black Death Books back catalogue, which includes the Watchers trilogy and all three Derek Adams books.

Then there's a slew of new chapbooks from GWP, a bunch more ebooks and, if the wind is fair, print releases of Island Life, The Valley, Berserker and a couple of short story collections.

There's a film in production in South Africa that I co-wrote, The 5 (girls with big guns spouting philosophy while offing people spectacularly), and the possibility of the film of The Midnight Eye Files: The Amulet getting the green light to go.

All that, and I am trying to sell a new novel provisionally titled Hunter's Dock. Fingers crossed, it's under "serious consideration" with a publisher at the moment.

On the actual writing front I'm about a third of the way into a new novel, The Creeping Kelp. A Wyndhamesque disaster novel about mutant killer seaweed :-) I'm having fun with it. Also I want to do four more stories for a proposed print set of twelve Carnacki tales. I love writing these as well, and seem to fall naturally into the right 'voice' for them. I can see myself writing even more.

I also have a couple of short stories I need to get to for anthologies I've been invited to contribute to, and a couple I want to write for open anthologies I've seen.

I've also recently developed a hankering to get a hardcover collection of stories published, so I'm thinking about that in the background and wondering who I might approach.

Busy, busy, busy.

[William Meikle interviewed by David T. Wilbanks 08/30/10]

10 Questions for William Meikle (Part One of Two)

2010-08-30T16:55:00.000-05:00

William Meikle is a Scottish writer with ten novels published in the genre press and over 200 short story credits in thirteen countries. He is the author of the ongoing Midnight Eye series among others, and his work appears in a number of professional anthologies. He lives in a remote corner of Newfoundland with icebergs, whales and bald eagles for company. In the winters he gets warm vicariously through the lives of others in cyberspace, so please check him out at williammeikle.com.

1. How did you get started as a genre fiction writer?

WM: I write to escape.

I grew up on a West of Scotland council estate in a town where you were either unemployed or working in the steelworks, and sometimes both. Many of the townspeople led hard, miserable lifes of quiet, and sometimes not so quiet desperation. I was relatively lucky in that both my parents worked, but they were both on shifts that rarely coincided, and I spent a lot of time alone or at my grandparent's house.

My Granddad was housebound, and a voracious reader. I got the habit from him, and through him I discovered the Pan Books of Horror and Lovecraft, but I also discovered westerns, science fiction, war novels and the likes of Mickey Spillane, Ed McBain, Alistair MacLean, Dennis Wheatley, Nigel Tranter, Arthur C Clarke and Isaac Asimov. When you mix all that together with DC Comics, Tarzan, Gerry Anderson's numerous series and Dr Who then, later on, Hammer and Universal movies on the BBC, you can see how the pulp became embedded in my psyche.

When I was at school these books and my guitar were all that kept me sane in a town that was going downhill fast. The steelworks shut and employment got worse. I -could- have started writing about that, but why bother? All I had to do was walk outside and I'd get it slapped in my face. That horror was all too real.

So I took up my pen and wrote. At first it was song lyrics, designed (mostly unsuccessfully) to get me closer to girls.

I tried my hand at a few short stories but had no confidence in them and hid them away. And that was that for many years.

I didn't get the urge again until I was past thirty and trapped in a very boring job. My home town had continued to stagnate and, unless I wanted to spend my whole life drinking (something I was actively considering at the time), returning there wasn't an option.

As I said before, I write to escape.

My brain needed something, and writing gave it what was required. That point, back nearly twenty years ago, was like switching on an engine, one that has been running steadily ever since.

2. Who were some of your biggest influences when you started out?

WM: I have a deep love of old places, in particular menhirs and stone circles, and I’ve spent quite a lot of time travelling the UK and Europe just to visit archaeological remains. I also love what is widely known as “weird shit”. I’ve spent far too much time surfing and reading fortean, paranormal and cryptozoological websites. The cryptozoological stuff especially fascinates me, and provides a direct stimulus for a lot of my fiction.

So, there’s that, and the fact that I was grew up with the sixties explosion of popular culture embracing the supernatural and the weird. The Hammer horror movies got me young, and led me back to the Universal originals. My early reading somehow all tended to gravitate in similar directions, with DC comics leading me into pulp and to finding Tarzan.

Tarzan is the second novel I remember reading. (The first was Treasure Island, so I was already well on the way to the land of adventure even then.) I quickly read everything of Burroughs I could find. Then I devoured Wells, Verne and Haggard. I moved on to Conan Doyle before I was twelve, and Professor Challenger’s adventures in spiritualism led me, almost directly, to Dennis Wheatley, Algernon Blackwood, and then on to Lovecraft. Then Stephen King came along.

There’s a separate but related thread of a deep love of detective novels running parallel to this, as Conan Doyle also gave me Holmes, then I moved on to Christie, Chandler, Hammett, Ross MacDonald and Ed McBain, reading everything by them I could find.

Mix all that lot together, add a dash of ZULU, a hefty slug of heroic fantasy from Howard, Leiber and Moorcock, a sprinkle of fast moving Scottish thrillers from John Buchan and Alistair MacLean, and a final pinch of piratical swashbuckling. Leave to marinate for fifty years and what do you get?

A psyche with a deep love of the weird in its most basic forms, and the urge to beat the shit out of monsters.

3. What is your writing schedule like?

WM: Settling down now after a chaotic couple of years where we weren't sure where we'd end up living. We've recently become permanent residents of Canada, and live in a house on the shore in Eastern Newfoundland. I've achieved a lifelong dream of having a sea view from the front window, and retiring early enough to enjoy it.

And now that the pesky work is out of the way, I have more writing time that I've ever had, I try to do a couple of hours every morning, have a break for chores and a walk, then get back to it in late afternoon. Usually I stop by around 8pm, but if I'm on a roll it can go well past midnight. Most days I aim to do 1500 words. I'm rarely below that figure, and some days I might get 3000 or more done.

4. What are some pitfalls new writers should avoid?

WM: A couple I can think of:

- Don't project your wishful thinking fantasies into your stories. Not too much anyway.

- Don't think it's right first time. Never send anything out that you haven't checked, checked again, then gone back and checked.

- Don't stop after you've sent your first work out to a potential publisher. To paraphrase "Waiting is the mind-killer."

- Don't stop after your first knock-back. "Rejection is the mind-killer."

- Don't put off writing until tomorrow if you've got a chance to do it today. "Procrastination is the mind-killer."

- Don't assume it's easy. Also, don't assume it's hard. It's work, and like most work, it's only as good or bad as you want to make it.

5. You have a bestselling e-book titled The Invasion. What are your thoughts on e-books versus paper?

WM: It's all been a bit sudden. As of writing this, The Invasion is in the top 10 of both the SF and Horror charts for the Kindle on Amazon.com (and is top 20 in the horror chart for all books) -- it's something of a minor hit. Great to see one of my books up there with the big guys, but somehow it doesn't feel quite real. Maybe it's because it's -only- an ebook and as an old fart I still don't attach the same value to them. Or maybe it's because I just don't want to acknowledge the fact that my first SF book has done so well, which might mean I've been writing in the wrong genre all this time

But to me, it's just another way to get a story in front of a reader. I've got work in print, audio, e-book and film and I'm sure when the time comes that stories can get beamed straight into reader's minds I'll have work ready to go there too.

There's been a fair bit of doom and gloom in genre forums these past weeks.

We live in a technological society these days. Things change fast and there's no denying that the industry as a whole is changing. Those that don't adapt, won't survive, it's that simple. Those that embrace digital wholeheartedly will prosper I believe.

I'd hate to see the small press becoming purely a limited edition niche market though. I have fond memories of saddle-stapled pamphlets and photocopied covers. To me that's what the small press is for... amateurs and enthusiasts finding a way to express themselves. And there will always be a place for that. It just might not be in print.

Watch this blog for the second half of my interview with William Meikle.

[William Meikle interviewed by David T. Wilbanks 08/30/10]

10 Questions for Graham Masterton

2010-08-27T18:58:00.000-05:00

Graham Masterton has published more than 100 novels – thrillers, disaster novels, historical sagas and horror novels, for which he is principally known. Born in Edinburgh in 1946, he started writing horror stories when he was still at primary school. He was trained as a newspaper reporter before being appointed deputy editor of Mayfair magazine at the age of 21, and three years later executive editor of the UK edition of Penthouse. He went on to write a series of million-selling books on sexual instruction before turning his hand to novels. His first horror novel The Manitou was filmed in 1975 with Tony Curtis and Susan Strasberg in the lead roles. After living in Cork, Ireland, for five years, he and his wife Wiescka now live in Surrey, England. He is currently working on several new horror novels.

1. You are one of those great horror authors who came out of the ‘70s. How does it feel to be writing in the genre after all these years?

GM: The 1970s may seem like a long time ago to you but it certainly doesn’t to me! In any case I started writing horror stories when I was ten or eleven years old at school, so technically I have been writing in the genre for much longer than that. I won a school magazine prize for a short story called "Sophonisba" about a deranged man who decorated the exterior of his Gothic house with the dismembered remains of his unfaithful wife, and for another story about a man who woke up to find that he was living his life backward (and this was long before Benjamin Button.) When I was fourteen I wrote a 400-page vampire novel that regrettably has been lost (or perhaps not regrettably: I seem to remember it was very verbose and pompous.) I got back into horror writing in the 1970s more by accident than design. I was editor of Penthouse magazine in those days and having great success with “how-to” sex books such as How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed. But the market quickly became flooded and my publishers decided not to publish my next book even though they had contracted to bring it out. As a substitute I gave them The Manitou which I had written in a spare five days that I had between sex books. The idea was inspired by a feature about manitous in the Buffalo Bill Annual, 1955, and my wife Wiescka’s pregnancy with our first son. After the first four or five horror novels I turned to historical sagas for a while, and it was only when I wrote Tengu, my Japanese-demon-Hiroshima-revenge story, that my publishers persuaded me to return to horror. Writing for a writer is as natural as breathing, so for you to ask me how it still feels after all these years, all I can say is that it is part of an organic, continuing and developing process. I have so many ideas that I will never be able to write all of them in my lifetime. Bummer, n’est-ce pas?

2. Who were some of the fiction writers who influenced you when you were starting out?

GM: At school I was strongly influenced by Jules Verne and Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker, as well as Ray Bradbury and several other science fiction writers. In my mid-teens I was inspired by Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso and Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the Beat writers, and then by William Burroughs. I corresponded with William when he was living in Tangiers, and when he moved to London in the mid-1960s we became friends. I was editor of Mayfair magazine by then and I commissioned him to write a series of revolutionary articles which became known as The Burroughs Academy. I wrote a novel called Rules of Duel at that time, using the technique which William devised with the writer and artist Brion Gysin, known as “intersection writing”, where you repeat and cut up phrases and sentences so that they reveal many different meanings…kind of a literary Cubism. I have always been fascinated by the nuts and bolts and mechanics of grammar and syntax, and one of the main influences that William had on me was to try and become invisible to the reader, so that a novel seems more like a movie (or, even better, a real-life experience) than words that a reader is looking at, on a page. I was trained as news reporter by several Fleet Street journalists, including the late Brian Silk, and they were ruthless in making me write with economy and precision.

3. Each of your novels seems to take place in a different part of the world. Why is that?

GM: My novels are predominantly set in the United States, which makes commercial sense since it is the largest English-speaking market on the planet, and also other nationalities are familiar with American settings through movies and TV series. But if I visit a place and find it interesting and atmospheric, I do like to use it as a background for a novel. Every city has its scary legends. Apart from that, it is very important for a novel’s setting to be believable, especially if you are going to introduce a highly-unbelievable threat, such as a demon or a monster or a drawing that comes to life.

4. Many of your novels are based on myths and legends. What are some of your favorite mythology books?

GM: I have scores of books on legends and demons, so it isn’t easy for me to choose a favorite. But one of the most interesting was given to me by my friend and publisher Lefteris Stavrianos when Wiescka and I were staying in Greece, Modern Greek Folklore and Ancient Greek Religion, by Judith Lawson. It has some really insane creatures in it.

5. What is your process for writing a novel?

GM: The idea usually comes from an interesting news story or a profile of somebody with an interesting career. Take Basilisk, for example. I read a piece about research biologists who were trying to recreate extinct species of animal. It then occurred that maybe a fictional biologist could try to recreate mythical beasts such as the basilisk, and the phoenix, and gargoyles. The purpose of the research would be to extract stem cells which would help to treat incurable illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. So – in spite of the fact that the resurrection of a basilisk would be intrinsically ridiculous – the story was already grounded in modern scientific fact. What I frequently do is take a terrifying legend and visit it on some ordinary, everyday people, and try to work out how they would cope with it. As for actually writing the novel, I start the day with what the American railroad pioneers used to call a cup of “horseshoe” coffee – so strong that a horseshoe would float in it. Then I do The Daily Telegraph crossword just to give my brain-cells some PE. Then I sit down and start writing. But living the story, rather than writing it. Then I stop, and that’s it for another day. Writing isn’t very exciting, especially for anybody watching a writer at work. As my old chief reporter used to say, “Writers are laborers. The only difference is that laborers shovel shit and we shovel words, and to be frank it’s sometimes it’s hard to tell them apart.”

6. You have provided many a chill for your readers. Who scares you most?

GM: I am not scared of the dark, or ghosts, or spiders. I have had one or two serious car crashes which were scary at the time, but only for a few seconds. I think if anything scares me it’s losing control of my own life. That’s why I am intensely opposed to CCTV surveillance and government intrusion in my private affairs, such as income tax. In 1974, Wiescka and I drove all over England and Scotland for days and days and nobody knew where we were. These days, that would be impossible. Our faces would have been recorded at every gas station where we stopped to refuel, and in the lobby of every hotel, and our car registration would have been noted along every motorway that we travelled. I have a police detective friend who warned me never to scratch my ass while walking down the street “because you’re being watched.” I find that frightening.

7. Which of your own books are you most proud of, and why?

I always find it satisfying if a book becomes “real” to my readers -- such as Trauma, and Unspeakable, and the Jim Rook and Sissy Sawyer novels. But a lifetime of writing is a continuous experience, and each book is part of a large construction, like bricks in a house, and the eventual pride in what you have achieved or the disappointment in what you have failed to achieve only comes at the end.

8. What are the five greatest pleasures in life?

You haven’t found out yet? Not necessarily in this order, they are sex, lobster, reading stories to your children, laughing and winning the lottery twice in one week.

9. What news of upcoming projects can you share with us?

A seventh Jim Rook novel Demon’s Door is almost finished. A new Night Warriors novel The Ninth Nightmare has had its keel laid down. Our monster hunter Nathan Underhill will be chasing gargoyles and Sissy Sawyer will be reading the DeVane cards again. And of course I am continuously banging away at various Hollywood producers to get movies and TV made.

10. What are your five favorite music albums?

I once did a “Desert Island Discs”-type programme for a BBC radio station, and I found it almost impossible to make a selection of my favorite albums, because the music I like depends on so many things…my mood, the weather, the place I’m in. When I lived in Ireland I liked fiddly-diddly music. When I was in San Francisco I liked flowery-hippy music. Today I happen to like Days Like These by Van Morrison, but I’m already starting to find the arrangement a bit too clean and abrupt, and I won’t play it again tomorrow, or the day after, or possibly for months, if not years. Musicians are the same as writers. They’re like laborers, and we all know what laborers are doing.

[Graham Masterton interviewed by David T. Wilbanks July 2009]

Where's Dave?

2010-08-25T19:34:00.000-05:00

Working hard on a new novel and reading men's adventure fiction; that's where. What else did you expect?

I'm also waiting for more news on our forthcoming novel DEAD EARTH: THE VENGEANCE ROAD so that I can share it with you guys. It shouldn't be long now before you can pick up that unparalleled package of pulsing pulp power. Hey, if you enjoy all-out action, I think you'll dig it.

In the meantime, stay happy, keep reading fun fiction and stay tuned to this bat blog for more articles and news...

A dream library

2010-08-22T11:10:00.002-05:00

If only...

CLICK FOR ARTICLE

A Quick Recommendation: FIRE SPIRIT by Graham Masterton

2010-08-20T16:23:00.003-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge Graham Masterton fan. I wanted to let you know that I've just finished reading FIRE SPIRIT and can recommend it highly to those who love supernatural thrillers. In fact, it's the best by him that I've read in a while. Here's the synopsis:

"A mesmerizing new story from the master of supernatural horror - Ruth Cutter juggles family life with her career as a top arson investigator, but a series of horrific fires leaves her baffled. The victims seem to have nothing in common except the unnatural intensity of the fire that engulfed them . . . and the creepy kid who haunts each crime scene. But these are no ordinary fires. Can Ruth overcome her scepticism in time to save her family and avert the coming apocalypse?"

Grab it!

Killer Thrillers

2010-08-20T10:13:00.001-05:00

NPR Audience Picks Killer Thrillers

I like book lists. Don't you?

RAIJU by K.H. Koehler

2010-08-18T13:51:00.000-05:00

Title: Raiju
Author: K.H. Koehler
Publisher: Tokusatsu Press
File Under: Japanese Kaiju/Giant Monster Horror

[I received this novel for young adults from the author.]

Just like all folks interested in the fantastic, I have seen giant monster movies before, but I must admit I haven't had much experience with fiction of this sort. Godzilla and King Kong are impressive on the big screen but can something like that translate well to the printed page? It turns out it can when the storyteller is K.H. Koehler. The trick is to make the story mainly about the human characters and this is exactly what the author has done with RAIJU.

Kevin Takahashi is a tough punk kid from San Francisco who moves to New York with his widower father after a giant shark monster destroys his home city, killing the ones he loves. Now not only does he have to struggle with volatile emotions from the recent tragedy, he must also deal with strange kids in a new school environment. But of course that's not all. To make matters worse, there are two new monsters in town: One, a tentacled nightmare called Qilin and the second appearing when Kevin discovers he is the "keeper" of his own giant monster: Raiju.

The teen angst level is high throughout the book but Koehler always knows when to inject some humor, which is often, making it as much fun reading about the teen wizard Kevin as it is about the over-sized creatures terrorizing the metropolis. There is never a dull moment and I think anyone interested in the matter of teen-drama-meets-giant-monsters will have a lot of fun. My only quibble--and I see a lot of this, especially with self-published and small press material--is that the book could have used more thorough copyediting. Despite this minor obstruction, it is still possible to enjoy RAIJU as the tension-packed diversion it is meant to be. If you can't get enough of sky-scraping destroyer-beasts, you should definitely pick this one up.

--DT Wilbanks

Highly Recommended Sword and Sorcery Novel

2010-08-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

THE BROKEN SWORD by Poul Anderson

News About Hard Case Crime and Dorchester Publishing

2010-08-08T10:50:00.000-05:00

This came in my email box. Interesting times in the publishing world.

Those of you who are tuned in to goings-on in the publishing industry may have seen the announcement last week from Dorchester Publishing that they've decided to get out of the business of publishing mass-market paperback novels (the main business they've been in for the past 40 years). Instead, they've announced they're only going to publish ebooks and a limited number of larger trade paperbacks, using a 'print on demand' process.

What does this have to do with Hard Case Crime? Well, for the past six years, Dorchester has been the company that has printed and distributed our books. They're a first-rate company run by good people, and I'm sorry to see them going through tough times. I'm also sorry to see them stop publishing books in our format. What does this mean for us? Well, either we'll need to switch from the smaller "mass market" format to the larger "trade" format, or we'll need to start working with another publisher, or both. (Most likely both, but we'll see.)

It'll take a little while for this all to get sorted out, and I apologize for delays in the meantime. Our August title, Brett Halliday's MURDER IS MY BUSINESS, has shipped to booksellers and is available right now. I'd encourage you to grab a copy while you can -- it's a terrific book (with a gorgeous Robert McGinnis cover), and it'll be the last new Hard Case Crime book you'll see for a while. The next two -- QUARRY'S EX by Max Allan Collins and CHOKE HOLD by Christa Faust -- will not be coming out in October and March as planned. They will come out -- but probably not till sometime later next year. We'll keep you posted as soon as we know when.

And you'll be glad to know we're already at work on subsequent titles. It's too early to spill the beans about what they are -- but it looks like books #69 and #70 will actually be by the same author, one well known to readers of our line. The former will be a reprint, the latter a brand-new book, and both are very exciting. As soon as I can let the cat out of the bag (once the ink is dry on the contracts!), you'll hear more.

After that? Well, you won't be seeing a new book every month, but I expect you'll continue to see a handful of new Hard Case Crime titles each year, and rest assured they'll be good ones. Stay tuned to your email for news and announcements (also not every month -- but every time we've got news to share, I promise).

And if you're a member of the Hard Case Crime Book Club, I'd say don't cancel that subscription just yet -- again, it's too early to talk about what we've got in store, but a neat idea has surfaced for a way to keep the books coming and if it works out, I think you're going to like it. (I know I'm excited about it.)

In the meantime, I want to thank you all for your years of support and your passion for our books -- it feels good to know so many of you are as excited about these books as I am, and (circumstances permitting) I'm looking forward to bringing you more of them for years to come.

Best,
Charles
----------
Charles Ardai
Editor

P.S. Congratulations to the dozen winners of our drawing for what is now a highly collectible 'Advance Reader's Copy' of QUARRY'S EX: Shana, Ed, Marcus, B., Stephanie, Paul, Matthew, Glen, Jared, Sally, Richard, and Nicholas. Enjoy it.

KICK-ASS

2010-08-08T08:09:00.001-05:00

I saw the movie KICK-ASS. You should see it too if you haven't. It was quite good; superheroes without super powers. And as you can tell by the trailers, Hit Girl steals the show. It's one of those rare occasions when the movie lives up to the trailer. But it's not safe for children: mucho violence and foul language.

Good writing trumps genre.

2010-07-30T10:40:00.000-05:00

It's important for writers to read the classics of literature and find those books and authors that will help them improve their own craft. Love of a specific genre only goes so far and shouldn't stop you from reading further afield in order to bolster your talent. Look for books that are well-written, books that can teach you things. This way, your own writing will improve no matter what you decide to write about.

THE SECOND BLACK BOOK OF HORROR

2010-07-25T19:29:00.000-05:00

Stories selected by Charles Black.

No time for a thorough review here but would like to list my personal favorite stories in this volume:

Favorite: "Amygdala" by David A. Sutton. The weirdest, most twisted tale in here and the ending is priceless. Give that man a bottle of beer.

I also enjoyed these a lot:
"Now and Forever More" by David A. Riley
"The Crimson Picture" by Daniel McGachey
"Onion" by Maynard & Sims
"The Pit" by Rog Pile

Well done all around and am looking forward to number 3.

Looking for a few warm bodies.

2010-07-22T18:22:00.000-05:00

Are you an avid reader who enjoys the good stuff? You know what I'm talking about: sword-wielding barbarians, rampaging robots, vein-sucking vamps. If so, please join us at Dunderthome! The fantasy, horror and science fiction forum. We'd love to chat with you and read what you have to say about the latest fantastic creations by your favorite authors and film directors. Post your own reviews and let us know what you think! Hang out with like-minded people, kick back and, most importantly, have fun.

Hope to see you there!

DUNDERTHOME!!!

What I'm reading now.

2010-07-21T18:55:00.000-05:00

Sorry. No book reviews yet but I should be writing one for next week and it will probably be on THE SECOND BLACK BOOK OF HORROR. If you recall, I enjoyed the first one immensely and so far this one is a lot of fun too. I'm reading a story a night from it.

And when I'm not reading that, I'm reading this: THE GOLDEN DAYS (THE STORY OF THE STONE, OR THE DREAM OF THE RED CHAMBER, VOLUME 1). Asian culture fascinates me and I am finding this first volume in the five-volume novel intriguing.

Roger Corman Movies Released On DVD Today 7/20/10

2010-07-20T18:20:00.000-05:00

GALAXY OF TERROR

FORBIDDEN WORLD

What I'm Reading

2010-07-05T15:57:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd pop in and let you all know what I'm currently reading. I plan to review all three books after I'm done so there's that to look forward to.

I'll start with RESURRECTION by Tim Curran, a big, fat zombie novel that is pretty darned creepy so far, not an easy thing to pull off these days especially with a reader as jaded as I am. But I wonder how he's going to keep the tension going for another 500 pages.

The next book is THE IMAGO SEQUENCE and OTHER STORIES, a collection of short horror tales by Laird Barron, a name I've been hearing a lot about lately and, based on having read only one story thus far, I can see why.

The final and oldest of the three books I'm reading is a novel I downloaded for free from Amazon for my iPhone Kindle: THE WELL AT THE WORLD'S END by William Morris, a classic fantasy romance that I've never had the pleasure of until now, thanks to a recommendation at a classical music forum I frequent. Which just goes to show that you never know where you'll hear about a good book.

Talk to you soon.

REPLAY by Ken Grimwood

2010-07-02T18:49:00.000-05:00

Published in 1986, Ken Grimwood's (1944-2003) time travel novel REPLAY is written with intelligence and style.

In it, Jeff Winston lives the greater portion of his life on repeat, dying at the same moment in each cycle in October of 1988. But eventually he discovers that his rebirths are happening later and his repeated lifespan is thereby growing shorter. He does not know why the "replays" occur and seeks the answers in different ways throughout the book. He uses his foreknowledge of future events for financial stability by placing bets on what he knows to be sure things. While later in his lives, he helps the government by informing them of upcoming disasters and various other threats against humanity, doing this in exchange for possible scientific answers to his unique predicament. But things become all the more complex as he travels thorough his lives and the answers to his various problems are never clearly black or white.

Pacing of events in REPLAY is well done, with interesting twists placed cleverly throughout. The philosophical dilemmas with which Jeff struggles add dimensions not usually encountered in your more action-oriented time travel stories and that's why this book hits home on a deeper level. I found it rewarding and I recommend it to anyone, even those who wouldn't ordinarily read fiction in the sf genre.

Blog Changes

2010-06-30T18:21:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've been trying to post in my blog daily, but then today I figured fewer updates with more meat per serving would be better than just slapping something skimpy up each day. Furthermore, I'll be focusing more on sf, fantasy and horror literature and the process of writing instead of posting whatever pops into my "scatter-brain"; therefore you won't see as many music posts, though I won't completely rule them out.

What you will see here are more book reviews, writing tips and updates and maybe even some interviews with notable authors and editors.

So check back soon and let me know how I'm doing. I'd appreciate the feedback. And if you have a hard copy of a (preferably) mass market, professionally published book you'd like me to consider for review purposes, shoot me a message and we can make arrangements.

In the mood for something to read?

2010-06-28T16:59:00.002-05:00

Try the zombie novella I wrote with Mark Justice:

DEAD EARTH: THE GREEN DAWN

Or perhaps one of these short story anthologies, each one including a story I wrote, as well as fine tales from other authors:

EDISON'S FRANKENSTEIN (Postscripts #20/21)

ENEMY OF THE GOOD (Postscripts #19)

DARK JESTERS

More Devo for You!

2010-06-27T08:39:00.003-05:00

Jack Vance Interview Part One

2010-06-26T11:17:00.002-05:00

I've just finished reading the four Tschai novels by sf great Jack Vance and wanted to share the first part of this interview with you in order to give you a taste of his wonderful imagination. The rest of the interview can be found easily on YouTube by searching for the author's name.

Images from the Past 6/25/2010

2010-06-25T18:12:00.001-05:00

Quote of the Week 6/24/2010

2010-06-24T17:43:00.002-05:00

How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.

- Marcus Aurelius

Writing Update 6/23/10

2010-06-23T18:07:00.001-05:00

I've started work on a novel. So far I've written 1,722 words and plan to write 500 more tonight. In general, two pages a day is my goal because when you write two pages a day, you end up with a first draft in half a year. However, I might write even more on weekends depending on my mood, how well the work is going and what I have planned otherwise. At this point--the very beginning of my journey--things are going well; I have a tight focus on my goals and am comfortable that the resulting book will be worth the reader's time. If I were forced to slot it into a genre, I'd guess it'd be dark fantasy.

I'll keep you updated each week on my writing progress and on the other factors that figure into creating and selling a book.

Reading/Watching/Listening Tuesday 6/22/10

2010-06-22T19:10:00.000-05:00

Reading: PLANET OF ADVENTURE by Jack Vance. Four sf novels collected in one book and a very fine read it is. Almost finished. I'm also reading BOOKLIFE by Jeff VanderMeer.

Watching: Season Two of BREAKING BAD. It gets better and better.

Listening: The new DEVO album of course: SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY. You own it, right?

DEAD EARTH: THE VENGEANCE ROAD

2010-06-21T16:50:00.002-05:00

According to our publisher, the new novel should hit in November of this year. As soon as I have cover art or any other news, I will let you know--as always.

In the meantime, do you own a copy of the original novella? You can still get it from the publisher at a good price. Just click the cover below to find out how. Thanks.

Cat Stevens - "Father and Son"

2010-06-20T06:33:00.001-05:00

A cool site to make web banners.

2010-06-19T16:00:00.003-05:00

Hi,

Ever want to make a quick web banner? I found this site which is pretty decent, considering it's free:

BANNERFANS

With it I made the DE banner that's way down at the bottom of this blog.

DEVO - Something For Everybody

2010-06-18T20:52:00.005-05:00

It's a miracle! A band who has been out of the picture for decades comes back with an album just as powerful as the output from their classic period in the late 70's and early 80's. Of course I'm talking about that cult favorite Devo.

I'm a fan from way back but must admit I wasn't expecting much from SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY due to multiple letdowns after the mid-80's, but boy was I wrong--and surprised. The songs here are tight and catchy as hell with the usual wit and humor we've come to expect from those spud boys from Akron, Ohio.

So, by all means, snatch a copy up and if they're coming to your home town, check them out. They are great to see live.

Click on the image above to buy their CD or download the tracks from Amazon.

Update

2010-06-14T18:54:00.002-05:00

Folks continue to ask me when Dead Earth: The Vengeance Road hits, and I keep telling them I haven't heard. Hopefully we'll hear some news from our publisher soon. They had said it was scheduled for 2010, so I guess we still have a while. Hang in there and I will too.

I have a couple other exciting news items to mention but won't do so until contracts are signed.

Stay tuned, friends...

Words of the Buddha

2010-05-30T08:11:00.001-05:00

Speak not harshly to anyone,
for those thus spoken to might retort.
Indeed, angry speech hurts,
and retaliation may overtake you.

DE:TGD Review

2010-05-25T17:46:00.000-05:00

Undead In the Head Blog

DEADFALL by Shaun Jeffrey

2010-05-23T17:52:00.004-05:00

Zombies, they’re everywhere nowadays. These shambling members of the undead are giving even the agile vampires a run for their money; folks can’t seem to get enough of them. Which brings me to the novel at hand: DEADFALL by author Shaun Jeffrey, a writer whose previous work I enjoyed in the form of his last book, THE KULT—a fine serial killer novel.

DEADFALL’s premise is pretty simple: Amber Redgrave leads a team of mercenaries on what turns out to be a bogus mission. When they reach their target location--an abandoned mining village--they discover they have been tricked by their mysterious, wealthy employer, and what lies in wait for them is a horror which they could not have anticipated even in the darkest corners of their minds; indeed, it is something far worse than the run-of-the-mill kidnappers they had been expecting to confront and remove. Meanwhile, as Amber and her team are fighting for their lives against an endless stream of the undead, two animal rights activists infiltrate an isolated warehouse where unspeakable experiments have been taking place--which, of course, tie back to what’s occurring in the village. The action trades off between the two plot lines until all is revealed by book’s close.

Right about now you might be thinking, been-there-done-that, but what saves this book from Zombie Rehash Hell are well-plotted action and the neat twists near the end of the book. Author Jeffrey is a tidy craftsman with a clear understanding of his goals, leaving little in the way of story filler. Furthermore, the novel’s character interaction is satisfactorily developed, as in the case of a misogynistic member of her team who gives Amber a hard time throughout their struggle for survival, adding weight to her miseries and further challenging her abilities as a leader of an all-male team of rugged warriors.

To sum up, Shaun Jeffrey’s DEADFALL would make a worthy addition to any zombie or thriller collection and is recommended to those who can’t get enough of the resurrected dead. The publisher is Leucrota Press.

Gene Wolfe Interview

2010-05-21T21:05:00.005-05:00

Someone had requested I re-post this, so here is my Hellnotes interview from 2005 with the great sf writer, Gene Wolfe.

Gene Wolfe is the author of THE FIFTH HEAD OF CERBERUS, PEACE, THE DEVIL IN A FOREST, The Book of the New Sun, CASTLEVIEW, THERE ARE DOORS, SOLDIER OF THE MIST, SOLDIER OF ARETE, The Book of the Long Sun, The Book of the Short Sun, and others. His work has won two Nebula Awards and three World Fantasy Awards, the Deathrealm Award, the British Science Fiction Award, the British Fantasy Award, and others. His short fiction is collected in THE ISLAND OF DOCTOR DEATH AND OTHER STORIES AND OTHER STORIES, CASTLE OF DAYS, ENDANGERED SPECIES, STOREYS FROM THE OLD HOTEL, STRANGE TRAVELERS and INNOCENTS ABOARD. STARWATER STRAINS will appear soon. A two-volume fantasy, The Wizard Knight, is complete now with the publication of THE WIZARD.

HELLNOTES: At what point in your life did you consider yourself a writer? Did you write as a child?

GENE WOLFE: I considered myself a writer when I started trying to earn enough for Rosemary and me to make a down payment on some furniture. That was in 1957. I wrote a tiny bit as a child, and wrote three or four little pieces for a college magazine before I went into the army. I started writing seriously when I saw that I needed to earn more than my salary so we could move out of our furnished apartment.

HN: Who were some of the influences on your writing and your life? And how were they influential?

GW: My mother; she had never finished high school, but she was an intelligent woman and a voracious mystery reader. I'd read her mysteries behind her, and we'd talk about them. My father; he had read a lot of history and biography, and was an H.G. Wells fan. The first Wells I read was THE ISLAND OF DOCTOR MOREAU. Fred Pohl; my second sale was to him, and it was that sale that really began my career. My wife, Rosemary; she tolerated my writing when I hadn't sold anything and has been my secretary, PR woman, and cheerleader ever since. Lloyd Biggle, Jr.; he got my into SFWA. H.L. Gold; he was the first editor who encouraged me to write. And Damon Knight; he bought my work regularly and taught me a great deal.

HN: Who are some of your favorite horror or dark fantasy writers, and why?

GW: Neil Gaiman, of course. He's the master of the quirky idea and the great guru of dialog; and he has more talent and energy than a whole page of the HWA Directory. Brian Hopkins, my friend and a thoughtful writer who knows more about horror than anybody else I've ever met. M.R. James, the Past Master. William Seabrook, for the horror of his real life and because he wrote "The Caged White Werewolf of the Sarban." Jean Ingelow for MOPSA THE FAIRY. Carolyn See for DREAMING. I could go on and on.

HN: Where would you recommend a horror enthusiast begin reading your work? For instance, The Book of the New Sun has its darker moments; the main character is a torturer and the action takes place beneath a dying sun. Would this be a good place for a new reader to begin exploring?

GW: …I agree that would be a good start. Other readers might prefer to begin with a few shorter pieces. If so, I would suggest STRANGE TRAVELERS, particularly "Bluesberry Jam," "One, Two, Three for Me," "Counting Cats in Zanzibar," "The Death of Koshchei the Deathless," "Queen of the Night," "And When They Appear," "The Haunted Boardinghouse," and "Ain't You 'Most Done?"

HN: If a publisher asked you for a collection of your darker stories, which ones would you include?

GW: I've already named a few. Some others are "The Island of Doctor Death and Other Stories," "The Hero as Werwolf," "Three Fingers," "The Death of Dr. Island," "Hour of Trust," "The Doctor of Death Island," "Seven American Nights," "The Tree Is My Hat," "The Friendship Light," "How the Bishop Sailed to Inniskeen," "Houston, 1943," "A Fish Story," "The Eleventh City," "The Night Chough," "A Traveler in Desert Lands," and "The Walking Sticks." Recent stories: "The Card," "The Vampire Kiss," "My Name Is Nancy Wood," "Pulp Cover," "Hunter Lake," and "Black Shoes."

If any editor would like to buy a little ghost story, my agent has "The Gunner's Mate." Inquire at the Virginia Kidd Agency, Inc.

HN: What's an average work day like for you? Do you take any time off from writing?

GW: My radio is set for 5:30; but if I wake up any time after 4:00, I generally stay up. I brush my teeth, make tea, take my eye drops, shave, do some exercises (sometimes...), make coffee, pray, eat breakfast (generally toast or cold cereal), and look at my email. After that I write, usually until eleven. Eight thirty to eleven is pretty typical. After that I take vitamins and play chess against a little computer. If I lose, I let myself know in no uncertain terms that I am a %$&*@#! And a caitiff knave to boot. If there's still time before lunch, I check for email again. After lunch, things get flexible. I may write more, write letters, shop, garden, pay bills, read, research, or what have you. Eventually I take a shower and go to bed. I don't write much on Sunday -- not at all, some Sundays. I don't write when we travel or at cons.

HN: What are you currently working on, and what can we look forward to in the future?

GW: I'm working on SOLDIER OF SIDON, a third novel about Latro. I've almost finished the third draft. I think I'd call the Soldier books historical fantasy. A pirate novel is in the works. Please understand that neither may sell, though I hope they will.

HN: I'm a bit of a music nut, so I always want to know everyone's favorite piece of music. Yours?

GW: Rosemary's the musical one. I like songs, and they are generally songs most other people don't much like. Read "Bluesberry Jam," "Ain't You Most Done?" and "Flash Company." Also CASTLEVIEW. I like Blow Ye Winds in the Morning, Little Black Kiss, Witch of the Westmoorland, Barrette's Privateers, Claire de Lune, Spanish Ladies, Santa Anna, and such like. Hey, I never said I was perfect. I like The Washington Post March because I marched to it so often in high-school ROTC, college ROTC, the Texas National Guard, and the Army. I can hear the sling-swivels jingle again, the rattle of the drums, the tramping boots, and the shouted orders. I like China Night and Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes.

HN: Could you recommend five books everyone should own and tell us why?

GW: Yes and no. The books: The Bible; Rawlinson's four-volume translation of Herodotus' HISTORY; Pope's translations of Homer [THE ILIAD and THE ODYSSEY], and a good dictionary. Explaining why I picked those five would take a lengthy essay.

…I’ll be happy to furnish other titles. What about THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ATLAS OF THE WORLD? Or THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE?

HN: Wonderful.

It's been a pleasure. I'm excited about your upcoming work, especially the pirate novel. The world needs more pirate novels.

GW: I feel the same way. Run out the guns! Signalman, run up the black ensign!

[Gene Wolfe interviewed by David T. Wilbanks]

New Rock and Metal Forum

2010-05-09T15:51:00.002-05:00

Come check it out and sign up if you love rock and metal as much as I do.

Dunderthome!

They Really Like Us

2010-03-31T18:17:00.001-05:00

THE BIG ADIOS forum has been nominated for a Spinetingler Award. If you'd like to vote for the forum--among other good crime fiction stuff--head HERE.

THE OATHSWORN SAGA

2010-03-19T16:20:00.005-05:00

I've just finished reading the second novel in Robert Low's completely satisfying Oathsworn Saga, THE WOLF SEA. If you enjoy historical fiction about vikings and don't mind being right there amidst the buckets of bloodshed and the grittiness of that particular lifestyle, then I think it's safe to recommend these books to you.

A bit of advice though: You do want to read them in order, therefore don't start with THE WOLF SEA or you may feel a bit lost. The one to start with is titled THE WHALE ROAD.

A second bit of advice: The focus is on warriors and so there is much fighting and killing and everything that goes along with it (yes, and even all that other stuff you've heard vikings were capable of). These books are not for the weak-hearted or lily-livered. However, the reader who'd like to experience the cold ocean spray and the heft of a sword or axe will feel right at home. Having mentioned the ocean, a portion of the second book takes place in the desert; those vikings sure got around.

Great writing too.

The Wolf Sea

2010-03-14T12:35:00.002-05:00

Not much to report today. I'm feeling sort of numb toward all Internet activity; sometimes it just seems like an ocean of narcissism--boring. Therefore, I'll keep this post short and semi-sweet.

I'm reading the second book in Robert Low's Oathsworn saga: THE WOLF SEA. Fine as the first one, if not better. If you like historical warrior fiction (vikings in this case), check these books out.

What else? I've been tapping keys on a novel and listening to music. So what else is new?

Take 'er easy.

Books In the Mail

2010-03-10T17:54:00.004-06:00

Greetings, friend!

One of my favorite things is to receive books in the mail. No matter how many times it happens, I still get excited when I see that thick package or box among all the bills and junk mail. So, what came today? I'm so glad you asked.

My buddy Craig Clarke mentioned this one over at Dunderthome!. It's titled BEYOND THE OUTPOSTS by one of my favorite new authors Max Brand. It took me a while to order a copy, but now I finally have it near the top of my considerable to-be-read pile. When Craig recommends a book, you want to pay close attention because he's a fantastic book reviewer as can be witnessed at his popular blog, Somebody Dies. Be sure to bookmark his site and refer to it whenever you want something good to read. You won't be sorry.

So what else did I get? Well, speaking of people who know what they're talking about, someone over at the Robert E. Howard forum recommended THE BROKEN SWORD by Poul Anderson. Considering the year my used copy was released, I find it hard to believe I missed out on this one the first time around--and maybe I didn't. I guess I'll just have to read it and find out if my memory is not serving me. One thing is for sure, that Boris Vallejo cover sure brings back some nice memories.

That's all for now. Keep reading books! They're not only a lot of fun, they're good for you.

A Visit to Half Price Books

2010-03-07T14:48:00.003-06:00

Today, I organized my bookshelves and, as usual, ended up with a pile of books to sell. Since I don't take the time to sell them on eBay, I usually opt for the local Half Price books, which doesn't pay much but at least it gets the books out of the house and into another reader's hands.

Once at the store, waiting for the big bucks to be calculated, one must remain on the premises, so naturally I browse around a bit, sometimes discovering another book to place on the home shelves, sometimes not. Today, I was lucky.

Here's what I purchased with a portion of the pittance they gave me. Both authors are in my top ten list, so I did pretty well.

THE SLEEPER AWAKES - H.G. Wells
THE CROQUET PLAYER - H.G. Wells
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS - H.G. Wells
BLADES OF MARS - Michael Moorcock

Not bad for thirteen bucks, eh? Now you're asking me why I don't already own a copy of THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, and for that, I have no answer. Maybe when I originally read it, it had been a public--or even a school--library copy. Every personal library should have a copy of this classic, as well as all the other swell stuff this author wrote. Hopefully I can hang on to mine this time.

A Little Internet Etiquette for Writers

2010-03-04T18:20:00.002-06:00

Here are some tips for new writers regarding how to interact on the Internet, that is if you want to be seen as a professional and not as a doofus. And yes, I have sometimes shown doofus-like behavior in my more naïve days.

Behave courteously towards everyone. If you act like an ass, the news will spread like wildfire and turn off many a potential reader. Try to stay out of discussions regarding religion, politics or anything else people get defensive about. Trust me, it’s not worth it.

If you tweet on Twitter, only spam your product ten percent of the time. The other 90% of your contributions should be used to interact with others and provide interesting information about anything besides your own glorious self.

If you are a member of a message board community, trust me, no one wants to see your bad-ass banner every time you post. Bigger is not better here; better is having no banner at all. But go ahead and provide a link in your signature to your website, no one will mind. And unless it’s your forum, don’t spam, or at the very least, don’t spam often. Now you might ask, how do I get them to look at my book? Well, if you’re a valuable member of an online community with interesting and helpful things to say, they will automatically follow your oh-so-subtle website link—you know, the one in your signature—and check you out in all your awesomeness. And now you might say, but there’s this one forum I know about where everyone spams their book. Yes, I know about these forums; all I’m saying is that if no one else is doing it, there’s a good chance you shouldn’t be doing it either. It’s always a good idea to read the forum rules before becoming a member and posting.

There are times and places to advertise, just be careful you know what they are so you don’t end up looking like a self-serving schmuck.