Category Archives: Good Book

December 21, 2011

Chatting with Shannon Mayer

I was shocked when I read Shannon Mayer’s blog post about quiting her agent and going indie – not shocked by the act itself, but the information she divulged about traditional publishers.

Me: Hey Shannon, could you please tell us the inside scoop about what’s going on in the publishing industry, from a writer’s pov?

Shannon Mayer: The industry is changing so fast Anne, that by the time this blog post goes up, it could have turned us on our heads once more. But here’s what I know. Agents are getting out of the agenting business, they are setting their clients loose to pursue self publishing because they CAN’T compete.

I mean, if you knew that a Traditional Publishing House (TPH) was only going to give you an advance of $2500 IF it was a really good day, then they would only give you a print run of 6-8k which isn’t even enough books to “pay out” your advance, and now you’re labelled as a “bad selling” author, would YOU do it? If you knew that you could Self Publish (SP) as an Indie Author, make the same $2500 and then some without having to wait to see your book on the virtual shelves, PLUS have complete control over how your book is presented, what is there stopping you? Fear? Yes, I think that is the biggest drawback to being an author, we want validation that we are good enough. I say, let the readers decide what is good and what isn’t.

Agents will be squeezed out by the trends that are happening right now, that is my opinion. They are no longer needed. Authors can self publish and when they do well enough, the TPH will come to them with a deal, no agent involved. There are lots of blogs out there right now that explain how the agents are no longer the gatekeepers to the publishing industry, its a fascinating trend. And really, it only benfits authors.

Me: Self-publishing is amazing, but so many authors out there are badly representing the trend by not having professional editing done on their manuscripts, publishing its first or second draft, promotting themselves as amateurs by having friends rate 5 stars when obviously, the work isn’t. Don’t you think that bad apples will rot the barrel?

Shannon Mayer: It’s like any business. Those that don’t treat it with respect, WILL be weeded out. Even if they have their friends 5 star for them, readers who don’t know them will star their work appropriately. The down side is then the readers may think that ALL indies are so sloppy with their work.
Do I think they will rot out the system? No, but I do think there needs to be a way to SHOW readers who is taking a responsible view of the industry. I wrote a post about dividing Amazon into edited and un-edited Indies for this very reason. Those who take the longer, more difficult road shouldn’t be put in the same barrel as the rotten apples. 🙂 In my opinon.Me: So you do believe there should be a structure for Indie writers? Other than having different categories on Amazon, have you thought of other ways for those who put in the work can get recognition?Shannon Mayer: I think structure would be very good. I think its fabulous that anyone can now publish a book relatively easily, that’s great. BUT, as you pointed out, there are a number of bad apples out there. Okay, more than a number. And the biggest complaint I hear from readers is that the indie authors have books that are riddled with typos, bad grammar, POV shifts, plot arcs that go nowhere, and so on. They aren’t ALL like that, I’ve seen a few that are very well written and obviously have had a lot of care and time put into them.

I think one way might be that when people review a book, there could be a spots where you would star them. Quality of work, Engaging, Satisfaction with story, Unique plot and such. Then, if a book maybe has some poor editing, but is still a unique plot with a story that pulls you along, you might be willing to try that. Some people don’t care about typos, others hate them. If the rating system was broken down, you could easily see where the writers strong points are and judge whether it was worth your time or not.

Me: Famous last words?
Shannon Mayer: Hmm. Famous last words? This isn’t the end of the shift in the publishing world. We, as authors, need to be on top of the changes that keep coming our way, just look at the KDP Select through Amazon and the hububb around that.

It IS a great time to be an author, we just need to remember that doesn’t mean it’s going to be any easier of a road. Getting published, whether you go with a TPH or SP takes dedication, hard work and most of all, good, clean writing.

Shannon Mayer blogs and writes and tweets @TheShannonMayer

14 Comments | tags: Books, Writing | posted in Good Book, Highly recommended

December 5, 2011

Chatting with Lisa Forget

By Anne Michaud

I’ve been meeting such great people from around the world on Kelley Armstrong’s forum, that when I learned that Lisa Forget lived close to me, I almost didn’t believe it! This gal is a well-rounded artist, and with her new short story available at MuseItUp Publishing, she’s now a published author, too.

Me: You’ve kept your approach to romantic vampirism fresh even if it sometimes feel like it’s all been said and done in that genre. What/who inspired Deathly Quiet?

Lisa Forget: First, I want to thank you Anne for inviting me to chat. I’m thrilled you feel my little dark tale might offer something fresh for those who enjoy this genre.

Although, I’ve always loved stories about vampires – especially written in the gothic style – I never intended to write one.

Deathly Quiet was inspired by a little street in Montreal, near where I grew up. Just like Moira, it always intrigued and frightened me and as a child I was convinced the houses on the street were haunted. When I grew up I often drove by Sebastopol street just to soak up the ambiance and to watch the Caleche drivers tend the horses in the stables that exist there even today. One night, after driving through that part of town, I set my mind to writing a dark tale about an young woman coming face to face with terror. Writing the story “by the seat of my pants” I started with a young Irish girl named Moira, a creepy street named Sebastopol Row, an inky-black crow and a pool of dripping blood and let the words flow. The moment I penned the stranger stepping out of the shadows – he bared his teeth at me. That’s when I knew he was a vampire. Perhaps my deep-rooted feelings about the street, the stables, the houses, coloured my story and my love of the gothic style decided my traditional treatment of him. In a way it was as though one of my childhood nightmares had come to life.

Me: Loving this – I do the same, Iinspire myself from what surrounds me, and then of course I twist it into my own darkness. When you write, do you need to be in a frame of mind? Do you put music on? Does it influence your writing?

Lisa Forget: Usually, I only sit down to pen a story if I’m in the right mood. The only time I “force” myself is if I’m doing NaNoWriMo or editing. However, sometimes I do put on music to heighten creativity right before I sit down at the computer. I usually turn the music off once I begin typing. Yes, I’d say music does influence my writing. Three bands who get my creative juices flowing are Hedley, Coldplay and Muse. Their music and lyrics touch me and spark ideas.

Me: What are you future writing plans? Other paranormal short stories in the works? Or maybe a novel?

Lisa Forget: At the moment, I’m awaiting the first edits from my publisher for a YA short story entitled “Leapling”It’s slated for February 2012. And, I’m writing some dark shorts for a project I’m collaborating on with Pat Hollett and Tammy Crosby – an anthology called “Bleeding Ink – a collection of Dark Tales.” We’re compiling a collection of creative and dark stories from talented writers like you Anne….hint, hint.

My plan is to finish the stories I started…. LOL! I have several. What I’m presently working on is “The Guardian of Secrets” – a paranormal romance. I’m also editing two completed novels, “The Powers Within” (YA) and “Love Eternal” another paranormal romance. “Love Eternal” was the very first writing project I completed a few years ago based on a 5th century Welsh legend. Once I’m done the edits I plan to submit the stories to my publisher. Hopefully they’ll like them and I’ll have reason to write a sequel to Powers and finish the sequel to Eternal!

Deathly Quiet is a hauting tale of love and regret, get it now!

7 Comments | tags: Books, Inspiration, Writing | posted in Good Book, Highly recommended, Short Fiction, YA

December 1, 2011

The City of Hell bugs are on the loose!

By Anne Michaud

The day has come: the horror anthology City of Hell has launched, and everyone can finally be scared out of their wits. I’ve never been part of a project getting so many good reviews before, so I’ll just say this – buy it.

Paperback

Kindle

I didn’t feel like posting a Fridayflash this week, instead here are the very first words that will appear in Wild Swan. Not a prologue per se, more like a poetic warning about the book. Ready? Go!

Fire, Let It Burn

Fire, See How It Feels

Forthcoming Fire

You like? Me too. It’s totally copyrighted, so don’t even try.

13 Comments | tags: Books, Writing, Young Adult | posted in All about me, myself and I, Good Book, Highly recommended, YA

November 18, 2011

Interview From Hell, the saga

By Anne Michaud

I am extremely proud to be part of the Anachron Press horror anthology City of Hell – Chronicles 1 coming out this December. Kendall Grey (you know her, right? such a cool/crazy writer to stalk) orchestrated The Interview From Hell – follow the links at the end of this post to find out other hellish memories…

Kid from Hell

Colin Barnes:

The annoying child across the street to me. Their back garden isn’t far from mine and they have one of those annoying trampolines inside a net. He bounces on that damned thing screaming and shouting at all hours. Drives me nuts. I have considered a sniper rifle.

Victoria Griesdoorn:

During birth I broke my collar bone and the doctors never noticed. My mom saw a nurse for a post-natal check up two weeks later and asked whether it was normal that I was a happy baby but started crying as soon as my mom picked me up. The nurse found the broken bone and assured my mom it wasn’t her fault. My mom must have thought I hated her.

Ren Warom:

I have three – I call them the spawn and they are the burning plasma at the heart of my world and the single reason I will go bat-crazy and drooling before I hit my prime 🙂

Kendall Grey:

As a former middle school teacher, I have a long list of kids from hell, but there was only one I grabbed by the shirt collar and nearly punched. Spawned straight from Satan’s wanton loins, this little shit made it his business to keep all the teachers on Prozac. Years later, I was talking to a substitute teacher at school and thought he looked familiar. I asked his name. It was the kid from hell! All grown up now, he’s the nicest dude.

Anne Michaud:

Aren’t they all from Hell? I mean, really: the crying, the nagging, the demands and diapers. I rest my case.

Belinda Frisch:

Any kid that trashes my house, fails to follow rules, cries excessively, or messes with my pets is a kid from hell.

Amy Overley:

The kid from hell was a little boy named Adam Snavely. Yes, Adam, I’m naming names, dude. I was a kid too at the time, and we knew each other from church. CHURCH, people. Where we’re supposed to love each other like Jesus…or something along those lines. Adam, however, loved staplers. He loved stapling me in particular. I would run every Sunday after church to cower behind my mother’s skirt. My mother, of course, took Adam to task, but his mother would say with a cheerful smile, “boys will be boys.” Really, I should have kicked him in the gonads.

Friend from Hell

Colin Barnes:

I once had a friend who did a terrible and highly illegal thing and had to move to Cornwall to escape the wrath of the family of the person on the end of this terrible thing. On the upside, the only way he could afford his rent was to let the landlord do certain ‘things’ to him against his will to make up the shortfall in the rent.

Victoria Griesdoorn:

The only times I ever hated a friend was the dreaded Sunday mornings. Growing up, I used to always be outside, playing or hanging out on the streets. Back then shops were closed on Sundays and my friend’s family slept in. I was bored to tears every time. I still hate Sunday mornings.

Ren Warom:

Huh. Easy. Sharon. Nightmare. Black hole human. Friend at my second senior school. Needless to say I will NEVER be guilt-tripped into being friends with someone ever again. Back-stabbing cow she was. Told everyone I’d gone nuts when I left school due to having enough of being bullied by people who hated HER. Bitch. I’m totally over it… 😛

Kendall Grey:

I have a few, but I won’t name them. To stay off Kendall’s Friend from Hell list, follow these simple rules. 1) Don’t push your kids off on me. I don’t care how sweet they are. I don’t want them around without you there. 2) Don’t use me. Contrary to popular belief, I can be very kind and giving. If you take advantage of me, I will fuck you up. 3) Be there for me like I’m there for you.

Anne Michaud:

Stephanie was her name: she stole my Smurf ballerina, a French dress for my favorite doll, my Halloween candy and tried to make me fall off my bicycle. Needless to say, we stopped being friends after she brought matches to my sixth birthday party.

Belinda Frisch:

Any friend that betrays my trust, covets what’s mine, lies to my face, or uses me for what they can get and then are never there in return is a friend from hell.

Amy Overley:

Her name was Sandy, and she had hair the color of old cherry Koolaid and a carrot-tinted complexion from too much time at the tanning bed. Sandy was the sort who loved you at first sight and regurgitated her entire life story onto you within minutes of clasping you to her hefty bosom. Sandy was fine until she got drunk, and then she was “Handsy Sandsy.” Woe to the man who stumbled across her path at a party. It didn’t matter if you were gay or straight. If you had a package, her hands were on it. Damn, I miss her at parties.

Check out the rest of the City of Hell crew’s Interview From Hell:

November 14: Colin Barnes – Ride from Hell; Boss/Coworker from Hell

November 15: Victoria Griesdoorn – Pet from Hell; Car from Hell

November 16: Ren Warom – Day from Hell; Illness from Hell

November 17: Kendall Grey – Vacation from Hell; Family Member from Hell

November 18: Anne Michaud – Kid from Hell; Friend from Hell

November 21: Belinda Frisch – Binge from Hell; Book from Hell

November 22: Amy Overley – Meal from Hell; Bug Bite from Hell

6 Comments | tags: Books, Horror, Writing | posted in Good Book, Highly recommended, Short Fiction

September 23, 2011

Tattered Souls volume 2 softcover GIVEAWAY!

By Anne Michaud

WIN a softcover copy!

It’s my first, I’m nervous…Tattered Souls Volume 2 anthology features my novelette Misery of Me. Beware: this lit horror collection of dark stories and even darker characters might not be suitable for impressionable youngsters.

The rules are simple:

You MUST follow me on Twitter
You MUST subscribe to my blog
You MUST leave a comment with a valid email address

The lucky winner will be drawn on Monday, October 3rd, at noon, Montreal time. This giveaway is open to international participants – I will pay for shipping and handling of the softcover – and I will check if all rules have been applied.

Good luck everyone:)

29 Comments | tags: Books | posted in All about me, myself and I, Good Book, Highly recommended

September 22, 2011

Chatting with Samantha Young

By Anne Michaud

Here is one hell of a YA fantasy writer who is not afraid of the dark…

AM: The world around the Soul Eaters is really unique, but what strikes me as even more original is your main character Eden: she’s a self-proclaimed bitch with no friends but one, and we still root for her and identify with her struggles against her family of psychopaths. Who or what inspired you to go against current of nice and sweet mcs?

Samantha Young: The world of Warriors of Ankh was actually built around Eden’s character. I wanted a real challenge when it came to writing my next mc. I wanted to create a character the reader still liked despite the darkness within her. I’m always fascinated by those kinds of characters in tv and books because they make you question your perspective and I guess, at first, I was experimenting to see if I could do that too. I’m so happy to see from the reviews so far that I’ve achieved that.

AM: Oh, you have, because despite this terrible fate awaiting her, we want her to win in the end. Tell me about the challenge of the world you’ve built – it’s freaking dark, which is my favorite atmosphere – how did you come up with it?

Samantha Young: The most challenging element of the world building was actually how dark I could make it for the genre it’s in. I wanted Eden’s home life to be disturbing, not only to highlight what she finds so beautiful about her friendship with Noah, but also to remind the reader that there is a part of Eden that hungers for that same darkness. There wasn’t any one particular book or movie that triggered ideas but over the last year or so I’ve read a number of YA books that pushed the boundaries a little and they definitely gave me the courage to up the creep factor.

AM: Oh Sam, I’m all about darkness, which is why I liked your book so much. For Rebel, The Hunger games highly influenced me, not only for a strong and intelligent MC, but to go to a dark extend in the premise. How about you, which books inspired you? I. Want. Titles.

Samantha Young: A series that really inspired me to push the boundaries was Holly Black’s The Modern Faerie Tales. The second book, Valiant, is one of my favourite novels ever and Black is so wonderfully unafraid to delve into darker subject matter. There is a sinister quality to these books I just LOVE. Also Kelly Creagh’s Nevermore and JL Bryan’s Jenny Pox. Bryan has a very ‘take no prisoners’ attitude with his writing that I so admire, he just says it how it is, and that really inspired me to attempt the same.

AM: So what’s next for you? You’re such a prolific author, I’m intrigued on how many projects you can handle at once!

Samantha Young: Well some of the projects I’ve released this year I had already written a good while back so that gave me a head start when it came to self-publishing. But I do have quite a few projects planned for the end of the year and next year so I’m intrigued to see how I handle it all too, lol. I’m releasing the first book in my new series Fire Spirits. Book One is titled Smokeless Fire and it’s a YA Paranormal Romance. This series is based on the real legends of the Jinn, twisted by a little creative license on my part. At present I plan to release four books for this series, a third and final instalment for Warriors of Ankh, a sequel to Slumber and a spin-off series to my Lunarmorte books from now until 2013. Uh… we’ll see how it goes…

Samantha Young blogs, where all her titles are available.

26 Comments | tags: Books, Inspiration, Writing, Young Adult | posted in Good Book, Highly recommended, YA

September 19, 2011

Award Season Book Giveaway

By Anne Michaud

Notice the pretty lace and teacup

After the journey to Versatile Blogger came the surprise of Cute Blogger and the creation of Minions of Misery—now, it’s time for the road to One Lovely Blog award. Julie Particka and Lisa Forget are both lovely blogging ladies, and have bestowed upon me this sweet (and sour) nomination.

7 things about myself and 15 lucky nominees: easy-peasy right? Wrong.

I hate to divulge anything about myself, whether it’s personal or not.
I have a super-duper expressive face, which means I can’t hide anything.
I’m mega tall, so it’s quite hard to hide. Period.
My hazel eyes are the mirror to my soul, they reflect hate and love, at the same time, on occasions.
When I get nervous, my tongue gets tied and my hands fly about. Super attractive.
There’s no way I can lie, so don’t even try to make me.
I wish I was elegant but with my clown feet, it’s just not possible.

There, happy? Now you know who to look for in a crowd.

On a brighter note, here are my 15 Lovely Blogger Award nominees who have great blogs you *must* check out!

Misery of Me is in there...

In honor of this blog-awards season and the long autumn nights looming on the horizon, I am giving away a copy of the Tattered Souls Volume 2 anthology, which features my novelette Misery of Me. Beware: this lit horror collection of dark stories and even darker characters might not be suitable for impressionable youngsters.

Here are the giveaway specifics:

You MUST follow me on Twitter
You MUST subscribe to my blog
You MUST leave a comment with a valid email address

The lucky winner will be drawn on Monday, October 3rd, at noon, Montreal time. This giveaway is open to international participants, and I will check if all rules have been applied.

Good luck and have a lovely blog-hopping dayJ

16 Comments | tags: Books | posted in All about me, myself and I, Good Book, Short Fiction

September 12, 2011

Meet Jory, survivor in the City of Hell

By Anne Michaud

Welcome to the City of Hell…

There is no god, no angels, no redemption. There is no hope, only suffering. The great Ant-headed Old-One has risen and brought hell to earth. The land is scorched and the human race decimated, eaten or tortured. Only three cities remain, a crumbled dying version of their former selves: London, Moscow and Hong Kong. The Old-One’s own City of Hell dominates most of North America. Its diabolical influence has turned ordinary citizens into torturers, debased slaves, lunatics and zealots.

With an eruption at Yellowstone, the likes of which humanity had never seen before, The Old-One tore apart the land, and ascended to rule, aided by its faithful army of acolytes. From the core of the earth it crawled up on to the land, spreading disease and insanity to all corners of the globe. (written by Colin Barnes)

And yet, a 15 year old girl survives…

She lost her mother in a brundlefly attack 8 months ago, after her father never came home from a Hu’ meeting with the neighborhood survivors. Finding refuge with her brother in the London underground, she struggles through the soldier ant attacks, the violence and death surrounding them, without food and little shelter. Every day, the Bébittes take more lives, and when her brother is eaten by a hungry flock of centipedes, there’s nowhere left to run, no place to hide.

Meet Jory, 15 years old with a death wish to burn London in her wake.

The City of Hell Chronicles tell the tales of survival, death and debauchery. Coming out December 2011

12 Comments | tags: Books, Writing, Young Adult | posted in Good Book, Highly recommended, Short Fiction, YA