Books read in 2012: No. 30 -- Harvest of War

by Charles Allen Gramlich

Started: April 8
Finished: April 8

Notes: Charles Gramlich writes in numerous different genres of fiction, but epic fantasy is not one I normally associate with him. So, that being said, when I found out Charles had a story available in the genre, I had to snag it up.

Mini review: Now this is what epic fantasy should be all about. Plenty of action but also plenty of thought. And who says a story about orcs can't be touching? To all my epic fantasy pals reading this, you need to check out this e-book by Charles.

Books read in 2012: No. 29 -- The Voice (Tales of the Endlands)

by Scott Fitzgerald Gray

Started: April 7
Finished: April 8

Notes: This short story by Gray, a fellow member of the Monumental Works Group, is now available by itself but will soon be part of a collection titled Shadow to Shadow: Dark Tales of The Endlands. His writing is good enough to have made me jealous on a few occasions, so here I go again, expecting to be jealous. Again.

Mini review: I have to say, there was quite the beautiful, almost lyrical language here in numerous spots. At first this struck me as a little unusual (though not in a bad way) for what seems to be part of an epic fantasy tale and/or world, but it fit the story perfectly, giving a depth I find often lacking in such literature. Again, Scott Fitzgerald Gray has surprised and impressed me. I will be quite shocked if in 10 years his name is not mentioned alongside those of Martin, Erikson and the like.

Interview with author Kathleen Valentine

1.) For those who don't know you, Kathleen, can you tell us a little about yourself as a writer and your books?

I was born and grew up in the Allegheny highlands of Pennsylvania among people who were storytellers. All my life I listened to my parents, aunts and uncles, and their friends tell stories about things that had happened, about the “Old Country”, about their lives. As a child I loved those stories. My first novel, The Old Mermaid's Tale, is a love story about a young woman who collects sea lore stories and the singer/songwriter she falls in love with. To me stories are what keep the past alive and perpetuate culture and traditions.

2.) What do you look for in a good book?

As Sol Stein says, “I want to fall in love.” I look for something that fascinates my imagination – a wonderful character, an intriguing setting, a compelling plot. I don't have as much time to read as I would like to have so I want to be engaged and sucked into the story. If characters are superficial or cliché, I lose interest quickly.

3.) As an indie author, do you aspire to work with a traditional publisher, or are you happy as an independent?

I love being independent. I started my own press, Parlez-Moi Press in 2003. It was slow going in the beginning but since the digital revolution things have really taken off and I'm thrilled.

4.) When reading, do you prefer print books or e-books? Or does it matter?

It depends. I do love the feel of a beautifully bound, deckle-edge hard-over, but I also like the convenience of my Kindle. It doesn't really matter to me once I get sucked into the story.

5.) A genie makes you an offer. Either your next novel will be a huge, runaway success that will bring you millions of fans and dollars, or your next novel will go relatively unnoticed on the larger scene but will draw tons of praise from critics and literary circles (universities, professors, etc.). Which do you pick?

LOL! That's not fair! Of course I long to write a book that will be recognized for its literary merit but, above all, I'm a storyteller and I want people to read and love my stories, so I guess I'd have to go with the former. Not so much because of the fame and fortune, although that would be nice, but because I want people to read my stories.

6.) What's your favorite brand of peanut butter?

Teddy's - the All Natural kind without salt because the nuts are crunchier that way.

7.) What's your favorite word?

I've always had a fondness for "troubador."

8.) If you could have any other name than the one you currently have, what would it be?

Actually, I love my name but I wish people would remember the “Kathleen” part and quit calling me “Karen.” That has gotten very old.

9.) Is it true you are hiding under government protection? If so, why? Spill it!

Shhh, it all began on a hot summer night in Galveston when there was a hurricane forming out in the Gulf and we'd been drinking Jose Cuervo all afternoon and then this guy showed up with a van full of hula dancers and, well, I'm sure you can imagine how all that turned out.

You can find out more about my books at my web site: KathleenValentine.com and at my blog: ParlezMoiBog.blogspot.com. Or by visiting my press: ParlezMoiPress.com

Interview with author Caddy Rowland

1.) Caddy, the third novel in your Gastien Beachamp series is scheduled to come out this spring. Can you tell us a little about the series, the characters, the plots, etc.?

Gastien Part 1: The Cost of the Dream is about Gastien’s coming of age and his struggle living on the streets of Paris. He is trying to find a way to become an artist with his own studio (peasants did not own property then) and learn how to be a great lover. He is poor and from the country, with no formal art training. He was physically abused by his father and has emotionally shut off. The tagline for this book is “Sometimes the 'impossible' is possible. But the cost can be extremely high.”

Gastien Part 2: From Dream to Destiny picks up right where Part 1 stops. Gastien is now in a studio and living his dream: painting, sex, and partying. This takes place during the bohemian artist era of Paris, where vices of all kinds were legal and anything was acceptable. Then Sophie appears and they fall in love. It asks the age old question: Can a man driven by his calling truly find time to love? And, if he does, what are the repercussions?

This series is dramatic historical fiction and family saga. The first two books are dark, emotional character studies for adults. However, there is also humor. The third book moves into another generation of the family. It, too, will be emotional and a study of the various desires of the main character and how those desires affect his life and the people around him.

People who have read the first two say they can’t remember a book that made them feel so many emotions and that they cannot get Gastien out of their head for weeks.

2.) Your novels are steeped in the history of mid-19th Century France. What books and other material have you studied to bring a sense of realism to your historical writings?

I did a ton of online and book research. Three of the books that helped me the most were: Bohemian Paris (Culture, Politics, and the Boundaries of Bourgeois Life, 1830-1930) by Jerrold Seigel, Montmartre by Philippe Jullian, and (A Mecca of Modern Art 1860-1920) Paris Montmartre by Sylvie Buisson and Christian Parisot.

3.) Who are some of Gastien's historical and literary ancestors, if there any? Scaramouche? Casanova?

I don’t know that any stand out as much as Gastien himself. He was definitely one of a kind. He was way ahead of others in regard to his painting and a true nonconformist. Gastien did what he needed to do to realize his dream and, later, to keep living it -- regardless of how others judged him.

4.) Would you want to meet Gastien? Why or why not?

I would LOVE to meet Gastien! I am also an artist and would love to learn some technique from him. Also, he is extremely good looking. It never hurts to view a little eye candy.

5.) What are some of your future plans for your writing?

Continuing The Gastien Series (there will be 4 or 5 in the series) and then writing some other fiction that is bouncing around in my head.

6.) You are on a ship sinking just off a deserted island. You have clothes and some food, but only enough time to grab one more box before the ship goes under and leaves you stranded. So, which do you grab, the box of chocolates, the box of wine, or the box of books?

The books. Wine would be nice, but would soon be gone; as would the chocolates, but the books can help me escape to another world until I am rescued. Plus, with any luck, one might give me hints on how to survive until then.

For more about Caddy Rowland:
Blog: Caddy Rowland, Writer of Fiction, Painter of Life and Energy
Gastien Fanpage on Facebook
Twitter feed

Buy links:
Gastien Part 1: The Cost of the Dream
Available in Paperback at CreateSpace
Available on Amazon.com for Kindle
Available on Barnes & Noble.com for NOOK

Gastien Part 2: From Dream to Destiny
Available in Paperback at CreateSpace
Available on Amazon.com for Kindle
Available on Barnes & Noble.com for NOOK

Books read in 2012: No. 28 - Curious Myths of the Middle Ages

by Sabine Baring-Gould

Started: April 2
Finished: April 7

Notes: This freebie e-book was originally published in 1867. Though it's obviously outdated, I still like to look back on what earlier eras thought of even earlier eras. Glancing over the table of contents, I'm at least vaguely familiar with most of the topics to be covered here, but there were a few things new to me.

Mini review: As predicted, not a lot new here for me, but it was an easy enough read and I picked up a few ideas for stories. Not the most exciting of reading, but I've read worse. Also not overly informative, but does cover the basics of a dozen or so myths with many references to older (sometimes much older) sources of information, which was appreciated.

Horror, fantasy author J.R. Leckman interviewed

1.) What draws you to writing mainly fantasy and horror literature?

I have this philosophy about video games. I refuse to play sports games, because I can play those games in real life. Instead, I prefer to play games where you're the mighty wizard, throwing fire and lightning at monsters in the woods, because whenever I attempt to do that in real life, I get kicked out of Walmart ... again.

The same thing goes for books. I can create those experiences, not only for myself, but others. Fantasy is my "for fun" genre of choice, where horror seems to be something I am just better at. I have had a couple of (very generous) people refer to some of my horror stories as similar to Dean Koontz, who was one of my favorites growing up. There is something about exploring both the dark and beautiful places of my own mind, and then sharing that with others that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Likely, I will stray into some other genres (such as sci-fi, which is NOT the same as fantasy), and if I can ever find the necessary foresight, I would love to write something similar to Picoult.

On the subject of horror, I also want to be part of the change it needs. While few will dispute that King is the master, I think he is one of the few true teller of tales left. I love watching scary movies. I love reading scary stories. I often feel that the eighties and nineties were the golden age of horror, and we've lost touch with what truly scares us. There is a difference between what scares us and what grosses us out. Thrillers are great, but they aren't necessarily horror. When I ask people about what scares them, they seldom answer in terms of that feeling of helplessness, but rather discuss that scene from that one movie that had a lot of blood in it. Really good ghost stories are hard to find these days, but I do think they are making a comeback.

2.) Your blog mentions you want to be a high school science teacher. If one of your books suddenly made you somewhat wealthy, would you still want to teach? Or focus upon your writing?

I currently am a high school teacher! If I got wealthy from one of my books, it would depend on which one. If it was  one of my darker tales (I have a couple), then I would probably quit out of necessity. People don't want Chuck Palahniuk teaching their kids science.

If I could continue to work, I would most likely try and teach a couple of classes. That's actually what I am doing now, is working part time until the end of the semester. It gives me time to write and to interact with other people. Now, if I were to become J.K. Rowling type wealthy, it would probably be in my best interest to quit. That kind of wealth comes with fame that would make teaching a problem, in my opinion.

3.) Who are some of your favorite authors?

King and early Koontz were among my favorites, horror wise. Tad Williams, Terry Brooks, and Zelazny were also my favorites. Truthfully, I keep up with them all from time to time, but I'm trying to explore new options, particularly in horror.

4.) It's night when you hear a noise outside your house. You look out the front door and see a giant of a man standing there wearing a hockey mask and carrying a blood-drenched machete in one hand. He is staring right back at you. What do you do?

Tell him there are no teenagers here and quietly close the door. Truthfully, I would take one of two approaches. I am a big guy myself. If I believed I could close the gap, I would go for it. I've spent the last couple of years learning Hou Quan (monkey boxing). Those hockey masks have nice big holes for me to sink my fingers through. As long as I could dodge that machete, it wouldn't be hard to swing around, collapse the leg, and try to blind him.

If I couldn't close the gap, I would make a hasty run to the kitchen for a pair of skillets. That way I would have something that could deflect a machete, hopefully long enough to brain him. Now, all of this is fine, unless I'm dealing with a vengeful spirit. At that point, hit him with salt. If that doesn't work, run to the car, burn rubber to the nearest 24-hour Walmart, and hang out where plenty of people can see you. Preferably back in sporting goods. That way, if the power is cut, I'm by the guns and propane tank.

5.) Do you believe in ghosts?

I would like to. I've captured EVP before, but until I have a more definitive experience, I can only make assumptions. Personally, it would fall in with my own personal beliefs, but who knows what that bump in the night really is? I've actually done a LOT of research into the paranormal, even so far as trying to join a local group (who could only meet on kung fu nights, so I didn't go). If I ever did encounter one, I would try and avoid a negative reaction (such as screaming and freaking out). It seems like that disrupts the experience, causing the ghost to disappear.

Ghosts really are interesting. The idea that the spirit of the deceased can still be hanging around is an idea that stretches across the globe and centuries of experience. It is very rare to see such ideas spread across many cultures, and that usually tells me that there must be some truth to the tales.

6.) Coke or Pepsi?

Pepsi, but I'm fairly indifferent overall. I prefer Mt. Dew and Dr. Pepper to either. Truthfully, I have had a hankering recently for Crystal Pepsi, but I don't think it's gonna happen.

Find out more about J.R. Leckman online at his blog and:
Amazon
Smashwords

Books read in 2012: No. 27 -- About a Boy

by Nick Hornby

Started: March 31
Finished: April 3

Notes: I've read one other novel by this author, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Also, I've seen a couple of movies based upon his writing and have enjoyed them as well. So I thought it time to dig in and read another book by this man.

Mini review: I'm glad I read this as an older man and not 20 years ago. Much of the plot revolves around the suicide of Kurt Cobain, believe it or not, which is rather unusual because this isn't even hinted at in the movie. I'm not sure as a twenty-something in the early-to-mid 1990s that I could have come to this novel properly because of my inexperience as a youth. A big part of this novel, especially the end, is about growing up, but it's also about changing, even as an adult. I don't think I would have understand any of that 20 years ago, or even 15 years ago. That and the then pain of Cobain's suicide would have been a bit too much for the younger me. As far as my opinion of this novel, it was a good but not great read, but I'm glad I read it.