New Short Story Release - A Monster in the Woods

Last week, upon the release of my latest novel, Lord of the Dead, I also released my first short story targeted at young readers.  It is titled, A Monster in the Woods.

I've had this story floating around in my head for awhile.  If you like the movie Super-8, you'll like this story.  It's the tale of Todd Evans and his life-long wish to see a monster.  He learns that it isn't always good to get what you wished for.

A Monster in the Woods (Amazon)

Interview with Owen Baillie

Owen Baillie lives in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and three children. He grew up reading Stephen King, Richard Matheson, and Jean Auel, amongst others. He loves hearing a good story, particularly with a fantastic element and his bookcases are filled with an eclectic mix of authors. His writing is the first priority of the day before he heads off to my full time job!

Why do you write about dark and scary things? 
I love a good scare, and am heavily influenced by Stephen King and Richard Matheson. I the idea of spooky things of which we don’t know too much, is appealing. 

What is your latest project/release and what is it about? 
I currently finishing off book II in my Invasion of the Dead series - Aftermath, book I, was released in November last year to more success than I ever anticipated.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer and how do you go about the writing process? 
I realised I wanted to write a long time ago after reading the Green Mile. For me, writing a story is an ongoing process. It starts with an idea, then more ideas that I have to connect. I then form a rough outline, and start writing. It never ends up the way I expected.

What advice do you have for other writers? 
The only way to do it is spend time crunching out words, good or bad. The more you write, the better you’ll become. It’s like when swimmers talk about needing a certain amount of time in the pool, or runners on the track - writers need time in the chair, and everyday, without fail. 

What’s up next for you? 
Book III in the series, then a sci-fi thriller I’ve outlined, which I’m quite excited about.

What is it like being a writer in Australia?
It’s a minor point of difference being from Australia, as there aren’t too many of us. Placing my story here has helped sell books, I’m sure.

Owen Baillie Bibliography

Aftermath: Invasion of the Dead

Murder Inc.

The Perils of Adultery

Interview with Catt Dahman

Catt Dahman Interview

Catt Dahman is an eclectic author of over 20 books cross several genres -- be it horror, sci-fi, and crime.  Her work career is just as diverse as her fiction as she has been a teacher, private investigator, author, and owner of a small press (J. Ellington Ashton Press).  Along with work, she also is interested in scuba diving, gardening, and reading.

Why do you write about dark and scary things?
* My grandparents' home was always considered to be "haunted" so I grew up with spooky experiences that were "the norm". I think life, in general can be scary with the unknown, cruelty of humans, nature, science, and history. I mean, I watched a show about ants and termites and it was very scientific, but it was scary to think tiny creatures have such abilities and interesting lives. I  guess we all define 'scary' as different. I write about what I find normal or interesting, with a twist and it becomes scary; I think it's how I examine my feelings about different topics.

What is your latest project/release and what is it about?
*Right now, I am pretty heavily into a  1970s crime/mystery/thriller series. it's really just like zombies or vampires or apoc-stories...it's a vehicle...but I still explore things. In this series, I have gotten to look at history, women's roles, science, and the beginnings of the FBI. I studied criminal psychology and law so this is my chance to use my education. We've come a long way in the last 30ish years and I am having fun with exploring how criminology has changed.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer and how do you go about the writing process?
* I loved writing scary stuff way back when I was in about 6th grade but didn't have maturity. I really didn't have the life skills and experience until I was over 30. I hand wrote things...westerns...a huge zombie series...but didn't do anything with it, really, until about 2 years ago. Out of no where, I decided to write after seeing the changes Kindle was causing in the writing world. I landed a writing contract for 9 books in  a series within a half a year and have produced about 25 books now. I still have 10 or so I have not typed yet to release.   As far as writing, I get a weird interest or idea, research and find weird and amazing connections to other areas and begin to write. I never plan endings or outline; I just type and tell beginning to end and do very few content edits afterwards.

What advice do you have for other writers?
*Not helpful advice. I say to expect to spend for a good editor, pay for a good cover, learn or pay for formatting, and go first with presses. Listen to presses and what they suggest. Not everyone is a writer, but learning rules of grammar  can help. Read everything. Always be gracious.

What’s up next for you?
* More horror, westerns, historical horror, maybe sci-fi based horror. The best part, like when I write a book....I never know where I will go and what I will find. I like that. Not knowing is kind of fun!

Catt Dahman Bibliography (Partial)

Of Blood and Water

Alice in the 9 Circles of Wonderhell

Smooth

Titanic 1912

Interview with Eloise Knapp

Eloise Knapp Interview

Eloise Knapp is a multi-talented designer and author who makes Seattle her home.  Her breakthrough book, The Undead Situation (published by Permuted Press), takes a unique perspective on a zombie outbreak.  Her latest book, Pulse, is a leading seller on Amazon in Post-Apocalyptic fiction.  She has an eclectic set of hobbies which includes guns, baking, and quilting.

Why do you write about dark and scary things?

I've been infatuated with things that scare me since I was a little kid. All my aunts and uncles loved Twin Peaks and X-Files. My grandpa would tell me classic horror stories like "the hook hand on the car door" and such. It definitely stuck, and here I am!

What is your latest project/release and what is it about?

My latest release is a book called Pulse. It is about a deadly parasite that makes people go insane and become extremely violent.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer and how do you go about the writing process?

I've always written little stories here and there. I didn't know I wanted to write whole novels until one of my family members did. I felt inspired, and like it was something I could do. For my writing process, I usually let an idea percolate for a few months before I start to write. I do outlining, and a bit of writing by the seat of my pants.

What advice do you have for other writers?

Write every day. Even if you only write a couple hundred words, you have to get into the habit. Writing is a muscle you have to work out.

What’s up next for you?

I'm finishing the last book in my Cyrus V. Sinclair trilogy, then after that... the world!

Eloise Knapp bibliography:

The Undead Situation

The Undead Haze

Pulse

Lord of the Dead Launch Party

Launch Party This Friday, March 14, starting at 4:00 PM

Lord of the Dead, the long awaited sequel to Sanctuary from the Dead, gets its official release on Friday, March 14 starting at 4:00 PM ET and running until 9:00 PM. This sequel picks up a few months after Joel and his fellow survivors have found a new home away from the city and the hordes of undead. Just as they start to settle into a routine of daily survival a new and deadly enemy appears to threaten everything Joel and his friends hold dear.

It all happens here on my writer's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/RjSpearsWriter

They’ll be free short stories, other giveaways, trivia, and author interviews. Please plan to come