Kathryn Meyer Griffith is a fellow author from Damnation Books. She’s also a wife, a mother, and a grandmother who worked in the corporate world for twenty-three years as a graphic designer and have been writing now for about thirty-nine years; the last ten years full time.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
From about nine years old I wanted to be an artist. I wanted to grow up and be rich and famous for it. I started drawing objects, mainly horses and cats, and could reproduce almost anything in realistic detail. As one child of seven in a big, poor family that was my way of standing out. It also impressed the nuns to no end at my catholic grade school that I could exactly copy a holy card. Ha, ha.
When and why did you begin writing?
At twenty one or so I was home, married and bored, after my son was born, and I read this historical romance that was sooo bad…and thought: I could write one better than this! And so, on my old typewriter, using lots of white-out because I’d never learned to type, I tried to write one. Twelve years later, after I’d grow up a lot (got divorced, went out in the world to work and got remarried) I went back to it and it sold as my second published novel THE HEART OF THE ROSE in 1985….which, by the way, is one of seven of my old Leisure and Zebra paperbacks being revised and rewritten by me and rereleased by Damnation Books and Eternal Press – and in e-books for the first time – in the next twenty months. I just finished rewriting it and was horrified, ironically, to see how bad it was. Well, 39 years ago, I thought, I sure didn’t know much! POV was all over the place and there were way too many adjectives and exclamation marks. I’m so glad I got to rewrite it.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Strangely, not until I’d had seven novels published. It was 1994. But truthfully, it’s only been recently that I could call myself a real writer and not feel like a fraud or pretentious…with all the books (14 now) and short stories (7) and a long history of rejections, experiences and years of writing and being published behind me I finally feel like I’m a true writer. I’ve lived the life and paid dearly for it in many ways. I quit a good job many years ago to write; never have made a lot of money, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished over the thirty-nine years and that I never gave up no matter what. At least someday when I’m real old I won’t wish I’d gone after my dream, because I did and though not famous or wealthy, at least, I tried. I did what made me happy.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Stephen King. I know every horror writer probably says that but for me it’s true. Not just because he writes horror but because his writing spans genres. He can write about anything. I admire his courage to do that. Like me, he’s not just a horror writer.
What book are you reading now?
Neferiti by Michelle Moran. At the moment. I’ve also been rereading all of Noel Hynd’s books (who’s also with Damnation Books now). He was one of my contemporaries at Zebra in the early 1990’s and I love his stuff. He’s really good. But I always have to have a book to read. Late at night when my husband is sleeping. It’s my relaxation.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I like to write with the TV on low, never music, in my recliner with my laptop in my lap; a cup of my homemade chocolate coffee and a donut or chocolate to eat.
How many books have you written?
14 novels and 7 short stories. Would be more but I’m in the long tedious process of rewriting seven of my old Zebra and Leisure paperbacks going back 26 years. This, I figure, might take up to a year or more and then I’ll probably start a new book. Right now I’m trying not to let an idea for a new novel take me over, not until I have those seven done.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That sometimes a character (her/his goals and problems, outlook on life with a past that made him/her that way) or characters just take over and the plot forms around them as the book grows. The books take me where they want to go sometimes and I don’t know where it’s coming from. The endings are sometimes a surprise, too.
What do you think makes a good story?
If the reader ends up caring, really caring, for the characters I’ve created. If, during the book, the reader gets carried away to the world I’ve made and, at the end, he or she smiles or cries. Feels something. Then I’ve done my job.
How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
Of course, I grew up poor in a large family, three brothers and three sisters, mom and dad. I was very close to my grandmother (my mother’s mother); she was a real storyteller. There was no money but there was love. I realized at an early age that to be noticed and to be someone in the world I needed to shine in some way. So I started drawing, making good grades and singing. I started singing with my brother, Jim; though I stopped when I got married and branched off into art and writing. So there’s a lot of my childhood, good and bad, in all my books. People not having much but overcoming adversity is a common theme.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Horror. I’ve written paranormal romance, historical and time travel romance, murder mysteries…but the creepy always seems to slip in somewhere, somehow. Ghosts, vampires, possessed guns. I can’t stop it. Ha, ha.
How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
I start with a character or two or three and the plot develops through them. No formulas. No outlines. I just sit down and start writing and the book takes over. I usually have an idea where the plot is going and some kind of ending…but it often changes before I get there.
What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?
Technically speaking? Computers. If I had to still write my books on a typewriter I wouldn’t be writing any more, that’s for sure. Dictionary and thesaurus (never let the computer do the grammar or spell check for you because it doesn’t always do it right). Emotional tools? A thick skin. Self-motivation. Self-discipline. Perseverance. Belief in one self. A sense of imagination. Determination to learn the craft. A writing career is a life-long marathon, not a sprint.
What was your first introduction to horror literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?
When I was in grade school, through the Weekly Reader – remember those? – I ordered a book of ghostly short stories and I was hooked. A story in school called The Lottery. Then came Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Ahhhh.
The perception of the horror writer is that he/she is just a little bit weirder than most. Do you find yourself — and other horror writers — to be more idiosyncratic than the average person?
Not really. I think all writers are a little strange. Mainly because we live in our own little worlds and spend so much time alone controlling our characters in make-believe. Can’t do that in real life. But horror writers are seen as stranger because we often deal with the supernatural and people perceive that as bizarre in itself. Most people don’t believe in ghosts, werewolves and vampires – but think that if you write about them, you believe. I published Witches in 1993 and people actually thought I was a witch! Got lots of threatening calls and mail from it, too. Sheesh. I’m no witch.
What are your current projects?
Well, I just had my 13th novel, an apocalyptic horror saga, BEFORE THE END: A Time of Demons released from Damnation Books, and on Sept. 7, my 14th book, a vampire novel, THE WOMAN IN CRIMSON will be released from Eternal Press. Then I’m rewriting those seven old Leisure and Zebra books from 1984-1994 (Evil Stalks the Night, The Heart of the Rose, Blood Forge, Vampire Blood, The Last Vampire, Witches and The Calling), which will be rereleased with new covers (the ones I’ve gotten so far from DB and EP are fantastic!), in e-books for the first time and in paperbacks, between now and July 2010 from DB and EP. That’s keeping me real busy right now.
Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?
Well, you can go to any of my websites to see all my book covers, excerpts from my newest books, and see/listen to my self-made book trailers with music soundtracks by my singer/songwriter brother JS Meyer (www.jsmeyermusic.com). Look me up! Also, you can e-mail me anytime at rdgriff@htc.net if you’d like to talk to me. I love feedback.
http:// www.myspace.com/kathrynmeyergriffith*See all my new covers and self-made book trailers; some with my singer/songwriter brother Jim Meyer’s original songs!
Mark Edward Hall (a fellow Damnation Books author) is joining us today. Wasps, his first published story, appeared in Raven’s Tale Magazine in 1995. His latest book is a novella entitled The Haunting of Sam Cabot, which was published by Damnation Books in September of 2009. His next book, The Lost Village is available from Damnation in September of 2010.
When and why did you begin writing?
I used to make up all sorts of horror stories when I was a kid and tell them to my friends. It actually became somewhat of an event when we’d get together. People I haven’t seen in years will come up to me and ask if I’m still telling those spooky tales. I tell them yeah, but now I write them down. I guess I’ve always had the writing bug. In high school I began writing poetry and songs. I’ve always been a song writer and have performed them live for years.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I like to surprise the reader with something new and startling instead of recycling the same old mythos. So yes, coming up with something new and refreshing every time is a challenge.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like playing in my band. It’s just part time now because I simply don’t have the time for anything more. But I still love doing it. I like hanging with my wife Sheila. We’re soul mates. She’s my number one fan, by the way, and I’m hers. She’s a very talented person in her own right. We enjoy antique shows and flea markets, hunting for rare treasures. We go to camp and hang out at the lake, garden together. Normal, non-horror stuff. Just like everyone else.
How many books have you written?
Actually about six novels with two or three more in different stages of completion. I’ve also written and published two collections of short stories and have been published in magazines such as The Book of Dark Wisdom and anthologies such as the recent Masters of Horror anthology edited by Lee Pletzers.
How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
My love for fiction and especially my love of anything to do with the macabre came from my grandmother Luella who lived with us during my formative years. She was a psychic, a medium and a great story teller. I sat mesmerized for hours on end while she told tales–most of which she professed were true–of the supernatural. She influenced me greatly. She’s why I began telling my own stories.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
Thoughtful sentence structure. I hate clumsy sentences. Good plotting, meaning keeping a coherent structure throughout the writing. Using the right word in the right context.
What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?
A dictionary, a thesaurus, a word processor, The elements of Grammar by Margaret Shertzer and The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. Oh yeah, and a good imagination.
What scares you?
Heart attacks, cancer, auto accidents, plane crashes. Ordinary stuff. It’s why I write horror. It’s a way of dealing with fear. Some people go to church or psychiatrists. I write horror. In a way horror is a rehearsal for death.
What was your first introduction to horror literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson.
Why should fans of horror movies read horror books?
Because books are better than movies. They take you into the heart of a story like no movie ever could. But we live in a fast food society and I realize that a lot of people would rather spend two hours watching a movie than eight or ten hours with a book. It’s the nature of our world. Sad but true.
What one stereotype about horror writers is absolutely wrong? What one stereotype is dead on?
What’s wrong is that we’re all somehow deranged. What’s dead on is that we’re all somehow deranged. You see where I’m going with this? It’s a double edged sword.
What are your current projects?
A supernatural thriller entitled Soul Thief that I’m publishing on my website as a free serial novel, one chapter at a time. We are now up to chapter eighteen. Those who follow along and comment will receive a free signed copy when it’s published. For those interested go to http://www.markedwardhall.com. Plus I’m Just finishing up a new psychological thriller entitled Cross my Heart and Hope to Die, and a post apocalyptic novel entitled On the Night Wind, an epic science fiction thriller entitled Angel Island, plus, my novelette The Fear is being read as an audio book. There will be a worldwide podcast premier sometime in October. For those who are interested in tuning in I’ll give details on my website and my facebook page when I know more.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure, The Lost Village is an epic supernatural thriller. The majority of the story takes place in a small town that has somehow gone adrift from the rest of the world. It’s about a man, a woman and a special little girl who join forces with some of the town citizens in an effort to save themselves and possibly all of humanity from a dark fate. Read more about the book here:http://www.damnationbooks.com/book.php?isbn=9781615721856
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The book is filled with messages of love, hate, good, evil, questions of faith and hope, despair and redemption. It’s up to the readers to choose which ones are right for them.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?
I hope you enjoy The Lost Village. My heart and soul went into that book, and my life is all the richer for writing it. I would like to think that, in some small way, it might enrich the lives of others.
Mark, thank you for visiting and good luck with your latest release.
Recently, I watched The A-Team movie with my sister in the cinema. As we drove, I had serious trepidations because remakes didn’t live up to the original in my opinion. Some even ruined a good memory of a favorite show or movie.
Not in this case. TheA-Team’s plot was substantially thought of, the characters were well rounded, giving Templeton "Faceman" Peckt the chance to show more than just a pretty face, while John "Hannibal" Smith displayed emotions beyond the need for scheming and planning. B.A. Baracus wasn’t all about muscles, he had an issue to deal with, and he did, successfully and convincingly. H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock's insanity was hilarious more than usual, in a good way.
I had no doubt in Liam Neeson’s ability to pull a convincing Hannibal, the veteran actor hasn’t disappointed in any role he took on. The power, confidence, and shrewdness he gave forth were supported magnificently by his looming height. Boy, he’s tall! I can’t resist tall men :-)
Bradley Cooper as Faceman was a treat that shouldn’t be missed. I’ve watched Cooper since his role in the TV series Alias, and had a feeling he would grow into an outstanding actor. As Faceman, Cooper united the playboy, the schemer, and the action hero into one three-dimensional character. It didn’t hurt that he also had a heart. Man, those eyes!
To be frank, I’m not familiar with Quinton Jackson (Rampage Jackson,) haven’t seen him in action before, but he did a brilliant job portraying B.A. Baracus. He’d displayed the kind of loyalty that couldn’t be questioned, leaving no doubt in his inherent good nature, despite his show of power. And the issue I mentioned above, was dealt with swiftly, just like the A-Team would.
Now, the wild card, Sharlto Copley! I had a bit of a problem picturing him as Murdock, my favorite character in the TV show providing the insane relief from all the action. I’ve seen him before only in District 9, which though original in concept, felt too long for my taste. Copley owned the role in The A-Team, his insanity was logical. Does that make sense? Didn’t think so, yet, if you watch the movie you’ll know what I mean. It didn’t hurt to add his good looks to the mix.
The movie is full of action to satisfy the diehards. Rib-tickling comebacks and scenes that elicit laughter appear at the right time unexpectedly.
I blogged today at Damnation Books’ blog about writing and horror in movies.
The driving force behind what I noticed could be inner demons or a subconscious self-medication technique, not sure what exactly causes this phenomenon or theme to take place, but something does. http://damnationbooks.wordpress.com/2010/07/11/horror-and-authors-in-movies/
Check it out, you might come across a movie you know!
Catch you later,
Here's a message from Eternal Press, a great publisher to join :-)
***
The Holidays are just around the corner! We are currently seeking submissions that pertain to the holidays. Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Samhain, New Years, Valentines, St. Patrick’s Day…any holiday at all! This call for submissions will be open until the end of August..so don’t delay…send in your sub now!
Eternal Press Submissions Guidelines
We are currently accepting:
Novellas, and full-length manuscripts from 20,000-140,000 words.
Genres: Romance, Erotica, GBLT and BDSM, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Thriller, Historical, Young Adult.
We are particularly interested in:
* Erotica
* Paranormal (vampire/shapeshifter/witch)
* GBLT
* Romance
* BDSM
* Young Adult
* Longer length novellas and novels
How to Submit to Eternal Press:
Submit a cover letter in the body of the email that contains the following:
* Genre
* Word Count
* Brief Synopsis
* A bit about you
* Your marketing plan should we accept your manuscript for publication.
* Although we like to encourage open, free and creative expression, do let us know whether the piece contains any questionable content. For instance, we allow rape under certain circumstances, but it should not be meant to titillate. Writing about child abuse is one thing, but we aren't interested in seeing the acts described in detail.
We do put disclaimers about content if it could potentially disturb our consumers, so do let us know in advance.
Attach the following to your cover letter in .doc or .rtf format (no .docx):
* For stories under 50k: The complete manuscript with your contact information, title, word count, and genre at the top.
* For novels 50k +, the first three chapters and the last chapter, with your contact information, title, word count, and genre at the top
* Your manuscript should contain either 1-1/2 or double spacing and one inch margins. Use a 12 pt. Book Antiqua font.
Send to Eternal Press with a subject line: SUBMISSIONS_your name_book title to... submissionseternalpress@gmail.com
For more info on our submissions guidelines please visit our website at www.eternalpress.biz
Visit Fang-tastic Books and leave a comment for a chance to win an e-copy of my latest horror/urban fantasy release, Zuphreen.
In the interview, I answer some interesting questions about writing in general and Zuphreen in specific.
If you’ve seen some of my tweets lately, then you’re most probably familiar with my addiction to Columbo, the TV show.
Today’s episode was titled, “A Stitch in Crime,” and the bad guy was a younger Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock in Star Trek.)
He reminded me of someone else, it took me over an hour of watching the show to get the name: David Duchovny or Fox Mulder in The X-Files.
Both have an *alien* connection to thank for their fame. One was an alien, the other looked for the truth behind alien’s existence.
Then there’s their sexual appeal—don’t judge unless you’ve seen at least 5 episodes of each show (X-Files and Star Trek.). Both men/characters are attractive in the strong silent kind, the type too unplayful for his own good at times.
Have you noticed their eyes, the way they engage the viewer with a devastatingly patient stare? Those eyes judge, catalog, and memorize everything about the person in front of them.
To me, that’s sexy, the inherent brooding man.
Then there are those lips. In both shows both sets of lips were used mainly for talking and very minor, if any, kissing. Not much smiling either took place in the lives of Mr. Spock and Mulder.
But man, oh man, let a smile break through, and BAM! Something shifts, forcing the viewer to join in that moment of ultimate brightness, hoping against hope it'll last.
I’ve spent a LOT of time watching their eyes and lips, but the rest is not so bad either *evil grin*
I know I sound as though I’m mixing between the actors and their characters, but in my mind there is no difference. Nimoy was as sexy in “A Stitch in Crime” as he was in Star Trek, he exuded his own charm.
Here's a video of Nimoy being himself...sorta!
Now tell me this; am I the only one who sees their kindred charm?
Please welcome fellow "Damnation Books" author, Yolanda Sfetsos as she guest blogs here today. One thing about this astonishing lady; she has a unique way with words.
Over to you, Yolanda!
Bizarre Love Triangle
I love that song! And as I write this, I happen to be listening to it. :) But I'm not going to talk about New Order's cool song today. Instead I'm going to talk about the very strange and twisted love triangles that managed to make their way into the Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy.
Since the third installment is now available from my awesome publisher, Damnation Books:
Boundless: Book 3 of the Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy
Alyce remains estranged from her celebrity status as a Faith Healer and is holed up inside a motel room with the mysterious Sebastian. Her soul might no longer belong to Buer, but the fight is far from over. The price for her freedom was devastating.
Ross made a deal with a demonologist in order to save Alyce, and is now at the mercy of the crazy woman and the demon Buer. There is no escape from the basement in which the three are trapped in, and he has to bear the torture.
When Sebastian finds a way to save Ross, Alyce must engage in an ancient, carnal ritual that complicates her life further. But for Ross, she’s willing to put both her heart and soul on the line… even if it means losing him.
I have to admit that it wasn't intentional. I mean, Alyce's story is filled with complications, as she tries to find her way out of the very dark place she's managed to corner herself into. It also focuses on how she reconnects with her ex-fiance, Ross. After a horrible misunderstanding between them, several years ago, she walked away. Even got a restraining order against him because she was convinced he'd tried to kill her.
Fast forward to now, and she's lost total control of her life. The demon, Buer, gave her the power to become a celebrity Faith Healer, but the cost is now outweighing the benefits. So when Ross appears and tries to help her, she finds herself being swept up in old feelings. Of course, at the time that I was writing this, I didn't realise that Buer doesn't just enjoy sipping at Alyce's soul, he actually wants her in every sense of the word. I'm not sure I would call this a romantic notion, but he wants her, regardless.
That's when the first love triangle popped up. Throw a cunning demonologist into the mix, and suddenly it's quite obvious that she's got her eye on Ross. It doesn't matter that she wants him for her own selfish reasons. Once again, she wants him. Oh, and let's not forget the very mysterious and alluring Sebastian. He's one of those characters that intrigued me as soon as he made an appearance in the trilogy. I found myself wanting to know more and more about him, which happens in Boundless.
Unfortunately, teaming up with Alyce to help Ross out of the demonologist's trap, also puts him in the middle of... you guessed it, another love triangle. Emphasis on bizarre.
And you know what? As unintentional as they were, each added a new struggle for the characters to overcome, and also a degree of depth that challenges all of them. Strange, but true. Sometimes a few (odd) entanglements can do wonders for your characters. :)
Thanks for having me here today, Su! It's been fun to share a little more about the dark world that Alyce lives in.
Oh, and because I couldn't help myself... here's that song:
Yolanda Sfetsos lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, daughter, and cat. She loves to spend most of her days writing stories. Her muse doesn't like genre restrictions and is always happy to toe the dark edge of storytelling. When she’s not writing she spends as much time as possible with her small family. She also enjoys watching movies, TV shows and reading.
*Wishes left unfulfilled are sad. Wishes fulfilled by Zuphreen are fatal.*
And with that dark thought, I would like to announce the release of my horror novel, Zuphreen ~ Bestower of Damnation from Damnation Books.
The novel covers the story of three unlikely friends who unwittingly unleash the horrors of hell in a vain attempt to boost their plummeting grades. Duped by their scheming professor, the friends summon Zuphreen and command the evil demon to enhance their lives with his gifts. But the gifts soon become curses and the friends watch in horror as they slowly turn into monsters. In a desperate race against time, the students must undo the curses and defeat the demon before the “gifts” destroy them forever. How far would they go to lift these curses? How deep would they sink to save themselves?
To whet your appetite, here’s a one-liner:
“She leaned forward and parted her bangs away from that gray abomination that lived in the middle of her forehead.”
Book Details:
• eBook ISBN: 9781615721290
• Print ISBN: 9781615721306
• Genre: Horror (Urban Fantasy)
• Word count: 78,057
• Excerpt and Buy link: Damnation Books
To celebrate the release, I have the following appearances scheduled for the month of June:
June 1st: Will be available on Damnation Book's Yahoo Fan Loop to discuss the release and answer questions from Damnation Books’ fans. You will need to subscribe to the group to join the discussions.
His to Possess’ book trailer won First Place for the month of May on You Gotta Read Videos. Yes, you read it right, first place.
That wouldn’t have happened without the support of friends, fans, and family. I thank you all for the time you took to vote for me.
It all started with an annoying habit of mine (it annoys me) of HAVING TO create a book trailer as soon as the manuscript is done. Not only that, I would upload the file to my website and refer to it in my submissions to publishers so they get a general idea of the book’s possibilities. This habit consumes time, but I enjoy every moment of it. I love the creation process; putting the right words with the right images and synchronizing the whole lot with suitable music.
It paid off more than once. Here are few incidents:
The trailer helped me out whenever I got stuck in a scene, or lost the motivation to write.
Once, a publisher I approached regarding one book saw a trailer of another and asked me to submit that one as well. Alas, it was already with another publisher. However, being wanted felt good.
It helps tremendously when marketing a book. If people are into watching and not reading, the trailer could be the ticket in. Just use the right tags and upload it to online video channels, like Youtube.
And now, I have it on record that sometimes, some people, do judge a book by its trailer.
