Random Musings: Interview With Author David McAfee

I’ve been running a series of interviews with authors that are releasing new books, particularly dark fiction. I hope you’ll take the time to check out their work. Today, please welcome author, David McAfee. ———— To start, can you tell me a little about yourself.

Sure, although I never really know what to say to that. Something wise and writerly, one would hope. I live in Tennessee with my wife, daughter, and a small army of loyal but dysfunctional pets. I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember, even cracking open King books at ten years old. My dad was proud of me for that, if a bit worried. 33 A.D. is my first published novel, though I’ve sold some short stories to the horror magazine Necrotic Tissue. I hope to be able to write full time someday. Oh, and a movie deal wouldn’t hurt my feelings.

How long have you been writing and how did you get to this point in your career? Well, I wrote a kids book when I was six years old. Does that count? Throughout my childhood and young adult years I wrote short stories and essays, but I never actually tried to get anything published until about 2005. I got to this point in my career by being too stubborn to give up in the face of overwhelming rejection. I’m still at the beginning of this journey, to be honest. I haven’t left the front stoop yet, but I’m walking out the door, and that’s something.

You have a new book just out, 33 A.D. Tell me what inspired you to write this?

33 A.D. which is about a vampire in Biblical Jerusalem who attempts to assassinate Jesus of Nazareth, was inspired by the book VIOLENT SANDS, by Sean Young. In it, Sean Young tells the story of Barabbas, who, according to the Bible, is the man Pilate set free in Jesus’s place. Young’s book was so vivid, and so…good…that I kept finding myself wandering through the streets of ancient Israel with the characters. I kept wondering what the vampires of the era would have been doing at the time, and what they would have thought of all the hooplah surrounding the strange young rabbi from Galilee. Voila! The concept for 33 A.D. was born.

I have a keen interest in dark fiction. Tell me how you would classify this book and what’s dark about it?

That’s a tough one. One of the reasons I had such a hard time selling 33 A.D. is because it doesn’t fit squarely into any genre. It revolves around the Crucifixion, but it’s not Christian Fiction. It has vampires, but it’s not Urban Fantasy. It’s set in historical Jerusalem, but it’s not purely historical, either. I confused a lot of agents. I call it a historical paranormal thriller, but readers can call it anything they like.

What makes it dark? Well, for starters, you won’t find any sparkling or angsty vampires in it. I went old school and made my vampires the way I like ’em: evil. The whole story centers on one vampire’s mission to kill a man, and he’s not shy about adding to the body count if it suits him. Or if it amuses him. It’s also bloody and violent, but what else would you expect from a vampire novel set in Biblical times? This is no YA bedtime vampire story.

Then there are the Lost Ones. These are vampires who have displeased the Council. I won’t tell you about them, but talk about dark! They give me the creeps, and I dreamed them up.

Sometimes we have to be ruthless in writing/editing. We cut scenes, eliminate characters or even kill them off. Tell me what was the hardest of these in this book.

Oh, boy. Was that rough! The book was originally divided into three sections, which were preceded by three individual prologues. Each prologue showed a part of Theron’s history. From his inception as a vampire to his sentencing as a Lost One to his rebirth as a vampire again. I added those to illustrate the character’s strong determination not to fail in his mission, but in the end it really didn’t add much and distracted more than it needed to. So even though I loved that part, I cut it out, and now readers would never know Theron was once sentenced to life as a Lost One. It’ll probably come out in a later book, though.

Another note: Theron’s name was originally Pritchard. It just fit, somehow. But when I landed my former publisher, he said he didn’t think the name sounded authentic to the period, and he was right. Every other name in the book is taken from ancient Roman, Greek, or Jewish names, but Pritchard didn’t match up. I looked up ancient Greek (Theron is from Greece) names and found that the name Theron meant “Hunter” in ancient Greek. I thought it fitting, so I changed it. I still prefer the original, though.

There are other examples, but those were the two hardest.

This blog is called Random Musings, so give me a random quote from the book – something you’re particularly fond of.

Theron whirled to face him, fully expecting to be bowled over in a mass of teeth and claws. But Ephraim stood in the same spot as before. He hadn’t moved at all during Malachi’s death, and had not plucked his infamous khopesh from the wall. Theron thought he knew the reason. He knows it won’t help. He already knows how this must end. He stepped closer. Malachi’s blood dripped from his blade, leaving a thin trail of small red puddles on the floorboards.

“Theron,” Ephraim said. “They sent you?”

“I’m the best. Of course they sent me.” Theron gave a mocking bow.

“Are you the Lead Enforcer now, my old friend?”

“Someone had to take your place. Who better than me? But you are no friend of mine, traitor.” He spat at the other’s feet, barely missing Ephraim’s dusty leather boot.

“Don’t be so quick to choose, Theron. You should hear what he has to say.”

“I don’t need to hear what he has to say. I still serve our people. The rambling words of a deranged rabbi will not show me my path. The Council’s laws have protected our people for over four thousand years. You,” he pointed an accusing finger, “have violated them.”

“His words would save you, my friend,” Ephraim said, so softly Theron almost didn’t hear him.

Theron laughed. “Save me? As they saved you? You are a handful of seconds away from Hell, and you would presume to save me?” In that instant, Theron determined he would make Ephraim’s death as unpleasant as he could manage. He threw his sword to the floor and willed his claws to grow. In a few moments his fingernails grew long and thick. The brief but intense pain in his fingertips was worth it. He would rip the traitor’s head from his shoulders. “You should worry about saving yourself, old friend.”

“I did,” Ephraim replied, just before Theron leapt at him.

The idea of mixing vampires and Jesus of Nazareth is really unique. What has the reaction been to this so far?

Overwhelmingly positive, actually. I expected to get more flack for it. Maybe that’ll happen when the book gets more notice. There are a handful of people who have refused to read it due to the subject matter; they felt it was blasphemous. But far more people think it’s a very interesting and unique idea, and the feedback I have received from readers has been very good so far. I’m still waiting for that first negative review, though. I know it’s coming.

What can we expect from you next?

I have another vampire novel that I wrote back in 2004. I am cleaning it up and getting it ready to release on Kindle. Unlike 33 A.D., it’s more of a paranormal romance. That’s just the way that story worked out.

I just finished a rough draft for a novel called THE GALLOWS TREE. It’s a horror novel about a small town in East Tennessee that is haunted by the spirit of a young black boy who was lynched there in 1959. I’ll dip into that and start revisions once I’m finished with the vampire book.

I also have a pulp horror novel called GRUBS, which I plan to release as a Kindle book in June. Since GRUBS is short, I’ll be including all my short stories at the back.

I’m halfway through the rough draft of another vampire novel called BAIT, about a man who hunts vampires in a very unusual way. I expect to finish the first draft of that by October.

My next new novel project will be a prequel to 33 A.D. I plan to explore the character Ephraim more. His origins, how he became a vampire, how he rose up the ranks to be Lead Enforcer, and what eventually turned him from his people to follow Jesus of Nazareth. There’s a story there, and I want to know it.

Where can we find you on the internet?

I just contacted a web designer, and as long as we can get everything transferred over from GoDaddy, my website will be www.mcafeeland.com. I also have a blog, and I can be found on Twitter and Facebook. I’m also a member of Goodreads.com, KindleBoards.com, and AbsoluteWrite.com.

Any final comments or thoughts?

Yes, I want to note that I live in Knoxville, TN, just a few hours east of Nashville. As many people know, Nashville is experiencing floods due to heavy rainfall, leaving thousands of people without homes and costing over a billion dollars in damage. This hits especially close to home for me, and I want to try and help, even if only a little. For that reason, a portion of the profits for 33 A.D. will be donated to help the city of Nashville. $1 per print copy (which equals 1/3 of my total profit per book) and 50% of all Kindle profits will be sent to Music City, USA. So if any of your readers would like to get a great book and help a hurting city, this is a great opportunity to do both. Last but not least, I’d like to thank you, David, for having me here. I know you recently purchased a Kindle copy of 33 A.D., and I hope you enjoy it. ———— David, you’re very welcome. And thank YOU for dropping in! I hope you’ll come back for GRUBS! Folks, if you want to help support a good cause, you can purchase 33 A.D. at Amazon in both print and Kindle formats, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.

Random Musings: The Incomparable Betty White

For those that didn’t catch SNL with host Betty White, here’s a sample of what you missed. She gave the show a breath of much-needed fresh air.

Interview With Author David McAfee

Original URL: http://davidhburton.com/?p=3205

I’ve been running a series of interviews with authors that are releasing new books, particularly dark fiction. I hope you’ll take the time to check out their work. Today, please welcome author, David McAfee.

————

To start, can you tell me a little about yourself.

Sure, although I never really know what to say to that. Something wise and writerly, one would hope. I live in Tennessee with my wife, daughter, and a small army of loyal but dysfunctional pets. I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember, even cracking open King books at ten years old. My dad was proud of me for that, if a bit worried. 33 A.D. is my first published novel, though I’ve sold some short stories to the horror magazine Necrotic Tissue. I hope to be able to write full time someday. Oh, and a movie deal wouldn’t hurt my feelings.

How long have you been writing and how did you get to this point in your career?

Well, I wrote a kids book when I was six years old. Does that count? Throughout my childhood and young adult years I wrote short stories and essays, but I never actually tried to get anything published until about 2005. I got to this point in my career by being too stubborn to give up in the face of overwhelming rejection. I’m still at the beginning of this journey, to be honest. I haven’t left the front stoop yet, but I’m walking out the door, and that’s something.

You have a new book just out, 33 A.D. Tell me what inspired you to write this?

33 A.D. which is about a vampire in Biblical Jerusalem who attempts to assassinate Jesus of Nazareth, was inspired by the book VIOLENT SANDS, by Sean Young. In it, Sean Young tells the story of Barabbas, who, according to the Bible, is the man Pilate set free in Jesus’s place. Young’s book was so vivid, and so…good…that I kept finding myself wandering through the streets of ancient Israel with the characters. I kept wondering what the vampires of the era would have been doing at the time, and what they would have thought of all the hooplah surrounding the strange young rabbi from Galilee. Voila! The concept for 33 A.D. was born.

I have a keen interest in dark fiction. Tell me how you would classify this book and what’s dark about it?

That’s a tough one. One of the reasons I had such a hard time selling 33 A.D. is because it doesn’t fit squarely into any genre. It revolves around the Crucifixion, but it’s not Christian Fiction. It has vampires, but it’s not Urban Fantasy. It’s set in historical Jerusalem, but it’s not purely historical, either. I confused a lot of agents. I call it a historical paranormal thriller, but readers can call it anything they like.

What makes it dark? Well, for starters, you won’t find any sparkling or angsty vampires in it. I went old school and made my vampires the way I like ‘em: evil. The whole story centers on one vampire’s mission to kill a man, and he’s not shy about adding to the body count if it suits him. Or if it amuses him. It’s also bloody and violent, but what else would you expect from a vampire novel set in Biblical times? This is no YA bedtime vampire story.

Then there are the Lost Ones. These are vampires who have displeased the Council. I won’t tell you about them, but talk about dark! They give me the creeps, and I dreamed them up.

Sometimes we have to be ruthless in writing/editing. We cut scenes, eliminate characters or even kill them off. Tell me what was the hardest of these in this book.

Oh, boy. Was that rough! The book was originally divided into three sections, which were preceded by three individual prologues. Each prologue showed a part of Theron’s history. From his inception as a vampire to his sentencing as a Lost One to his rebirth as a vampire again. I added those to illustrate the character’s strong determination not to fail in his mission, but in the end it really didn’t add much and distracted more than it needed to. So even though I loved that part, I cut it out, and now readers would never know Theron was once sentenced to life as a Lost One. It’ll probably come out in a later book, though.

Another note: Theron’s name was originally Pritchard. It just fit, somehow. But when I landed my former publisher, he said he didn’t think the name sounded authentic to the period, and he was right. Every other name in the book is taken from ancient Roman, Greek, or Jewish names, but Pritchard didn’t match up. I looked up ancient Greek (Theron is from Greece) names and found that the name Theron meant “Hunter” in ancient Greek. I thought it fitting, so I changed it. I still prefer the original, though.

There are other examples, but those were the two hardest.

This blog is called Random Musings, so give me a random quote from the book – something you’re particularly fond of.

Theron whirled to face him, fully expecting to be bowled over in a mass of teeth and claws. But Ephraim stood in the same spot as before. He hadn’t moved at all during Malachi’s death, and had not plucked his infamous khopesh from the wall. Theron thought he knew the reason. He knows it won’t help. He already knows how this must end. He stepped closer. Malachi’s blood dripped from his blade, leaving a thin trail of small red puddles on the floorboards.

“Theron,” Ephraim said. “They sent you?”

“I’m the best. Of course they sent me.” Theron gave a mocking bow.

“Are you the Lead Enforcer now, my old friend?”

“Someone had to take your place. Who better than me? But you are no friend of mine, traitor.” He spat at the other’s feet, barely missing Ephraim’s dusty leather boot.

“Don’t be so quick to choose, Theron. You should hear what he has to say.”

“I don’t need to hear what he has to say. I still serve our people. The rambling words of a deranged rabbi will not show me my path. The Council’s laws have protected our people for over four thousand years. You,” he pointed an accusing finger, “have violated them.”

“His words would save you, my friend,” Ephraim said, so softly Theron almost didn’t hear him.

Theron laughed. “Save me? As they saved you? You are a handful of seconds away from Hell, and you would presume to save me?” In that instant, Theron determined he would make Ephraim’s death as unpleasant as he could manage. He threw his sword to the floor and willed his claws to grow. In a few moments his fingernails grew long and thick. The brief but intense pain in his fingertips was worth it. He would rip the traitor’s head from his shoulders. “You should worry about saving yourself, old friend.”

“I did,” Ephraim replied, just before Theron leapt at him.

The idea of mixing vampires and Jesus of Nazareth is really unique. What has the reaction been to this so far?

Overwhelmingly positive, actually. I expected to get more flack for it. Maybe that’ll happen when the book gets more notice. There are a handful of people who have refused to read it due to the subject matter; they felt it was blasphemous. But far more people think it’s a very interesting and unique idea, and the feedback I have received from readers has been very good so far. I’m still waiting for that first negative review, though. I know it’s coming.

What can we expect from you next?

I have another vampire novel that I wrote back in 2004. I am cleaning it up and getting it ready to release on Kindle. Unlike 33 A.D., it’s more of a paranormal romance. That’s just the way that story worked out.

I just finished a rough draft for a novel called THE GALLOWS TREE. It’s a horror novel about a small town in East Tennessee that is haunted by the spirit of a young black boy who was lynched there in 1959. I’ll dip into that and start revisions once I’m finished with the vampire book.

I also have a pulp horror novel called GRUBS, which I plan to release as a Kindle book in June. Since GRUBS is short, I’ll be including all my short stories at the back.

I’m halfway through the rough draft of another vampire novel called BAIT, about a man who hunts vampires in a very unusual way. I expect to finish the first draft of that by October.

My next new novel project will be a prequel to 33 A.D. I plan to explore the character Ephraim more. His origins, how he became a vampire, how he rose up the ranks to be Lead Enforcer, and what eventually turned him from his people to follow Jesus of Nazareth. There’s a story there, and I want to know it.

Where can we find you on the internet?

I just contacted a web designer, and as long as we can get everything transferred over from GoDaddy, my website will be www.mcafeeland.com. I also have a blog, and I can be found on Twitter and Facebook. I’m also a member of Goodreads.com, KindleBoards.com, and AbsoluteWrite.com.

Any final comments or thoughts?

Yes, I want to note that I live in Knoxville, TN, just a few hours east of Nashville. As many people know, Nashville is experiencing floods due to heavy rainfall, leaving thousands of people without homes and costing over a billion dollars in damage. This hits especially close to home for me, and I want to try and help, even if only a little. For that reason, a portion of the profits for 33 A.D. will be donated to help the city of Nashville. $1 per print copy (which equals 1/3 of my total profit per book) and 50% of all Kindle profits will be sent to Music City, USA. So if any of your readers would like to get a great book and help a hurting city, this is a great opportunity to do both.

Last but not least, I’d like to thank you, David, for having me here. I know you recently purchased a Kindle copy of 33 A.D., and I hope you enjoy it.

————

David, you’re very welcome. And thank YOU for dropping in! I hope you’ll come back for GRUBS!

Folks, if you want to help support a good cause, you can purchase 33 A.D. at Amazon in both print and Kindle formats, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.

The Incomparable Betty White

Original URL: http://davidhburton.com/?p=3214

For those that didn’t catch SNL with host Betty White, here’s a sample of what you missed. She gave the show a breath of much-needed fresh air.

Random Musings: Interview With Author Peter E. Kelly

I’ve been running a series of interviews with authors that are releasing new books, particularly dark fiction. I hope you’ll take the time to check out their work. Today, please welcome author, Peter E. Kelly.

————

To start, can you tell me a little about yourself.

I was born in Philadelphia PA. Lived here all my life (love this city). I am 27 years old, I was born May 10, 1983. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!) I am the youngest son in a family of eight children. I am the proud uncle to 15 children, godfather of two. I went to school at both Philadelphia Community College and Temple University. I attained my associates degree in communication and a Bachelors degree in Journalism. I have always wanted a career in writing but the goals I wanted didn’t pan out until Dawn was signed. I am a major fan of all things Philadelphia, mostly sports though. Most sundays you’ll find me watching either the world champ phillies or eagles. I am currently a movie theater manager. I have been working in movie theaters for the last 9yrs. I am a huge fan of sci-fi, I truly believe the best writers can be found in this genre.

How long have you been writing and how did you get to this point in your career?

It would be easy to say I’ve been writing for a certain period of time but it wouldn’t be the truth. The honest answer is I’ve been writing in one form or another since I was a kid. It was only when I decided to try and become a journalist that I attempted to become a career writer. I loved reading Star Qars books and comics because the imagination to create these worlds was so impressive to me. However early on I saw something in sports writing. There seemed to be a honor in it that attracted me, plus in good stories like ones about teams that everyone wrote off I saw storytelling that was first rate. I tried to become this when I went to Temple University for my journalism degree. However in the end the plan didn’t pan out. It was during this time I had been writing my first book. I always wanted something I wrote to live forever. Something that those that knew me could say that’s Pete book. I had been for over a year looking for a publisher to give me a shot but as any new author will tell you is hard nearly impossible. I was so down on the whole thing (getting published) that is until I came across this small publishing house called Dreambooks. They showed an interest but wanted to clean up the work a bit. So I started the process of editing the book to make it ready for publication. Six months later and Dreambooks signed me, it was a very good day.

You have a new book just out, Dawn of the Shadow. Tell me what inspired you to write this?

Dawn of the Shadow for me was the culmination of a childhood dream. Since I was a kid comic books and supeheroes were a fantasy that always fueled my imagination. When I decided to write this story it sort of dawned on me I knew what kind of story a hero should have. I grew up on stories of Batman, Superman, Spiderman and I loved each of them. However in each of these tales the path each of the men take just seemed so more unbelieveable after the next. I then did what I always try to do in my writing and that was add myself into the tale. Not literally but I tried to answer the question how would I react to having such incredible powers. It then snowballed from there, adding in representations of friends whom I was very close with making them main characters in this world. It all felt into place like a puzzle a story of a goofy, funny kid whom deep down wanted something more but never touched on this desire until he had the power to change. The story allowed me to tell how by not allowing himself to be himself it created a jealousy for those he considered family. This story became very personal for me and it was a joy to write.

I have a keen interest in dark fiction. Tell me how you would classify this book and what’s dark about it?

Dawn of the shadow is easily a science fiction tale but it doesn’t rest on it. It’s a story about jealousy, anger, greed, and rage. It’s a story surrounding a guy named Peter Farrell. A typical 21 yr old kid whom has no direction and follows his more popular friends around. It all changes after he finds a machine underground that had been lost for centuries. It changes him from the average guy he was to something extraordinary. Little by little Pete under the tutelage from an enemy from the past a being that was awakened when Pete was changed gaining his super powers. Pete having the power to do more then he ever had before brings out a new confidence and arrogance which fuels an anger that when pushed makes Pete a dangerous violent person. Taking his rage out he nearly kills attacker who threaten him and his friends. Each push he takes under Bocchio’s (the enemy he awakened) the deeper and more violent a man Pete becomes. It all culiminates in a fight with his long time enemy Tony Cap, a setup by Bocchio as a test. Blood pours, bones break as the two fight tooth and nail for superiority. It ends with Pete trying to walk away before Tony forces his hand. What I always thought made this a dark story was the changes that Pete goes through. I categorized this story when i wrote it into three sets. The first being childhood, the path before he becomes extraordinary and after during which time he didnt have any idea how to use the power. The second Adolescence where he learns the power but doesn’t have the compass to use it correctly. It also is the time where the recklessness and anger are raised where he becomes a danger to himself and others. The final is the adulthood path where he finally accepts his destiny and understands who he is and what he has to do to lead a normal life. Each stage is filled with dark challenges that test him and re-test him in ways that would break most men.

Sometimes we have to be ruthless in writing/editing. We cut scenes, eliminate characters or even kill them off. Tell me what was the hardest of these in this book.

The hardest part of these books was making these characters believeable. In any story about a superhero its not just about finding a way to believe how one man can take on the role of protector for so many. For me it was what kind of friends did this guy have. I felt it was neccessary as important as Pete himself to get the roles of Tim Davis and Mark Markinson correct. It also became difficult with the villian. Bocchio needed to be a badguy that was so unique, so charming, so brillant, yet in the end dangerous beyond belief. A badguy is a dime a dozen for Bocchio he needed to be a guy who could see the dark parts of Pete psyche and be able to bring them out.

This blog is called Random Musings, so give me a random quote from the book – something you’re particularly fond of.

At the end a cop named Detective John Kane who joins in an alliance with Shadow reads a statement praising the officers he fought with to help end Bocchio’s run. The following is a statement where he describes what a hero truly is to him.

“I am no hero, a hero is someone who everyday goes out and protects all of you because they have a desire to serve something higher.”

Also Shadow takes on a saying that speaks to what his mission as protector of the city means to him.

“Darkness rises…The Shadow falls…Light remains.”

What can we expect from you next?

Currently I am in the process of having another book edited by an extremly talented writer named Rob Starr. The story tentatively titled It’s Just A Family Thing is a leap away from the science fiction genre. It is a cop story that surrounds a conspiracy that is so massive and wide everyone is caught in it. The main characters are two cops, partners and brothers who are cowboy like in their style. These brothers lead Captain is their older brother Dave who has melt downs due to their roque behavior but secretly is proud. The brothers discover that through a CI a company using the city to transport everything from weapons to men through the world. The company in question has for decades run this deal having complete control over the government. The brothers become the first to break their security. They respond by putting the brothers through the ringer. The company decides to end the brothers by making them what they have spent a lifetime fighting, criminals. In response to being put on the run the brothers push the limit of their training in their effort to unmask the conspiracy. It all leads to a final confrontation where no one is safe. The question throughout the book is answered at the end; What would make a family risk everything…It’s just a family thing.

I am now writing the sequel to Dawn of the Shadow in the book I have titled Shadow of the Night. In the sequel we learn the price this life has had on Pete and his friends. The changes that occur while also looking at the changing world due to the new technology Dawn released onto the world.

Where can we find you on the internet?

The following sites I am very active.

http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php?action=profile;u=10206
http://dawnoftheshadow.webs.com/
http://twitter.com/Shadow2683
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3174605
http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/PeterKelly
Book Trailer:

Any final comments or thoughts?

Writing is an artform a gift that everyone has but only a few are able to fully put to use. I have always wanted to be a writer and to say something from my imagination is available for everyone to read is a real treat. I love stories that shows a writers talent and imagination and not just their gift for dialogue. Book readers are smart they’re not pompish or arrogant they want to be entertained in a way that is so engrossing that takes them out of their world and into the one created by the author. I can only hope that my work will be read this way. Dawn of the Shadow is available now on Kindle. It will be available soon as a print so stay tuned and enjoy the work and thank you for reading.

————

Peter, thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and best of luck both with all of our writing endeavors. Looks like you’re going to be a busy guy!!

Interview With Author Peter E. Kelly

Original URL: http://davidhburton.com/?p=3162

I’ve been running a series of interviews with authors that are releasing new books, particularly dark fiction. I hope you’ll take the time to check out their work. Today, please welcome author, Peter E. Kelly.

————

To start, can you tell me a little about yourself.

I was born in Philadelphia PA. Lived here all my life (love this city). I am 27 years old, I was born May 10, 1983. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!) I am the youngest son in a family of eight children. I am the proud uncle to 15 children, godfather of two. I went to school at both Philadelphia Community College and Temple University. I attained my associates degree in communication and a Bachelors degree in Journalism. I have always wanted a career in writing but the goals I wanted didn’t pan out until Dawn was signed. I am a major fan of all things Philadelphia, mostly sports though. Most sundays you’ll find me watching either the world champ phillies or eagles. I am currently a movie theater manager. I have been working in movie theaters for the last 9yrs. I am a huge fan of sci-fi, I truly believe the best writers can be found in this genre.

How long have you been writing and how did you get to this point in your career?

It would be easy to say I’ve been writing for a certain period of time but it wouldn’t be the truth. The honest answer is I’ve been writing in one form or another since I was a kid. It was only when I decided to try and become a journalist that I attempted to become a career writer. I loved reading Star Qars books and comics because the imagination to create these worlds was so impressive to me. However early on I saw something in sports writing. There seemed to be a honor in it that attracted me, plus in good stories like ones about teams that everyone wrote off I saw storytelling that was first rate. I tried to become this when I went to Temple University for my journalism degree. However in the end the plan didn’t pan out. It was during this time I had been writing my first book. I always wanted something I wrote to live forever. Something that those that knew me could say that’s Pete book. I had been for over a year looking for a publisher to give me a shot but as any new author will tell you is hard nearly impossible. I was so down on the whole thing (getting published) that is until I came across this small publishing house called Dreambooks. They showed an interest but wanted to clean up the work a bit. So I started the process of editing the book to make it ready for publication. Six months later and Dreambooks signed me, it was a very good day.

You have a new book just out, Dawn of the Shadow. Tell me what inspired you to write this?

Dawn of the Shadow for me was the culmination of a childhood dream. Since I was a kid comic books and supeheroes were a fantasy that always fueled my imagination. When I decided to write this story it sort of dawned on me I knew what kind of story a hero should have. I grew up on stories of Batman, Superman, Spiderman and I loved each of them. However in each of these tales the path each of the men take just seemed so more unbelieveable after the next. I then did what I always try to do in my writing and that was add myself into the tale. Not literally but I tried to answer the question how would I react to having such incredible powers. It then snowballed from there, adding in representations of friends whom I was very close with making them main characters in this world. It all felt into place like a puzzle a story of a goofy, funny kid whom deep down wanted something more but never touched on this desire until he had the power to change. The story allowed me to tell how by not allowing himself to be himself it created a jealousy for those he considered family. This story became very personal for me and it was a joy to write.

I have a keen interest in dark fiction. Tell me how you would classify this book and what’s dark about it?

Dawn of the shadow is easily a science fiction tale but it doesn’t rest on it. It’s a story about jealousy, anger, greed, and rage. It’s a story surrounding a guy named Peter Farrell. A typical 21 yr old kid whom has no direction and follows his more popular friends around. It all changes after he finds a machine underground that had been lost for centuries. It changes him from the average guy he was to something extraordinary. Little by little Pete under the tutelage from an enemy from the past a being that was awakened when Pete was changed gaining his super powers. Pete having the power to do more then he ever had before brings out a new confidence and arrogance which fuels an anger that when pushed makes Pete a dangerous violent person. Taking his rage out he nearly kills attacker who threaten him and his friends. Each push he takes under Bocchio’s (the enemy he awakened) the deeper and more violent a man Pete becomes. It all culiminates in a fight with his long time enemy Tony Cap, a setup by Bocchio as a test. Blood pours, bones break as the two fight tooth and nail for superiority. It ends with Pete trying to walk away before Tony forces his hand. What I always thought made this a dark story was the changes that Pete goes through. I categorized this story when i wrote it into three sets. The first being childhood, the path before he becomes extraordinary and after during which time he didnt have any idea how to use the power. The second Adolescence where he learns the power but doesn’t have the compass to use it correctly. It also is the time where the recklessness and anger are raised where he becomes a danger to himself and others. The final is the adulthood path where he finally accepts his destiny and understands who he is and what he has to do to lead a normal life. Each stage is filled with dark challenges that test him and re-test him in ways that would break most men.

Sometimes we have to be ruthless in writing/editing. We cut scenes, eliminate characters or even kill them off. Tell me what was the hardest of these in this book.

The hardest part of these books was making these characters believeable. In any story about a superhero its not just about finding a way to believe how one man can take on the role of protector for so many. For me it was what kind of friends did this guy have. I felt it was neccessary as important as Pete himself to get the roles of Tim Davis and Mark Markinson correct. It also became difficult with the villian. Bocchio needed to be a badguy that was so unique, so charming, so brillant, yet in the end dangerous beyond belief. A badguy is a dime a dozen for Bocchio he needed to be a guy who could see the dark parts of Pete psyche and be able to bring them out.

This blog is called Random Musings, so give me a random quote from the book – something you’re particularly fond of.

At the end a cop named Detective John Kane who joins in an alliance with Shadow reads a statement praising the officers he fought with to help end Bocchio’s run. The following is a statement where he describes what a hero truly is to him.

“I am no hero, a hero is someone who everyday goes out and protects all of you because they have a desire to serve something higher.”

Also Shadow takes on a saying that speaks to what his mission as protector of the city means to him.

“Darkness rises…The Shadow falls…Light remains.”

What can we expect from you next?

Currently I am in the process of having another book edited by an extremly talented writer named Rob Starr. The story tentatively titled It’s Just A Family Thing is a leap away from the science fiction genre. It is a cop story that surrounds a conspiracy that is so massive and wide everyone is caught in it. The main characters are two cops, partners and brothers who are cowboy like in their style. These brothers lead Captain is their older brother Dave who has melt downs due to their roque behavior but secretly is proud. The brothers discover that through a CI a company using the city to transport everything from weapons to men through the world. The company in question has for decades run this deal having complete control over the government. The brothers become the first to break their security. They respond by putting the brothers through the ringer. The company decides to end the brothers by making them what they have spent a lifetime fighting, criminals. In response to being put on the run the brothers push the limit of their training in their effort to unmask the conspiracy. It all leads to a final confrontation where no one is safe. The question throughout the book is answered at the end; What would make a family risk everything…It’s just a family thing.

I am now writing the sequel to Dawn of the Shadow in the book I have titled Shadow of the Night. In the sequel we learn the price this life has had on Pete and his friends. The changes that occur while also looking at the changing world due to the new technology Dawn released onto the world.

Where can we find you on the internet?

The following sites I am very active.

http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php?action=profile;u=10206
http://dawnoftheshadow.webs.com/
http://twitter.com/Shadow2683
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3174605
http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/PeterKelly

Book Trailer:

Any final comments or thoughts?

Writing is an artform a gift that everyone has but only a few are able to fully put to use. I have always wanted to be a writer and to say something from my imagination is available for everyone to read is a real treat. I love stories that shows a writers talent and imagination and not just their gift for dialogue. Book readers are smart they’re not pompish or arrogant they want to be entertained in a way that is so engrossing that takes them out of their world and into the one created by the author. I can only hope that my work will be read this way. Dawn of the Shadow is available now on Kindle. It will be available soon as a print so stay tuned and enjoy the work and thank you for reading.

————

Peter, thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and best of luck both with all of our writing endeavors. Looks like you’re going to be a busy guy!!

Random Musings: Interview With Author David Dalglish

I’ve been running a series of interviews with authors that are releasing new books, particularly dark fiction. I hope you’ll take the time to check out their work. Today, please welcome indie author, David Dalglish.

————

To start, can you tell me a little about yourself.

I’m twenty-six, married to a wonderful wife and have an equally wonderful daughter. I graduated several years ago with a Mathematics degree. I’m currently working as a para-professional for Special Education, and plan on pursuing a Spec Ed. degree over the next couple years.

How long have you been writing and how did you get to this point in your career?

The earliest I can remember writing was far back in Elementary School. I wrote a hundred hand-written pages about a character named Magus assaulting a castle with his undead horde. I blatantly stole the character from a Super Nintendo game. By 5th grade I was reading Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton, so writing felt like a natural extension of my reading.

In High School I had a phenomenal English teacher who gave us time every day to write. I wrote a story titled The Guardian which focused on a group of men entering a mine filled with gold which was haunted by a creature made of pure darkness and teeth. I wrote a continuation, followed by another, until it bloomed into a 120,000 word novel. Several characters of that long ago novel have remade their appearances in my current series, especially within The Death of Promises.

As for where I am now, that evolved from a constant desire to tell stories. When I researched the evolving e-book market, I decided it was my best opportunity to reach readers. I contacted a man named Peter Ortiz to do the covers, hammered my first couple books into publishable form, and then released my first book, The Weight of Blood, onto the Amazon Kindle.

You have a new book out, The Death of Promises. Tell me what inspired you to write this?

At the end of The Cost of Betrayal, I was left with a deep schism between the two main characters. One of them, Qurrah Tun, had made many promises to his lover, and I felt like I had to know what would become of them. The title should give a hint as to how that turned out.

I have a keen interest in dark fiction. Tell me how you would classify this book and what’s dark about it?

The Death of Promises is like my Empire Strikes Back from Star Wars. What was once a clash between two brothers has grown and grown until even gods have begun to interfere. Under no circumstances do I feel obligated to make the ending happy. I have a story to tell, and by god, I’m going to tell it.

I never thought to make this series ‘dark fantasy’, but I’ve encountered more and more that insist on that label. Perhaps it is because I am willing to kill off main characters. I’ve read too many books where the hero is like some 80’s hero movie, dodging a million bullets, slaughtering a thousand bad guys, and finishing without his hair even mussed. I’m not like that. When magic flows and swords clash, blood is going to be spilled, and it’d be a bit predictable if it was always the bad guys who bled.

The other thing I’ve noticed from reviews is that readers seem surprised that actions have consequences. Perhaps I’m naïve, but is this really such a problem in fantasy? My characters make mistakes. They make bad decisions. I am adamant that those decisions mean something. For good or ill, all we are is our decisions, and to belittle those by magical or deific intervention insults me. If you’re used to reading fantasy where the boy hero is worshipped everywhere he goes, is never contradicted, and his every plan is successful in thwarting the bad man, then my stories might be a bit of a shock.

Sometimes we have to be ruthless in writing/editing. We cut scenes, eliminate characters or even kill them off. Tell me what was the hardest of these in this book.

I care for my characters, some more than others. One in particular, a goofy wizard named Tarlak, has always had a soft spot in my heart. In a rather crucial scene, I killed someone close to him. The tragedy of death is not to the one dying but to those that live on, and having to convey Tarlak’s sorrow was rough. There’s this moment when he first sees the body, and even as I write the scene I know that he will never be the same again. I miss who Tarlak once was, but I won’t change it. I won’t wash it away or have an angel return the dead back to life. Death, life, decisions: these things have to carry weight otherwise my entire story is nothing but fluff and mindless action.

This blog is called Random Musings, so give me a random quote from the book – something you’re particularly fond of.

Qurrah to his lover, Tessanna: “I will burn this whole world to ash. I will keep my promises.”

This appears to be part of a series. Tell us about the series, and what can we expect from you next?

When I first started the Half-Orc Series, my goal was to create a villain that would rival my personal favorites, such as Artemis Entreri, Raistlin Majere, and Grand Admiral Thrawn. I’ve since deviated from that plan, but to say how would give away too much.

The series follows two brothers, Harruq and Qurrah Tun, as they go from being homeless thieves to mercenaries to paragons of their deities. The Weight of Blood introduced the gods and gave a taste of the war they want to unleash. The Cost of Betrayal focuses on results of the brothers’ decision to turn away from their dark god, Karak, as well as developing their relationships with the women they love.

Both brothers hurt the other deeply, and the Death of Promises then shifts to how each try to live without the other. To fulfill his promise, one brother swears allegiance to Karak once more and then leads a massive siege that was one of the most exhausting but enjoyable parts to write in my entire series.

As to where it’s going…The Shadows of Grace is the fourth book, which I hope to finish editing by the end of summer. I’m also writing a single one-shot novel about a character of mine named Haern the Watcher. It is called A Dance of Cloaks. I’m only a third of the way in, but I hope to have it for sale before the end of the year.

Any final comments or thoughts?

I’m glad to be given the chance to ramble about my work, so thank you for that, David Burton. I crave interaction with readers, and I could talk about my characters for hours. Hopefully there’s a few people out that there enjoyed my ramblings, and even more so that have enjoyed my story of Harruq and Qurrah Tun.

————

David, these sound great and I love the covers! Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions and best of luck. I hope you’ll be back for The Shadows of Grace!!

Interview With Author David Dalglish

Original URL: http://davidhburton.com/?p=3116

I’ve been running a series of interviews with authors that are releasing new books, particularly dark fiction. I hope you’ll take the time to check out their work. Today, please welcome indie author, David Dalglish.

————

To start, can you tell me a little about yourself.

I’m twenty-six, married to a wonderful wife and have an equally wonderful daughter. I graduated several years ago with a Mathematics degree. I’m currently working as a para-professional for Special Education, and plan on pursuing a Spec Ed. degree over the next couple years.

How long have you been writing and how did you get to this point in your career?

The earliest I can remember writing was far back in Elementary School. I wrote a hundred hand-written pages about a character named Magus assaulting a castle with his undead horde. I blatantly stole the character from a Super Nintendo game. By 5th grade I was reading Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton, so writing felt like a natural extension of my reading.

In High School I had a phenomenal English teacher who gave us time every day to write. I wrote a story titled The Guardian which focused on a group of men entering a mine filled with gold which was haunted by a creature made of pure darkness and teeth. I wrote a continuation, followed by another, until it bloomed into a 120,000 word novel. Several characters of that long ago novel have remade their appearances in my current series, especially within The Death of Promises.

As for where I am now, that evolved from a constant desire to tell stories. When I researched the evolving e-book market, I decided it was my best opportunity to reach readers. I contacted a man named Peter Ortiz to do the covers, hammered my first couple books into publishable form, and then released my first book, The Weight of Blood, onto the Amazon Kindle.

You have a new book out, The Death of Promises. Tell me what inspired you to write this?

At the end of The Cost of Betrayal, I was left with a deep schism between the two main characters. One of them, Qurrah Tun, had made many promises to his lover, and I felt like I had to know what would become of them. The title should give a hint as to how that turned out.

I have a keen interest in dark fiction. Tell me how you would classify this book and what’s dark about it?

The Death of Promises is like my Empire Strikes Back from Star Wars. What was once a clash between two brothers has grown and grown until even gods have begun to interfere. Under no circumstances do I feel obligated to make the ending happy. I have a story to tell, and by god, I’m going to tell it.

I never thought to make this series ‘dark fantasy’, but I’ve encountered more and more that insist on that label. Perhaps it is because I am willing to kill off main characters. I’ve read too many books where the hero is like some 80’s hero movie, dodging a million bullets, slaughtering a thousand bad guys, and finishing without his hair even mussed. I’m not like that. When magic flows and swords clash, blood is going to be spilled, and it’d be a bit predictable if it was always the bad guys who bled.

The other thing I’ve noticed from reviews is that readers seem surprised that actions have consequences. Perhaps I’m naïve, but is this really such a problem in fantasy? My characters make mistakes. They make bad decisions. I am adamant that those decisions mean something. For good or ill, all we are is our decisions, and to belittle those by magical or deific intervention insults me. If you’re used to reading fantasy where the boy hero is worshipped everywhere he goes, is never contradicted, and his every plan is successful in thwarting the bad man, then my stories might be a bit of a shock.

Sometimes we have to be ruthless in writing/editing. We cut scenes, eliminate characters or even kill them off. Tell me what was the hardest of these in this book.

I care for my characters, some more than others. One in particular, a goofy wizard named Tarlak, has always had a soft spot in my heart. In a rather crucial scene, I killed someone close to him. The tragedy of death is not to the one dying but to those that live on, and having to convey Tarlak’s sorrow was rough. There’s this moment when he first sees the body, and even as I write the scene I know that he will never be the same again. I miss who Tarlak once was, but I won’t change it. I won’t wash it away or have an angel return the dead back to life. Death, life, decisions: these things have to carry weight otherwise my entire story is nothing but fluff and mindless action.

This blog is called Random Musings, so give me a random quote from the book – something you’re particularly fond of.

Qurrah to his lover, Tessanna: “I will burn this whole world to ash. I will keep my promises.”

This appears to be part of a series. Tell us about the series, and what can we expect from you next?

When I first started the Half-Orc Series, my goal was to create a villain that would rival my personal favorites, such as Artemis Entreri, Raistlin Majere, and Grand Admiral Thrawn. I’ve since deviated from that plan, but to say how would give away too much.

The series follows two brothers, Harruq and Qurrah Tun, as they go from being homeless thieves to mercenaries to paragons of their deities. The Weight of Blood introduced the gods and gave a taste of the war they want to unleash. The Cost of Betrayal focuses on results of the brothers’ decision to turn away from their dark god, Karak, as well as developing their relationships with the women they love.

Both brothers hurt the other deeply, and the Death of Promises then shifts to how each try to live without the other. To fulfill his promise, one brother swears allegiance to Karak once more and then leads a massive siege that was one of the most exhausting but enjoyable parts to write in my entire series.

As to where it’s going…The Shadows of Grace is the fourth book, which I hope to finish editing by the end of summer. I’m also writing a single one-shot novel about a character of mine named Haern the Watcher. It is called A Dance of Cloaks. I’m only a third of the way in, but I hope to have it for sale before the end of the year.

Any final comments or thoughts?

I’m glad to be given the chance to ramble about my work, so thank you for that, David Burton. I crave interaction with readers, and I could talk about my characters for hours. Hopefully there’s a few people out that there enjoyed my ramblings, and even more so that have enjoyed my story of Harruq and Qurrah Tun.

————

David, these sound great and I love the covers! Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions and best of luck. I hope you’ll be back for The Shadows of Grace!!

Random Musings: The Second Coming eBook Giveaway!

Over at The Cajun Book Lady, I’m giving away 5 free ebooks.

I also did a guest post on what dark fantasy means to me and what made me decide to go that direction with The Second Coming.

Go check out the post for more info on how to win!!

Random Musings: Why I’m Glad Adam Lambert Didn’t Win

It’s important to have queer role models, not only for queer youth, but also for children of queer parents. In our house, we often point out to our boys when someone in popular culture is queer. Although they have friends with same-sex parents, it’s important they see it in role models and entertainers. It normalizes their experience. That’s why I’m so glad Adam Lambert didn’t win American Idol. His career will do much better without the burden of that crown on his head. And I have one more person that I can tell my kids is like their two dads.