Interview with Joe Christiano

Today’s author interview spotlights Joe Christiano,  Author of the Supernatural/Horror Novel, The Last Battleship.

WCP: What was your inspiration for The Last Battleship?

JC:  Winston Churchill said, “History is written by the victors.”  It’s also written by the survivors.  I wondered how much of what we accept as historical truth was written by someone with something to hide.  If you are the sole eyewitness to something, you can spin the story any way you want, make yourself out to be the hero, when the reality was quite different.  That was the starting point of the novel.

WCP: Did you draw on any past experiences to write this novel? 

JC:  Not really, no.  Certainly nothing specific in regards to the events in the story.  But some of the characters say and do things I can see myself saying and doing in a similar situation.  

WCP: Do you have any other genre you’d like to try your hand at?

JC:  I’m a huge fan of genre mash-ups.  Military/horror, western/sci-fi, etc.  Give me a quality story that crosses genre boundaries and I’m a happy reader.  I’m also a big fan of fish-out-of-water stories, regardless of genre.  Take characters out of their comfort zone and see how they react.  That’s the most interesting kind of story to me.  

WCP: Do you have any favorite authors in Horror/Suspense? Or ones that have influenced you more than others?

JC:  Where to start?  Agatha Christie is the undisputed master of suspense.  Stephen King, obviously, Peter Straub, Dean Koontz.  Bill Gaines’ EC horror comics of the ‘50s were a pretty big influence on me, as well.

WCP: Is there anything you would like the readers to take away from the story?

JC:  I certainly hope they enjoy it.  If it makes anyone question “true historical accounts” then I’d be pretty happy with that. 

WCP: Now for some fun questions: What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?

JC:  I’d say the biggest surprise came from people who know me and were shocked—shocked!—that I wrote a novel, because no one knew I was doing it.  Once the initial surprise wore off and people starting reading it, I was surprised at the number of good reviews it got.  I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.  (Laughs) 

WCP: If you could be any man, living or dead, who would you want to be? Why?

JC:  Wow, what a loaded question.  I guess I’d like to be a richer, less geeky version of myself.  Does that count?

WCP: Any last words? Um, for the interview, that is. (grin) 

JC:  I regret nothing!!!

https://www.facebook.com/TheLastBattleship

Wild Child Books by Joe Christiano:

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Interview with Kimberly Dana

Today’s author interview spotlights Kimberly Dana,  Author of the YA/Horror Novel, Cheerage Fearage.

WCP: What was your inspiration for Cheerage Fearage?

I had this vision of two cheerleaders who were BFF but fierce competitors at the same time.  In the book, the co-captain drowns the captain out so she can be queen bee, but she doesn’t die quietly.  Hence, the ghost of Lexy Mills who always kills.  I’ve always been a fan of campy horror movies, so the story just kind of came to me with the first scene being the inciting incident.

WCP: Do you have any other genre you’d like to try your hand at?

I’d love to write kids’ poems akin to Shel Silverstein.  Poetry is very challenging for me but I love funny poems, especially Silverstein’s.  They’re so plucky and irreverent! 

WCP: Does Lexy share any of your characteristics?

I’m not as competitive as Lexy but if someone offed me, I’d want a little revenge too.  I can’t really fault her for that.  

WCP: Before we move onto other questions, would Lexy like to add anything?

“Fly high and die, biotches!”

WCP: Do you have anything else in the works? 

Yes, I have a middle grade novel coming out entitled Lucy and CeCee’s How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School.  It’s my first book I’ve written specifically for middle grade girls.  There will be a corresponding website at lucyandcecee.com, so I’m pretty excited about that.  

WCP: Now for some fun questions: What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?

The thing that has taken me most by surprise is how much time promotion takes – almost as much as writing.  But it’s worth it.  I’ve met a lot of awesome people in the process, like this author named Jenn Nixon.  No, seriously – promotion is very time consuming but absolutely essential.

WCP: If you could travel to any planet, besides earth, and live there (if that were possible), which one would it be? And what do you think it would be like?

I think I’d like to travel to Morocco before conquering outer space.  So at the risk of sounding super lame, my inter-galactic passport will remain unused for the time being.

WCP: Any last words? Um, for the interview, that is. (grin)

Wild Child Publishing Rocks!

www.Kimberlydana.com

www.Kimberlydana.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/kimberlydanaauthor

Wild Child Books by Kimberly Dana:

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Interview with C.M. Humpries

Today’s author interview spotlights C.M. Humphries,  Author of the Horror Novel, Excluded.

WCP: What was your inspiration for Excluded? 

CMH: At the risk of sounding cliché, Excluded derived from a nightmare I had when I first moved into my dormitory at Ball State University back in 2007. It’s rather difficult to place how it came about (or what it means in psychological terms), but the dream consisted of a few others and myself trapped inside of this giant Victorian home with the thought of no escape. As it happens with nightmares, not everything is played out; rather you have an instinct of some sort. This insight told me we were all at the house for the same reason. There was an idea just to leave through the back door, but if you end up taking a look at Excluded, you’ll soon realize the easy answers are usually the worst ones.

WCP: Did you draw on any past experiences to write this novel? 

CMH: At the time of constructing Excluded, I had this unusual fascination with philosophical takes on murder. What makes a murderer? What kind of upbringing serves as a catalyst for these murderers’ actions?  Excluded, through my bias, definitely showcases the question of “What do you mean by murderer?” 

WCP: Do you have any favorite authors in Horror? Or ones that have influenced you more than others?

For me, there’s an endless list of favorite authors. I can tell you I was reading a lot of Richard Laymon when I wrote the first draft of Excluded. If you’ve never read Laymon, he’s the fun-horror sort of writer. His stories bring some sort of amusement from reading terrifying tales, which kind of makes one question their own sanity. Then again, some of us enjoy a good thrill.

WCP: Is there anything you would like the readers to take away from the story?

On one level, I hope readers will contemplate what it means to be a murder and think about actions versus consequences. On another, maybe it will keep them up all night or give them a nightmare or two. 

WCP: Now for some fun questions: What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?

The biggest surprise that came with being an author was the amount of leg work. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. Prior to entering the publishing world, however, I figured writers wrote. That’s really only 10% of it.

WCP: If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone, living or dead, what would it be and what would you eat?

CMH: I would love for the chance to have a meal with Bret Easton Ellis. Chuck Palahniuk is a close second, but I think Ellis could result in something serendipitous. What would we eat, hmm . . . How about some expensive meal from some exclusive restaurant, just to see if any Patrick Bateman comes out? I understand American Psycho is a satire poking at the views of American yuppies in the 1980s, but I would love to see how much of the author comes through in the story.

WCP: Any last words? Um, for the interview, that is. (grin)

“A wise man changes his mind, a fool never.” –Spanish Proverb.

You can find me: @1cmhumphries – twitter

1cmhumphries – facebook

www.cmhumphries.com

Wild Child Books by C.M. Humphries:

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Thank you ….

for the nice comments–about Dark Side- Brandy & Becky!

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Dark Side

I have worked in the chemical dependency field for over twenty years—which has given me so much material for my novel–however, having some “at home training” with alcoholic parents ( who later got into recovery) also gave me “insignt” into addiction and it’s woes.

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Interview with L.J. Hadaway

Today’s author interview spotlights L.J. Hadaway.  Author of the Paranormal Suspense, Dark Side of Purgatory.

WCP: What was your inspiration for Dark Side of Purgatory?

I have worked in the chemical dependency field for over 20 years and both my parents were alcoholic. I wanted to write a novel that would be both entertaining and   give family members insight into the “addictive” mind. At the same time- give recovery addicts/ addicts a peek into the family members thoughts and fears.

WCP: Do you have any other genre you’d like to try your hand at?

I’ve written suspense, contemporary, and now, paranormal. At some time, I’d like to write a children’s/young adult novel.

WCP: Before we move onto other questions, would Jaxon like to add anything? 

Jaxon slips his hands into the back pockets of his denim blue Levi 501’s.  He gives a quick grin before he speaks. “I know I’ve done some bad things in my life, but I never expected to find myself in Purgatory. Maybe that other place, you know,” he points to the ground. “But, hey, come along on my journey.”

WCP: Do you have any favorite authors?

John Grisham, Greg Isles, Jody Picoult, David Baldacci, Dean Koontz,  to name a few. Of course some of the classics.  Or ones that have influenced you more than others? I can’t think of any single author, more of a combination of different styles, I think.

WCP: Do you have anything else in the works? 

I have a new project I’m working on, and a couple ideas floating in my head.

WCP: Now for some fun questions: What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?

I think when people tell me they really liked/ enjoyed my book.  In my mind, I’m thinking, “Really?”

WCP: If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone, living or dead, what would it be and what would you eat?

I think, James Dean. I’ve always found the pure intensity and drive he had as an actor for his short life on earth, amazing. Plus we share the same birthday date (not year!) Eat? What time frame?1950’s Maybe at a drive through car hop- where the waitresses would roller skate to the car window and take our order..probably a hamburger. Fancy place to eat? Something simple- a salad or steak.

WCP: Any last words? Um, for the interview, that is. (grin)

If you’ve ever known any addict/ alcoholic… you will relate to Dark Side Of Purgatory.  The male readers will bond with them, and the women need to be careful or they may a little in love with him.  He kinda grows on you. Also, I love to hear from my readers!

My website: www.lindahadawy.com

Twitter: @LJWritesNovels

Wild Child Books by L.J. Hadaway

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Good Morning!

Have you ever known an addict? alcoholic? If so, DARK SIDE OF PURGATORY will touch a place in your heart. Jaxon Slater is the bad boy your momma warned you about. Yet, he’s the same dude to flirt with her and make her smile. “Go on with you two.”
Dark Side Of Purgatory is novel about addiction, recovery, and hope, with a paranormal twist.
Any questions???
Book trailer availalbe at www.lindahadaway.com

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Interview with Molly Dean

Today’s author interview spotlights Molly Dean.  Author of the Tween Mystery Novel, The Twilight Garden.

WCP: What was your inspiration for The Twilight Garden?

It all began with a real garden my husband and I created, one like in the story, with pools, pale, fragrant flowers, and a backdrop of forest. I imagined being a child in such a place. Then, the characters Daniel and Kat popped into my head. I am sure I was inspired by one of my favorite books The Secret Garden. Also, in a weird way, Tolkien. This has to do with the elves and the trees and the sense of questing and searching.

WCP: Did you draw on any past experiences to write this novel?

A little, but not exactly. Of course, bits and pieces of my past found their way into the book. When I was growing up, my mom and I loved to invent characters. We were both pretty good mimics and did the voices, etc. One of these ‘people’ was an old British colonel who turned into the Colonel Pepperidge of my story.

WCP: Do any of the characters share any of your characteristics or personality?

As a child, I was a lot like the boy, Daniel–shy and sensitive and often feeling out-of-control in terms of my life. I sometimes secretly wanted to be fiery and feisty like Kat. As I grow older, I must admit I am acquiring some of the same eccentricities of Great Aunt Delilah and even, Colonel Pepperidge. Oh well!

WCP: Is there anything you would like the readers to take away from the story?

A sense of beauty and mystery. Also, the message that if a person uses real effort, he or she can accomplish something really major.

WCP: Do you have anything else in the works?

My next novel is about kids hiding a dragon in a basement. The creature, who develops an obsession for cornflakes, appears lovable and gentle. But does he have the gumption and power to subdue a deadly foe? I am also working on another fantasy tale about the adventures of a little girl and a magical white tiger.

WCP: Now for some fun questions: What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?

That people take my stories seriously. Also, the business side of things—the pushing, promoting, and pitching.

WCP: If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone, living or dead, what would it be and what would you eat?

Gandalf the Wizard! I love that character. But, seriously, if it has to be a real person, I’d take Tolkien any day. There are so many questions I’d like to ask him. The menu? Elven cakes—waybread I think it is called– and champagne.

WCP: Any last words? Um, for the interview, that is. (grin)

Break open the champagne!

www.mollydean.com

Wild Child Books by Molly Dean:

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Interview with Shelby Hailstone

Today’s author interview spotlights Shelby Hailstone.  Author of the Action/Adventure Romance Novel, Lady Thief.

WCP: What was your inspiration for The Lady Thief?

Shelby: I’ve always been into action and adventure and superheroes, that sort of thing. If something doesn’t blow up in a movie, I probably don’t own it. So, I wanted my first book to be something like that, something that I would have probably grown up watching on television or reading in comic books. I had an image in my mind of a shadowy girl climbing a wall to steal something, and I went from there.

WCP: Did you draw on any past experiences to write this novel?

Shelby: Besides a character with a Southern accent? Not really. My life is not nearly that exciting. 

WCP: Does The Lady Thief share any of your characteristics?

Shelby: I think she’s the person I wanted to be growing up. She has a lot more self-confidence, boldness, determination, and wit than I do—although I would like to flatter myself and believe that we share the same sense of humor. She’s very attractive and intelligent, and she has a particular flair with technology, something I have always struggled with. 

WCP: Before we move onto other questions, would The Lady Thief like to add anything?

Shelby: Well, she’s very glad I listened to her and let her guide the story in the right direction. She seems to think that my original plan didn’t work, and I’m inclined to believe her now that it’s all over, even though it was painful to do all those rewrites just to satisfy her demands at the time.

WCP: Do you have anything else in the works? 

Shelby: Right now, I’m putting the finishing touches on a classic fantasy story, but I’ve also got a six-book urban fantasy series in the works. (I can never work on just one thing at a time.) I’m pretty excited about the series, and anyone who knows me well enough will know that it’s been eating my life for the past eight months. 

WCP: Now for some fun questions: What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?

Shelby: Probably the hours. When I was writing just for me, it was easy. I would write things and store them away and read them again if I wanted to, but that was it. And I’m a fast writer, so it never occurred to me that these things could take so much time out of my life when I started doing rewriting and editing and then more rewriting—even before the official editing for publication.

WCP: If you could travel to any planet, besides earth, and live there (if that were possible), which one would it be? And what do you think it would be like?

Shelby: Does it have to be a real planet? If it has to be a real planet, then I’d have to say Venus because it’s closer to the sun and I hate being cold; the other planets would freeze me. Sure, it would be cloudy all the time, but I think it would be a special kind of beautiful to see the ways the clouds form and reform. Can I use a pretend planet? If I can, I’m going to show my dorkiness here and say I would love to go to Gallifrey or Vulcan. Both of those planets are supposed to be gorgeous and the inhabitants spectacular.

WCP: Any last words? Um, for the interview, that is. (grin)

Shelby: Just that I hope this isn’t the end of my story. I plan on going on, writing more, and making my mark on the world. Even if no one reads my books, I enjoy writing them and I am going to follow my passion.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SMHailstone

Wild Child Books by Shelby Hailstone 

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Interview with David W. Huffstetler.

Today’s author interview spotlights David W. Huffstetler.  Author of the Crime Fiction/Mystery Novel, Blood on the Pen.

WCP: What was your inspiration for Blood on the Pen?

Like many (most) aspiring authors, I endured one rejection letter after another before someone chose to read one of my manuscripts.  Rather than continuing to pull my hair out, I decided to use that frustration as the premise for Blood on the Pen.  The plot involves an unpublished author who gets one rejection letter too many and starts killing literary agents.

WCP: Do you have any other genre you’d like to try your hand at?

I have toyed with historical fiction, taking actual events and adding the kind of dialogue I believe the characters may have had.  I enjoy history, and trying to capture the personalities of those people in dialogue can be a very challenging proposition, and fun. 

WCP: Does Jack Harden share any of your characteristics?

Certainly not physically.  He is a big, strapping Texas Ranger, but we do share the experience of losing a loved one to a drunk driver.  Jack is haunted by the loss of his wife, tortured with whether to kill the man who killed Jenny or just kill himself.  No, I’ve never reached that point, but I can relate to the deep sense of loss he has. 

WCP: Before we move onto other questions, would Jack like to add anything?

“My life has been a mess, since I lost Jenny, and I’ve tasted the barrel of my pistol more than once.  Every time I walked that ragged edge, my job called me back, and now I have this young reporter, Elsie, to deal with.  What am I supposed to do with her? She’s starting to get under my skin, but she also, well, never mind about that.”

WCP: Do you have anything else in the works?

Yes.  I contracted with Wild Child Publishing for Blood on the Cards, and it is in the edit queue.  I didn’t intend to write a sequel, but Jack and Elsie weren’t through with me.  Blood on the Cards centers on a game of Texas Hold-em that goes terribly wrong.  Jack faces off with a self-proclaimed, modern-day prophet, who worships an ancient goddess.  It’s a little different.  I’m also working on a manuscript called Thread of Life, about a ten-year-old who inherits billions when his elderly father is murdered.  Yes, I said elderly father, and that is part of the plot.  It has a hint of the paranormal and science fiction, but not enough to be called either of those genres. 

WCP: Now for some fun questions: What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?

It can be quite consuming, not only when I look at the clock and realize that I’ve been writing for hours, but also in developing a very real relationship with fictional characters.  When I proofread a manuscript, I find things I don’t remember writing.  That’s when I think they took over.

WCP: If you could be any man, living or dead, who would you want to be? Why?

I have enough trouble being who I am.  Seriously, there are people I would like to meet, but I don’t want to be any of them.  It would be interesting to talk to some of the men at the Alamo to ask what drove them to stay there, but they had their role to play and I have mine; although, my role pales by comparison.

WCP: Any last words? Um, for the interview, that is. (grin)

Let me borrow a line from Ed Ames and his recording of Try to Remember.  He says, “Without the hurt, the heart is hollow.”  If that is true, then Jack Harden’s heart is far from hollow, and Blood on the Pen is my attempt to share his struggle and how Elsie tries to pull him back to life.  I hope readers can relate to that.

Author Website: www.davidhuffstetler.com 

Wild Child Books by David Huffstetler:

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