Happy Horrorween!

Is this an awesome cover or what? And just in time for Halloween! I'm pleased to have Robert Ropars join me on the blog today. He's the author of DARK BITES: Four Tales of Horror. We're sitting here nibbbling on skull cookies and sipping rummed-up apple cider. Robert, welcome!

Thanks, Susan. These skulls are delicious.

Here, have another and tell us how many books you've written.

I have published seven books since 2008.  These include two books of poetry, Carriage Returns in 2008 and Romantic Confessions in 2009, a four-part ebook series in 2010, including Windy City of the Dead, Like Cats and Dogs, The Red Planet, and 848, and these latter four I subsequently published as a collection called Dark Bites:  Four Tales of Horror in December 2010.

Ah, I see.

What books or authors have influenced you, Robert?

A wide variety of authors including (but certainly not limited to) Stephen King, Tim Powers, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelly, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Lloyd Alexander, J.R.R. Tolkein, Neil Gaiman, Len Deighton, Robert Ludlum, etc.

What has been your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

The reaction/comments from so many people all over the world has been gratifying and encouraging.  It further fuels my desire to write and publish many more stories.

Tell us  more about Dark Bites.

After publishing two books of poetry, I sought to return to fiction, which I had previously pursued within the context of short stories.  I had researched ebooks and deciding to get going again, I felt that doing a series of shorter stories/novellas that I could then combine into a collected volume made a lot of sense.  This book contains four stories of horror with strong female protagonists.  Though they can be read on their own, they interlock in a variety of ways creating a larger world.  The women face zombies, werewolves, vampires, ghosts and the scariest monster of all-a sexual predator.  I wanted to explore these classic horror genre themes with a fresh eye creating a new look at old stories.

Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

Dark Bites:  Four Tales of Horror is available in print via Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/dp/145361494X  and http://www.createspace.com/3459434 as well as ebook for Kindle  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004G8R0NM, and Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-bites-robert-ropars/1100216190 , Kobo http://kobobooks.com/ebook/Dark-Bites-Four-Tales-Horror/book-hY4_yOhEc0uMUX7htv2vNg/page1.html , and iPad   http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dark-bites-four-tales-horror/id411645082?mt=11  via those individual etailers and Smashwords.com http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/32178.

Boert, ...?

Whoa, Susan! I think you've had too much rummed cider. LOL.

Ahem, perhaps. Let me try that again. Were any of your books more challenging than others?

The Dark Bites series was definitely more of a challenge than the two books of poetry.  The first was a collection of poetry I had already written over a twenty-year period.  The second book of poetry was new poems and haiku written in 2009, but they were a labor of love and not a prolonged endeavor.  With Dark Bites I was creating a four-part series with stories that needed to stand on their own as well as work as a cohesive whole.

What are some of the problems you faced while plotting a series with ongoing characters?

The challenge was to be prudent about how much/often characters and locations appeared in each story (if at all).  In other words, I wanted to ensure that any crossovers mattered and weren’t just included to artificially link unrelated stories.

How do you develop characters?

Once I have my story idea in place, the characters come to me and I mentally draw out their lifestyle, interests, tastes and name.  It’s a bit like inventing someone I’d really like to meet, have tea/coffee with and hopefully end up long-term friends with.

How do you choose your setting?

Living in the Chicago area since 1986, and loving the area as I do, I never felt that my stories would take place anywhere else.  However, I wrote the stories in such a way that if they were to be adapted for film for example, if needed they could be transplanted to London, Paris, San Francisco, etc. with only minor tweaking.

What are your protagonists' strengths? Flaws?

All four women are strong, intelligent, and largely self-sufficient.  I wanted to write the kinds of strong heroines I enjoy reading or seeing in movies.  I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from women who’ve read the stories and appreciated the main characters’ strength and courage. 

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

I’m currently putting the finishing touches on a new horror ebook Dead Woman’s Curve which should be available right about now.  I have at least three or four horror and thriller stories outlined ready to write.  I am planning to constantly push my boundaries and comfort zones and try other genres including western and romance.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

I Tweet a LOT so definitely consider following me on Twitter ( http://twitter.com/robertropars ).  I have a Facebook account ( http://www.facebook.com/robertropars ), but rarely use it (feel more in tune with Twitter I guess).  I blog occasionally, not often enough. ( http://robertropars.wordpress.com/ ).  In addition, I have author pages on both Smashwords.com ( http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/robertropars ) and Amazon ( http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Ropars/e/B004FRP8CY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 )

Grab another cookie, Robert, and have great success with your books. Maybe we can connect on Twitter and Facebook.

I'd like that, Susan. Thanks again, and a Happy Horrorween to everyone out there!

J.R Poulter

J.R. Poulter is a prolific writer and my guest today. Welcome, Jennifer. Please give us a brief bio.
Trained as a reference librarian, I have worked in a variety of positions from a rare books librarian to book reviewer, from English Expression tutor and academic editor assisting Indonesian postgraduates, to assessment package writer for the Queensland Education Department, from children’s magazine literary editor to working in a circus! I wrote plays before writing poetry and later I wrote stories. I have been published as a literary poet in leading journals in Australia as well as the USA [e.g., Quadrant and Antipodes] under J.R.McRae. I was first published as a poet when still at school. I started writing for children when totally sleep deprived with my youngest, twins. I have 10 books out here, so far, as J.R.Poulter – 6 volume series for education, two picture books and two junior novels. I am married with five children, two full time cats, a part time cat, geckos, water dragons, possums and lots of wild birds from the large park nearby.

What books came along at just the right time to influence your reading/writing?
I have always been an avid reader. My Grandmother had a wonderful collection of books called ‘Lands and People’ and a children’s version of the stories of the Shakespearean plays. My Aunt Mary had amazing books on Egyptology and on famous artists like Rubens, the Pre-Raphaelites, the Impressionists, Kandinsky and others. My Father and maternal Grandfather used to recite the poems of Lewis Carroll and Henry Lawson, Mrs Hemans and Banjo Patterson. I think the end result was manifold. I love the sound and shape of words, the music locked in language, how you can bend and blend them to say new things new ways. I love combining words and images [am teaching myself illustrative art], have been called a highly visual writer and have a Carrollesque sense of humor.

What are your writing goals?
To have books published around the world – stories and narrative poems that children will love - stories that will engage them and make them want to read, poems that will imbue in them a love for poetry and the rhythms of language, books with images by the amazing illustrators with whom I have been very fortunate and honored to collaborate. I want very much to publish a book of literary poetry as well, possible with my own illustrations.

Is there a message in your writing you want readers to grasp?
The love of reading! Reading is the key that opens many, many doors - books do not just entertain, they also inform, instruct, guide and illumine. These days, children and young people are much more visually oriented so I believe that images accompanying the text of books of prose and poetry for children, young adults and even adults are important in helping to convey meaning and messages.

Briefly tell us about your latest book.
Can I give you two – each in different media?
Certainly.

Hard copy -

Mending Lucille, which deals with loss and grief, will hopefully be released in the US later this year. It won the Crichton, a major award out here, was listed in the top ten children’s/young Adult books in New Zealand, and was nominated for the Family Therapists’ Award,

Digital media –

“Toofs” has just been accepted for publication on iphone with PicPocket Books. It will be released in mid to late August and was co-written by my daughter Estelle Poulter and illustrated by Monica Rondino and Andrea Pucci of Italy. This is a first venture into the digital publishing arena for all four of us!

What’s the hook for the book(s)?
Hard copy -

Loss and resulting grief happen in all our lives but for a small child it can be harder to communicate the heart ache and sense of loss. The central character, a little girl, is helped to reach out for help on her road to recovery via a kindly woman who mends the child’s broken doll.
Digital media –

Did you know the Big Bad Wolf had teething problems? He did when he was a baby and oh what problems he caused for his big brother! This is a humorous look at the problems caused in a family by one baby's teething driven need to chew and BITE! The text has been co-written by Estelle who is a childcare professional and features the methods used in childcare to overcome the problem for other siblings and playmates.

Do you think your writing has improved since your first attempt? In what way?
Yes, I hope so – practice makes perfect! J Always be prepared to learn and be prepared to listen to constructive criticism. You aren’t perfect so don’t expect your writing to be that way first off. Put distance between yourself and your writing before a final edit. It helps you be more objective. It is not easy to tear your own child limb from limb and that is what a writer’s creations are to them!

Were any of your books more challenging to write than the others? If so, why?
The series of six books for education was the most challenging. The book was submitted originally as one volume, accepted and contracted. Then a new curriculum came out in draft form in one Australian state and the publisher decided they wanted the book to comply. No one outside of the higher echelons at the Education Department had a copy. This was a challenge. Sleuth work required. I did it whilst in hospital with a copy of the draft smuggled to me by a contact in the department. The rewritten ms was submitted. The company then went to the brink of bankruptcy and dropped their education titles. I found a new publisher. They decided they wanted to split the book into an anthology and four subject grouped collections –more work. They also wanted a sixth volume of humorous poetry.

How do you develop characters? Setting?
I’m a right brain writer. I get a phrase or image etc and just go for it! The story creates itself as it writes.

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?
It varies. Some are not so much protagonists as people on a journey of discovery about others in their lives, the world, and perhaps most importantly, themselves.

How do you determine voice in your writing?
Whatever fits that particular story. It happens spontaneously. Sometimes it is first person, sometimes third and so on.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?
I think the challenges, sorrows, traumas we all face in life shape us and help us grow. You write best, I believe, about what you know from experience or close observation.

How do you promote yourself online and off?
I’m learning – I’m not a natural self-promoter. I prefer to just write and draw so this doesn’t come naturally. I’m trying to get my head around FaceBook and Twitter and LinkedIn and JacketFlap and blogging – trouble is, when do you find time to write with all this stuff!

Where do you write? When? What do you have around you?
Anywhere! Any time! J Paper and pencil or biro at all times – never be without them!
Lots of books, computer, dictionary, images, photos piles of papers etc.

After hours of writing, how do you unwind?
Word games, drawing or photography, writing humorous verse that plays with words.

What are your current projects?
“Toofs” is coming out on iphone with PicPocket Books in mid to late August. It was co-written by my daughter Estelle Poulter and illustrated with humour and a real feel for this family’s not so funny dilemma by Monica Rondino and Andrea Pucci of Italy. This is my first venture into the digital publishing arena and I am truly excited about it.
Other projects include picture books with Angel Dominguez [Spain], Mary Manning [USA], novels [including “Cats’ Eyes” and “The Quizmaster”], a collection of literary poetry [“Blood and Other Essentials”], a collection of stories for children with Shahab Shamshirsaz [Italy] and two collections of humorous verse for children with Mattias Adolfsson [Sweden]. “Fox Shadows” will be published by Windy Hollows Books in 2011.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
Watch www.picpocketbooks.com - mid to late August “TOOFS!” will be released on iphone.

http://www.jenniferrpoulter.weebly.com/ for children’s writing and
http://jrmcrae-subversive.weebly.com/
for literary material and poetry
and blogs at www.jrpoulter.wordpess.com and http://www.jrmcrae.wordpess.com/

Jennifer, continued success. For more information about all of Jennifer's books, see the sites listed.

Bruce Wayne: Up From The Ruins

Bruce, welcome to my blog.

Please give us a brief bio before we start the interview.
I am a native of the state of Mississippi I hold a Master of Science degree in counseling and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I completed my undergraduate work at two private schools in Mississippi. My concentration was in history and Theology. I attended the University of Memphis and earned my Master's degree in 1993. Now a licensed counselor, I credit bartending for preparing me for my career. I am also an accomplished musician.

When did the writing bug bite, and in what genre(s)?
I guess I caught the writing bug and became serious about it around age forty, although I had written a few poems in my early 20s. My genres are poetry and nonfiction. My poems represent my bartending experiences told in poetry. My poetry titles are: Reflections from the Other Side (the world through the eyes of a bartender) and Vodka Tonics for the Soul.

When you started writing, what goals did you want to accomplish? Is there a message you want readers to grasp?
My initial goal was simply to get my work out there to as many readers as I could. My message is the theme of suffering that all experience, giving ourselves permission to acknowledge it, and being able to rise above our own struggles with persistence and determination.

Briefly tell us about your latest book. Series or stand-alone?
My latest book is a stand-alone book. Below is the synopsis:
UP FROM THE RUINS is the true and inspiring story of a family caught in the crossfire of an alcoholic father with a fiery temper and a love for alcohol who keeps the family on edge with a rootless life of transient living conditions. It is about courage, hope, faith, and the American dream. Faced with the head wind of damnation dealt out by all of the experts and predicted failure, Bruce hears only the beating of his own heart and marches to the beat of his drum. Academically, Bruce struggles in school. The family violence keeps him on edge. He has difficulty sustaining concentration in the class room and cannot complete homework assignments. This leads to the failure of many grades, requiring him to attend summer school. However, his dogs are his heroes and they save the family’s life and become his refuge and source of comfort in the midst of a family that churns with violence.

Ultimately, Bruce does the impossible and reaches the pinnacle of success when he earns a Master of Science degree in counseling and becomes a Licensed Professional Counselor. He identifies with the down trodden and the poor and uses his tumultuous life experiences to help heal the broken hearted. Up from the Ruins is a poignant portrayal of one boy’s journey whose adult life is mirrored by his life as a child. The main character descends downward and spirals upward stretching the emotional elasticity of the human limits, decidedly proving, that there is value to human effort. The reader should be prepared to take a downward descent into the deafened echoes of American life.

What’s the hook for the book?
In this age where the American family is being strained beyond its limits, there is a tremendous need for value on human effort, and feeling that one’s choices can yield results. The main character comes to the realization at a young age that nothing is permanent and ultimately, loss and gain must be the fulcrum that tips the balance of life. Filled with all the thrills of childhood as well as the despair of a lost child in his struggle for meaning and purpose, the character emerges from the depths of chaos.

How do you develop characters? Setting?
I start out by setting the background from which my story will emerge. I use vivid descriptions about the terrain and the places my character lives. I introduce my characters in chronological order and develop their personalities through sequential events. I carefully weave the background inside the family system and drift in and out of those two spheres without losing touch with my reader. Each chapter builds upon the other and draws the reader into each subsequent chapter.

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?
I don’t know what to say about technique, other than to quote Earnest Hemmingway: “Writing is ninety percent perspiration and ten percent inspiration.” In Short, I just followed my instincts and ruminated over each word until I felt it was time to turn the book loose. I understand Hemmingway’s description, but I do believe there is also the element of being born with a skill to write as well.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?
I think that my upbringing and life experience is my writing. My latest work is an autobiography.

What are your current projects?
I have a project I want to begin working on that I have spent 15 years gathering research for. It centers on my own profession of psychology. Having been a professional counselor for 12 years concomitant the research, I will be able to draw from both subjective experience and objective scientific research.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
The main place to learn about my books is to go to my web site at:
www.brucewaynebooks.com You can also email me at brucewayne0@aol.com for upcoming signings and additional information. My books can also be found on amazon.com along with more descriptions.