Thursday, October 30, 2014
"Strange Donation"
My Halloween-themed flash fiction piece, "Strange Donation" just won second place in Morning Rain Publishing's Freaky Flash Fiction 2014 Contest. Follow this link to read my story and all the other winners at http://morningrainpublishing.com/blog/.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Interview with author, Simon Paul Wilson
This week I’ve had the opportunity to interview author, Simon Paul Wilson, whose novel, YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE, will be released by the Pankheast Group on October 31.
YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE started off as a the introspective musings of a loney man, morphed into a coming-of-age novel for a teenage girl, and ended up being a sci-fi/fantasy battle of good versus evil. Unique and always surprising, YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE is a joy to read. The major turning point of the story, the point after which I couldn’t stop reading, was when Yuko lost her best friend.
What made you think of this plot twist as the way to move the story less from the ramblings of a teenage girl, and more into a supernatural thriller?
YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE started off as a the introspective musings of a loney man, morphed into a coming-of-age novel for a teenage girl, and ended up being a sci-fi/fantasy battle of good versus evil. Unique and always surprising, YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE is a joy to read. The major turning point of the story, the point after which I couldn’t stop reading, was when Yuko lost her best friend.
What made you think of this plot twist as the way to move the story less from the ramblings of a teenage girl, and more into a supernatural thriller?
Personally, I like movies and books that start as one thing and then gradually morph into something quite different. Something I really wanted to do with Yuko was create a character that readers would become attached to or relate with, to give people a character they would be interested in and root for. My intention all along was to build Yuko's world, knock it down, and replace it with something that was far from normal. If a reader is truly into a character, then they will follow him or her, no matter where they go. That's what I hope people will do with Yuko.
In the end, the main characters are challenged by the forces of evil, which fear Yuko’s potential power. This part of the story reminded me of the parable of Job, where Job becomes an unwitting pawn in a games of wills between God and Satan.
Do you think we are all playthings for the forces of good and evil?
Interesting question! I think we all have good and bad inside us. It's up to us which one of those we decide to be our master or guiding force. If we were to think of our emotions and how they can control us, I guess we could say we are playthings of good and evil, in a way. Yeah, interesting question...
At the end of YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE, good wins out and circumstances are changed. Here in America, our western ideology demands that good always prevails. That’s not necessarily true for other cultures.
How much of your work is influenced by the teachings of Eastern mythologies versus Western ones?
To be honest, the original ending of Yuko Zen was a little bit more ambiguous and in keeping with Eastern fiction, especially that of Japan and Korea. Having traveled and lived in Asia for many years, my writing has been deeply influenced by Eastern mythology and culture. I like stories that end and make me think about what may happen next. As for Yuko Zen, does good really win at the end? Or is it a small victory? As the writer, I have my own opinion of what may happen next, I would be very interested to hear what other people think.
What can we look forward to reading from Simon Paul Wilson in the future?
I am very nearly at the end of a third rewrite of a novel called GhostCityGirl - a cyberpunk ghost story set in future Japan. I have also started work on a new magical realism novel called Ten Things To Do Before I Disappear. I'm very excited about both of them. Let's see what happens!
Tell us more about yourself.
Simon Paul Wilson writes quirky fiction. Originally from the UK, Simon traveled to Asia and found his second home. Heavily influenced by his time in China and Thailand, Simon's stories usually feature kooky Asian girls and ghosts with very long hair. When not writing, Simon listens to post and prog rock at a very loud volume. He also likes to play air-guitar.
Let’s talk about Pankhearst. What excites you most about being part of the Pankhearst group?
Honestly, I think everything the Pankhearst group releases is top quality writing. I really do feel honoured they like my humble scribbles. I would also like to say I have not been bribed to say good things.
Participate in the launch events (competition and giveaway) at https://www.facebook.com/events/906808869349180/
Before October 31, pre-order YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE at the following links:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OLYHCOS
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OLYHCOS
After October 30, get your own copy of YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE at http://getbook.at/YUKO/
Before October 31, pre-order YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE at the following links:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OLYHCOS
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OLYHCOS
After October 30, get your own copy of YUKO ZEN IS SOMEWHERE ELSE at http://getbook.at/YUKO/
Find out more about Simon Paul Wilson at the following links:
Follow the Pankhearst Group at http://pankhearst.com/.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Interview with author, Scott Butcher
Scott Butcher is a rising star among Canadian children’s book writers. However, his writing is versatile, and there are a lot more stories in several genres yet to come from Scott. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to review four of Scott’s middle-grade books and to ask him a few questions.
Scott is represented by the relatively new imprint, Morning Rain Publishing. His first novel, released by them, is AN EAGLE’S HEART. Narrating in a voice reminiscent of the indigenous peoples of the Canadian Arboreal Forest, AN EAGLE’S HEART tells a remarkable tale of how a Merlin Falcon and his fellow raptors save a grove full of song birds in Thunder Bay from a murder of crows. Not only does the reader see the story unfold from the point of view of the humans who observe the birds settling into their backyard, but also from that of the birds themselves. Using authentic descriptions of the behavior of a variety of birds including eagles, hawks, falcons, blue jays, robins, chickadees and crows, Scott weaves a believable tale of betrayal and justice.
Morning Rain Publishing has also released the first three novellas in the six-part FAIRLY STILLWART CHRONICLES, a heart-warming tale of perseverance and adventure about a stubborn pixie in a fairies’ world. The chronicles are set all over the planet, starting in Australia and moving across Canada, before ending up in the old country of Ireland.
In the first chronicle, STILLWART AND THE SOUTHERN FAIRIES, Stillwart overcomes discrimination from her community in Australia, since she is the only pixie among a large group of fairies. In A PIXIE PILGRIMAGE she is compelled by the Northern Pixies of Ireland to transport unhatched fairies from Australia to repopulate and reenergize magic in Ireland. Unfortunately, she and her band of brave fairies and pixies are placed on the wrong flight and end up in Vancouver. With the help of a wayward, orphaned fairy they met at the airport, and two human college students, they drive across Canada to Nova Scotia in THE SCOTTI AND FAIRIES DON’T EXIST. There they are able to save the Nova Scotia fairies and rekindle a pixie kingdom.
The fourth chronicle, TORY BLITHE AND THE ST. JOHN’S PIXIE, is soon to be published, so that’s where I started my interview.
When is the fourth Stillwart Chronicle going to be released?
I don’t know. It’s been accepted by the publisher [Morning Rain Publishing], but they’ve been busy with other books and haven’t given me a time (though I’ve signed a contract). I’ve temporarily put it on Wattpad to culture some readership for the series so it can be seen there for free at the moment. Others of the series are now finished as well.
How did you come up with the idea for the Stillwart Chronicles?
It was from a weekly flash fiction (short story) event. It was supposed to be a story about ‘cinema’, so I invented a tale about a cheeky (somewhat grumpy) little pixie girl who was looking after the ticket booth for an outdoor animal cinema. I liked the character so much that I wrote another short story about her, and then it became a book, and then a series.
How much fun was it to include characters in the third chronicle, SCOTTI AND FAIRIES DON’T EXIST, that closely resemble your own daughters?
I don’t know why I did that, but it was fun. It just sort of happened. I tend to write about things I know, and I know about places I’ve been, and I know about my daughters, so it just seemed right.
How much research did you have to do before writing AN EAGLE’S HEART?
How did you become involved with the publishing imprint, Morning Rain Publishers?
An Eagle’s Heart has a strong outdoor North American feel to it. I had it on a writer’s site for some time. I polished it up there with the help of many people (including Laura). Then when I thought it was ready I withdrew it from the site with the idea of pedaling it to some local Canadian publishers. As it happened some of the Canadian ladies from that same site were starting a little Canadian publishing house, and asked if they could publish the book. I said, yep, that sounds good to me.
What is the best and worst thing about your relationship with them?
Editing is the worst (it has to be done). They found so many things. I thought I’d polished it pretty well, but, nope it needed more. The best thing has been keeping a fun relationship going with a lot of the authors I knew from that old author site. The continued friendships (and new friendships) make it worthwhile.
Tell us a little about Scott Butcher, the author?
Born in Australia to Canadian parents, I moved back and forth between the two countries (you can see a bit of me in Stillwart) for much of my younger life. I returned to Canada five years ago with my wife and children. I’ve always made up stories for my children, and I’ve wanted to be an author since I was 17. Finally made it, though it took me 35 years. Check that one off the bucket list. Funny thing is it’s addictive, I can’t stop now. I just keep writing.
What can we look forward to reading from you in the next year or so?
The last of the Fairly Stillwart Chronicles are finished now, so hopefully they’ll appear soon. I’ve also written a special chronicle called “The Hidden Chronicle” which is also part of the series (sort of).
I’ve been working on an adult book for some time, which I’ve just changed the title to. It’s now “The Bloodline of the Faery Queen”. There are other projects in the wings, including a sequel to “An Eagle’s Heart” and a spinoff of the Stillwart Chronicles, called “The Magic Sisters”. They may take me a while to write though.
Morning Rain Publishing has also released the first three novellas in the six-part FAIRLY STILLWART CHRONICLES, a heart-warming tale of perseverance and adventure about a stubborn pixie in a fairies’ world. The chronicles are set all over the planet, starting in Australia and moving across Canada, before ending up in the old country of Ireland.
In the first chronicle, STILLWART AND THE SOUTHERN FAIRIES, Stillwart overcomes discrimination from her community in Australia, since she is the only pixie among a large group of fairies. In A PIXIE PILGRIMAGE she is compelled by the Northern Pixies of Ireland to transport unhatched fairies from Australia to repopulate and reenergize magic in Ireland. Unfortunately, she and her band of brave fairies and pixies are placed on the wrong flight and end up in Vancouver. With the help of a wayward, orphaned fairy they met at the airport, and two human college students, they drive across Canada to Nova Scotia in THE SCOTTI AND FAIRIES DON’T EXIST. There they are able to save the Nova Scotia fairies and rekindle a pixie kingdom.
The fourth chronicle, TORY BLITHE AND THE ST. JOHN’S PIXIE, is soon to be published, so that’s where I started my interview.
When is the fourth Stillwart Chronicle going to be released?
I don’t know. It’s been accepted by the publisher [Morning Rain Publishing], but they’ve been busy with other books and haven’t given me a time (though I’ve signed a contract). I’ve temporarily put it on Wattpad to culture some readership for the series so it can be seen there for free at the moment. Others of the series are now finished as well.
How did you come up with the idea for the Stillwart Chronicles?
It was from a weekly flash fiction (short story) event. It was supposed to be a story about ‘cinema’, so I invented a tale about a cheeky (somewhat grumpy) little pixie girl who was looking after the ticket booth for an outdoor animal cinema. I liked the character so much that I wrote another short story about her, and then it became a book, and then a series.
How much fun was it to include characters in the third chronicle, SCOTTI AND FAIRIES DON’T EXIST, that closely resemble your own daughters?
I don’t know why I did that, but it was fun. It just sort of happened. I tend to write about things I know, and I know about places I’ve been, and I know about my daughters, so it just seemed right.
How much research did you have to do before writing AN EAGLE’S HEART?
Lots. I’m a scientist when I’m not writing books, I write for that too, but it’s a different type of writing. Anyway, I research all my books pretty heavily. An Eagle’s Heart, was easier in that we lived in the area where I set the book. So there are lots of eagles, harriers, blue jays, and other species there (all the birds in the book). A lot of the research was from first-hand experience, otherwise lots of background reading.
Are you a bird enthusiast?
Yes, I like birds, but the truth is that when we came back to Canada we lived in the centre of Thunder Bay where there is only sea gulls and crows, they kill the other birds. I missed the colourful bird life we had in Australia. When we moved to the outskirts of the city, there were all sorts of new species to discover! It was great. The book evolved from that move.
You’ve written novels for children and adults, which do you prefer?
Both. Though I find it easier to finish children’s books because they’re shorter. They’re more satisfying from that point of view. It’s always nice to have the finished story.
How did you become involved with the publishing imprint, Morning Rain Publishers?
An Eagle’s Heart has a strong outdoor North American feel to it. I had it on a writer’s site for some time. I polished it up there with the help of many people (including Laura). Then when I thought it was ready I withdrew it from the site with the idea of pedaling it to some local Canadian publishers. As it happened some of the Canadian ladies from that same site were starting a little Canadian publishing house, and asked if they could publish the book. I said, yep, that sounds good to me.
What is the best and worst thing about your relationship with them?
Editing is the worst (it has to be done). They found so many things. I thought I’d polished it pretty well, but, nope it needed more. The best thing has been keeping a fun relationship going with a lot of the authors I knew from that old author site. The continued friendships (and new friendships) make it worthwhile.
Tell us a little about Scott Butcher, the author?
Born in Australia to Canadian parents, I moved back and forth between the two countries (you can see a bit of me in Stillwart) for much of my younger life. I returned to Canada five years ago with my wife and children. I’ve always made up stories for my children, and I’ve wanted to be an author since I was 17. Finally made it, though it took me 35 years. Check that one off the bucket list. Funny thing is it’s addictive, I can’t stop now. I just keep writing.
What can we look forward to reading from you in the next year or so?
The last of the Fairly Stillwart Chronicles are finished now, so hopefully they’ll appear soon. I’ve also written a special chronicle called “The Hidden Chronicle” which is also part of the series (sort of).
I’ve been working on an adult book for some time, which I’ve just changed the title to. It’s now “The Bloodline of the Faery Queen”. There are other projects in the wings, including a sequel to “An Eagle’s Heart” and a spinoff of the Stillwart Chronicles, called “The Magic Sisters”. They may take me a while to write though.
FIND OUT MORE about Scott Butcher’s books and Morning Rain Publishing at the following links:
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