Book Reviews! Each of the following books may be
purchased through any large book store or online through www.amazon.com.
***
REVIEWED: Deadfall Hotel
WRITTEN BY: Steve Rasnic Tem
PUBLISHED: April, 2012
Deadfall Hotel is a rather sweet, at times sad, at times scary, novel which is
more fantasy than horror. It includes the familiar monster tropes, but they are
all fused with human pains, made believable in whatever condition ails the
character, sending them to convalesce and, most likely, eventually perish in
the namesake hotel. I wouldn’t call this book a “page-turner” as it is slow and
sentimental, but that is what I enjoy about this author; he captures the
subtleties of emotion – fear, sadness, hope – as masterfully as any “literary”
writer, while at the same time building a compelling supernatural environment.
A few of the sections seemed to go on for too long, such as the King of the
Cats, while other sections, I wanted to learn more of, such as the actual
history of the house, the pool that only occasionally appears, and the several
of the other background “inhabitants” that make brief cameo appearances, but
never again materialize. Deadfall Hotel is best read in a leisurely pace,
ideally in a windowed nook with gloomy rain falling outside, and a nice mug of
chamomile tea.
Four and a quarter out of Five stars
***
REVIEWED: Deadman’s Road
WRITTEN BY: Joe R. Lansdale
PUBLISHED: October, 2010
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. Each self-contained tale
revolves around the exploits of a central character, the gun slinging Reverend
Jebidiah Mercer. There’s not a lot of literary depth to this book, but the stories
are all fast-paced, action-filled, and pulp-esque fun. Rev. Mercer is quested
to roam the old west, destroying evil in the name of God, whom he mostly
despises, as penance for his sins. Each story pits him against a new enemy,
mortal and supernatural alike. Mercer, cursing the whole way, does battle with
whomever he is set against, including zombies, werewolves, ghosts, and kobolds.
Joe R. Lansdale is really a master at creating excitement in his writing as
well as crafting funny, meaningful dialogue. Know what you’re getting into
before starting this: Deadman’s Road is violent and crass, but perfect when you
need a pick-me-up after power-reading Camus or Dostoyevsky.
Five out of Five stars
***
REVIEWED: Village of the Mermaids
WRITTEN BY: Carlton Mellick III
PUBLISHED: April, 2013
Village of the Mermaids is about an Island town surrounded by carnivorous
mermaids, which the local citizens are not allowed to kill, under threat of
execution, per the Endangered Species Act.
Biting government satire, survivalist thrills, mystery, and horrible, horrible
man-eating mermaids, this novel is not for the weak-of-heart, but IS for those
who appreciate reading something strange and beautiful that they would not find
anywhere else.
It’s a funny, fast-paced story. Like all of Mellick’s work, I enjoyed this,
though I wouldn’t consider it one of his best novels. That being said, it’s
quite fine on any level. The talent of Carlton is that he can take the most
ridiculous-sounding premises and, in a unique and smart maneuvering, craft very
entertaining tales that are both outlandish and highly literary.
As an aside, the opening prologue is a chapter which was removed from the book
as it didn’t “fit,” but is the strongest element of the book overall,
emotionally tragic. Reading it in advance gave me character insight into the
doctor's character.
Four out of Five stars
***
Midnight cheers,
Eric J. Guignard
This
is part IV in the categorical explanation for THE SUB GENRES OF HORROR.
For an introduction, and PART I of this series, please begin here: The Sub-Genres of
Horror - Part-I
PART II is here: The Sub-Genres of
Horror - Part-II
PART III is
here: The Sub-Genres of
Horror - Part-III
Part IV is below!
*****
Lovecraftian Horror (Cthulhu Mythos)
Named after its progenitor, author H. P. Lovecraft, Lovecraftian Horror deals
with “cosmic horror of the unknown.” This theme is guided by the belief that
human minds cannot possibly comprehend the perilous mysteries of the universe
which are, at its core, alien and malevolent. Common elements include
protagonists who use science and logic to attempt to unravel these mysteries,
but then, most often, lose their sanity, as the mysteries of the cosmos are too
much for the human mind to comprehend. Also categorized under “Weird Fiction,”
Lovecraftian Horror is generally pessimistic, dependent on atmosphere, and
typically abstains from gore (choosing to emphasize psychological fear, being
the absence of normality).
Book Examples:
The Call of Cthulhu (or Tales of the
Cthulhu Mythos) by H. P. Lovecraft
The Burrowers Beneath (Book 1 of the Cthulhu Cycle Deities) by Brian Lumley
New Cthulhu: The Recent Weird (an
anthology) edited by Paula Guran
Media Tie-In
A book based on a movie, game, television show, etc., authorized by the
production company to be written as part of cross promotional efforts.
Generally, this type of book will expand the storyline of the original work,
using its existing characters, concepts, and settings. The important
distinction here is that the story itself will be unique from the movie (or
other media vehicle), whereas a novelization is the simply the written form of
the original story, i.e. a written format of what occurs in the movie.
Book Examples:
30 Days of Night: Light of Day by
Jeff Mariotte
The Willow Files, Vol. 1 (Buffy The
Vampire Slayer) by Yvonne Navarro
Dreams of the Dark (Dark Shadows) by
Stephen M. Rainey, Elizabeth Massie, and Lara Parker
Monster Horror (AKA: Supernatural
Horror; AKA: Monster Literature)
The very word itself, “Monster,” suggests something that is evil or hideous,
and monsters in horror is perhaps the most familiar theme when one thinks of
the genre. This may include any fictional or supernatural creature such as
zombies, werewolves, mummies, vampires, etc. Typically the Monster (also
generally the antagonist) is defined as something that is abhorrent to society
and that it also incites fear and is threatening.
Book Examples:
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
by Robert Louis Stevenson
It by Stephen King
Paranormal
Paranormal Horror may be closely categorized to monster horror, but that these
monsters are generally intangible, or if they are more like traditional
“monsters” they are at least capable of intelligent thought, and not rambling
killing-machines. Paranormal primarily includes ghosts, unidentified presences,
demons, perhaps aliens, or simply anything that is contrary to the realm of
current scientific explanation. Even the authenticity of séances or Ouija
boards, faith healing, telepathy, or any psychic phenomena may be considered
paranormal, as their results can’t be scientifically proven. A psychological
movement, “Parapsychology” is the scientific study of the Paranormal, to push
those boundaries of what may be “possible.” Another popular subgenre which is
often categorized similarly is Paranormal Romance, recognized as a romance
story in which one or more of the protagonists possesses some paranormal
ability.
Book Examples (Paranormal Horror):
The Picture of
Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The Shining by Stephen King
Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin
Book Examples (Paranormal Romance):
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse #1)
by Charlaine Harris
Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter companion
novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
*****
MORE TO COME IN MY NEXT BLOG POST! Stay tuned soon for The Sub-Genres of HORROR – PART V
Part I Describes:Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic Horror, Bizarro Fiction, Body Horror (Biological Horror)
Part II describes:
Dark Fantasy (AKA:Fantasy Horror), Environmental Horror, Erotic Horror, Fairy
Tales and Dark Fables
Part III describes:
Gothic Horror, Historical Horror, Humor (AKA: Horror Comedy), and Killer
Animals
Part IV describes: Lovecraftian Horror (Cthulhu Mythos), Media Tie-In, Monster Horror, and Paranormal
Part
V describes: Psychic Abilities, Psychological Horror, Religious Horror
(including: Demons and Possession), and Revenge
*****
Thanks
to notes on this topic accumulated from the following websites:
http://www.cuebon.com/ewriters/Hsubgenres.html
http://www.goldenagestories.com/news/2013/01/04/the-dark-the-dark-the-history-of-horror-fiction/2602
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_fiction
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-horror-genres.htm
*****
Midnight cheers,
Eric J. Guignard
BIO:
Eric J. Guignard writes
dark and speculative fiction from the outskirts of Los Angeles. Assorted stories and articles that bear his byline may be found in the disreputable publications reserved for back alley bazaars. As an editor, Eric’s published the anthologies, Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations and After Death…, the latter of which won the 2013 Bram Stoker Award®. Read his novella, Baggage of Eternal Night (a finalist for the 2014 International Thriller Writers Award), and watch for many more forthcoming books, including Chestnut ’Bo (TBP 2016). Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: www.ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.
This
is Part 3 (of 3) of the of the interview done with me by the bloggers at ADVENTURES
WITH RAVINA.
Part I of the interview is here: http://ericjguignard.blogspot.com/2013/10/interview-with-author-me-by-adventures.html
Part
II of the interview is here: http://ericjguignard.blogspot.com/2013/10/interview-with-author-me-by-adventures_7.html
Part III of the full length of interview questions is below!
*****
Last
books you purchased? Tell us about it.
= “EDGE OF DARK WATER” by Joe R. Lansdale. “THE TERROR” by Dan Simmons.
NEVERWHERE” by Neil Gaimon. “DEADFALL HOTEL” by Steve Rasnic Tem. “REDSHIRTS”
by John Scalzi. “THE CORN MAIDEN AND OTHER NIGHTMARES” by Joyce Carol Oates.
All six of these books are recent purchases and highly recommended. With the
exception of “REDSHIRTS” (which is science fiction) these are all horror and
dark fiction works; all are by amazing authors who have built a career on
bestselling works that are applauded within the literary community.
Do
you find the time to read?
= Every day; I try to read at least 30 minutes.
When
and why did you begin writing?
= I’ve been writing and drawing stories ever since I was a child. However I
stopped in college, in order to pursue business and serious-minded life
necessities... which, of course, I now regret. I don’t regret the pursuit of
those things, but having given up writing for so many years. I only jumped into
as a potential career two-and-a-half years ago after the realization struck me
that I was missing out on something I was passionate about.
How
long have you been writing?
= I’ve been writing fiction with the goal of publication since February, 2011.
What
genre are you most comfortable writing?
= Dark fiction, speculative fiction, horror, humor, and children’s stories
Who designed
the cover?
= I designed the cover myself, although the artwork was created by Kevin Scott
Sutay. Kevin is a United States veteran who is currently and illegally held by
Columbian rebels as a prisoner on false charges of espionage. Hopefully by the
time this interview sees print, the US government will have negotiated his
release.
Who
is your publisher?
= Dark Moon Books, an imprint of Stony Meadow Publishing, which is a wonderful
indie publisher in Florida of quality fiction (mostly horror) and non-fiction. www.darkmoonbooks.com
How
much of the book is realistic?
None of it is particularly realistic. “AFTER DEATH...” is anthology of all
stories which are pure speculation on the part of the authors. Everyone’s
opinion of what may happen after we die is different, and these stories explore
a myriad of possibilities.
Have
you ever considered anyone as a mentor?
= Weston Ochse @ http://weston-ochse.blogspot.com/
and Lisa Morton @ http://cinriter.livejournal.com/
What
are your current writing projects now?
= I’m beginning a dark fantasy novel set in the hobo camps of the 1930s
depression. Also, as a short story writer, I’m constantly working on smaller
projects, both in the creation of stories, but also in the promotion of presses
I work with.
Are
there any new authors that have sparked your interest and why?
= Edward M Erdelac; I appreciate his crisp technical skills and love of mixing
genres, primarily history and horror into compelling reading. http://emerdelac.wordpress.com/
Peter Giglio; As a writer, editor, and publisher, Pete creates and promotes some
of the best horror and dark fiction in the indie presses. http://www.petergiglio.com
Jamie Lackey; Primarily an author of short stories, Jamie is exceptionally
prolific with her work which spans fantasy, science fiction, and horror. She’s
able to meld very emotionally-resonant characters into powerful storylines. http://www.jamielackey.com
Do you have any advice for writers?
= Keep writing, and remember that every rejection is an opportunity for
improvement.
*****
All for now! Be sure to follow this Blog and connect with me via Twitter and
other fine social media sites.
Go Back to: Author Interview with Me Part 1
Go Back to: Author Interview with Me Part 2
This is Part II of the of the interview done with me by the bloggers at ADVENTURES
WITH RAVINA.
Part I of the interview is here: http://ericjguignard.blogspot.com/2013/10/interview-with-author-me-by-adventures.html
Part II of the full length of interview questions is below!
*****
How much sleep do you
need to be your best?
= Solid eight hours, though with family and work, that’s a rarity.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and
thank for their support?
= My family, of course!
Every writer has their own idea of what a
successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
= Either finding personal satisfaction or achieving financial goals. The
greatest success is accomplishing both!
Tell us about your new book? What’s it about and
why did you write it?
= This current book is an anthology I edited of short stories written by
different authors, entitled “AFTER DEATH...” The subject matter considers what
happens to us after we die. These fiction stories range from horror to science
fiction to humor to inspirational. The book includes 34 tales, each
illustrated, and explores perspectives from various cultures, philosophies,
hopes, or fears. Within these pages, follow the ghost of an Australian cowboy.
Discover what the “white light” really means to the recently departed. Consider
the impact of modern, or future, technology on the dead. Follow the karmic path
of reincarnation. Visit the realms of Greek Hades, Viking Valhalla, or Chinese
Fengdu, and travel from the cruelest levels of Hell’s torments to the celestial
realms of eternal paradise. For more information on this anthology, visit: http://ericjguignard.com/after_death.html
When you are not writing, how do you like to
relax?
= I hike and study entomology (insects); spend time with my family; woodwork in
my garage; and read, read, read.
How often do you write? And when do you write?
= I try to write every day, even if it’s only a dozen words. My personal goal
is 1,000 words a day, though most writers I know strive for more, between 1,500
– 2,000.
How do you feel about social media websites such
as Facebook and Twitter? Are they a good thing?
= They’re a terrible time-suck if you let them take over your day. However, if
used responsibly, they’re a wonderful tool. I use most popular social media and
have had great success in promoting my projects, as well as the projects of
others, networking, and have been offered writing opportunities I otherwise
would not have received. I regularly check in on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads,
and LinkedIn, in addition to several forums specifically geared toward the
writing genres I follow.
What’s your next project?
= Besides my recent anthology that I’m promoting, “AFTER DEATH...”, I’ve also
just released a novella entitled, “BAGGAGE OF ETERNAL NIGHT”. This is packaged
with a second novella, “SMOG” by Lisa Morton under the tradition of DoubleDown
Books (Two novellas in one) by JournalStone Publishing. The story takes place
in 1963 Detroit, and follows two men who bid in the hotel baggage auctions. One
of them wins an old suitcase, but the antique gramophone it holds inside opens
a cursed portal to a frozen realm of eternity. Reader age range is 16+ to
adults. For more information, visit: http://journal-store.com/fiction/smog-baggage-of-eternal-night/
When you get free time on the internet or you go
to the library – what do you want to read about?
= Horror, science fiction, literary, or historic works.
What would you love to produce in your life?
= Something that changes a person’s life for the better. And a New York Times
Bestseller.
As
part of a Book Promotions Tour, I was recently interviewed by a Blogger at ADVENTURES
WITH RAVINA. I was asked a series of questions, though only a partial selection
of those were ultimately posted.
I thought it would be fun to post the entire interview, though due to its
length, I’ll break it up into three parts.
The final posted Interview is here: http://www.ravinaandreakurian.com/2013/10/author-interview-eric-j-guignard.html
Part I of the full length of interview questions is below!
*****
Tell us a bit about your family.
= I’m married to my beautiful childhood sweetheart. We have a five year old
son, and my wife is pregnant with our second (a girl) due March, 2014.
What makes you happiest?
= Writing the words, “The End”
What books did you love growing up?
= Horror (Stephen King, Dean Koontz), Boys Adventure (Jack London, Hardy Boys),
Literary Classics (Mark Twain, John Steinbeck), anthologies or collections of
short stories (Thomas Monteleone, Stephen King ((again)), O. Henry), and lots
and lots of comics (Marvel, D.C., and Dark Horse universes)
Who are your favorite authors?
= Cormac McCarthy, George Orwell, Stephen King, John Steinbeck, Joe R. Lansdale,
Clive Barker, Hunter S. Thompson, Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemmingway, Robert
McCammon, Mark Bowden, O. Henry, James Ellroy, and many others.
What book should everybody read at least
once?
= “Boys Life” by Robert McCammon, “Big Fish” by Daniel Wallace, “The Divine
Comedy” by Dante, “Burmese Days” by James Orwell, or any volume of “The Year’s
Best Dark Fantasy & Horror.”
Location and life experiences can really
influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
= I was born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles. I’ve travelled
extensively through the United States and the world, but southern California
has always been home.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
= Dreams (both night and day), news, conversations with people, personal
observations of the world, and playing the “What If?” game.
Do you plan to
publish more books?
= Absolutely. I have a stack ideas I want to put to paper.
What else do you do to make money, other than
write? It is rare today for writers to be full time…
= I used to work in business and outside sales. I then tried to start my own
custom furniture design and manufacturing business which flopped. Now I
contract write and edit, including working in the financial industry as a technical
writer.
What other jobs have you had in your life?
= Geez, just about everything! Retail, Waiter, Security, Roofing,
Manufacturing, Professional Sales (Inside and Outside), Loan Officer, Graphic
Designer, Freight Loader at U.P.S., Furniture Designer, Project Manager, and
more. I’ve kept a running log of dates for every single job I’ve ever worked.
I’ve been employed for 19 years (since 1994) and have worked 28 jobs. Many of
those overlapped, including part-time, weekend, or temporary work. The expression,
“Jack of all trades, master of none,” definitely comes to mind; I’ve jumped
around a lot.
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed,
at a desk?
= I used to write with pen in spiral notebooks and then type it up later on a
word processor. Now, I write exclusively on my desktop computer. Actually, to
be honest, I write in my head first, word by word, then run to my computer and
try to type it all out as I imagined it.
Where do you get support from? Do you have
friends in the industry?
= I’ve made friends in the industry recently, but starting out (only two and a
half years ago), I knew nobody or nothing about the world of publishing
fiction. But I threw myself into it, studied the craft, networked, and learned
through experiences. Of course, still being a “newbie,” I realize I have a
great deal more to learn.
*****
Continue Author Interview with Me, Part 2, HERE: Author Interview with Me, Part 2
This is part III in the categorical explanation for
THE SUB GENRES OF HORROR.
For an introduction, and PART I of this series, please begin here: The
Sub-Genres of Horror - Part-I
PART II is here: The
Sub-Genres of Horror - Part-II
*****
Gothic Horror (AKA: Gothic Fiction)
Gothic horror originated as a movement that combined elements of terror with
romance, attributed first to English author, Horace Walpole, with his 1764
novel The Castle of Otranto (AKA: A Gothic Story). Gothic horror has since then
expanded, though it still relies heavily on atmosphere and setting (such as a
ruined castle, rugged mountain, or mist-shrouded cemetery) to create an overall
sense of gloominess or dread. Often, the plot is melodramatic and sensational
and may include a naïve heroine living by the moors of a Victorianesque society
and/ or a lonely male traveler, haunted by a dark secret which is revealed at
the story’s climax.
Book Examples:
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe
Drood by Dan Simmons
Historical Horror (including: Alternative
History)
Historical Horror (and any other type of Historical Fiction) is set in the
past. Though not a clearly factual account, this sub-genre relies heavily on
historic facts, setting, and/ or people to provide an alternative context or
hypothetical explanation to an actual event that occurred, or simply to provide
the backdrop for a realistic and interesting point in time. Horror set in
history has a broad range, whether including an ancillary character that
happens to have existed or by completely rewriting events, such as pitting
alien invaders against Confederate raiders during the Civil War. The
significance in this style of writing is that particular attention is placed in
the details which maintain accuracy to the time period and the appropriate mannerisms
and descriptions of characters involved.
Book Examples:
The Terror by Dan Simmons
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
The Devils of D-Day by Graham Masterton
Humor (AKA: Horror Comedy)
Though at first consideration horror and humor may seem like diametric
opposites, these two elements actually work complimentarily with each other;
each shares the goal to elicit a strong reaction by mixing screaming with
laughing. The act of combining humor and horror has a deep-running
psychological basis as fears, or that which is not understood, is often
exaggerated into parody. The short story "The Legend of Sleepy
Hollow" by Washington Irving (published in 1820) is considered the first
"great comedy-horror story."
Book Examples:
John Dies at the End by David Wong
The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks
Fat White Vampire Blues by Andrew Fox
Killer Animals
A self-descriptive title, this category includes stories of animals engaging in
murderous rampage. Whether it’s a single animal or an invasion by large group,
these beasts are consumed with a voracious inclination to slaughter every human
being in their path. Typically the killer animal may be classified in one of
two devices: The creature is already a feared or despised species that causes
revulsion in the reader even while in a tranquil state (i.e. spiders or
snakes); Or the creature is one which the reader empathizes with (i.e. dog or
cat), but who is turned vicious by illness, revenge, latent evil, or any other cause
normally attributable to humans.
Book Examples:
The Rats by James Herbert
Jaws by Peter Benchley
Cujo by Stephen King
*****
MORE TO COME IN MY NEXT BLOG POST! Stay tuned soon for The Sub-Genres of HORROR – PART IV
Part
I Describes: Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic Horror, Bizarro Fiction, Body Horror
(Biological Horror)
Part
II describes: Dark Fantasy (AKA:Fantasy Horror), Environmental Horror, Erotic
Horror, Fairy Tales and Dark Fables
Part
III describes: Gothic Horror, Historical Horror, Humor (AKA: Horror Comedy),
and Killer Animals
Part
IV describes: Lovecraftian Horror (Cthulhu Mythos), Media Tie-In, Monster Horror, and Paranormal
Part
V describes: Psychic Abilities, Psychological Horror, Religious Horror
(including: Demons and Possession), and Revenge
*****
Thanks to notes on this topic accumulated from
the following websites:
http://www.cuebon.com/ewriters/Hsubgenres.html
http://www.goldenagestories.com/news/2013/01/04/the-dark-the-dark-the-history-of-horror-fiction/2602
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_fiction
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-horror-genres.htm
*****
Midnight cheers,
Eric J. Guignard
