tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33832810309670500832024-03-04T23:03:31.188-08:00Steph Post- Author, ArtistSteph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-89324579409906848522022-04-19T13:14:00.008-07:002023-05-25T08:12:37.815-07:00Me!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph Post</span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><b>Email: </b>stpostvegas@gmail.com<br /><br /><b>Twitter: </b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/stephpostauthor">@stephpostauthor</a><br /><br /><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stephpostauthor/">@stephpostauthor</a><br /><br /><b>Facebook: </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steph-Post/153516208138065?ref=hl">Steph Post</a><br /><br /><b>Goodreads: </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5825996.Steph_Post">Steph Post</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X0uHU5W9ouQiiTlzzW4wCUenwLp8tP2_S7I5cCziRYUSkgChaxpkrkvDRjQzfyT2CM-v3uEYTUCC931N7CPc47n-Y4IODsQPkpSqaI5Xn7ANsXpydh0OIwZ7GA8smGXEeEdt2lQ4q3xaaP9wDmujQw4i7d3krDjdPQeLm-HwPO-W9s_BqlEImrB9Ew/s750/IMG_2185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="750" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X0uHU5W9ouQiiTlzzW4wCUenwLp8tP2_S7I5cCziRYUSkgChaxpkrkvDRjQzfyT2CM-v3uEYTUCC931N7CPc47n-Y4IODsQPkpSqaI5Xn7ANsXpydh0OIwZ7GA8smGXEeEdt2lQ4q3xaaP9wDmujQw4i7d3krDjdPQeLm-HwPO-W9s_BqlEImrB9Ew/s320/IMG_2185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Author Bio:</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Steph Post is the author of the novels <i>Holding Smoke, Miraculum</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Walk in the Fire</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lightwood, </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Tree Born Crooked. </i>She graduated from Davidson College as a recipient of the Patricia Cornwell Scholarship for creative writing and a winner of the Vereen Bell writing award for fiction. She holds a Master’s degree in Graduate Liberal Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Her work has most recently appeared in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Garden & Gun, Nonbinary Review, </i>and the anthology <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stephen King’s Contemporary Classics.</i> She is a regular contributor to<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> CrimeReads </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">LitReactor </i>and has published numerous book reviews and author interviews. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, a Rhysling Award and was a semi-finalist for The Big Moose Prize. She lives in Florida.<strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-3477509584660985762022-04-18T13:07:00.002-07:002022-04-22T13:18:17.338-07:00Miraculum <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Miraculum</span></p><p> <span style="text-align: center;">"In Post's cinematic fantasy novel, fear and power are the sideshows, while hellfire and destruction are the main attractions."</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">-Entertainment Weekly, #4 on the Must List</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"This is a tale brimming with imagination and rich in melancholy as it pits the natural against the supernatural and touches on what it means to be human."<b> -Kirkus Reviews</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b>2019 SIBA Okra Pick</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Miraculum-Steph-Post/dp/1947993410/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533563143&sr=8-1&keywords=Steph+Post+Miraculum"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Miraculum-Steph-Post/dp/1947993410/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533563143&sr=8-1&keywords=Steph+Post+Miraculum" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1042" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid50UlrnsewvnSPDmYybvfBxF1eWaf_GClyfWLjd7UagC8B0OMMwZaKebxsgw7jjeLGnW7zHvHDYcKiVUpvLQityH9fSA_MoijuXuvYGe4UvyXtHhahBU9LMpYXmiMFCX8hJSDf9KG7vEf/s640/Miraculum+Final+Cover.png" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Order: </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781947993419">Indie Bound</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Miraculum-Steph-Post/dp/1947993410/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PO1CSAKM3NZV&keywords=miraculum&qid=1552082812&s=gateway&sprefix=a+friend+is+a+gift+you+%2Caps%2C1020&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miraculum-steph-post/1128974217#/">Barnes & Noble</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Miraculum-Audiobook/1982585579">Audible</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><a href="https://ew.com/books/2018/08/03/miraculum-cover-reveal-steph-post/">Read an Excerpt from Chapter One in Entertainment Weekly</a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b>The year is 1922. The carnival is Pontilliar’s Spectacular Star Light Miraculum, staked out on the Texas-Louisiana border. One blazing summer night, a mysterious stranger steps onto the midway, lights a cigarette and forever changes the world around him. Tattooed snake charmer Ruby has traveled with her father’s carnival for most of her life and, jaded though she is, can’t help but be drawn to the tall man in the immaculate black suit who conveniently joins the carnival as a chicken-biting geek. Mercurial and charismatic, Daniel charms everyone he encounters, but his manipulation of Ruby turns complicated when it’s no longer clear who’s holding all the cards. Daniel is full of secrets, but he hadn’t counted on Ruby having a few of her own.</b></span><br /><b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b>When one tragedy after another strikes the carnival―and it becomes clear that Daniel is somehow at the center of calamity―Ruby takes it upon herself to discover the mystery of the shadowy man pulling all the strings. Joined by Hayden, a roughneck-turned-mural-painter wrestling demons of his own, Ruby engages Daniel in a dangerous, eye-opening game in which nothing is as it seems and everything is at stake.</b></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"Post has the innate storyteller’s gift, and a knack for creating fictional worlds." <b>-Ben Steelman, Wilmington Star News </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"Post's Miraculum is a studied, nuanced, psychologically complex journey into the world of a 1920s carnival."<b> -CrimeReads</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"...Evokes the world of circus and sideshow...glittery showmanship and dark desires..." <b>-Colette Bancroft, Tampa Bay Times</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"Miraculum is a wonderfully fresh take on folklore in American." <b>-Crimespree Magazine</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"Old-fashioned storytelling at its finest." <b>-The Rumpus</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"You won't find many writers with more momentum than Steph Post." <b>-BookRiot</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"...Post's rich, atmospheric prose and displays of dark magic..." <b>-Booklist</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"Miraculum is the first must-read of 2019 and perhaps the best of Post's impressive career." <b>-Writer's Bone </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"This wonderfully odd supernatrual tale, full of myth, dark magic and more than a hint of Southern gothic will entrance readers."<b> -Criminal Element </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"Fans of Erin Morgenstern's Night Circus will inevitably find this a cousin... readers of Katherine Dunn's Geek Love or Neil Gaiman's American Gods are likely to enjoy it." <b>-Library Journal</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-56977803112573155822022-04-17T13:08:00.002-07:002022-04-22T13:18:45.339-07:00Lightwood <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lightwood </span></p><p>"Brilliant...<em> Lightwood</em> solidifies Steph Post as the official voice of working class literature in Florida." -Brian Panowich, bestselling author of <em>Bull Mountain</em></p><div align="center"><div class="productDescriptionWrapper"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lightwood-Judah-Cannon-Steph-Post/dp/1943818304/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1575229128&sr=8-1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnKslPZxqfd4NNj_SJMjjl8evwsH3I3fVYK4OV0bwVoVlnCmiiWP4YkNetei-anXERRNw9KNri-oeu0hyphenhyphenwMS7H9TtwZFEB2tG_itDsxMztK29p6ieGXOhy-D6Owv5pAWpRQ9doOTY-QP9/s400/Lightwood+Cover.jpg" width="266" /></a></div></div></div><div align="left"></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">January 24, 2017</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Polis Books</span></strong></div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Judah Cannon is the middle son of the notorious Cannon clan led by Sherwood, its unflinching and uncompromising patriarch. When Judah returns to his rural hometown of Silas, Florida after a stint in prison, he is determined to move forward and live it clean with his childhood best friend and newly discovered love, Ramey Barrow. Everything soon spirals out of control, though, when a phone call from Sherwood ensnares Judah and Ramey in a complicated web of thievery, brutality and betrayal. </b></div><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pressured by the unrelenting bonds of blood ties, Judah takes part in robbing the Scorpions, a group of small-time, meth-cooking bikers who are flying down the highway with the score of their lives. Unbeknownst to the Cannons, however, half of the stolen cash in the Harley saddlebags belongs to Sister Tulah, a megalomaniacal Pentecostal preacher who encourages her followers to drink poison and relinquish their bank accounts. When Sister Tulah learns of the robbery, she swears to make both the Cannons and the Scorpions pay, thus bringing all parties into mortal conflict rife with deception and unpredictable power shifts.</b></div></b></span></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>When Judah’s younger brother Benji becomes the unwitting victim in the melee, Judah takes it upon himself to exact revenge, no matter the damage inflicted upon himself and those around him. Judah becomes a driven man, blinded by his need for vengeance and questioning everything he thought he believed in. With Ramey at his side, Judah is forced to take on both the Scorpions and Sister Tulah as he struggles to do the right thing in a world full of wrongs.</b></span></div></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">---</div><div align="center"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"(A) gritty, propulsive crime novel... <i>Lightwood</i> keeps up a headlong pace as the Cannons, the Scorpions, Sister Tulah and other forces clash brutally all around Judah and Ramey. You might not want to visit Silas in real life, but it makes a fine setting for this twisted and compelling tale." ―<em>Tampa Bay Times</em></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"Post paints a large, vivid cast...Post's Florida is rather farther north than the world of Carl Hiaasen's fiction, but they share the dark comedy, intricate plotting and strong sense of paltry sin and mordant evil. Readers who like Hiaasen should find <em>Lightwood</em> well to their taste."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>―</strong>Wilmington Star-News</em></div></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"In <em>Lightwood</em>, Steph Post shows a flair for delving into the dark side of small towns and the even darker drive of families. While most of the realistic characters in <em>Lightwood</em> are not likable, Post makes us care deeply about what will happen to each, much as authors Daniel Woodrell and Elmore Leonard have done in their works."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">-<em>Sun Sentinel</em></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><em></em><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"Steph Post is the fiery new voice of Florida grit. This is not your grandmother's Florida of white beaches and seaside resorts. <em>Lightwood</em> reveals the haunted heart of the state, where leather-clad bikers blast through scrub pines and the Holy Ghost descends like a storm, and the spirit of the land is the slightest spark from being set alight."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">-Taylor Brown, bestselling author of <em>The River of Kings</em></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"A good choice for fans of grit lit that emphasizes blood ties and redneck justice; this will also attract readers who prefer their suspense very dark and filled with violence."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"> -<em>Library Journal</em></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"Steph Post’s prose is lyrical and evocative. Her depiction of hardscrabble life in rural Florida is so effective, you’ll wanna lock the doors and crank up the AC. But where <em>Lightwood</em> truly excels is in illuminating the ties that bind―and stretching them well beyond their breaking point."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">―Chris Holm, award-winning author of <em>The Killing Kind</em></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><em></em><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"Grabs the attention and offers up some memorable lines. (Post) proves that even a former prison inmate can rise up to be a strange, yet believable hero."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>―</strong>Suspense Magazine</em></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"With spot-on characterizations and dialogue, Post explores the strength of family, religion, and vengeance in an absorbing literary mystery."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">―<em>Booklist</em></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><em></em><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"In the best possible way, Steph Post’s <em>Lightwood</em> is reminiscent of Wiley Cash’s <em>A Land More Kind than Home</em> and Brian Panowich’s <em>Bull Mountain</em>. However, Post’s novel is unmistakably feminist, in the sense that its strongest and most memorable characters are women. The result is a kind of country-noir crime novel that is both satisfying and original."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">-Kevin Catalano, author of <em>Where the Sun Shines Out</em> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"There has been a lot of buzz around <em>Lightwood</em> and Steph Post, and it is well deserved. She weaves a strong story about families and what people will do for theirs. Pay attention to Post. She’s going places."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">-<em>Crimespree Magazine</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><br /></em></div></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"Not only a badass modern love story, <i>Lightwood</i> is engaging and unpredictable...the best of the southern crime and southern gothic, and rises above the genre.”</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">―<em>Atticus Review</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div align="center" class="a-expander-header a-expander-partial-collapse-header" style="opacity: 1;"></div></div>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-28848694613053506772022-04-16T13:09:00.001-07:002022-04-22T13:17:46.743-07:00Walk in the Fire <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Walk in the Fire </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">“Steph Post is a great new discovery. Her stories carry a dark pulse that keeps the perfect beat in a world where people put everything they’ve got on the line.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><i style="text-align: center;">Walk In The Fire</i><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">is going to put Steph Post on the map.” ―Michael Connelly</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Fire-Judah-Cannon-Steph/dp/1947993453/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr="><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1054" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw48jQYEx5-Y2xcmRl8C9dM41iI9OecNyBHpmB-Pqnjn49_kRPsjtxWDqLMvLV65Ke9np-UgZQzT_k6k69CPA4BYxDzcIluMUoXcGEy4V23evx0WViY5_3soyk48oErLsjOgyXhjwnLKKS/s640/Walk+in+the+Fire+Cover.png" width="419" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Life hasn’t gotten any easier for Judah Cannon. He may have survived the fiery showdown between his father, the tyrannical Pentecostal preacher Sister Tulah, and the Scorpions outlaw motorcycle club, but now Judah and Ramey, the love of his life turned partner in crime, are facing new and more dangerous adversaries. It will take all of their cunning and courage, their faith in one another and some unexpected help to give them even a shot of making it out alive.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>In attempting to extricate the Cannon family from the crime ring they are known and feared for, Judah finds himself in the sights of Everett Weaver, a cold blooded killer and drug runner in Daytona Beach who shouldn’t be underestimated and doesn’t take no for an answer. Threatened by Weaver, saddled with guilt from his recovering, but now pill-popping, younger brother Benji and pressured to use his head and do the right thing by Ramey, Judah quickly arrives at a breaking point and things soon begin to go south.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Meanwhile, Special Agent Clive Grant, who has been unwillingly sent down from ATF headquarters in Atlanta, arrives in town to investigate the fire at Sister Tulah’s church. Clive, looking to prove himself, becomes obsessed with Tulah and her iron grip on Bradford County and is determined to take her down. His search leads him to Judah’s door and soon the Cannons are caught up in an increasingly tangled web of violence, lies and retribution spanning both sides of the law. Backed into a corner, but desperate to protect his family, Judah finds himself walking a dangerous path that might cost him everything or might win him it all, if only he can walk through the fire and come out on the other side.</b></div><br /><br />"Post combines classical genre tropes with a touch of Harry Crews–style Southern gothic in this terrific crime novel.” ―<i>Publishers Weekly</i> (Starred Review)<br /><br />“Sizzling...Post has a real knack for creating a complex plot that maintains its drive through sweat-slicked settings that range from raucous Daytona Beach strip clubs to the kind of lonesome roads where nothing good happens.” ―<i>Tampa Bay Times</i><br /><div><br /></div><div>“Fascinating...a solid actioner with some tasty trimmings.” ―<i>Booklist</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"<em>Walk in the Fire</em> slings the Cannon family back on the page like a Molotov cocktail through a window. Few writers could coax a cast of characters this vast onto a single stage and orchestrate their story with such mastery. Post own the genre of North Florida noir."</div><strong>―</strong>David Joy, author of <i>Where All Light Tends to Go</i> and <i>The Weight Of This World</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">"Steph Post’s <em>Walk in the Fire</em> is a wonderful accomplishment, teeming with a refreshingly unexpected cast of characters, and an original story in an unlikely setting. It’s a wild ride through the dark side of the sunshine state.”</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">―David Swinson, author of <i>The Second Girl</i> and <i>Crime Song</i></div></div><em></em><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">"With wicked dexterity Steph Post gets at the deepness in living and loving, as well as the good and bad within us all. Unputdownable crime fiction with a Southern twist, <em>Walk in the Fire</em> will continually surprise you with the speed of its plot and the mythic proportions of the story it unfolds.”</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">―Natalie S. Harnett, author of <i>The Hollow Ground</i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"WALK IN THE FIRE is the best book by an author rightly compared to Harry Crews and Larry Brown, but who blazes a path all her own. You do not know the dank heart of the great state of Florida unless you've read Steph Post.” ―Kent Wascom, author of The Blood of Heaven</div><div><br /></div></div>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-63973398194471975572022-04-15T13:00:00.001-07:002022-04-22T13:17:00.046-07:00Holding Smoke <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">Holding Smoke </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">"Steph Post is a big, bold and welcome fresh voice in this world. Her authentic tales of those living in a whirlwind of chaos and violence is a game-changer." ―Ace Atkins, New York Times bestselling author of</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><i style="text-align: center;">The Shameless</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Smoke-Judah-Cannon-Steph/dp/1947993887/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1575229566&sr=1-1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZZAtR-9XT66E5ABeUUcDY-5bN4iJEZ1tqF7WWGrqqHuYEJFHakIFI1kEv6PKEzTN57iETYwcMas5-_d335aI3b7OHW3HUyhfc6toZJkNTWM98IL3QWd9rDfK73v84ycyC42sOQb0jyEM/s640/Smoke+Cover+sans+Blurb.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The final novel in Steph Post's acclaimed Judah Cannon trilogy</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Judah Cannon. Sister Tulah. It all comes down to this.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before the final showdown with Tulah Atwell, the Pentecostal preacher responsible for his father’s death and his own return to a life of crime, however, Judah still has a few more fires to walk through. The dust may have settled after the shootout that left a string of bodies―including that of ATF agent Clive Grant and drug runner Everett Weaver―in its wake, but that doesn’t mean a quiet life is on the horizon for Judah, his girlfriend Ramey, and his two brothers, Benji and Levi.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A power struggle within the Cannon family soon erupts, placing Judah in debt to Sukey Lewis, a crime matriarch from across the creek, just as an irresistible scheme to steal a thoroughbred stud stallion falls into the Cannons’ lap. Trying to solve all their problems with a single heist, Judah agrees to trust Dinah, an enigmatic drifter, even as Ramey’s faith in him begins to waver.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>While Sister Tulah returns to her old tricks, running a swampland scheme and intimidating everyone in her path, and Brother Felton returns to Florida a changed man with a mystic mission, Judah finds the foundation of his family crumbling and only hard choices in sight. Will Judah and Ramey survive Sister Tulah―and the darkness within their own hearts―or are such dreams impossible in Bradford County, nothing more than holding smoke?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>"Terrific...A born storyteller, Post expertly weaves these disparate plot strands into a wholly satisfying if inevitable ending." ―<i>Publishers Weekly</i> (Starred Review)<br /><br />"A pedal-to-the-metal tale of Southern gothic noir...Post keeps the reader guessing who, if anyone, will come out of this wild ride alive." ―Colette Bancroft, <i>Tampa Bay Times</i><br /><br /><div>"Post draws the Judah Cannon trilogy to an appropriate conclusion here, with her trademark crisp dialogue and action-packed, dark-edged storytelling again providing the appeal." ―<i>Booklist</i><br /><br />"Post... takes the raw material of the Rough South theme and handles it as adroitly as any of the he-man writers in the genre." -Ben Steelman, <i>Star News</i><i><br /></i></div>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-30345918710055866302022-04-14T13:05:00.002-07:002022-04-22T13:15:01.346-07:00A Tree Born Crooked <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Tree Born Crooked</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">"A man reluctantly returning to his small, rural hometown; the legacies of the past impinging on the present; crazy men with guns -- this is compelling Florida grit with echoes of the late great Harry Crews. Steph Post's A Tree Born Crooked is a wonderful debut."</p><p style="text-align: center;">-Leonard Chang, author of Triplines and staff writer for FX’s Justified</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947993275/ref=sxts_sxwds-puwylo_rv_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3534076942&pd_rd_wg=zLtCz&pf_rd_r=SJWPTTFVA1SMP6D3DCE5&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=1947993275&pd_rd_w=BzahI&pf_rd_i=a+tree+born+crooked&pd_rd_r=e37d6025-dabd-4e62-ba79-69b741ce872f&ie=UTF8&qid=1523563005&sr=1"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947993275/ref=sxts_sxwds-puwylo_rv_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3534076942&pd_rd_wg=zLtCz&pf_rd_r=SJWPTTFVA1SMP6D3DCE5&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=1947993275&pd_rd_w=BzahI&pf_rd_i=a+tree+born+crooked&pd_rd_r=e37d6025-dabd-4e62-ba79-69b741ce872f&ie=UTF8&qid=1523563005&sr=1" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREB3heU90kZfXdObRDVROCtJESXJz6MQDtSU2LvyrdLiBXxZ0ZnXG_mD1LjWUJMIAoihWGG8VnfimoaCZpnBeqTpoknRTf3JVPSn-Na1P0G4YbG-ye-2oh6_-_FS3ycgbncQTABoi3AOJ/s640/atreeborncrookedpolisdark.png" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947993275/ref=sxts_sxwds-puwylo_rv_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3534076942&pd_rd_wg=zLtCz&pf_rd_r=SJWPTTFVA1SMP6D3DCE5&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=1947993275&pd_rd_w=BzahI&pf_rd_i=a+tree+born+crooked&pd_rd_r=e37d6025-dabd-4e62-ba79-69b741ce872f&ie=UTF8&qid=1523563005&sr=1">(Back in Print and Now Available from Polis Books!)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>James Hart, with a tough-as-nails exterior and an aching emptiness inside, does not want to go home.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Yet when James receives a postcard from his mother, Birdie Mae, informing him of his father’s death, he bites the bullet and returns to the rural and stagnant town of Crystal Springs, Florida, a place where dreams are born to die. James is too late for Orville’s funeral, but just in time to become ensnared in the deadly repercussions of his younger brother Rabbit’s life of petty crime.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>When Rabbit is double crossed by his cousin in a robbery-turned-murder, James and a local bartender, the unsettling and alluring Marlena Bell, must come up with a plan to save Rabbit’s skin. A whirlwind road trip across the desolate Florida panhandle ensues as James tries to stay one step ahead of the vengeful Alligator Mafia and keep his brother alive. With bullets in the air and the ghosts of heartache, betrayal and unspeakable rage haunting him at every turn, James must decide just how much he is willing to risk to protect his family and find a way home. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Like a double-shot of fine bourbon, <em>A Tree Born Crooked</em> grabs you in the back of the throat and only makes you crave more the more you consume. Steph Post's simmering crime saga is a relentless pulse-pounder of a tale that shows survival and salvation rarely go hand-in-hand."</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">-Anthony Breznican, <em>Entertainment Weekly </em>senior film writer and author of <em>Brutal Youth</em><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Into the land of lacquered baby gators and oxycontin stashed behind the fridge--where even a plastic Santa in the lawn has been kicked over and wears a dented-in cheek. Steph Post brings a big heart and a close eye to this gritty story of ill-fated plans to knock off the safe house of a local mob. The result is a breathless chase through trailer parks, bars and motels that sweeps you in as you spiral down. Think of Flannery O'Connor writing season two of True Detective.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Will Chancellor, author of <i>A Brave Man Seven Storeys Tall</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"With <i>A Tree Born Crooked</i>, Steph Post delivers a 12-gauge blast of country noir from the gun-shaped state, a grit-rich tale of blood and citrus sure to have you recalling the rough beauty of Daniel Woodrell's work."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Taylor Brown, author of <i>In the Season of Blood and Gold</i></span><br /><br /><em></em>"What is important on this journey, and throughout the novel, is Steph Post’s perfect pitch representation of her characters’ dialogue, desperation, and determination along a stretch of nonstop action."<br />-<em>Florida Weekly</em><br /><em></em><br /></div></div>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-32630205731940226432022-04-13T13:19:00.001-07:002022-04-22T13:14:37.068-07:00Lightwood (with Polar Verlag) <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Lightwood, now available in German, published by Polar Verlag</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Translated by Kathrin Bielfeldt</p><p style="text-align: center;">With an Afterword by Carsten Germis</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://polar-verlag.de/steph-post-lightwood/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2126" data-original-width="1352" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-T151ZfOaCakh40zXI1Orp7O8azn1Xgl8QVMl47VAk2jM2IdBITBnIB7bmHjorlBX7F5Jka74tqV5_1tgV8L9WY0slXXIIToE1t9PTvND6r3UhS535IDKrqKPFqQGZwXBL_sI3bv1jgeLxiRjW8RXrn7zB_WHMdQwB8BTIhxRviTfxbXbqr26Nq1Pw/s320/Cover-TB_Fruehjahr22_31-Nohaven_Post2.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://polar-verlag.de/my-product/interview-3/">WUNSCH VERSUS REALITÄT</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://polar-verlag.de/my-product/interview-3/">Interview mit Steph Post – geführt von Carsten Germis</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://polar-verlag.de/my-product/nachwort-26/">FAMILIENBANDE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://polar-verlag.de/my-product/nachwort-26/">Ein Nachwort von Carsten Germis</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://polar-verlag.de/my-product/podcast-26/">Talk Noir – der Podcast</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://culturmag.de/crimemag/hanspeter-eggenberger-ueber-lightwood-von-steph-post/141405">Eggenberger: "Lightwood“ von Steph Post</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.derbund.ch/brutalitaet-und-religioese-heuchelei-in-florida-497691674944">Brutalität und religiöse Heuchelei in Florida</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.derbund.ch/brutalitaet-und-religioese-heuchelei-in-florida-497691674944">Von Gewalt und Verrat bis tief in die Familie im sonnigen Florida erzählt Steph Post in ihrem teuflisch brillanten Country-Noir-Roman "Lightwood"</a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://kulturnews.de/steph-post-lightwood/">"Lightwood" von Steph Post: Asche aufs Haupt</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/krimibestenliste-april-2022-krimitipps-100.html">Krimibestenliste April 2022</a></div></div></div><br /><p></p>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-28432095336246834982022-04-12T13:17:00.002-07:002022-04-22T13:14:12.259-07:00The Imaginary Bird <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="mb-xs-5" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 30px; text-align: center;"><p class="wt-text-heading-02 wt-display-inline" data-add-class="normal story-headline-edit-link" data-endpoint="AboutPost" data-inplace-editable-text="story_headline" data-key="story_headline" data-placeholder="Sum up what you do in one sentence. Or just write something catchy." data-use-inplace-input="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: Guardian-EgypTT, Charter, "Charter Bitstream", Cambria, "Noto Serif Light", "Droid Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 44px; line-height: 48px; margin: 0px;">The Imaginary Bird Shop </p></div><div class="mb-xs-5" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px 0px 30px; text-align: center;"><span face="Guardian-EgypTT, Charter, Charter Bitstream, Cambria, Noto Serif Light, Droid Serif, Georgia, serif" style="font-size: large;">Printmaking and More...</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheImaginaryBird" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="564" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2kfAItcDUclVI2k1XXhfenBH6ObJXPU5RntpBKTm-dHpeKLlgIiWd_MonqAl93IpMC7sJT7xDDBkKaN4j2LTERQDxcK6psA43tWDKIikkA9yFNUy9QLKt3av8EnN40SNzpJZ2Q5bjiV5CUtHNCYg-RlphIRU6IhCg2g1ky2gky70CJLbRnsq2QCEwA/s320/Bird%20with%20title%201.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheImaginaryBird">Please Visit My Shop for Linocut Prints, Cards, Bookmarks, Cyanotypes, Handmade Paper, Printed Feathers, Holiday Ornaments and More...</a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-1073713067110328572022-04-11T13:26:00.002-07:002022-04-22T13:13:17.145-07:00Etc. <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Published Short Fiction, Poetry and Articles</span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtorGd77jbws1Wq272nlV0ad1iFdiDO7dAF7l7_sVZGDVepwGCKI6gxWCLpEpeKmCeuneJBpBaMV_YgkrtOb5WG9bgfY1H5bz46J4zhbf-Vm2hl_CjFPGeP4oUOJipmaEnRhXPuf7sRCXxsWBrDg5UhC661lNrlfXyMVP_s4ThjWCE-R-8NP6y3A-7cw/s1549/GG0418_GoodDog-1549x1200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1549" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtorGd77jbws1Wq272nlV0ad1iFdiDO7dAF7l7_sVZGDVepwGCKI6gxWCLpEpeKmCeuneJBpBaMV_YgkrtOb5WG9bgfY1H5bz46J4zhbf-Vm2hl_CjFPGeP4oUOJipmaEnRhXPuf7sRCXxsWBrDg5UhC661lNrlfXyMVP_s4ThjWCE-R-8NP6y3A-7cw/s320/GG0418_GoodDog-1549x1200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://crimereads.com/the-difficult-art-of-ending-a-crime-fiction-series/">"The Difficult Art of Ending a Crime Fiction Series" CrimeReads Feb. 2020</a><br /><br /><a href="https://litreactor.com/columns/book-promotion-tips-for-making-it-work">"Tips for Making it Work" LitReactor Jan. 2020</a><br /><br /><a href="http://thrillbegins.com/2019/12/10/stephpost/">"How it Happened" The Thrill Begins Dec. 2019</a><br /><br /><a href="https://crimereads.com/fairy-tales-are-really-just-hard-boiled-crime-stories/">"Fairy Tales are Just Hard-Boiled Crime Stories" CrimeReads May 2019</a><br /><br /><a href="https://crimereads.com/the-greatest-sideshow-cons-and-gaffs-ever-imagined/">"The Greatest Sideshow Cons and Gaffs Imagined" CrimeReads March 2019</a><br /><br /><a href="https://litreactor.com/columns/13-novels-set-in-the-world-of-myth">"13 Novels Set in the World of Myth" LitReactor March 2019</a><br /><br /><a href="https://lithub.com/sideshows-and-circuses-6-novels-that-define-the-carnival-genre/">"Sideshows and Circuses" LitHub Feb. 2019</a><br /><br /><a href="https://stephpostauthor.blogspot.com/2018/07/juno-beans-and-garden-gun.html">"Finding Juno" Garden&Gun August 2018</a><br /><br /><a href="http://crimereads.com/grit-lit-an-american-phenomenon-goes-global/">"Grit Lit" CrimeReads May 2018</a><br /><br /><a href="https://stephpostauthor.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-star-thief.html">"The Star Thief" Nonbinary Review March 2018</a><br /><br /><a href="https://litreactor.com/columns/the-dos-and-donts-of-book-tour-an-authors-survival-guide">"Surviving a Book Tour" LitReactor March 2017</a><br /><br /><a href="https://zoetic-press.myshopify.com/products/nonbinary-review-10-alice-in-wonderland">*Nominated for a Rhysling Award* "Alice/Ecila" <em>Nonbinary Review- </em>September, 2016</a><br /><br /><a href="https://underpassreview.com/mercurys-in-retrograde-or-quit-blaming-a-fucking-planet-when-you-cant-get-your-shit-together/">"Mercury's in Retrograde or Quit Blaming a Fucking Planet When You Can't Get Your Shit Together" <em>The Underpass- </em>June, 2016</a><br /><br /><a href="http://nonbinaryreview.com/editors-desk-week-of-11202015/">*Nominated for a Pushcart Prize* "The Pallid Mask" <em>Nonbinary Review</em>- November, 2015</a><br /><br /><a href="http://vendingmachinepress.com/2015/06/01/champ-by-steph-post/">"Champ" <em>Vending Machine Press- </em>June, 2015</a><br /><br /><a href="http://alt-current.blogspot.com/2015/03/thespark19.html">"The Birthday Orange" <em>Kentucky Review</em>- May, 2015</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foliateoak.com/steph-post.html">"Pinpricks" <em>Foliate Oak- </em>April, 2015</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thegamblermag.com/steph-post/">"Nixed" <em>The Gambler- </em>March, 2015</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Kings-Contemporary-Classics-Reflections/dp/1442244909/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417731093&sr=8-1&keywords=stephen+king%27s+contemporary+classics">"The Blue Diamond" <em>Stephen King's Contemporary Classics: Reflections on the Modern Master of Horror- </em>November, 2014</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.roundupzine.com/magazine/">"Promise Me" <em>The Round Up Writer's Zine-Flasher Edition- </em>November, 2014</a><br /><br /><a href="http://stephpostauthor.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-heart-of-bone-featured-in-from-depths.html">"A Heart of Bone" <i>From the Depths </i>from Haunted Waters Press- June, 2014</a><br /><br /><a href="http://flashfriday.wordpress.com/2014/06/24/flash-points-steph-post/">"Never Enough" <i>Flash Points </i>Critique on <i>Flash!Friday</i>- June 2014</a><br /><br /><a href="http://flashfriday.wordpress.com/winners/steph-post/">"Ain't That Something" <i>Flash!Frida</i>y winner- May, 2014</a><br /><br /><a href="http://stephpostauthor.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-blue-diamond.html">"The Blue Diamond" in <i>Go Read Your Lunch </i>from Alternating Current Press- July, 2013</a></div>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-61796509697001035042022-04-10T13:31:00.001-07:002022-04-22T13:13:03.611-07:00Instagram<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Welcome to My Instagram!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spend a lot of time on Instagram.... posting about chickens, dogs, books, art and, most recently, my little owl family! Follow along at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stephpostauthor/?hl=en">@stephpostauthor</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_imaginarybird">@the_imaginarybird </a>.</div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stephpostauthor" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1043" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjnpiKgxhhZjnQetroK39LBBHX-yapHnnnqXj-X8UImf66yl5I6TYsuDFnT_43QFGcdJ7F_sweDTpMadH7-DcP85RvT93NJFVUxKqSnQ1Xd7QD6xvmIc3ytNTCgPssUCaMGyOmTSNf2MlTnJPDsbuo1ZYe6fq-fOtlArFI1LuFXHkyL7S1hMJ_E6yMw/s320/C692B29F-539F-4ED1-9BDE-A24BFAE14466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-36628037529133775592021-07-12T11:16:00.002-07:002021-07-12T11:16:19.528-07:00Birds in Literature and Life<p> Oh, hey! It's been a minute (err, few months) since I posted anything, but here we go....</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm excited to announce that I'll be participating in a Birds in Literature and Life Instagram Live chat with authors Frank Morelli, Adrienne Kiner and Angel Schroeder, hosted by Sunrise Books. 8pm, 7/15/21- hope to 'see' you there! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhnmGOdxwlRon0WJ3XCZslwYnYS3MuLDvTzBqXlorP7sK6xjrH4DBpNNMqF9DlXNtPxrhIkIRZ6CQAxw7J32s7SQKM1oXHviRVp9sCPCdA_tz-MwsjaDCUwkJKV1gqOg_eoL8Z8PRvTIV/s273/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhnmGOdxwlRon0WJ3XCZslwYnYS3MuLDvTzBqXlorP7sK6xjrH4DBpNNMqF9DlXNtPxrhIkIRZ6CQAxw7J32s7SQKM1oXHviRVp9sCPCdA_tz-MwsjaDCUwkJKV1gqOg_eoL8Z8PRvTIV/s0/Picture2.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-9253464675137639092021-03-02T11:59:00.006-08:002021-03-02T11:59:45.442-08:00Holding Smoke is out in Paperback!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781951709297" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCjHybftpDBQ_lbNGWS2_FGvFVsGG1CIGocjE2PJq7TilczLaUg4Uq51LkXstKs5NSPusHViVSq3nJKqNvp5LURfJLwT5oQMDvB8QI4ATJC9JS_cPFifrghNZleZ7IgtaP5r1QRPaF60T/s320/holdingsmoke.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>To say that this year has been difficult feels like calling lava hot. Saying so, screaming it so (as I'm sure we've all done a few times!) feels like adding my voice to the millions- just one more grating sound to add to the awful background noise of 2020/21. But I'm saying it anyway: it's been rough. And I know how lucky I am, how absolutely like heaven my experience of this year has been compared to most. With that in mind, it feels weird to celebrate even the smallest milestone, though I tell everyone else they need to go for it. We need more celebrations in this world! We need more milestones and moments to be proud of, we need everyone we can get. But I am notoriously bad at following my own advice (like, ridiculously bad) and so I've kept quiet about my books and my author life moments.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately, doing so also felt like pulling back from supporting my fellow authors. I've posted a thousand photos of birds and dogs and chickens over on Instagram this past year and done only a handful of interviews, written even less articles, promoting other authors and their work. So it feels doubly weird to promote a paperback release- and yet, here I am. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781951709297">Holding Smoke</a></i>, the third and final book of my<i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781943818303"> Lightwood</a></i> series came out in paperback today. <i>Holding Smoke</i> originally came out in late January of last year and while I managed to squeeze in a few events before everything went into lockdown, I don't feel like I pushed as hard to promote the book as I had my four others. I was already hitting burnout mode and wanting some downtime when the book first hit shelves. And then, of course, the pandemic made sure I got the time I had wanted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what I have done the past year? Besides photograph birds? I DID use that time. I spent the first half of the year finishing up what I like to call "the book of my heart." I spent the second half of the year researching and outlining the next book while stressing constantly, experiencing plunging self-doubt and dark moments of crushing panic as "the book of my heart" went out on submission. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Without conferences and events, bookstore readings, traveling, meeting new writer friends and catching up, I felt like my author-fire was burning low. Hell, let's be real, I still feel that way. It's hard to complain and hard not to, but I know a lot of you are walking the same path right now. I see you and I know, it's not fun. Somedays, I'm certain that I'm not much more than a chicken-raiser who writes, instead of a writer who raises chickens. (sorry, I have a new rooster that is taking up a lot of time right now so this is on my mind...) In all reality, I'm working my ass off on the new book that is by far the most difficult and complicated project I've ever attempted. I should be proud of how hard I'm working- some days I am and some days, well, see the "plunging self-doubt" part above. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought about letting today just pass by, but I care too much about the Story, the world, the characters of my <i>Lightwood</i> trilogy to do so. With <i>Holding Smoke</i>, I gave them everything I could and if I didn't work as hard to promote the finale of the series, it's still all there on the page. So, congrats to me and congrats to <i>Holding Smoke </i>hitting the paperback mark!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>And, even more importantly, MOST importantly, thank you to everyone who has supported me and this series. Everyone who wrote reviews and joined me at readings and shared book photos and cheered me on. Everyone who loved Ramey and hated Sister Tulah (or loved to hate her, rather), everyone who read the book and passed it along- thank you. An author is nothing without readers and I have the best readers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>I hope to get back to promoting authors again, so that I can give back or pay it forward to all the amazing writers I'm honored to know and will hopefully be lucky enough to know in the future. Cheers to you!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">💥💥💥</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Praise for Holding Smoke:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "Terrific...A born storyteller, Post expertly weaves these disparate plot strands into a wholly satisfying if inevitable ending." ―Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"A pedal-to-the-metal tale of Southern gothic noir...Post keeps the reader guessing who, if anyone, will come out of this wild ride alive." ―Colette Bancroft, Tampa Bay Times </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Steph Post is a big, bold and welcome fresh voice in this world. Her authentic tales of those living in a whirlwind of chaos and violence is a game-changer." ―Ace Atkins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Post draws the Judah Cannon trilogy to an appropriate conclusion here, with her trademark crisp dialogue and action-packed, dark-edged storytelling again providing the appeal." ―Booklist </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Praise for Lightwood and Walk in the Fire:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">“Steph Post is a great new discovery. Her stories carry a dark pulse that keeps the perfect beat in a world where people put everything they’ve got on the line.” ―Michael Connelly</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Post combines classical genre tropes with a touch of Harry Crews–style Southern gothic in this terrific crime novel.” ―Publishers Weekly (Starred Review of <i>Walk in the Fire</i>) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> “Brilliant...<i>Lightwood</i> solidifies Steph Post as the official voice of working class literature in Florida, akin to what Daniel Woodrell has done for Missouri, or Ron Rash for the Carolinas.” ―Brian Panowich</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Post paints a large, vivid cast...Post's Florida is rather farther north than the world of Carl Hiaasen's fiction, but they share the dark comedy, intricate plotting and strong sense of paltry sin and mordant evil. Readers who like Hiaasen should find <i>Lightwood</i> well to their taste." ―Wilmington Star-News</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Thank you to these reviewers and to Everyone who reviewed and blurbed these novels- you can read their words on the book's separate pages. Much love.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><p></p>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-27167566940552530532020-07-14T09:08:00.002-07:002020-07-14T09:08:48.608-07:00Writing Workshops with Keep St. Pete LitI'm happy to announce that I'm now offering 4 online writing workshops with <a href="https://keepstpetelit.org/writing-course-categories/?coursecategory=fiction">Keep St. Pete Lit</a>. <a href="https://keepstpetelit.org/writing-course-categories/?coursecategory=fiction">Workshops</a> are short, affordable, self-paced and ALL offer prompt, personal feedback on a writing submission. Cheers and Happy Writing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://keepstpetelit.org/writing-course-categories/?coursecategory=fiction"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOBXtG-cFy21efR8RDUeyRg7S8rlmH6YSI5TezW_5dJ3p-NiYfom9xHVOwCz7TOUDIHEHb-OE-qVbWasjTg2WjKgBhyWEgwB6h5mooKsR5QIdxAa5nJaQVMStivngHEmke_lC5z2ds53q/s320/tempImage.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-40746743015876402712020-04-02T12:32:00.000-07:002020-02-22T13:16:41.702-08:00Holding Smoke is Now Available!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781947993884"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdQLqZulXVKtzBnG2QzTYXRtYR9MiDlaXgomX5n4fXjdLh0egAe447vi7FfkKSMVkpsvSpR8BnueQ4dbwniX1qTUVuwg7taSl-167eUlSQkrCX383MrzR1OBv6TLnWVgb159mjPXDGUuW/s400/Smoke+Cover+sans+Blurb.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Terrific...A born storyteller, Post expertly weaves these disparate plot strands into a wholly satisfying if inevitable ending." ―Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Steph Post is a big, bold and welcome fresh voice in this world. Her authentic tales of those living in a whirlwind of chaos and violence is a game-changer." ―Ace Atkins, New York Times bestselling author of The Shameless</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Post draws the Judah Cannon trilogy to an appropriate conclusion here, with her trademark crisp dialogue and action-packed, dark-edged storytelling again providing the appeal." ―Booklist</b></span></div>
Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-218564687422377932020-01-30T12:37:00.002-08:002020-01-30T12:37:45.694-08:00Starred PW Review for Holding Smoke!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
And Holding Smoke earns its first Star! From Publishers Weekly: "A born storyteller, Post expertly weaves these disparate plot strands into a wholly satisfying if inevitable ending." (starred review) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-947993-88-4"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZF3lueakOfv3qbt0tLp6oNXpv4cxYkL1CHGwaRXI7OUUXv6L2AoeG8gpG_j7DNh1Br8vK93OKLBB6tL_1NGY6NyfI66Ug6OyK7SMedOXcZCwQUvDSEIIAynksdNwh6fgn2s1r3Z17gs7/s1600/celebrate.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-947993-88-4">Read the full review at Publishers Weekly!</a></div>
<br />Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-55838176180397760252019-11-15T06:00:00.002-08:002019-12-01T09:33:37.743-08:00Author Spotlight (and Video!) with Robert Parker Cheers and happy Friday Reads, all! I'm extremely excited about today's Author Spotlight because a) it features an author I adore and b) it's happening on a new medium for me. <a href="https://robparkerauthor.com/">Rob Parker</a>, author of- among others- <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1707478856/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0">Crook's Hollow</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1911445820/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i3">A Wanted Man</a></i>- graciously took the time to make a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxE2NaT8m9w&feature=youtu.be">video response </a>to my interview questions.<br />
<br />
Aside from sharing invaluable insight into the writing and publishing worlds, Parker closes out with some fantastic book recommendations, so there's much to enjoy in this week's spotlight.<br />
<br />
A quick note- if you're interested in the 'Brit Grit Lit' genre mention, check out my 2018 interview with Parker over on <a href="https://crimereads.com/grit-lit-an-american-phenomenon-goes-global/">Crime Reads</a>: <a href="https://crimereads.com/grit-lit-an-american-phenomenon-goes-global/">Grit Lit: An American Phenomenon Goes Globa</a>l.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxE2NaT8m9w&feature=youtu.be"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8z3oJEJPqtk36zb_GmFVnlWGclGh2FDyKQ73UhVagVib7LdXmGzEdXEoBRRTfHOudhdWhCct281QsNz3lU5MbZ_8VYKryo2TDkGjKwOWUv9kY0J_ZhGekLkH94IZz4ILuGNPIWXDGqPfh/s1600/rob-parker-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who: <a href="https://robparkerauthor.com/">Rob Parker</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Latest Book:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crooks-Hollow-Rob-Parker/dp/1707478856/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1573826031&sr="> Crook's Hollow (re-released!)</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow: <a href="https://twitter.com/robparkerauthor">@robparkerauthor</a></span>Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-78781602224874741112019-11-07T12:31:00.001-08:002019-11-07T12:31:25.512-08:00Author Spotlight: Jayne MartinI haven't highlighted a flash fiction author in a while, so I'm excited to bring you an interview with Jayne Martin, author of the recently released collection <i>Tender Cuts</i>. Described as the love child of Joy Williams and Raymond Carver, Martin's bite-sized tales provide snatches into lives both ordinary and extraordinary. Illustrated by Janice Whitby and Indigo Roth,<i> Tender Cuts </i>is a deceptively quick read that deserves to be savored.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://jaynemartin-writer.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1335" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTizOOS8R06eLkYhwR_EW5udEUzevkWggZJTnW5mH60DeEiVucYwj9FliKoiFVVh6KbdVItAz7PVJzN0xIFeRXLjCtndj7ejt2GVxcfvV6lHijKwVzNyl-BgLAJ-RpSTNmAA_VUyRBHvg/s320/Jayne+%25282%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who: <a href="https://jaynemartin-writer.com/">Jayne Martin</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Latest Book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tender-Cuts-Jayne-Martin/dp/1925965244">Tender Cuts</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow! <a href="https://twitter.com/Jayne_Martin">@Jayne_Martin</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br /><b><i>What advice do wish someone had given you when just started out as a writer/author? </i></b><br /><br />I started my writing career writing movies for television and did that for about 25 years before writing a word of fiction. Back then the advice I received was mostly about how to get an agent. I wish someone had told me not to take myself too seriously, that no one cared whether I wrote or not. The world was not waiting breathlessly for my next script, so I shouldn’t wrap my entire self-esteem up in whether I was “succeeding” or not. Write because it gives you joy to do so. Whatever comes of it is largely out of your control.<br /><br /><br /><b><i>Who or what is your spirit animal? </i></b><br /><br />The hummingbird. I have a tattoo of one on my right shoulder. Their combination of energy and stillness as they hover in one place – that intense focus -- is the same combination I need in order to write.<br /><br /><br /><b><i>What’s the most creative thing you’ve done to market or promote your books?</i></b><br /><br />I had bookmarks made with the book cover on them to give away, and at my book launch luncheon there were heart-shaped cookies with “Tender Cuts” written on them. I’m planning on ordering candy hearts with the same for AWP giveaways. <br /><br /><br /><b><i>Do you have a secret for handling bad book reviews? And, yes, what is it?</i></b><br /><br />I’ll let you know when I get one. Undoubtedly, it will be coming because a reader’s response to a story is entirely subjective. A writer can’t possibly please everyone, nor should they try. I don’t expect to be devastated by it. I’ve been a professional writer for 40 years. Likely, I will just think whoever wrote it is a moron. Conversely, I will think anyone who gives Tender Cuts a good review is a genius. <br /><br /><br /><b><i>Have you ever been embarrassed to tell someone that you’re a writer/author?</i></b> <br /><br />Yes. When I was just starting out in Hollywood it was tough. It seemed that everyone was a “wanna-be” something. The first question would always be, “Oh, what have you done?” Meaning, what have you gotten produced. Well, nothing yet. Or "who’s your agent? I’m looking for one." Nobody wanted to know you. It’s still tough for new writers, and I see a lot on Twitter, for example, calling themselves “aspiring writers.” I always tell them, if you’re writing you’re a writer. You may not yet be making a living at it, but don’t let the world’s insatiable need to assign monetary value to everything define who you are.<br />
<br />
<br />Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-90321633625936719152019-10-18T08:45:00.001-07:002019-12-01T09:34:24.545-08:00Author Spotlight: Janet Somerville I've never had the joy of meeting Janet Somerville in person and yet I have a picture of her dog, Garp, on my fridge. In case that doesn't tell you all you need to know about how awesome she is, Janet has been writing 'a letter a day' to friends, colleagues, twitter acquaintances and the like since 2014. She's the embodiment of the true literary citizen and steward, uniting readers and writers and championing the written word in all form. I'm honored to be able to shine a little light on someone who, in turn, shines so brightly.<br />
<br />
Recently, Somerville- who has been studying and bringing Martha Gellhorn to light for years- published her debut book titled<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yours-Probably-Always-Gellhorns-1930-1949/dp/0228101867?SubscriptionId=AKIAIXFKFJI6IH6DO5KQ&amp;tag=kirkus-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;camp=2025&amp;creative=165953&amp;creativeASIN=0228101867"> <i>Yours, For Probably Always: Martha Gellhorn's Letters of Love and War 1930-1949</i></a> to <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/janet-somerville/yours-for-probably-always/">critical acclaim</a>. She was gracious enough to also pen the piece below, chronicling and celebrating her passion for Gellhorn and the road that led her to write a book. Enjoy, check out Somerville's book (of course) and be sure to say hello to her on twitter!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/janetsomerville?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwjQcSTiyvHzgbHYO7sIyGw50kHnq__trob2GaBHC5TKCuUSNtMmrPNwId4L69brN7lLFnrz6CViZ4EvkfWcM47HlgOLQFuvMhq_w7WbGo_uLw1VsQvZbccKLNLMyAt8wpIRduhLDndbb/s320/Somerville+%2528B%2526W%2529.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who: <a href="https://twitter.com/janetsomerville?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Janet Somerville</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yours-Probably-Always-Gellhorns-1930-1949/dp/0228101867?SubscriptionId=AKIAIXFKFJI6IH6DO5KQ&amp;tag=kirkus-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;camp=2025&amp;creative=165953&amp;creativeASIN=0228101867">Yours, For Probably Always</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow! <a href="https://twitter.com/janetsomerville?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">@janetsomerville</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Finding my way to Martha Gellhorn and her words began in May 2015 with a visit to Faulkner Books in New Orleans, where the bookseller recommended the correspondence between Eudora Welty and William Maxwell collected in </i><b>What There Is To Say We Have Said</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">. I’m drawn to letter writing, and continue to hand write a letter every day to send to recipients from Toronto to New York City to Amsterdam to Seattle to Tokyo, some of whom I know, but most of whom I’ve never met.<br /><br />When I wrote about the extraordinary Welty/Maxwell correspondence on Twitter, a bookish follower in Fife, Scotland, asked if I had ever read </i><b>Selected Letters of Martha Gellhorn</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">, edited by her authorized biographer Caroline Moorehead. I had not. Within a few weeks I had not only read those letters but also Moorehead’s celebrated biography </i><b>Martha Gellhorn: A Life</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">. And, then I read every book that I could find of Gellhorn’s that remained in print from her early fiction like </i><b>The Trouble I’ve Seen</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> that emerged out of her Depression-Era work to her essay collections of reportage </i><b>The Face of War and The View From the Ground</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> published in the 1990s. </i><br />
<div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwGrM0bq5UhNIrQ45N5hsLVWTYL1guPmvgMShf3uGkLG3Mpcn6RiIESwLnoKAy892tG1rcKb-V9yZvIRR4EuO-EUjEqnAZARYBr06wEGqmghW0LJhVaJ26SV1iU0pMnXj2SnNOMaNzfpb/s1600/20SeptYFPA_AuthorCopies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwGrM0bq5UhNIrQ45N5hsLVWTYL1guPmvgMShf3uGkLG3Mpcn6RiIESwLnoKAy892tG1rcKb-V9yZvIRR4EuO-EUjEqnAZARYBr06wEGqmghW0LJhVaJ26SV1iU0pMnXj2SnNOMaNzfpb/s320/20SeptYFPA_AuthorCopies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><br />I was planning to write a novel. My first. I had sketched out the narrative arc that began with Gellhorn dropping out of Bryn Mawr after her sophomore year and moving to Paris in the Spring of 1930 with $75 in her pocket, her portable typewriter and the dream of becoming a foreign correspondent. The plot would include cameos from the people who made history of the time like FDR, Mrs. Roosevelt, General Franco, Winston Churchill, and trail Gellhorn through her work as a war correspondent in the Spanish Civil War and on the Western Front during WWII and finish when her play </i><b>Love Goes to Press</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> opened in London’s West End in 1947, to standing ovations, and, dumbfounded by the response, she slipped out into the night delighting in her luck.<br /><br />However, I shelved the novel when I read in the trades that Paula McLain had just sold a novel about Martha Gellhorn and Ernest Hemingway to be called </i><b>Love and Ruin</b><b style="font-style: italic;">. As a debut novelist, I could not compete and no publisher would be willing to bring out a book about Martha Gellhorn that would possibly rival the work of a New York Times bestselling novelist.</b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX2W80LpS1V1v3Q6jiE56vj9ArpBQNy4zhKExkdeX05gLcVo-YLRONJE47f2eBCkOqGU8KineD6Uw_uuYn4IHtqpOkZ0EDlatO_29NrzdOiRxdMNd3RfvIeMcK6ecQjWMPX7iX2uOyHxo/s1600/Gellhorn_Firefly_OnWriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX2W80LpS1V1v3Q6jiE56vj9ArpBQNy4zhKExkdeX05gLcVo-YLRONJE47f2eBCkOqGU8KineD6Uw_uuYn4IHtqpOkZ0EDlatO_29NrzdOiRxdMNd3RfvIeMcK6ecQjWMPX7iX2uOyHxo/s320/Gellhorn_Firefly_OnWriting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<b><i>In June 2016, I traveled to London to follow in Gellhorn’s footsteps and while there read the only publicly accessible copy of her debut novel </i>What Mad Pursuit <i>(1934) in Rare Books & Music at the British Library. In her lifetime she did not permit it to ever be reprinted, nor did she ever name it, only obliquely referred to it as “the baby novel I deny and never list.” And, when I received access to her restricted papers at the Gotlieb Archives at Boston University, and began to comb through the hundreds of folders through previously unpublished correspondence, I decided to try to shape a book grounded in her letters. </i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="font-style: italic;">Gellhorn’s letters themselves are beautiful prose. And, they reveal a woman so engaged with her time. I hope readers who find their way to</b><b> Yours, for Probably Always: Martha Gellhorn’s Letters of Love & War 1930-1949</b><b style="font-style: italic;">, will use the book as a springboard to explore her other writing. So many of her words are for all time. She remains a wonder to me.</b></div>
<div>
<b style="font-style: italic;"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b style="font-style: italic;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcJpl2RuWJrMIbAvTeUzPOZp4pm-oUUAAqRDh9N-NGGEjbv9-Bm6R4g4U2Vkq45frn2-PilabVeRNXYxvRF8Nxc0pjPZTDIWXMAxYmdaaYxOkMbL5BFxzplLM1KZaIJqLL_h9Cinc7DdK/s1600/ConciergeGarp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcJpl2RuWJrMIbAvTeUzPOZp4pm-oUUAAqRDh9N-NGGEjbv9-Bm6R4g4U2Vkq45frn2-PilabVeRNXYxvRF8Nxc0pjPZTDIWXMAxYmdaaYxOkMbL5BFxzplLM1KZaIJqLL_h9Cinc7DdK/s320/ConciergeGarp.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(Had to throw in a new photo of Garp!)</b></div>
Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-28230336016041437242019-10-04T13:18:00.001-07:002019-12-01T09:34:51.488-08:00Author Spotlight: Marietta Miles Sometimes you get lucky. As when I was lucky enough to score an advanced copy of Marietta Miles' latest novel, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/After-Storm-Marietta-Miles/dp/1643960350/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1570219557&refinements=p_27%3AMarietta+Miles&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Marietta+Miles">After the Storm,</a></i> out this week from <a href="https://downandoutbooks.com/marietta-miles/">Down & Out Books.</a> Here's what I had to say....<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>“Opening in the aftermath of </i>May<i>’s climatic and life-altering storm, After the Storm continues to give voice to Marietta Miles’ complicated and complex heroine, May Cosby. Atmospheric, yet shot through with tension, Miles’ third novella proves her mastery of the Southern Noir genre, distilled down to its purest essence: dark, harrowing and razor-sharp with unapologetic authenticity.”</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
And while I think this gives you a glimpse of the teeth and nails in Miles work, it doesn't tell you quite how much of a badass this femme fatale of the written word really is. I'm honored to be able to shine the spotlight on her today and urge you to check out her novels, novellas and the many collections and anthologies she has to her name. But first, here's Marietta Miles in her own words...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mariettamiles.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="482" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oZzDoEB8256mykqyCptvLNzX47dYYC5Ra-L5mEeXgSZrVpIKMCBRW9b0CUahto2X_cqtqV78OJ3U2VAeNskZNQfXaYDpCqdh6V_bK246r3ixOyXIjT7htDnfx-ce80fY-r6MnZJbr-J6/s320/marietta.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Who: <a href="https://downandoutbooks.com/marietta-miles/">Marietta Miles </a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Latest Book:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/After-Storm-Marietta-Miles/dp/1643960350/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1570219557&refinements=p_27%3AMarietta+Miles&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Marietta+Miles"> After the Storm</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow! @mariettamiles9</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/mariettamiles9">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marietta.miles">Facebook </a> </span></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What is the worst reason to become an author? What is the best?</i></b><br />
<br />
Money is probably the worst reason to become an author. Publishing can be very fickle and it seems only a few writers are really safe from the ever-changing tastes of readers. Unless you make it really big, Joe Lansdale and Stephen King big, I’m not sure you can rely on the income for a long period of time. Plus, I think the lack of sincerity might be obvious in the work. <br />
<br />
I write to remember the places and things I’ve seen. The people I’ve known. Good or bad. In a short-story I wrote years ago, a young husband and wife working opposing shifts would pass each other in the morning giving a kiss and a rolled-up emergency dollar bill. That was something my grandmother and grandfather used to do and they shared that same bill for two years. <br />
<br />
I write to exercise the crazy thoughts in my head. For my sanity. To express happiness or grief. Disgust. Concern. A lot of time I write because I’m afraid.<br />
<br />
There are so many books I’ve read that have moved me and set an imprint on my life. I write because I would love to do that for someone else. I want to hear that someone has been moved by a story or character I’ve created.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>If you have pets, what do they think about the time you spend writing and not lavishing them with attention?</i></b><br />
<br />
Well, I have cats. They have no problem letting me know if they need my attention. Lulu, Scarlet, and Steve are quite happy about my time spent writing. Lulu, aka Ninja, curls up next to the warm computer. She also likes to try and catch the cursor. Scarlet reclines on the arm of the chair and Steve lays behind me. They like the whole not getting up for long periods of time thing. Seems so similar to napping.<br />
<br />
We have a brand-new gal in the group. Emma Kitty is a little stray that jumped in my arms while I was out. She prefers the outside, but once we know she’s healthy and not a danger to the other members of the Miles pride she’ll be an indoor munchkin soon enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>If you could choose, would you have your novel adapted as a film, television show, mini-series, graphic novel or video game? Why?</i></b><br />
<br />
Film. I imagine something in the vein of<i> Swing Blade</i> or <i>The Apostle</i>, both featuring Robert Duvall. He’s the Robert Mitchum of our time. Every great modern noir movie must have a part for Robert Duvall. I liked the strange casting of Dwight Yoakum and John Ritter in <i>Swing Blade</i>. The performances were distinct but subtle, perfect. Don’t get me started on Farrah Fawcett in <i>The Apostle</i>. <br />
<br />
Now, I know that both of these are older movies, but they are precisely the movies I pictured while writing the book. Setting. Style. Both could be considered Southern Gothic and I’ve had that term, thankfully, used when describing my writing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What’s the most creative thing you’ve done to market or promote your books?</i></b><br />
<br />
With <i>Route 12</i> I gave away copies of the book to readers with answers to trivia questions involving the folks who blurbed me. That’s not very exciting. I rely heavily on good reviews and word of mouth. <br />
<br />
I’m afraid I’m not very creative in regard to self-promotion. I can be creative. Get in the “Imagination Box.” Trust me, I worked for an entertainment group doing creative promotions for way too many years. <br />
<br />
I don’t dive deep into self-promotion because I worry I’ll annoy someone. Overwhelm people. I don’t want to become the crazy mother trying to sell her kid’s Christmas wrapping for the school fundraiser. <br />
<br />
I should do a lot more promoting because so many people have helped me with this book. It’s a little selfish for me to do nothing, so I try to balance. Something we all seem to be attempting.<br />
<br />
On that note, I really liked your reader with the cover posts. I thought it was a nice way to say thanks to the people who take the time to read your books.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Have you ever been embarrassed to tell someone that you’re a writer/author?</i></b><br />
<br />
I never tell anyone I’m a writer. Never talk about it. Unless someone is editing for me or I’m working with Down and Out on a new book. When I’m at Noir at the Bar. Bouchercon. Surrounded by other writers. Outside of those circumstances, I never bring up my writing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Sum up the essence of your latest novel in One Single Word.</i></b><br />
<br />
Wreckage.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-42433013432771932862019-09-20T12:28:00.004-07:002019-12-01T09:35:53.466-08:00Author Spotlight: Tara LaskowskiI'm excited to shine the spotlight on author Tara Laskowski today because a) she has a thrilling debut novel hitting shelves in two weeks and b) well, read on about her spirit animal.... Seriously, though, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Night-Gone-Tara-Laskowski/dp/1525832190/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=tara+laskowski&qid=1569007152&sr=8-1">One Night Gone</a></i> has been garnering some major attention and I've had it on my radar since I put together my Fall Book Preview List a few months ago. Start your <a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Night-Gone-Tara-Laskowski/dp/1525832190/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=tara+laskowski&qid=1569007152&sr=8-1">pre-orders</a>! <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://taralaskowski.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1008" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ2QQKfVqRF9j3Tu2KzsfEsOSRCPR0C4WND2i1yrHZoay66zVK3sBfeQJ3tBK1UxJKdoyCXS2jey11naOlV6sFVzViAw0GVzNqYwi-0V2yNhLU3EpmDIb0tj2MlTMnzxt9K-flcaSH77W/s320/TaraLaskowski_WEB048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><i>If you had to choose only one of your novels to best represent yourself as an author, which one would it be? Why? </i></b><br />
<div>
<br />
Well, given that I only have one novel, this question is fairly easy. But I do think that <i>One Night Gone</i> is a pretty good representation of all the things that I’m interested in as a writer. It’s got a little bit of spooky, but not too much. It’s got pissed-off women trying to right the wrongs that have been handed to them. It’s got the nostalgia of the 1980s, roller derby, the beach, mermaids, a shady carnival, and creepy paintings. If only I’d been able to throw a unicorn in there, we’d be golden. (#NextBookGoals)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<b><i>What do you tell yourself when you begin to doubt yourself as a writer? How often do you doubt yourself?</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>I think I doubt myself as a writer nearly every day (shout-out to High-Functioning Anxiety! Whoo-hoo!) I mostly just write through it, though, because it’s such a part of me at this point. But when it gets really crippling, I usually just either write out all the stupid things going through my head (This will never work. I’m the worst writer in the world. A total fraud. Everyone hates me.), or tell a close friend what I’m thinking, and the process of doing that usually makes me laugh at myself, which makes it slightly better.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b><i>Who or what is your spirit animal? </i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>Well, my Patronus is a dolphin. Which I know is not the same thing, or your question, but I wanted to throw it out there anyway. My spirit animal these days, however, is the Kraken. We keep to ourselves, hide away in the depths, but do. not. fuck with us.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b><i>What’s your favorite thing to do to procrastinate from writing?</i></b></div>
<div>
<br />
About ten years ago-ish, I accidentally deleted my entire music library from my computer when I was trying to back it up. So, I had to reload my library onto my computer from my iPod, which totally messed up all the files, duplicating everything and creating these phantom song files that won’t play. When I’m really feeling like avoiding writing, I open up my iTunes and start methodically deleting the phantom song files to clean up my library. I think I’m on letter “S.” Hey, you asked.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b><i>If you were being shipped to a deserted island and were only allowed to bring one book, what would it be? Why? How hard would it be to choose?</i></b></div>
<div>
<br />
Hands-down, I’d bring the Harry Potter series. And if you’re mean and won’t let me take all of them, I’d bring <i>The Prisoner of Azkaban</i>, because I could read that book 700 times and never tire of the wonder of it.</div>
Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-76142570266597384012019-08-30T05:32:00.000-07:002019-12-01T09:36:30.614-08:00Author Spotlight: Meagan LucasI'm always excited to showcase a new author, but I'm especially excited to shine a light on Meagan Lucas today because I was lucky enough to score an advanced copy of her debut novel <i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781599487526">Songbirds & Stray Dogs</a></i> and let me just tell you- it is brilliant. (and just came out this week, so start buying!) Here's what I had to say when I first read <i>Songbirds & Stray Dogs </i>over the summer:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Songbirds and Stray Dogs may be Meagan Lucas' debut novel, but the voice echoing from its pages is so striking you'll be haunted long after you turn the last page. In this gutsy story of a young woman fighting tooth and nail for survival, you'll find both grit and grace and a ringing honesty that refuses to back down. Not often do I read a novel and form an instant kinship with both the author and protagonist, but Songbirds and Stray Dogs captured from me the first, stirring scene and held me all the way until new life began to grow from the ashes. A stunning, startling novel."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And here's what Lucas had to say when she (graciously) took time out from a busy book release schedule to answer a few of my questions....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://meaganlucas.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPX-E90TKQInolSP0iMtN4wKDkZYr5e3c5hBQtz54T6zfjazjJqX9dyVSapFbFcl-_u1TMik6NbBdljUTMB7aschqENd7p29P2xriI0jwMJ_GvUUjLPSuMOduzCn0gGJQPh49j6Z9HtOk9/s320/Meagan-Lucas-author-contrast-by-Ellie-Navarro-Photography-684x1024.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Who: <a href="http://meaganlucas.com/">Meagan Lucas</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Latest Book: <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781599487526">Songbirds & Stray Dogs</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow! @mgnlcs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/mgnlcs">Twitter </a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/meagan.s.lucas">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meaganlucasauthor/">Instagram </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What do you tell yourself when you begin to doubt yourself as a writer? How often do you doubt yourself?</i></b><br />
<div>
<br />
Whenever I doubt myself, which is often, I just remind myself to do the work. “Don’t worry about if it’s good, just get it out.” The majority of my doubt happens when I’m reading someone else’s words, and I come across something brilliant and think that there is no way in hell I’m ever going to create something even half as wonderful, and I get sucked into a hole of doubt I can’t even see out of. When I’m actually writing, I can’t write with the idea or hope that anyone will ever read it – or I self censor – so, if I can forget about other people’s brilliant books and their judging thoughts, (and what my Mom will think!!) and just do the fun part, the actual writing, everything else seems to work out. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What’s your favorite thing to do to procrastinate from writing?</i></b></div>
<div>
<br />
Read! Reading is excellent procrastinating, because I can easily convince myself that I’m not actually procrastinating, that I’m working - doing research, or filling my writing toolbox, when really, I’m just doing my favorite thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What advice do you wish someone had given you when just started out as a writer/author? </i></b></div>
<div>
<br />
The importance of literary citizenship tops my list. I think when you’re just starting it’s hard to imagine how small the lit world is because you don’t know anyone and everything feels overwhelming, but, it’s small. Once you get your foot in the door you realize that every connection you make will know someone else, and if you’re kind, honest, and easy to work with – this plays in your favor – generous established writers will come out of the woodwork to help you because one of their friends said something nice about you. However, if you’re a jerk, it will work against you. If you’re the kind of writer who likes to tear people down, only ever talks about yourself, gets butt-hurt easily, or is just mean – people know, you’ll develop a reputation quickly. Be kind and sincere, don’t make promises you can’t keep, don’t talk shit, read and promote other writers, and life will be a lot easier for you. </div>
<div>
<br />
Also – start small. Like a lot of writers I started working on a novel right away, and there isn’t anything wrong with that, but it takes a long time to write, and a long time to sell a novel, and I think that causes people to give up. It is easy to lose focus when you don’t have any feedback along the way. I attended a Great Smokies Writing Program workshop taught by Wiley Cash a few years ago where he spoke about how the path to novel publication was starting with short stories/articles and it really hit home for me. With a short story you get feedback from editors quicker, you build a portfolio, your confidence, and a reputation, and for me it helped develop my author voice (I’m far more likely to experiment in a short story than a novel.) A side effect too, is that when you do write that novel, you have a list of publications and editors behind you to help prove to an agent or publisher that you’re worth their time, which I think goes a long way to getting your foot in the door.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Who has been the most difficult character for you to write? The easiest? </i></b></div>
<div>
<br />
In <i>Songbirds and Stray Dogs</i>, Chuck was the hardest character for me to write. I find writing men really difficult, and particularly their conversations with other men. Men relate to each other so differently than women, or men and women together. I spent a lot of time quizzing my husband and eavesdropping on stranger’s conversations to try to get it right. Jolene, on the other hand, kind of just fell out of me. While she and I don’t share much life experience, our motivations and reactions are very similar, so while I did a lot of thinking when writing Chuck, Jolene came straight from my gut. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Have you ever been embarrassed to tell someone that you’re a writer/author?</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>Yes! Partially because it felt like I was putting on airs (am I really a writer? Hello Imposter Syndrome!) and partially because I know the next question will be something about if I have a book that they’ve heard of. And for the longest time I’d just look down and rub my toe on the floor and mumble something about a dozen short stories in various mags, and regret opening my mouth while we both try to change the subject. And now, while I just very recently have a book and they probably still haven’t heard of it, but at least it’s an opportunity to point them at my local indie bookstore (Malaprop’s), so I’m a smidgen less embarrassed. That is, until they ask me what my WIP is about and the connection between my brain and mouth is severed.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-84140668315830983322019-08-16T06:18:00.003-07:002019-12-01T09:36:51.837-08:00Author Spotlight: E.A. AymarI can't tell you how much I love today's Spotlight interview. (okay, I'm telling you- I love it). Not only does E.A. Aymar- author of the thriller <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948235587/"><i>The Unrepentant</i> </a>and the 'novel-in-stories' <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948235587/"><i>The Night of the Flood</i> </a>anthology, along with Sarah M. Chen and other assorted badasses- bring humor and heart to the sometimes grueling world of writing and publishing, he's got some wonderful advice for you as well. Aymar is yet another reminder why the crime fiction community is the one of the most incredible, supportive bunch of misfits out there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://eaymarwrites.com/contact/"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX-yYun8YJxR9UEysNOyW4LjzH6vBz5wkqs-befp75_Fn6Ov_aPX2JlmtVlnf0qgndcGNPL47SnNQqRygsDufqtqJwlPAsJ_W2b4gdhyphenhyphenV6Jq2iaYePb_Y78Ur9I708hUpB2wbH-0my1zn/s1600/Aymar+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who: E. A. Aymar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948235587/">The Unrepentant </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow! @EAAymar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/EAAymar">Twitter </a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EAymarWriter/">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/evened74/">Instagram</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Has the publishing industry ever made you cry? What did you learn from the experience?</i></b><br />
<br />
I didn’t cry, but I was overwhelmed when Jennifer Hillier won the Thriller Award for Best Hardcover Novel this year. Jenny’s one of my closest friends, and I love her and I love her books. I know how much <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jar-Hearts-Jennifer-Hillier/dp/1250154197/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1565960922&sr=1-1">Jar of Hearts</a></i> meant to her, and I know that she’s never really seen herself as an “award-winning writer.” She knows her gifts and strengths, but didn’t see that in her future.<br />
<br />
So to hear that Jenny had won that award, and to watch the video of her stunned acceptance speech (I couldn’t go to ThrillerFest this year), meant the world to me. Jenny works hard, and to see her work pay off, particularly in a way she couldn’t imagine, is inspiring. It’s proof that the work, while certainly its own reward, can often lead to other wonderful moments. And many of those moments are beautifully unpredictable.<br />
<br />
I know I should be talking about my own experiences here, but that award moved me, and I’ve wanted to write about it. I’m okay putting the spotlight on someone else.<br />
<br />
BUT NOW BACK TO ME ME ME.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What do you tell yourself when you begin to doubt yourself as a writer? How often do you doubt yourself?</i></b><br />
<br />
I think doubt is common to writers (and all artists). We have to stay immersed in our field, which means reading a lot of other writers, and there are a lot of good writers out there. Especially right now. Nothing makes you doubt yourself like reading something moving, and wondering if readers have that same reaction to your work.<br />
<br />
And, for me, I lost that type of confidence in my writing. My first two novels came out and were forgotten – barely anyone read them, and no one reviewed them. Because of that, I was hard on myself, and I assumed they just weren’t very good. And that’s a terrible thing to feel.<br />
<br />
Although that was a damaging mindset, it was, in some ways, helpful. It made me work harder. When <i>The Unrepentant</i> was published earlier this year, I’d finally written a book that people were reading and enjoying, and it was being reviewed and receiving praise from venues I’d never expected to be in. And that was enormously gratifying.<br />
<br />
Still, though, I hadn’t realized how damaging my doubt had been until <a href="https://murdermayhemchicago.com/">Murder and Mayhem in Chicago</a>. I try to go to a few writing conferences a year, and I’d always heard good things about MMC (and it is a great conference). I was sitting at the bar with Jess Lourey and Susanna Calkins and Lori Rader Day and Eric Beetner and other writers I hold in high regard. And I quietly realized how happy I was.<br />
<br />
I was happy because I didn’t feel like a fraud.<br />
<br />
I felt like I belonged, and through all the years of book store events and conferences and festivals and readings I’d been lucky to participate in, I’d never felt like that before.<br />
<br />
I write all that to say that doubt is healthy. Every writer should be skeptical of his or her work. Confidence often verges on foolhardy.<br />
<br />
But, at the same time, don’t let doubt blind you. Or take away from the joy at what you’ve done.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What is the worst reason to become an author? What is the best?</i></b><br />
<br />
I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently, and I’m not sure how to say the answer. I think the worst reason to become an author is something along the lines of wanting to get published. I mean, that’s why we all write on a professional level, but I’d caution specifically against “haste.”<br />
<br />
I was talking to a writer a few years ago and she was asking me for advice – she’d completed a novel, and was considering self-publishing it. I don’t have anything against self-publishing; it’s not the route I chose, but it’s the right choice for others. I told her about my path of finding an agent, and then that agent finding a publisher, and how long it took (I started writing seriously in 1997 and my first novel was published in 2013). And she said, frankly, she wasn’t interested in going through years of rejections when she knows her novel’s already good.<br />
<br />
That attitude drives me crazy. There’s a lot that can be said critically and fairly about the gatekeepers in publishing – I get that. But rejection is part of the process of writing. It’s part of art. If you’re not willing to face rejection, then you’re simply in the wrong field. It’s one of the ways you improve as a writer, and I can’t help but feel that someone who writes a book, and refuses to accept criticism, is faking the funk. Writing a book should not be your achievement. The achievement is writing a good book. And criticism is one of the ways to learn the difference between the two.<br />
<br />
As for the best reason to become a writer, it’s the money and the groupies. PANTIES ON THE STAGE, BABY. Oh, and also the joy of craft and bringing excitement to others. But mainly the money and stage thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What advice do wish someone had given you when just started out as a writer/author? </i></b><br />
<br />
I didn’t go through an MFA program, but I did do a number of workshops at the MFA level. And the college I went to (George Mason University, home of the 2006 Men’s Basketball Final Four Patriots), boasts one of the best writing programs in the country – Art Taylor, Tara Laskowski, John Copenhaver, and Laura Ellen Scott are among the talented writers associated with it. I was taught a lot about craft, and I read some fantastic work, but I was never taught the business of writing. Maybe students in MFA programs are taught that now, but I’ve talked to a lot of MFA grads who aren’t. And wish they had.<br />
<br />
When I started to take my writing seriously, I had hopes of writing a literary novel, mainly because that was all I’d read. I had no real conception of genres, because an appreciation of genre had been beaten out of me. This wasn’t the fault of any of the schools I studied at in the D.C. area, incidentally; rather, the mentors I chose to study under had little patience for commercial fiction.<br />
<br />
It took me a long time to realize that genre fiction wasn’t lacking in comparison to literary fiction, and to understand the importance of writing for an audience. Once I realized that you could do those things, and still aspire to string together some lovely sentences, I became a better writer.<br />
<br />
In college, you’re taught to not write like John Grisham. But any agent or editor would kill for the next John Grisham. Which isn’t to say that’s how you should write, but it’s absolutely something any aspiring writer should realize. And I wish I had much earlier.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>If you were being shipped to a deserted island and were only allowed to bring one book, what would it be? Why? How hard would it be to choose?</i></b><br />
<br />
Oh man, it’d be impossible to choose! But that’s a fun question and I want to answer it.<br />
<br />
The book that comes to mind is one of my favorites – William Faulkner’s <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Palms-William-Faulkner/dp/0679741933/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+wild+palms&qid=1565961407&s=books&sr=1-1">The Wild Palms</a></i>. That was a life-changing book for me. The ending just tore me up, like little knives chopping my insides to bits. I’ve re-read that book several times, and I absolutely want to re-read it again. And the desert island thing (because I assume it doesn’t offer WiFi) would be a pretty good opportunity.<br />
<br />
The other thing is…I’ve read a lot of Faulkner, and I’m not sure I ever truly “got” any of his books. He’s a difficult read, but an engrossing one. Even when I’m not sure what’s happening, I can appreciate the beauty of his prose. So this would be a good chance to finally sit down, crack open a coconut, and do my best to completely absorb that novel, and let it absorb me.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-3574281273118388742019-08-07T07:57:00.000-07:002019-08-07T07:57:09.367-07:00COVER REVEAL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXjHAyslu7ZyyAYuTAbbDtosxypHDd8mHSCh5OvHsT6SZZkXTwOZCWce06PHUQtjfAkIj590UDZkRrdmZgFodnA-j9_6Q2w_JbV-qTK_rIzCkTbQ8uFsUbYTdSJ50vnJlLUkvJGiWhU-q/s1600/Holding+Smoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXjHAyslu7ZyyAYuTAbbDtosxypHDd8mHSCh5OvHsT6SZZkXTwOZCWce06PHUQtjfAkIj590UDZkRrdmZgFodnA-j9_6Q2w_JbV-qTK_rIzCkTbQ8uFsUbYTdSJ50vnJlLUkvJGiWhU-q/s640/Holding+Smoke.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>JANUARY 28, 2020</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>FROM POLIS BOOKS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Smoke-Judah-Cannon-Steph/dp/1947993887/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=holding+smoke&qid=1565189595&s=gateway&sr=8-4">Pre-Order Now! </a></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Judah Cannon. Sister Tulah. It all comes down to this.
<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Before the final showdown with Tulah Atwell, the
Pentecostal preacher responsible for his father’s death and his own return to a
life of crime, however, Judah still has a few more fires to walk through. The
dust may have settled after the shootout that left a string of bodies—including
that of ATF agent Clive Grant and drug runner Everett Weaver—in its wake, but
that doesn’t mean a quiet life is on the horizon for Judah, his girlfriend
Ramey, and his two brothers, Benji and Levi. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>A power struggle within the Cannon family soon erupts,
placing Judah in debt to Sukey Lewis, a crime matriarch from across the creek,
just as an irresistible scheme to steal a thoroughbred stud stallion falls into
the Cannons’ lap. Trying to solve all their problems with a single heist, Judah
agrees to trust Dinah, an enigmatic drifter, even as Ramey’s faith in him
begins to waver.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>While Sister Tulah returns to her old tricks, running
a swampland scheme and intimidating everyone in her path, and Brother Felton
returns to Florida a changed man with a mystic mission, Judah finds the
foundation of his family crumbling and only hard choices in sight. Will Judah
and Ramey survive Sister Tulah—and the darkness within their own hearts—or are
such dreams impossible in Bradford County, nothing more than holding smoke? <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steph Post is the author of the novels <i>Holding Smoke,</i> <i>Miraculum,</i> <i>Walk in the Fire</i>, <i>Lightwood, </i>and<i> A Tree Born Crooked</i>. She graduated from
Davidson College as a recipient of the Patricia Cornwell Scholarship and winner
of the Vereen Bell award, and she holds a Master’s degree in Graduate Liberal
Studies from UNCW. Her work has most recently appeared in <i>Garden & Gun</i>, <i>NonBinary
Review, CrimeReads, Literary Hub</i> and the anthology <i>Stephen
King’s Contemporary Classics</i>. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize,
a Rhysling Award and was a semi-finalist for The Big Moose Prize. She lives in Florida. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-1472230282746891342019-07-26T05:49:00.001-07:002019-12-01T09:39:24.631-08:00Author Spotlight: Beth GilstrapOne of my favorite things about running an author interview series is having the chance to introduce new readers to authors whose work truly stuns me and leaves me in awe. Beth Gilstrap is just such an author. I had the opportunity to read with her (for the first time- I will jump at any chance at all to read with her) a few years ago and was floored by how well she is able to capture the voice of the tough Southern woman- in all its complications and vulnerabilities and rawness and messiness that, unfortunately, so many authors seem to have trouble finding. Afterward, I devoured her two collections- <i>I am Barbarella</i> and <i>No Man's Wild Laura</i> and have read every short story she's published since. I guess you could say I'm an unabashed fangirl and I'm both thrilled and honored to have her as part of the Author Spotlight series. Please go check out her work- you can thank me later.... :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://bethgilstrap.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGdL5LwKlQNDycUwKngByslUOTDJQqEKffP8OVsqwR2QZXqGSo2T67jItHx3nC0SWqnmp-dFxJf5RmVFCWsQg5D5RcqHXGHadS_4HYoBi8mcCvhEkeW6c3n4GbFkAaUkrdcFwlJOzI8qD/s320/beth.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Who: </span><a href="https://bethgilstrap.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">Beth Gilstrap</a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Latest Book: <a href="http://hyacinthgirlpress.com/yearsix/nomanswildlaura.html">No Man's Wild Laura</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow! @BettySueBlue</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/BettySueBlue">Twitter </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bettysueblue/">Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BettySueBlue">Facebook </a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Has the publishing industry ever made you cry? What did you learn from the experience?</b><br />
<br />
Unfortunately, yes. It’s not an industry that values short story collections unless you already have a name as a novelist. I’m speaking from the frustrating process of trying to place a second full-length collection. But the truth is I don’t know if I ever will write a novel and so, a lot of doors seem inevitably shut for me unless I win some sort of major award.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>What do you tell yourself when you begin to doubt yourself as a writer? How often do you doubt yourself?</b><br />
<br />
I doubt myself all the time. Every day. I feel like I’m so far behind most of my peers who have novels under their belt, agents, teaching jobs, etc. I get overwhelmed by the idea that no matter what I accomplish it won’t be enough, but then I remind myself that I am under no obligations to follow whatever rules or timelines I think there are to being an artist. I love this quote by Cheryl Strayed:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> “You don’t have to get a job that makes others feel comfortable about what they perceive as your success. You don’t have to explain what you plan to do with your life. You don’t have to justify your education by demonstrating its financial rewards. You don’t have to maintain an impeccable credit score. Anyone who expects you to do any of those things has no sense of history or economics or science or the arts. You have to pay your own electric bill. You have to be kind. You have to give it all you’ve got. You have to find people who love you truly and love them back with the same truth. But that’s all.”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
This is what I strive for though I am well aware that I likely wouldn’t be able to pay my own electric bill if it weren’t for my husband. I have to cling to the hope that giving it all I’ve got and going to work every day I can will be enough.<br />
<br />
<b>What is the first book you ever read that you threw across the room?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Haunted</i> by Chuck Palahniuk. I am not a fan of shock for shock’s sake. For me, you have to earn it. Or maybe it was much earlier with <i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i>. Do not give me a story with dogs dying under any circumstances.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>What’s your favorite thing to do to procrastinate from writing?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My favorite way to procrastinate is to play with my dogs & cats, garden, or cook. But really, I tend to be thinking of stories the whole time I’m doing those things so maybe the real answer is obsessive cleaning. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>If you were being shipped to a deserted island and were only allowed to bring one book, what would it be? Why? How hard would it be to choose?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It would be <i>Never Let Me Go</i> by Kazuo Ishiguro. Though I’ve read this book several times, it continues to bring me to my knees every time I think about it. The way the characters continue to find beauty in their hopeless world is a lesson to us all.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3383281030967050083.post-74830555127781397302019-07-12T05:41:00.001-07:002019-12-01T09:38:57.801-08:00Author Spotlight: William BoyleOne of the things I love most about the crime fiction community is how close-knit and supportive we are of one another. Writers, readers, fans- oftentimes we're all one in the same. We cheer one another on, celebrate each other's successes and spread the word. Trying to think back, I believe I discovered the work of William Boyle through rock star superfan Erin Mitchell, who kept posting about <i>A Friend is a Gift You Give Yourself </i>(and I think <i>The Lonely Witness</i> before that). Of course, Erin's taste is impeccable and I'm glad I picked up Boyle's work. I'm also glad that he was kind enough to stop by and answer a few quick questions for this week's Author Spotlight!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://williammichaelboyle.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="696" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk97v4KHiL3CAMcWXPLI5S1xv2xkhw81g2UKbJLMgZ6WTNugxFVYjxqMXFTmSJodfd5n51OBXNtOncPKaY7VUyE9-wR-2_IUAwx5OSmWEqwwngEkKC0f4qw-u9xY9lrRt4Yf_oESRpMpm/s320/william-boyle-ap-2019-credit-katie-farrell-boyle.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who: <a href="https://williammichaelboyle.com/">William Boyle</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Latest Book: <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781643130583">A Friend is a Gift You Give Yourself</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow!: @wmboyle4</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/wmboyle4">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wmboyle4">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wmboyle4/">Instagram </a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How long did it take to complete your latest novel?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I started working on <i>A Friend Is a Gift You Give Yourself</i> in early 2016. I finished a draft by the end of that year but only about sixty or seventy pages from that draft made it into the final book. I made a few bad mistakes in that version and had to start over almost from scratch. I finished a second draft in early 2017—the thing that was wrong with that one was that I ended it too early. It was pretty much the book as it is now without the last ninety pages or so. I didn’t realize that’s what was missing at the time. I had the good luck to get some great advice from a couple of readers, but it took me a while to get things straight (in part because I put <i>Friend</i> on hold to write <i>The Lonely Witness</i>). When I went back to it in early 2018, I hit a stride and figured out the end of the book. So, it was about two years, all told. <br />
<br />
<b>Who has been the most difficult character for you to write? The easiest? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In <i>A Friend Is a Gift You Give Yourself</i>, I’d say Lucia was the most difficult. She was much younger in my first draft, so I had this kind of constant fuzz around her when I was rewriting her as 15. Wolfstein was definitely the easiest. Writing her was the most fun I’ve ever had writing a character. I looked forward to seeing where she’d take me, what she’d say, how she’d react to different situations. <br />
<br />
<b>Is there any significance or symbolism behind the names of your characters? How do you choose them?</b><br />
<br />
I definitely have some character names that people think I’ve chosen for symbolic resonance (D’Innocenzio in <i>Gravesend</i>, for instance), but I pretty much never choose a name for that reason. Despite my last name (my father was Scottish), I grew up with the Italian side of my family in what was—at the time—a predominantly Italian-American neighborhood and I fell in love with the music and poetry of those dramatic Italian surnames. When I started writing, I plucked a lot of names—both first and last—from kids I went to school with. After that, my greatest resource has probably been the obituary page of a funeral home in my neighborhood. Amy Falconetti in <i>The Lonely Witness</i> and <i>Gravesend</i> is named after the actress Renée Jeanne Falconetti, who played Joan of Arc in Carl Theodor Dreyer’s <i>The Passion of Joan of Arc</i>. <br />
<br />
<b>If you could choose, would you have your novel adapted as a film, television show, mini-series, graphic novel or video game? Why?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I love films, and <i>A Friend Is a Gift You Give Yourself </i>was inspired by many (you can see some <a href="https://crimereads.com/screwball-noir-a-hypothetical-film-festival/">here</a>), but I can’t help thinking it’d make a great TV show. The book could be the first season. Subsequent seasons could go in many directions: push the story further into the future; Wolfstein and Mo in L.A. in the early ’80s, or in Florida later; the story of Gentle Vic; Lucia in the present day; even old sad sack Bobby could get a thread. That seems really exciting to me.<br />
<br />
<b>What was the most difficult scene in any of your novels for you to write? How did you manage it?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
There’s a scene in <i>A Friend Is a Gift You Give Yourself</i> that starts out as a long screwball set piece and descends into chaos and violence. That was the hardest (and yet most fun) thing I’ve ever written. There were a lot of moving parts, a lot of characters to keep track of. This was especially a challenge given that I tend to like keeping things small (“Fewer moving parts mean fewer broken pieces,” as David Bazan sings.) The other challenge there was the tonal shift from screwball comedy to violent tragedy. I studied one of my favorite films, <i>Something Wild</i>, to see how Jonathan Demme accomplished it so effortlessly.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Steph Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562026896956717441noreply@blogger.com0