Crossroads: Christy Foster Bluffs the Devil

Compiling Reality Bites was something of a trial, but one of the plus sides for me was meeting Christy Foster. 

Friendly, fun, ever-approachable and always keen to support the Indie community, Christy is one of the good girls. The night before the roster deadline - a key event where an anthologist works out the look of the piece, the running order, the literary flow, I was let down by a young lady who er, kinda didn't dig the gig, and stuff and er, kinda pulled out. This left me in deep doggy doo doo. 

Enter my friend Eric Rada, already rostered in, who introduced me to his good friend Christy, who supplied me with a great story, at short notice; a story that the anthology's readers have commented upon. 

We've become good pals and when I found out she was publishing her first novel (the first in her own name, that is), I made her promise that she would give me an interview. 

Christy, who is publishing Poker-and-Paranormal extravaganza "Bluffing The Devil" this Friday, May 10th, kept her promise. 

Robert Johnson - modern day Faustian legend

 Direct from Pittsburgh, Christy called me up on the Wizphone and here's what she had to say...

Christy Foster

Wiz: Hiya Christy, how are you?

Christy: I am great and raring to go!!

Tell us Wizardwatchers about yourself...

Wow, way to start us off there, Wiz. Where shall I start? I was a chipper baby… too early? Hmm… closer to now? *sigh* Very well… I am a fairly normal person, but please don't tell any of my friends! I am a home body, wife, mother, sister, friend, ninja… who fell in love with reading as a small child and haven't been able to peel myself out of my imagination…ever. I love to get lost in a world, come out and live a bit, then sink myself right back into another. I'm an addict, but truly hoping no one takes the time to try to cure me, because that would just break my heart.

Christy in full Madame Butterfly regalia...
but a good while back, she tells me!

I decided in September of 2012, after reading thousands of books, that I had a story brewing in my head and I wanted to see what it would be like to write something down for once. 

I got my synopsis written, sent it to some friends, and was immediately bullied into writing it. By the next month, I had joined and won a writing contest with a partner. 

Since then, I have participated in three anthologies, have co-written two novels under a pen-name. and am about to complete my first novel with more than a dozen more already in the background of my mind just itching to get out!

I am a tea-a-holic, healthy-eating enthusiast, and truly wake up every day with a positive attitude and thank God for blessing me with everything I have.

Huge tea addict here, Christy! Whereabouts in the world do you live?

Currently, I live in Pittsburgh, PA.

I understand you like your sports. What's your pick for the upcoming NFL season?   I hear you gave a friend of mine the Ravens at 9/1?

You understand correctly!! I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan (since before I lived here) and you are being quite blasphemous using the Ravens in any way directed to me, you evil man!  

Ivan Taylor - Steelers 8th May birthday boy!

Sad part is, they have a fantastic team this year and I feel a lot of heartache coming way this season, but… we  were able to get some very lovely draft picks and … perhaps there is a change in the winds? I will pray on it. We are still stuck with our ridiculous quarterback and well, some of our coaching could use some help, but... prayer changes things, right? A girl can dream!

Tell us about your latest release..."Bluffing The Devil"

Great cover for Bluffing The Devil

Ooooh! My newest novel is about a woman who loses her fiancé in a terrible accident and decided she is done with relationships and decides to focus her life and time on the male-dominated career of high stakes professional poker. She starts dreaming about this delicious man and then literally has to make a deal with the Devil for the thing she wants most in her life. She will have to choose between her Dream Man, her friends, her career, and ultimately… her life.

The Devil and Michael Bolton goof around
before a good old game of poker

Sounds fun. I used to be a huge tournament poker player, so I've got all the more reason to buy the book. So how long did the book take to write? Who is your favourite character ?

Well, my document says it took me 47 non-consecutive days to write it. I began it in September of last year, then put it aside to complete some other projects with other people, so.. its been months in the making, but truly just over a month off and on writing.

My favorite character… ummm… that's like asking a mother to pick her favorite child! Victoria is my favorite. She's a smart-mouth, tough-as-nails chick who is loyal, protective of her friends, and in general just is awesome. 

I put a lot of two of my closest friends into her character, so she's special to me in a ton of ways.

What are your expectations for the book and what would you prefer: Money or Kudos.

I won't lie and say that I would rather not make money, let's face it, we all want to be able to write and eat well from that. I would love to write full time and be able to quit my day job, but… for now that's not going to happen. Maybe in the future! 

Authors of debatable ability
who may had negotiated a Faustian pact in order to
accede to riches beyond their wildest dreams?
Can you name them?

 Honestly, at some point in my life, I want to write something that hits someone so profoundly that it changes how they see their day or their past or their choices. 

Anything that makes them stop and think. It would be a bonus if I elicit some true emotion from it as well. I have a few books begging to be written. 

And won't give up  ever, but will feel totally satisfied and like "a real author" when I help someone or make them smile with my work.

Scare everyone by giving them an insight into one of your Wonder Woman days...

Ha! I am no superhero, I assure you! However… typical day = up at 7:15am to get my son ready for school (make breakfast, spend time with him, get a shower, get dressed for work, hang out til the bus comes at 8), handle business (emails, FaceBook, Twitter, etc), go to my day job until 3pm, come home to catch son from the bus, make him a snack, help him with homework, chores, workout, shower, dinner, dishes, more business things online, hang out with son again (time together is very important to me, he usually does workouts with me also!). 

At 9:30pm, he goes to bed and I write until I can't possibly keep my eyes open anymore (which is usually about 3:30 or so)… then I rest and start over Rinse and repeat! hehe

Told you. Wonder Woman...I can scarcely walk and talk at the same time.

I'm sure that's not the case, Wiz! 

Oh, believe me, Christy, it is! I understand you are into fitness and health. What are your three best tips for those of us looking to improve our fitness and lose weight.

Yes! I've lost over 115 pounds in the last two years and my main tips are:

1. Do something you LOVE to stay active! I remembered my love of dance, I like to hang out with my son and go on walks, bike rides, etc. Just find something FUN that you will actually want to do. Makes it much easier!

Amazing ten stone before and after swing

2. Learn about portions. I was eating WAY too much of the wrong stuff. I still have cookies and such, but I have three cookies instead of ALL of them. Moderation is the key. That, and eating things more natural and REAL. Our ancestors didn't live off Doritos, we shouldn't either.

3. Don't eat anything you cannot pronounce or that has a number in it. Red Dye #6 and Monoxoiupaowfawelkrwjoeir  is NOT good for you. Carrots are.

That's absolutely amazing, Christy. I am ultra-impressed!

Thanks Wiz! It was hard work, I can assure you and it isn't over yet!

You've also had a short story published recently in an anthology called "Reality Bites". Tell us about that. Which do you prefer? Big shark books or lots of nibblers?

My entry into the Reality Bites anthology is a true story on how I was burned as a child, died twice because of it and was told I would never walk again, but proved everyone wrong. That book is about horrible things and how strong the human spirit is to bring us up from the darkest depths to show that we are worthy of our lives and all that comes with it. Love that book and feel SO honored to be a part of it! Truly!

"When the destroyed skin was to be removed by the nurses as the healing process continued, Carol could do nothing but stand outside and listen to the howls of suffering that came from her tiny baby girl. She pace the floor aimlessly. Guilt raked itself across her heart and mind continuously with no end in sight. The authorities blamed the incident on her, accusing her of purposefully hurting her own daughter. Even worse than strangers assuming she would do such a horrendous thing, family also blamed her saying things like, "You should have been watching her" and "See what you did? She's ruined for life now!" and more hurtful things. Carol could do nothing but pray and do her best to remain calm. Her anger, worry, fear, and sadness could do nothing to fix her little one. It was all left up to God and Christy's strength to pull her through." (Extract from Christy Foster: Resiliency from Within, 2013 - in Reality Bites anthology. Copyright CL Foster)

Sharks. Nibblers. I'm happy either way. Just give me TIME to read and shut up. I'm a happy girl. Well, and don't forget my tea! 

I'm just about to stir up a pot of Chai!

I'll have a cuppa with you, Wiz!

Much prefer tea, Christy. Is there some sort of weird cultural match between Indie writers and coffee? I think we should be told because I ain't in it!

Me too!

On the way to the diner, three arch-demons from Hell kidnap you for taking the Dark Lord's name in vain. You are thrown in a pit to await your infinite sentence of pain and misery. One of the arch demons, Fxylgyun, is not quite as severe as the rest and offers you three books, two CD's and a DVD to pass the time before Ol' Hornhead clip-clops over to see you. What would you like them to be?

First of all, what a beautifully nerdy way to ask that question! Secondly, the demons would have to be slick to get me.. I am a ninja. BUT, if they managed to be successful and didn't want to give me back after I smart-mouthed them to death…

Fxylgyun would need to fetch:

Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas 

The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett

The Quickie by James Patterson. 

CD: Red: Innocence & Instinct 

and the score to Lord of the Rings.

DVD ~ A Knights Tale (with Heath Ledger.. incredible film with knights, ladies, love, hate, music, etc… )

Do you get the chance to read much? Who are your favourite authors?

I read every.single.chance I get. I love books! I love anything Maggie Shayne, James Patterson, T Jefferson Parker, Terry Goodkind, Tanya Huff, Sherrilyn Kenyon, etc.. I like paranormal, mystery, and suspense the most. 

However, I also love my new found Indie authors, such as Ruthi Kight and Cameo Renae, who have made me cry this year. I have fallen in love with the Indie community and devour books as often as I can. Always up for a new read and have SO many on my Kindle, it's not even funny.

Cameo Renae: http://www.cameorenae.com

Finally, what's next for fans of Christy Foster?

Well, I have a lot going on in my mind and have lots of ideas. I am hoping to put two more books and a novella out to go along with Bluffing the Devil and then I have a few stand-alone novels in mine and I am also writing with my penname as well, so.. lots, I suppose!

Christy, I'm a big fan - love your story in Reality Bites - and I wish you all the success your work deserves in the coming year.

Thank you Wiz, its been lovely talking to you!!

________________________________________

 Stalking Christy Foster  (What a great book title!!)

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCLFoster

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1920252.C_L_Foster

http://www.amazon.com/C.L.-Foster/e/B00A5GV1OS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_3

http://twitter.com/CLFoster1

http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/2140-cl-foster

https://pinterest.com/inkedphoenix1/
http://inkedphoenix.wordpress.com/

After attempting an outrageous and ultimately insane bluff with 37 off,
Michael Bolton is taken away by the Devil to rot in the fires of hell for eternity.

Next episode: the night Kanye West sold his soul for Kim Kardashian's hand in marriage.

The Night We Danced with Rommel - Mary Ann Bernal meets Elisabeth Marrion

From the main Nottingham McDonalds, it's my pleasure today to welcome my friend and brilliant editor of all my novels Mary Ann Bernal a writer and interviewer who needs no introduction at all...and here she is, all the way from Nebraska. A big friend of the Wizard's Cauldron, here's her original interview with me from way back when...

http://greenwizard62.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/an-interview-with-mary-ann-bernal.html

Oh, and I didn't tell her to dress up like Capt.Kirk's wife! Mary Ann did it all of her own volition.

______________________________________________________________________________



Greetings Wizardwatchers - it is my pleasure to host this week’s interview with Elisabeth Marrion.

For the Wizard’s followers on the UK side of the pond, there is a six hour difference from the central time zone neck of the woods in  Omaha, Nebraska - yes, the mid west - land of the wide open spaces - Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Billy the Kid, Buffalo Bill - and let’s not forget the ladies - Belle Starr, Stagecoach Mary, Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane - but then, I digress.  

Besides, what does a city slicker, that’s right, a New York transplant, know about the great outdoors, and growing corn and supporting the Cornhuskers - well, now that you ask - resistance is futile - I have been assimilated - RED ALERT - we are now off course.  

An American Star-Trek version with unknown characters which
doesn't star Capt. Kirk and Mr Spock and therefore cannot
be a real Star Trek. Spot the famous character in the right hand bottom
corner.

But fear not, my communication channel is open, so let’s welcome Elisabeth.

Chichester's Elizabeth Marrion

Mary Ann:   Hi Liz, welcome to The Wizard’s Cauldron.

Liz: Hi Mary Ann, it is a pleasure to be invited

Mary Ann:  It’s such a delight to have you featured today, but before we forge ahead, perhaps you could tell the Wizardwatchers a little bit about yourself. 

Liz: I was born in Germany in 1948. We lived in the North of Germany, which was occupied by the British, after WWII . My father was a corporal in the RAF ( Royal Air Force ) and was stationed in our town, Hildesheim . There he met my mother, who had lost her husband on the Russian front, during the last days of the War. 

I have 2 half brothers and 3 half sisters all older than myself. I moved to England in 1969, intending to stay for one year, but loved it and stayed. There I met my husband, David. Together, we formed an importing clothing Company. Through this company we worked many years in the Far East and the Sub Continent.

 Mary Ann:  Since I am an avid history buff, and am not limited to the 9th Century, please tell us about your fascination with Rommel and way you chose to write a book about this intriguing personality.

Liz; My mother’s husband, Karl, was a young officer serving under Rommel during WWII. After Rommel’s death, Karl was sent to the Russian front at the end of the War, but he did not return. My mother kept his memories, and the memory of Rommel alive, by telling us about their lives and showed us the photos she had kept. I was the youngest, and after moving to England, my mother stayed with me every year for up to two months, and during those weeks together, she told me her story.

The Desert Fox

Mary Ann  It is my understanding that “The Night I Danced with Rommel” is a fictionalized account of what happened when your mother met the infamous German Field Marshal aka The Desert Fox.  Are there any insights handed down by your mother that were not included in the book?

Liz: The account in the book is as my mother told it to me. I changed only some of the names and some places. Most of my brothers and sisters still do not know some of the things my mother trusted me with. So I wanted to write this book that my extended family would realize, and what made my mother the strong woman that she was. 

But then, I realized that not many people know what life was like for families in Germany during that period. I now want share her story with a wider audience.

Mary Ann:  You are also translating the book into German.  How is that project coming along?

Liz: I am half way through. I would like the first translation to be finished by the end of May 2013. After I do the initial translation, I forward each chapter to my School friend, Waltraut. From there, it goes to my niece Susanne. Later, we print it out and read it again, but after that, I will have to find a German proof reader. I would like to have it ready at Christmas, to give to my brothers and sisters, whose English is limited.

Mary Ann:  You are also writing the sequel, “The Liverpool Connection.”   Tell us a little about this second installment.

Liz  Again, this is based on facts, and tells about life in Liverpool at the same period as “The Night I Danced With Rommel,” between 1926 – 1945.  David, my husband comes from Liverpool and so did my father. My father’s aircraft bombed and flattened my hometown a month before the end of WWII. After the War, it was my father who kept my mother and siblings alive.

A flattened Liverpool during the blitz

 Mary Ann:  Have you come up with a title for the third installment of this series?

Liz: Yes the Cuckoo Clock. It is the story of Jewish emigrants from my home town going to America.

Mary Ann:   Your father was a Corporal in the RAF and stationed in the British occupied Zone in Western Germany after World War II where he met and married your mother.   What was it like growing up in an occupied country?

Liz:   We were lucky . we lived in the British Zone. Germany was divided into  four parts. British, American , French and  Russian . The Russian zone was totally enclosed. This was where most of my mother’s family lived. We could never visit there. And if one of my aunts or uncles would get permission to come and see us, they would have to come alone, without any other family member. This confirmed to the Communist party over there that they would return. Also, they would come as they stood, no money or clothes, just with one bag and just for a few days. Originally, movements were also restricted in the other zones. You could not travel from the British  to the American or French zones. But over the years, we managed to live side by side .

The zones still exist today and American and British Armies still have their bases over there.

A divided and colonised Germany in 1945

Mary Ann:  You were also fortunate to work on the sub-continent and Far East.  Would you be willing to share a few of your stories with us?

Liz: Yes, through our work, David and I spent a lot of time abroad. This strengthened our love and understanding for different cultures . That is actually where I fell I love with my husband, in India, Mumbai, and at that time, was still called Bombay. 

The best of India

We worked for different companies back then. I was working for an importing company as their expert in India, and David was a director at a large men’s clothing chain. It was hate at first sight! We could not stand each other. See where it got us! Later we worked a lot in Bangladesh, and there, together with our manufacturer, we built a school in the rural part of the Country.

A Bangladeshi garment factory

Mary Ann  Your mother instilled your love of theater, and it is my understanding that both of  you have performed on stage.  This is quite an exciting reference on a resume.  Theater stories are the best; what insights might you divulge?

Liz:  My mother performed back in East Prussia and myself in the Theater in Hildesheim until I left in 1969. I was in a couple of Ballet performances in West London. If memories can be measured on the Richter scale, Theater memories would get a 10! Even today, when I go to see a show, in my mind, I am up there with the performers. The best smell in the world is when the curtains open, and a warm sweaty smell hits you, sitting in the audience. Sorry!  In ‘The Night I Danced With Rommel’, my mother meets a famous German Actress, Lil Dagover. I also met her later on stage back in Hildesheim.

Work in a theater was different then. Everybody was employed  by the theater, and you would be in many performances during the year. It would range from Opera, Musical, Plays, Christmas, pantomime. Say each show had about 20 – 30 performances a year. These would be staggered.

Like a musical tomorrow, a play the next day, and so on. Quite often, I would be in a Christmas Pantomime, with shows on weekends, at 11 am and 3 pm. 

Heartbeat's That Nick Berry - coming soon to a panto
near you

At 8 pm, I would be in a Musical. No wonder I got on so well with my mother, she never saw me. In between, I had to go to school, and later, college. On other occasions, if the Musical group played in the home town, the acting group would be a guest performance somewhere else. There was constant juggling around.

Big friend of mine, racehorse breeder and
Newark punter, TV's Frazer Hines plays the indolent Jack in "Jack and the Beanstalk"
I've no idea who the rest are. A personalised 100 word
sonnet to the first person to tell me who any of these people might be.

Mary Ann:  Can you list five fun facts that people don’t know about you?

Liz  I can only lists things my husband knows about , otherwise that would be telling! (Oooer, missus - Ed!)

Well, the following is true, albeit embarrassing: When we moved house, the time before last. into a small village west off London, I was slightly confused about my new surroundings.  On my first day at the new house, I took the dog out for a walk, and as luck would have it, I met several of our new neighbors. I stopped and introduced myself, and made small talk. Later, in the bedroom back home, some items of clothing were on the bed. I went  to my husband and said, “I am definitely going mad now, I cannot remember having taken my running shorts off.” He shrugged his shoulders and said,: “That is because you never had them on.”Yes, I went through the village, introducing myself to people in my underwear and a t-shirt.  Don’t worry, years later, I became chair person of the Village Committee, I guess they forgave me.

Elisabeth's rediscovered shorts

Because of our business, we travelled a fair amount. On one occasion, when David went to Bangladesh without me, upon returning, he asked me whether everything was alright at the office. I told him I bought a travel agency. “What do we know about the travel agency business?”  Told him that we did not need to know since it came with staff of 12 people.

Now these are stories I can freely tell, can you imagine what my others story would be like. Are you sure you want five ?

Mary Ann:   These are sufficient, Liz.  Am still chuckling from envisioning the running shorts, or lack thereof, confession. If you could have dinner with anyone who ever lived, who would you invite, and what would you serve?

Liz : I would invite Margaret Thatcher. (Boooooooooooooo...Ed! ) When I was still working and trying to sell our latest ranges to big departmental stores in the 80’s , people would refer to me as ‘Maggie’. There could have not been a greater compliment. I would cook an East Prussian Dish ‘ Kohlrouladen’ Cabbage leaves, stuffed with meat, rolled together and cooked in the oven. I would serve it with a small portion of mashed potatoes. It is delicious and I am quite sure, she would have appreciated some simple home cooking.

Vegetable based German delicacy

Mary Ann  Oh dear, there is a time warp in Federation space, the Nexus will soon whisk you into its extra-dimensional realm.  As you are swept away, you will be able to bring with you 3 books, 2 CDs and 1 DVD.  What will you choose?

Liz:  I assume, wherever I am whisked  off  to, I would have plenty of time to read. In this case I would take ; 

The complete Works of William Shakespeare.  

Oscar Wilde : The importance of being earnest and other Plays

Brilliant Cerebus cycle featuring Sebastian Melmoth,
Wilde's post-gaol personae, an identity who refused to write for profit after
his treatment by the vicious homophobe and bully, the Marquis of Queensberry

Rabbit proof fence by Doris Pilkington.

  

CD: I would take songs by Hildegard Knef; many of her songs have real meanings and there is truth and conviction in her songs. Again, survival against all odds.

The other CD I would take is Ultimate Hits, by Garth Brooks. This would remind me of happy stays in the USA.

DVD: I would take the Erich Kaestner Collection.  Erich Kaestner was one of the banned authors during the Nazi regime.  Most of his children stories were made into film during the 50’s, and are loved by  most adults . They have an underlying message.

Mary Ann:  Elisabeth, we have run out of time on tonight's show, but I'd just like to say that I found all this fascinating and I am sure other's will too. The very best of luck to you!

Liz:  Mary Ann, thank you for the opportunity. It's been a pleasure.

Mary Ann: Wizardwatchers can contact Elisabeth on:

Webpage: http://elisabethmarrion.yolasite.com/

https://twitter.com/Lizziekind 

http://www.writers-room.org/

Mary Ann: Buy:

The Night I Danced With Rommel

Ebook

 http://www.amazon.com/The-Night-Danced-Rommel-ebook/dp/B00B854ZXY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366308263&sr=8-1&keywords=the+night+i+danced+with+rommel

 Print

 http://www.lulu.com/shop/elisabeth-marrion/the-night-i-danced-with-rommel/paperback/product-20723600.html

Mary Ann can be contacted on her brilliant magazine style blog...

http://maryannbernal.blogspot.co.uk/

Gallery:

Mary Ann's wide range of historical fiction

Proper Star Trek...with Tribbles...

TJ Hooker - a smash hit in the UK

The Dance of the Vampires: Emma Edwards meets Dracula buff, Shane O'Neill

In the third last Cauldron interview before the summer hiatus (a Wizard's conference, somewhere near Krakow, don't worry about it...), Emma Edwards, sparky, innovative, author of Cardiff vampire novels "Sanguinary" and "Imbrued" takes over from Ngaire in the Cauldron hot seat.  

http://greenwizard62.blogspot.com.es/2012/08/an-interview-with-emma-edwards.html

Emma has become a top friend of mine and is a big supporter of all things Green Wizard and I've been looking forward to seeing her stir the pot, as it were. 

For her interview, Emma chose vampire historian, football nut, Sabbath fan, Nosferatist and big Dracula buff, Shane O'Neill, author of "The Dracula Chronicles." 

...and here's Emma!

_____________________________________________

Emma: You know I only agreed to this gig because I thought Igor would be here…where is he?

Cousin Igor, at your service, Emma!

Anyway, I digress.  I am in fact very honoured to be asked to take a turn at stirring the Cauldron, especially after the great job Ngaire Elder has done over the past few weeks.

About nine months ago I first stumbled into the business of Indie authordom, I didn’t have much of a clue what I was doing…I had written a book and published it…now what?  

I was very lucky to be approached very early on by Wiz and asked if I would like to include my book in The Independent Paperback Giftshop.  

And am I so glad that he asked because Wiz himself and the fellows of the Wizard’s Court have been amazing with all the support, advice and occasional kick in the butt that I have needed.

I once read a comment that described authors as competitive with a lack of will to help others.  I have found the exact opposite of this to be true.  The Indie authors I have met in the past year have been a great bunch, always supportive and ready to offer advice and help.

Another shining example of this is another good friend I have made since my Indie journey began, fellow vampire author and one time Wales dweller Shane O Neil.  

So I am doubly honoured to be able to spend some time taking over at the Cauldron with Shane.

Welcome to The Cauldron, Shane.  Tell us about your series, The Dracula Chronicles.

The Dracula Chronicles is a series 20 years in the making, and seriously for the last 12.  Originally it was going to be 8 very large tomes, but I’ve started to break them up into novels of about 125k-140k words each, so there could be as many as 15-20 by the time I have finished with it.

The series is an epic journey through the ages where the forces of Light and Darkness struggle for supremacy until the Second Great War, as foretold in the Book of Revelations. This bitter feud began after the creation of mankind. Lucifer’s jealousy leads to the First Great War of the angels. Hundreds of thousands of years on the feud simmers beneath the surface. It plots the course of history as we know it today. Both sides manipulate the major players through the centuries to seek an advantage over the other.

Bound by Blood by Shane O'Neill - highly rated old school
 vampire horror

 
On a cold night in December 1431 in Sighisoara an old gypsy woman delivers a prophecy to the great Vlad Dracul. She tells him he is about to sire two sons, one an angel and the other a devil. He returns to his fortress just as his wife bears him a son, whom he names Vlad. In the very same moment across the country on the border between Transylvania and Hungary a gypsy girl gives birth to another son, Andrei. The die is cast. The twin souls are born. The young Vlad Dracula becomes the instrument of the forces of Darkness. To balance this, the baby Andrei is blessed by the angels and bestowed with awesome powers. These chronicles are their story.

Vlad Dracula - the ruler who started it all

You have published two volumes of The Dracula Chronicles so far, what is next for the series?

Yes I began with Bound By Blood which I broke into Volume 1 & 2 and released together.  This is not the beginning of the series, but the first one where readers will see Dracula the vampire.  I felt it necessary to begin with the vampire first.  In the summer I intend to release the very first book in the series, The Path To Decay.  

This goes back to the night of Dracula’s birth and of course, the birth of his brother, Andrei; sired by the same father but born in very different circumstances.   

What first sparked your interest in Vampires and more specifically Dracula?

]

When I was about 12 years old and I started babysitting my sisters I often saw one of Christopher Lee’s Dracula movies.  Of course they were quite terrifying at so tender an age and I was completely hooked.  Very soon after that I saw Salem’s Lot, which scared the living crap out of me and hooked me further.  So the interest in Dracula was already there.

Christopher Lee tattoo

I became aware of Dracula the man in my later teens and with my deep love of history I began to study him in great depth.  When I began writing I wanted to create something that combined the two.

This scene from "Salem's Lot" softened my evacuate for a week after I saw it.
The scariest TV movie ever made? And a brilliant book, King's second best - Wiz.

The Dracula Chronicles have been described as ‘a lesson in history’, you must have to do a great deal of research?

I’m still not sure whether to be flattered by that comment or not, but yes it has been said.  As I said this project has been ongoing for a lot of years and it involved a lot of very meticulous research.  The books begin in the 15^th Century and I wanted to portray Dracula’s life and times and his character as accurately as I possibly could.  But I have also mixed various legends and folklore in with the real historical events.  The most exciting aspects of writing these novels was where I had opportunities to fill in some gaps not covered by historical texts.  This allowed me to manipulate events to suit my purpose.

You are also very dedicated to the promotion of your works….

Oh yes.  I don’t think I’ve ever heard a truer word spoken.  I use many social media outlets to raise awareness of my work.  

The problem is I tend to overdo it and have promoted my books for as much as 12 hours a day on lots of days.  Not a good thing when you have a wife who doesn’t appreciate what you’re trying to build and wants you for other things.  Something had to give I guess and sadly I’m a single man again.

I believe you are also something of a football fan (as is the great Wizard who is watching over us).  Do you get to go to many matches?  Who do you support?

The very first game I saw live was a pre-season friendly between Luton Town and Manchester United. I was only a little kid but met George Best and Denis Law after the game. There were bars in the football grounds back then and George lifted me up and sat me on the bar where he was standing.  I loved both teams always after that and continued to watch Luton as I lived there until I was 9.  

I watched them a lot in the late 80’s and early 90’s too and also got up to Old Trafford as often as I could.  Sadly I haven’t seen a live game in this millennium.  I also love Glasgow Celtic being that I am an Irishman.

You are also working on a series of short horror stories, the first being the beautifully titled, Orchid.  Can you tell us a bit more about your plans for these short stories?

The horror shorts are called Tales Of The Black Sabbath and each title is named after a song by the legendary hard rock band.  I thought of incorporating lyrics into the stories but decided against it for copyright reasons.  I remember Shaun Hutson doing it years ago though and he had such stories featured in Kerrang magazine.  I have dreamed of that same thing my whole life.

The band (and track) that invented heavy metal and changed my life. 

Up till this point, I was into The Wombles. 
(I love Sabbath...oh and if you go ahead, Shane, I'll send you a 5000 - NIB? :-)

Orchid is the first and is about a young woman who is killed way before her time in a car accident.  As her husband is burying her a mysterious stranger comes to him at the graveside and tells him he can bring her back as long as he doesn’t let them bury her.  The husband can’t resist such an offer and so starts off a chain of events with startling consequences, for such things always come with a price.

I hear you’re also something of a Scrabble Buff?   What was your highest scoring word ever?

Yes I was for a time.  I took the game up in 2004 and really fancied myself as a player though I had no conception of how good the real top players are.  I foolishly boasted I’d make it to the World Championships.  Well I did and in 2007 I went to Mumbai and represented Wales, but had a terrible tournament, my world ranking dropping from 86^th to 205^th.  I quit the game the same week, having achieved what 
I set out to do.  

My highest scoring word was 301 for QUICKEST through two triple word scores.  In the game we call that a 9-timer as it scores 3x3.  I managed my highest score in that same game with 921.

You recently got re-tweeted by Luke Goss from everyone’s favourite Boyband, Bros….

Oh yes!! I posted a Top 5 on-screen vampires on my blog and ranked him at #1 for his role as Jared Nomak in Blade II.  

Luke Goss - Jared Nomak in Blade II

In all fairness he was brilliant in it.  He is actually a very talented actor and enjoying a flourishing movie career now.  Best of luck to him.  Here is the post if anyone fancies a look.

http://www.draculachronicles.co.uk/frontpage/my-top-5-on-screen-vampires/

Jared Nomak is furious with you as you refused to write him a part in the next instalment of the Dracula Chronicles.  He kidnaps you and throws you in his dungeon.  Although, after seeing your blog post where you named him as your #1 on screen vampire (above Tom Cruise as Lestat, the two have a big rivalry…probably…) he relents and decides to allow you a few luxuries…3 books, 2 cds and 1 dvd…what would you choose?

When I started reading the question I thought I was well and truly f*cked.  Thankfully there was light at the end of the tunnel.

My 3 books would be.. Shibumi by Trevanian

Strumpet City by James Plunkett 

...and probably one of your books, Wiz. The Ritual is a book I really want to read.  It looks awesome.

(That's very kind of you, Shane.  At the risk of interrupting like that bloke with the glasses on "Pointless", one of the chapters is based on the Black Sabbath Black Sabbath cover. Anyway, back on with the show - Ed)

Only 2 cd’s? Ugh.. well my favourite album is Spectres by Blue Oyster Cult.  

The second would have to Deep Purple’s 1984 reunion album, Perfect Strangers.  It’s the best I’ve heard.  

1 dvd would have to be Legends Of The Fall. Edward Zwick is a master moviemaker and that, in my opinion, is the best movie of the very many I have seen.

Hollywood is calling….who would be your ideal choice of actors for the on-screen adaptions of The Dracula Chronicles?

I always imagined Benecio del Toro as my Dracula, but I’m leaning towards James Purefoy now.  Alice Krige would be Ilona Szilagy; Michael Wincott as Varkal; Joely Richardson as Ruxandra; Rutger Hauer as Mihnea and maybe Elizabeth Berkeley as Anya; Hugh Jackman as Jean Pelou; And Viggo Mortensen as Lucifer.

For the historic figures Sean Bean would have to be John Hunyadi; Derek Jacobi as Pope Paul V, David Thewliss as Henry VIII… oh there are far too many in truth…But the big movie producers are too scared to touch this.  They could never afford it.

Lucifer himself appears features in The Dracula Chronicles….I have a dog called Luci-fur….



Hmm well my Lucifer isn’t someone you could pet and live to tell anyone about it.  Saying that, he appears as a woman in the early books so some petting is possible, maybe.. Oh Hell, just rub away….

My other dog is called Sparkle (that’s what you get for letting a 3 year old name a dog).  Of course, ‘sparkle’ has much more connotations with another kind of Vampire these days, what do you make of the whole Twilight saga and their sparkling vampires?

Well I am not one to berate another’s work as I know the effort that goes into creating something worthwhile.  I am also aware of the angst between Stephen King and Ms Meyer.  

Saying that, I firmly believe vampires are creatures of darkness.  Mine certainly are.  I have to say I’m fed up of the whole teenage vampire thing.  

As a serious lover of the horror genre I feel these tales with vampire boyfriend/teenage girl really take a lot away from what vampires are supposed to represent.  

My vampires are dark, brutal monsters as they should be.  There is no sparkling in sunlight, no moody teenagers (or werewolves) and not a hair product in sight.  Actually werewolves with vampires annoys me even more.

You are a well-travelled man, Shane and you have also spent a lot of time in good old Wales, where do you consider home?

Yes I have lived and worked all over the world and spent about 17 years in all in Wales.  Home for me will always be a small fishing town in west Cork in the Republic of Ireland.. a beautiful spot called Castletownbere.

Shane, it has been a pleasure to have you on the show tonight. I, and all the Wizardwatchers, wish you all the very best in the future.

Emma, anytime. Loved it...and thanks!

Contact Shane here...

Amazon:

US -  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00A75SM4O

UK -  http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00A75SM4O

Website

www.draculachronicles.co.uk

Blog

www.draculachronicles.co.uk/blog

Twitter

@ShaneKPONeill

Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12341417-shane-o-neill

Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/user/DraculaChronicles

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Contact Emma Edwards - links here...

http://greenwizard62.blogspot.com.es/2012/08/an-interview-with-emma-edwards.html

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Zoltan, Hound of Dracula