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Author Andy Peloquin

8/31/2015

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A few words about one of my favorite authors and people. And it's the same guy!

I’ve just reviewed Andy Peloquin’s new book Blade of the Destroyer. I’ll readily admit to knowing the author personally and to being a beta-reader on his work. But lest you think my warm, fuzzy sentiments are being bought and paid for, let me say this, somewhat controversially: I was not an instant fawning admirer of his work. I was a bit conflicted about his first book, called In the Days. It’s a tale of the Atlantis legend, and frankly, I found it a bit of a hot mess. 

See,  I’m a REAL stickler for continuity, plausibility, tone, style, and flow, and I found so many little nitpicks about this book that I secured the author’s permission to create a full document of them all. I mostly wanted to practice my own editing skills. I’ll tell you, I expected the guy to never speak to me again after seeing my notes. Instead he asked me to beta-read his next work. Because he’s just an amazingly cool, down-to-earth dude.

So what happened with that first book? Here’s the thing - I wanted to NOT like it. But I just couldn’t! It didn’t matter how many quibbles I had with the details, the overall book was just so much danged fun! It was fast-paced, witty, and adventuresome, and the author’s absolute love for the subject matter and writing process came pouring through the pages. With that much blazing nuclear enthusiasm, how could I not be won over? It got a 4-star Amazon review out of me, because it was ultimately a really fun read. And I got to know an awesome writer.

Watching Andy develop his next character, the chilling and enthralling Hunter, was a lesson in perfect writerly development, and a total inspiration to me as a writer. I can’t wait to see where his writing goes next. In the meantime, in case you haven’t seen it, enjoy this promotional video clip I did for him. Which sort of...turned into a roast.
 Sorry, Andy. Couldn’t help myself. But I strongly suspect you’ll get a good belly laugh. And then send The Hunter after me. So if this is my last post ever, everyone will know why...
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Review: Blade of the Destroyer

8/21/2015

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My Review of Andy Peloquin's Blade of the Destroyer (The Last Bucelarii Book 1)

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Once in a while a book comes along that gets under your skin and sticks in your head, until it’s become a part of your literary vocabulary: next thing you know you’re reading another book thinking “oh, this part reminds of when…” or “this character really needs get a visit from…” Blade of the Destroyer is just such a tale, and once The Hunter gets in your head, he’s there to stay.

The premise is not unheard of - A faceless assassin who holds a city in the terror of his grip. But the path it takes from there is surprising. Can a ruthless assassin with a soul-sucking blade really be the hero of a story? Yes, he absolutely can. He can be a wonderfully conflicted antihero whose behavior ranges from the almost-gallant to the utterly cringeworthy. As he starts to question his own past and purpose, you’ll find yourself searching right along with him, cheering him on in his battles, willing to forgive any sin to watch him conquer greater evils.

This book is a fast-paced, extremely visual read; wonderful description, terrifying violence, and moments of stomach-churning, eye-stinging sadness. But even as it rips your guts out you’ll be panting for the next installment. Lucky for you, it’s already written, because this author’s passion is only matched by his intense work ethic.Welcome the Hunter into your life, and follow his continuing adventures! 

This haunting book hits the proverbial shelves tomorrow; don’t wait! Jump on Amazon
 or your other favorite online retailer and get reading!

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The Dark Side: Part 1

10/31/2014

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It's Halloween, and I'm all fired up for spooky books, movies, and TV! Utterly enamored with American Horror Story: Freak Show. How can you not be? And Supernatural, of course. I just love Demon Dean. (Minor spoiler for those of you who may be some seasons behind. Sorry). Here's a quick shout-out to some recent favorite Indie horror authors, too: 

Karina Halle: Read Experiment in Terror, a great classic X-Files-esque horror series with distinctive characters. And a lot of sex.
Brian Harmon: Read Rushed and the Temple of the Blind series for some fantastic dreamlike, psychosexual, delving-into-the-subconscious adventure tales.
Jack Connor: Read Nightmare City and his other steampunk stuff. Wonderful. Two words: Clockwork zombies!
Dylan J. Morgan: Read pretty much anything! The Dead Lands is great sci-fi/horror and his vampire/werewolf stuff it spectacularly brutal.
Kenneth W. Harmon: Read his real-life experience uncovering the mystery of a ghost that haunted his family. I have only been able to read excerpts so far, but I love it! An ex-cop, his writing is hard-boiled and straightforward.

This time of year always makes me contemplate our fascination with darkness. Does it make us feel braver to face horrors? Luckier than the poor victims who meet such cruel ends? Is it cathartic to flirt with the darkness within? Wickedly satisfied to indulge a fantasy of violence and power? Perhaps all of these things. Whatever, the reasons, I'm not arguing. I love it all. Happy Halloween!
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To Write or Not to Write?

6/6/2014

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This excellent author, Mima, lovingly roped me into this blogging chain letter. I figured what the hell, a good excuse for me to finally start up a blog on my very own site. Et voila, here we are.

The Questions:

What am I currently working on? A fantasy novel, to be released on Kindle in three separate novellas that will each end on maddening cliffhangers, because yes, I love my readers that much. I do promise to write incredibly quickly, if that's any consolation. Part one should be out this July.

How does my work differ from others of its genre? My current work is not really high fantasy. No swords and sorcery, more knives and knavery. It takes place in an ostensibly non-magical world where ordinary people have to find exceptional bravery to face the terrors that threaten their lands. I'm going to try and subtly tweak as many fantasy conventions as I can: my characters are not perfectly heroic, and everything's not going to turn out just as they plan.

Why do I write what I do? I just love fantasy, sci-fi, mystery and horror. I grew up reading comics, Tolkein, Frank Herbert, Stephen King... These things have shaped my inner fantasy world for as long as I can remember. I love facing the darkness and finding the extraordinary in the mundane. 

How does my writing process work? I have very little time in my day to write, so the stories tend to spool themselves up in my head. Then they unwind themselves in frenetic bursts during the brief moments my fingers can hit the keyboard. In between times, I do take a few minutes to outline and plan, for pacing and continuity purposes. And the rest of the time, I just listen as the characters chatter away in my head. If I go too long without writing they start talking really loudly, and I think that can get dangerous.

To continue the chain I nominate: Matthew O' Connell and Andy Peloquin.
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    "The Reluctant Blogger"

    Very much of two minds about this blogging thing, in case you hadn't noticed. But there's so much wonderful geekery to share! Posting here about sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more.

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