A Fine Line.. with author Alex Laybourne

There is a fine line between Comedy and Tragedy Horror

Horror is a strange genre, for it makes us face our worst fears. It brings us eye to eye with terror, death and bloodshed, whether it be physical, psychological or pure mania, horror touches us all. Yet at the same time, there is something intrinsically comedic about a great many horror movies and stories.

Take a look at the Evil Dead movie franchise. These are legendary horror productions, yet have obvious comedic undertones or cast a glance at the world of fiction with the wicked mind of Stephen King. Undoubtedly a master of the Horror genre, his Magnus Opus ‘The Dark Tower’ series has possible the most dryly comic ending I have ever read. To go so far and to lose everything he did only to find …well I won’t spoil it for you, but trust me. Once you reach the end of that seventh book you will chuckle.

Why is this? What is it about horror that makes us want to throw in comic moments?

I feel the answer is two-fold and in both cases done for simple reasons and when used to good effect can actually generate even more terror.

Everybody likes to laugh, it relaxes us, makes us feel at ease. In short it is the perfect state of mind for a fright or horrific event to have the maximum impact. To catch us unawares just as we thought things would settle down. It is a break that allows us to calm down and recover from what has happened before the next ‘round’ of prose comes along and sends us back into the darkest corners of our mind in search of a sofa to hide behind. When used well, comedy allows the writer to relief the tension in the reader and that ultimately makes the next scare or creepy moment all the more real.

The second reason I believe horror and comedy go so well together without overpowering the other is because comedy is a common human response to difficult situations. I have not been to many funerals, but that I have attended, while sad were filled with moments of laughter. Happy memories being shared of the departed, anecdotes and tales passed around with whimsical reflectance. Comedy helps us grieve; it helps us cope with the stresses and strains of life, and so is ideally suited to help guide us through the scary moments in both film and fiction.

Comedy and Horror are both about introducing moments into life that are unexpected, that are at time hard to believe and under ordinary circumstances could not happen. It is only logical that that these two polar opposites come together as often as they do, they are drawn by an undeniable attraction that cannot be resisted.

Of course this does not mean that all horror has or needs comedy in it, nor am I saying that it is always pulled off. Because it’s not. However, when it is, the result is often a scarier read.

Author Bio:

Horror writer Alex Laybourne was born in the UK but relocated to The Netherlands to be with his wife. Together they have three wonderful children who despite their young age are showing all the signs of following in their father’s creative footsteps.

Alex’s debut novel Highway to Hell is a 96.000 word horror novel and the first in a trilogy that will take readers on a journey not just into hell, but through it.

Highway to Hell can be found on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and Amazon.de, and for all non-kindle readers via Smashwords.com for just $2.99. You can also download a free sample of the novel at all of the above sites.

Alex is always interested in making new friends both readers and writers alike. You can find him at most hours of the waking day on Twitter under the name @vanplank or on his blog www.alexlaybourne.com

Book Blurb

Heaven and Hell, Angel and Demons, these things were once considered opposites, but now you will see that they are neighbors, allies…. friends.

Marcus, Becky, Richard, Helen, Sammy and Graham. All complete strangers, different ages, backgrounds and even countries, but they all have one major thing in common…They all must DIE.

Sentenced to offer their penance in the many chambers of Hell, their lives are nothing but a torturous experience. They are brought face to face with their past, their mistakes and the implications that had for others. Until one by one they are rescued and thrown together. Waking in a dying world, they are introduced to their rescuers who do anything but conform to their angelic stereotype.

Together, bonded by an unknown destiny the group is set on their quest; to find one individual buried deep within the many Hell worlds. Not only does the fate of their world rest on their shoulders, but that of existence itself.

How To Get Reviewers For Your Book

I’ve had a number of my author friends, and random people ask me how to get reviews for their books. I’ve also seen here and there authors pouting or complaining they have no reviews. Getting reviews takes a little time, and a little effort. Yes they can happen on their own, but if you want some NOW then you have to work to get them.

So here we go…

Finding reviewers (who aren’t your friends and family)
Book Blog Directories

I’ve used Book Blogs and have had a lot of success with it.
http://bookblogs.ning.com/

You join up (free) and fill out your profile etc (side note: go to settings and unclick what emails you get- otherwise you’ll get an email if someone sneezes lol)

Next go to groups- there are loads of them, reviewers looking for books to read, ones by genre etc

~~make sure you follow the groups rules! Some don’t allow review requests, others have a place to do it.

I’ve heard other authors use Book Bloggers Directory , The YA Book Blog Directory and The Indie Book Reviewers List

If you want MORE lists.. just Google book bloggers directory or similar words. There are a lot out there.

Of course the first link I posted is still my favorite…why? Because YOU can post requesting a review. This means reviewers will contact YOU- meaning they are interested in your book and the likelihood of it getting reviewed soon is high.

Twitter/ Facebook

You have a platform here, use it! Come up with something short and sweet and post now and then. Include a link to your book, either its page on your website or on ie amazon. Include genre. If tweeting, and you have room, add hashtags such as #bloggers, #reviewers

Self Published authors: If you have a Nook copy of your book and put it up through PubIt, make sure you “friend” PubIt on Facebook, because occasionally they’ll do a Reviewers’ Day where book bloggers will put out a call for books on the PubIt FB page, and self-pubbed authors are welcome to list their blurb in the comments and if they’ll interested they’ll request it. Many of these blogs are ostensibly clsoed to indies otherwise, except for that day. (thanks so Amanda for this)

Goodreads

www.goodreads.com

Groups can be used to your advantage here. Find ones for your genre, or blogger groups. Many have areas where you can post to request reviews.

LibraryThing

www.librarything.com

There is a spot where authors can post giveaways- Free Early Reviewers Page. Winners are requested to review. Offer a few ebooks up and cross your fingers.

Manic Readers

http://www.manicreaders.com/

You can join free (basic) and this gives you an author page you can list your books. You can also request reviews for each book.

Things to remember:

Don’t forget to ask, or say it is appreciated, for reviews to be posted on amazon (or make a list… goodreads, BN etc) as some reviewers only post on their personal blogs unless asked.

Always thank your reviewer at some point (by email is preferred)

Side note: Normally you provide the reviewer with a free ebook. (Occasionally some will purchase on their own)

NEVER EVER pay for someone to review. Tisk. Waste of money. There are sooooo many reviewers out there who will do it for free!

Good luck to all of those looking for reviewers! If you have MORE ideas, or I missed some obvious ones. Please post here and I’ll add. Let us know what worked best for you too!

I interviewed Sean Hayden, boy was THAT a mistake.

I'm BAAAAAAACK! Didja miss me?

Greetings and salutations once again, future minions. It is I again, your benevolent future leader Sean Hayden once again taking over the blog of the suitable earth queen, Jen Wylie. She informed me that I might be scaring some of my future minions with all my talk of “WOLD DOMINATION” and that I should let the denizens of this medium sized planetoid the real “Lord and Master of Earth”. I said, “Very well, how about an interview?”

She readily agreed and wickedly laughed as she came up with the questions she asked me. She said they were “FUN” but I saw nothing peculiar about them. They were well thought out and highly intelligent questions. I hope my responses do not disappoint you, my adoring future minions!

 

 

 

1)  If you were a superhero (or villain!) what would your power be? Would you wear a cape?

I would be a supervillan. My name would definitely be The Instigator. I’m what some of my friends like to call a S*#& DISTURBER. I like to stir up the pot, grab some poppycorn, sit back and watch the show. I’m currently trying to instigate a land war in Asia. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes. No capes, just a long pointy moustache.

 

2)  Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla?

Chocolate covered strawberries served with vanilla crème sauce, sprinkled with large granule sugar and a nice bottle of champagne.

3)  The light side or the dark side?

There is a light side? Pah. B-o-r-i-n-g. The dark side haz cookiez.

4)  What sort of coffee would you order? Simple coffee, complicated soy-non-fat-extra-espresso-half-caff-nightmare?

If I were a vampire, Coffee would be my blood. It’s all I drink all day long. I’m sort of addicted. I drink it black in a cup. The way the gods of the bean intended man to drink it.

HOWEVER-and don’t tell anybody-ON OCCAISION! I do enjoy me a Venti Caramel Macchiato with an extra shot, whole milk, easy on the vanilla, and extra caramel. I swear to freaking gods, they put crack in that S*&%!

5)  Have you ever given someone who asked for decaf, regular coffee just to see what would happen?

Are you kidding me? Um, can you say, “Every time?” It’s fun watching old people all jacked up on java juice. Amazing how fast they can scuttle around with their little walkers with tennis balls when you fill up their tank with premium.

6)  Is there any food you refuse to eat? (Other than brussel sprouts because NO ONE likes them)

Actually I do lika da Brussels sprouts. It’s that crap they call liver that makes my toes barf it up the minute it hits my tongue. I curl up in fetal position and cry for hours. Vile, nasty stuff. Should be illegal.

7)  What do you think the coolest pet to have would be?

A Komodo Dragon. I’d take him everywhere, keep him on a leash, and call him “Mr. Nibbles.”

8)  If you could visit any world (real or imagined) where would you go?

I’d visit hell. See if it’s as bad as everyone says or if they just use the whole idea of it to scare little kids into following those ten…um…commandos? Commanders? Comanchos? Something like that. I never get it right. Anyway…I live in Florida, how bad can hell be?

9)  Have you ever done anything really crazy? Do you regret it?

In my four decades upon this earth I have water skied behind cars, jumped from bridges, worked at Mc Donalds, had Jehova Witnesses banned from their church, and gotten married. I regret nothing! (maybe the last one)

10)What kind of person drives you nuts? (personality trait)

“The Loud Taker” and “The Toucher” I swear to gods if I EVER come across a loud talking touchy feely person their ass is mine. I shall smite them. Hard. Across the face. With a whiffle ball bat. I might even pour lemon juice in their whiffle induced facial injuries. That’s about it though.

11)Do you like making up strange new words? (ie awesomesauce, techtarded) Please share if so!

Like, OMG, yes. I call them “Shwords” And they are so wiffun. One day, I plan on totpletely rewriting the Shmenglish Language.

12)When you rip out a page from a spiral notebook, do you leave the strip with the tabby pieces in? Or do you have to remove them? 

I have to remove them, but not because they bother me. Au contraire mon fraire. I absolutely adore them. I have a room of my house completely filled with them and I invite my friends over to play TAG in there. It’s a lot more fun when you can’t see other people.

13)Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

I usually just say, “Screw it,” before I leave the house, then put on a backwards shirt and my slippers. Much more fun when you plan on being a little different.

14)Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

Since it’s just me, I’m the type of person who makes their bed when company comes over. Sometimes you can see my bed under the mound of blankets, pillows, comforters, and sheets. It’s my “Nest”.

15)Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?

Yes I do. Nothing pisses me off more than driving in traffic. You see I live in Florida. Home of blue-hairs and vacationing New Yorkers. We also get a lot of visitors from Quebec. Driving in this state is akin to Mortal Kombat Grand Theft Auto Mario Kart. The thing that REALLY pisses me off about other drivers is the fact that they own cars.

CLICK TO BUY THIS OR I SHALL SMITE YOUR VILLAGE!

You may be forewarned of impending doom by following my battle plans on:

Unfamiliar Territory By Heather Stearns (also known as Heather S. Ingemar)

I’m not the most adventurous soul on the block. When I find something that works or that I understand, I tend to stick with it. Not to say I’m a formula writer (I much prefer letting the characters do what they want), but short stories make sense to me. Therefore I write them.

But what happens when you have a story that refuses to be a story? Or, more to the point, what happens when you’re so bored with what you’re doing that your muse hops a plane to Tahiti just to shake you up?

You follow!

2011 has been my year of muse-chasing. I returned to my musician roots and told stories with songs. (I’m proud to say I finished my debut E.P., “Fledgling,” at the end of this summer!) And this Fall I decided to try my hand at the serial story. I’m currently posting installments to “Shatterproof” (a paranormal urban fantasy) on my website on Saturday mornings, and so far it’s a good kind of different.

So how did I get over being a creature of habit? Delving into unfamiliar territory can be frightening, after all! (Lord knows I was scared when my husband suggested I try writing the songs that kept wanting to come out! I was a short story writer, NOT a songwriter!) It came down to the question of what’s scarier: following that muse toward something new or putting your tired art down completely?

For me, the answer was “Quick — follow that muse!”

* * *

To learn more about Heather Stearns (aka. Heather S. Ingemar):

http://heather-stearns.com/

http://facebook.com/HeatherStearnsMusic

http://twitter.com/heatherthebard

The Witch’s Heart- a flash story by author Ella Grey

Come, sit by the fireside and let me weave you a story. Are you comfortable? Then I shall begin.

Let me tell you The Tale of the Witch’s Heart.

The cell was cold and dank, the smell currently assaulting her nose made her empty stomach heave.
The trial had not gone well. She had been found guilty of witchcraft, like the other unfortunate women to have burnt though, Isabella was innocent.

The sound of a key turning in the lock tore her thoughts from the possible freedom through the bars on the window.

She had never seen this guard before, a burly man with a rough manner about him. He pulled her to her feet, and escorted her from the cell. She took several deep gulps of fresh air. Her eyes widen as she took in the sight of a stack of wood and branches.

The braying cries of the mob seemed to attack her from all sides.

* * *

Her scream pieced the air, the people watching her could not take their eyes off of her slowly blackening body.

What happened next could hardly be believed to be true.

Her heart exploded from her chest, colliding with the side of the old bank.
Do you not believe me? Isabella has left her mark on the town of King’s Lynn, and you can still see the place where her heart hit the building.

Happy Halloween Everyone.

Ella Grey is the writer of the bestselling electric eshort series ‘A Difficult Decision’ featuring Rachel Valentine. Available on multiple formats.
Searching for Michael: (1/6)

http://www.omnilit.com/product-searchingformichael-521450-234.html

Book Review: Senior Year Bites by J.A. Campbell

Senior Year Bites by J.A. Campbell

Senior year is supposed to be fun: boys, dances and graduation.

It’s significantly harder to enjoy it when you’re dead.

Truth or Dare is supposed to be fun too. It’s not even close to dangerous, so playing at Steph’s house didn’t seem like a bad idea. My dare? Spend the rest of the night in the graveyard next to her house. It was only a couple of hours until false dawn, my proscribed return time, so no big deal right? Right.

I survived the attack, but it took me a few days to figure out what was going on. I mean vampires might stalk pop culture, but they’re just myths. Yeah. Not so much.

School is a lot more difficult when you’re a nocturnal creature of the night. I was managing, but I couldn’t keep it hidden from my friends for long. After I managed to accidentally save one of our cheerleaders from her drunk and ill-intentioned boyfriend. Steph decided that we should be cool, like superheroes, and fight crime.

Only I’m a vampire, not a hero, and we live in a sleepy New England town, so crime’s a little harder to come by. At least it is until a serial killer moves into the area. He’s got the authorities stumped, but then again, the cops don’t have a teenage, blood-sucking, non-hero on their team.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

High school can be bad enough, but what if you’re turned into a vampire too? I loved this novel, sort of a manual on how to deal with suddenly becoming a vampire in high school. How do you cope? What about your family and friends. Wonderful story on how to turn a bad situation into a good one. Vampires can be heroes too. Definitely recommend.

View all my reviews

Aslin Interview Pt One-Character Interview by Darke Conteur

For some fun and excitement today, author Darke Conteur is sharing a super fun character interview! Enjoy the read and be sure to check out her website and work!

Thanks Jennifer for that awesome intro! Or should we call you Skittles?

Welcome Humans, to another addition of The Paranormal Pit Stop. Your one-stop E-zine on the Ethereal-net for everything in the paranormal world. This week, we have managed to grab a hold of one of the most powerful Druids to walk topside! He is Aslin of the Highland Grove, and second in command at Terin Global.

Paranormal Pit-Stop:Welcome Aslin, it’s an honour to have you here.

Aslin: Thank you, but I am still unsure if this is a good idea. We are meant to be a secret. Exposing ourselves in this manor could be dangerous.

P.P.S.:Always cautious, aren’t you? Don’t worry, it’s all good. Anyway, why don’t you tell our new Human readers a little about yourself?

Aslin: There is nothing to tell. I am the first born son of a first born son. A direct descendant of a line of Druids that have watched over the Highlands since before the Romans occupied Brittan.

P.P.S.:Wow, with a linage like that, there must be some perks?

Aslin: Yes, because of my family’s century’s long dedication to our path, we can control the elements of this world. Earth, Air, Fire and Water are all at my control.

P.P.S.:Impressive. That must have taken a long time to master?

Aslin: Yes. I dedicated my life to my chosen path when I was ten. Over the next twenty-five years of my life, I learned what was needed to master the skills required of every Druid.

P.P.S.: Needed or demanded? From what I’ve gathered, you didn’t have much of a choice? You had to become a Druid. You know, that whole ‘first born of the first born’ thing.

Aslin: Granted, it was my birthright, but I chose to accept it. I chose to honour the tradition. The Three Realms are sacred. If they are not protected, then all of Man suffers.

P.P.S.:So, Druids are sworn to protect the Three Realms from the minions and demons of Hell, yet you broke ties with your clan to join up with Jezryall? A known half-breed demon?

Aslin: I will admit, my actions didcause some concern among my clan, but I could not refuse her offer. What better way to keep a watch on the enemy, than being in a position to monitor their every move.

P.P.S.: Have you spoken to any member of your clan since the Stonehenge incident?

Aslin: No. It was agreed that I would not make contact with them.

P.P.S.:You draw your powers from the positive energy of White magic, and any creature from Hell draws on the negative. Does it weaken your powers being so close to a half-breed demon?

Aslin:The only time I feel the drain is when she is in her ethereal form. I am lucky that she chooses to keep that side of her confined around the building.

P.P.S.: When she does let loose, how do you counter-act the negativity?

Aslin:Apart from an aura cleansing ritual before and after any encounter, I have three Rune protection spells embedded on my body.

P.P.S.:Embedded? Like, a tattoo?

Aslin:Yes.I am protected by a powerful spell from each of the Three Realms.

P.P.S.:It must be pretty hard on you, being so far away from your home?

Aslin: The tower is my home now. I left the Highlands on good terms. I am sure that one day I would be welcome back.

Well, that’s all the time we have for this week’s interview. We would like to thank our host Jennifer Wylie for allowing us to post this interview on the human internet. Hope we haven’t scared you all off!

If you’d like to learn more about Jezryall and her staff, you can find more information at the links provided below.

More Character Interviews:

 http://darkeconteur.wordpress.com/paranormal-pit-stop-blog-tour/

Novel Information:

http://darkeconteur.wordpress.com/novels/

Join us next time when we visit April Brown with the first ofour part interview with Martin Cunningham, a newcomer to Jezryall’s staff.  So until next time, this is The Paranormal Pit-Stop saying; just because it’s dead, doesn’t mean it’s not alive!

 

Story Blurb:

His first day of work wasn’t what Martin Cunningham expected. A sultry boss, a classy receptionist, the drama-queen foreigner, and a painfully shy techie who prefers hiding to human interaction, was the oddest group of characters he’d ever met. When an assassination attempt is made against his new boss, Martin comes face to face with the stuff of nightmares.

Now he and his new co-workers must race to prevent another attack, but where do they start? There’s very little to go on, and the only solid piece of evidence escaped through the u-bend in the toilet. By the end of the day, Martin becomes one of the privileged few who really understands what lies in the shadows, and what it means to work in THE WATCHTOWER.

Author Bio:

Darke Conteur is an author at the mercy of her muse. Writing in several genres, she prefers to write in paranormal and science fiction, and has stories published in Brave Blue Mice, Bewildering Stories, and The Absent Willow Review. When not busy writing, she looks after one wannabe rock-star, one husband, two cats, and one ghost dog.

My very first blog talk interview on The Platform

Yesterday I did my very first interview via skype with John Rakestraw of The Platform.
I’ve done a lot of interviews over the last year, but they were all the ‘type out the answers’ kind. I didn’t have to actually talk. I’ve a little bit of a shy streak, so needless to say I was a bit nervous. John is a wonderful host, and quickly put me at ease, like I was talking to my long lost bestest friend. The time went by so quickly!

John’s show is fantastic, and if you’ve never checked it out you definitely should! He has great interviews with authors about pretty much anything writing related. I really enjoyed the interview, if you’re looking for a chance stop by the website to see when John has openings. I hope to stop by again one day!

For now, if you want to hear what I sound like and hear John and I chat about a whole bunch of writing related topics…click here!

Keep your Demons Close- guest author Suzanne Warr plus free story!

I’m super excited to have author Suzanne Warr on my blog today with a little chat about demons, and a free story too! Enjoy!

I try to get cozy with my demons. Not just the kind I keep around my house so they can answer my questions about demon anatomy and what a demon would really do if the daily sacrifices dried up—this last question isn’t something I like to dwell on, given the vagaries of a writer’s finances!—no, I like to keep my other demons close, too. The ones that wake me in the night with haunting dreams, and create instant tension between me and anyone unfortunate enough to tweak the demon’s tail. Emotional demons. They may not make your life comfortable, but they’re your best friend if you’re a writer.

Of course, I like to tap into laughter, innocence and hope as well, but they’re much easier to get to know. And they’re easier to see when I’ve woven them into a story with plenty of primal emotion that taps into my darkest fears. October is a great month for that kind of story. When else can you find side-by-side jolly orange pumpkins and flickering jack-o-lanterns? Delighted kids in costumes, and blood-streaked faces of decay? Not to mention glistening spider webs, spun from sunshine, and the twisted, alien presence of the spider himself, waiting in his web. This bit of spidery flash fiction was originally published in AlienSkin magazine, but has long since been out of print. Enjoy!

Never Alone

by Suzanne Warr

Timmy lay very still, holding his Spiderman in a soft embrace. He concentrated on breathing. In . . . and out. Around him loomed the shadows of a home i.v., oxogen tank, and medicine bottles.

Timmy rolled his eyes to the right and saw It just above his pillow, dangling from a web.

He caught his breath–but It came no closer. He let his breath out, and It swayed. Its legs fluttered like the frayed edges of a web, but he knew it was no web. He could feel Its uncanny intelligence at the edge of his thoughts.

Timmy’s voice was soft as a sigh. “Who are you?”

The answer came back in his mind.

I am a ghost spider.

“Did you come for my soul?”

The spider curled its legs in and out, like someone scratching their head.

I do not guide you to your God. I am a creature of this world. I come not to take your whole soul, but to taste it.

Timmy gripped his Spiderman doll, his fingers squeezing into the stuffing. “Why would you want to taste me?” he asked. “I’m sick—I probably taste really bad!”

His words stirred the air, and the ghost spider fluttered on its string.

Every flavor is unique. Taking just a taste will not hurt you. Wait.

Timmy felt a little pinch, then smelt a whiff of toasted cheese.

There, I have taken a nip, and you are none the worse. The voice was soft in its amusement. I taste all things living, but they know it not. You only see me because you will soon be dead.

“That’s what the doctors whisper behind the door,” Timmy said, nodding. He frowned. “How did you know?”

The voice of the spider seemed to chuckle in his mind. I am a ghost. I can see where the living are blind. Your soul is attached to your body by only a slim strand, like one of my webs. This is the last night I will taste you.

“I’ll die tonight?” Timmy opened his mouth to cry, but he glanced at the rectangle of light shining around his bedroom door and closed his mouth. He turned his head on his pillow to look out the window at the shining moon.

“What’s it like to be dead?” he asked. “Are there other ghosts?”

The whispery voice of the spider answered him. I eat, nibbling here and there, and the spirits I taste give me flashes of color and texture. I spin, softly traveling, through the land of the living. It is good to be a Ghost Spider. For you . . . Timmy rolled his face back to see the spider. For you, I do not know. I see many ghost children in the world. They are always wailing and lost.

Timmy shivered. “I don’t want to be lost,” he said. “Why can’t I be like you?”

Once again that dry chuckle, like thin leaves of paper rustling in the wind. You are not a Ghost Spider.

“But you bit me. Shouldn’t I be part spider now, like Spiderman?”

Spiderman is not real. The ghost spider began to swing about, and Timmy saw flashes of the finest filaments. But there is a way you can be a ghost spider. If this is what you want, you must hold very still.

Timmy jerked back on his pillow, and the spider stopped, waiting. Timmy looked again at the door, then at the stubby bottles of medicine. He tucked his Spiderman doll firmly into his arm. “It’s better to be a spider than be lost. This is what I want.”

The spider breathed a chuckle, then wove back and forth across the air above Timmy. The strands of the web were so fine, Timmy could only catch a tiny flash of silken light here, there. He watched with fascination. The strands grew thicker, wrapping his soul in a warm blanket.

The spider dropped from the web, making a pirouette in the air just above Timmy. There was a tug in Timmy’s chest. His vision shifted. Spun. Cleared. He was looking down at his body lying in the bed. He swiped out his hand to grab his Spiderman, but the soft blanket had become a smothering net.

Now he saw the strong, sturdy cord which had tethered his soul to his body. Saw the spider curl the cord up, like a spent lasso. And he knew that the cord would not have let go tonight. In fact, it was getting stronger, and would soon have been too thick for the ghost spider to cut.

Timmy screamed and thrashed, crying for his mommy, for the doctors, but only silence echoed in the room.

Fear not, little one. The ghost spider was close now, its pearly mandibles clicking as they reached toward his face. I will taste you slowly, drinking every drop, and you will never be alone again.

For more of Suzannes writing check out:

 Extraterrestrial Ruins  and the  Best of 2008 put out by EDF (Every Day Fiction)

About the Author

Suzanne Warr grew up in an alternate universe which runs parallel to this one but on a much slower timeline. She has since joined the rest the world, and generally manages to masquerade as a normal person. Along the way to her history degree she dabbled in theater, acquired a black belt, married her husband, and welcomed two kids. She also worked in a lab dissecting fish eyes and scaled the exterior of a building. It seemed a good idea at the time.

She is currently working on 13 Demon Days, a middle grade urban fantasy novel in which 13-year-old twins Liz and Josh Raven must battle a demon to clear their family name and prevent the world’s destruction–in just 13 days. You can follow her submission progress and learn more on her personal blog www.suzannewarr.com, or the group blog where she hangs out www.fivecuriosities.blogspot.com. We’re currently doing a giveaway of blog member Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush series! Stop by and enter to win!

Crazy Interview with Author Tiffany King

I have the super amazing Tiffany King on my blog today! She’s the author of The Saving Angels Series.

Now, I’ve asked her everything you didn’t know you wanted to know about her! Be prepared for a wacky and fun read!

If you were a superhero (or villain!) what would your power be? Would you wear a cape?
If I was a skinny superhero, I would wear no cape. If I had a little junk in my trunk, I would wear a cape to help hide it
Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla?
ChocolateChocolateChocolateChocolate Hehe I guess you get the point!!
The light side or the dark side?
The light side, I can’t help it, I’m a big fat chicken.
Do you have deep dark secret? How about a shallow grey one?
LOL!! Yes many of both
What sort of coffee would you order? Simple coffee, complicated soy-non-fat-extra-espresso-half-caff-nightmare?
Um somewhat simple, with cream and  sweet & low.
Have you ever given someone who asked for decaf, regular coffee just to see what would happen?
Nope, but I have jacked up many kids from my class on sugar just before they go home hehehehe )
Is there any food you refuse to eat? (Other than brussel sprouts because NO ONE likes them)
ONIONS!!! I absolutely HATE them!!
What is your favorite breakfast cereal? Are you opposed to those brands with tiny marshmallows in them?
They make cereal without marshmallows??? Ick that’s just wrong.
If you could live off of chocolate would you? What kind?
Dove chocolate all the way. I’m such a chocolate snob.
What do you think the coolest pet to have would be?
Lion, tiger, leopard, panther…..you get the point. A big cat would be super sweet.
If you could visit any world (real or imagined) where would you go?
I know everyone gets sick of hearing me say this but HARRY POTTER hehehe.
Have you every done anything really crazy? Do you regret it?
Yes, I’ve done many kooky things but no I don’t regret any of them (Okay well maybe some of them).
What kind of person drives you nuts? (personality trait)
Annoying Know-It-Alls. You know, “Oh, I went there, oh, I met him, oh, I’m related to her sister’s third cousin etc.” The ones that always feel they’re the Yoda of everything and anything.
Do you prefer tapered candles, pillars or tea lights?
Yankee Candles all the way. I have about a half a dozen in my house at any given time. I love it when my house smells yummy!
What do you think about scarves? Do you wear them or prefer a turtleneck?
Eek neither!! What if they got mad at me and decided to strangle me?? After all I can be sooooo annoying at times, since I’m such a Know-It-All
Do you like making up strange new words? (ie awesomesauce, techtarded) Please share if so!
I love to steal great new words from the people around me. If it sounds cool, I will totally make it my own. I do like to make up new phrases though like: “Holy Crow Bear or Mother of Pearl.”
Have you ever lost your wallet/purse? Did you find it again if so?
OMG!! Yes, I once lost my wallet during Christmas shopping with about $500 in it. Lucky for me, I left it in a store and someone turned it in untouched )
When you rip out a page from a spiral notebook, do you leave the strip with the tabby pieces in? Or do you have to remove them?
Um yep, I have to tear the tab out or it will drive me absolutely batty.
Have you ever owned tennis shoes with velcro instead of laces?
LOL! No but my new shoes for work are the Sketchers with no laces. Does that count?
Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?
Wait were not supposed to go out with our slippers on?? What if I only wear them to Wal-Mart?? Hehehe kidding! I did once wear two different shoes on accident and yes I pretty much said “screw it.”
Do you prefer fuzzy or tub socks?
Ick neither my feet are extremely picky and they boycott any kind of sock )
Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
Yep, I’m that kind of person. My bed gets made every morning (I’m such a gork).
Be honest, how often do you wash your hair?
My hair gets washed every single day. After years of being homeless when I was growing up, I know covet the shower (and bathtub for that matter) )
Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?
Holy Crow Bear, I have the very worse road rage ever. I try to be good but eek stupid drivers annoy the crap out of me.
Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide?
Um all bugs make me screech and hide. Bugs are by far my kryptonite )

Tiffany King

Author of The Saving Angels series

http://www.authortiffany.wordpress.com

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