Summoner of Sleep Update

Summoner of Sleep is approaching its one-year anniversary in July! If you haven't picked up a copy yet, here's what it's about:

A dark family secret—A town that doesn’t exist on any map—and a drug that will unleash an apocalyptic, transformational horror on the world.
 
Ryder Ashling’s world is turning upside down. He’s lost his job, wife, home, and now he’s doubting his sanity. Behind his descent are horrific nightmares so vivid that they follow him into the waking world. When he discovers his neighbor has been documenting his nightmares with scientific precision and leaving him vials of a drug called Summoner of Sleep, things get weirder.
 
His neighbor disappears and Ryder follows his trail to Marble Woods, a town erased from all maps after a historical atrocity. Now it’s whispered to be the home of marble-skinned demons, as well as the source of the plants used to manufacture Summoner of Sleep.
 
It's here in Marble Woods that Ryder will come face to face with the darkest of family secrets and be forced to make a decision that will change the fate of the world.
 
Rich in magic and occultism, fractured characters, and a taste of m
ystery, Summoner of Sleep is a fast paced, thrill-ride bursting with psychological terror.

 BUY NOW!

 Still not convinced? Check out these reviews:

"Dear reader I urge you to take a wild ride with A.I Winters' new novel. 'Summoner of Sleep' is one hell of a horror novel, written in such a captivating style, that guarantees you will lose sleep while trying desperately to reach the fantastic finale...The author managed to create a suspenseful, well-written, bone-chilling tale that will stay with you for quite some time after reading it."
-Pan Book Reviews

"A.I. Winters is the new Stephen King. Her book is mesmerizing. I loved every page. Hold on to the edge of your seat, Summoner of Sleep, is one wild but amazing ride of a lifetime."
-Urban Book Reviews

"I would love to see this book made into a movie. It is the product of a brilliant and vivid imagination that entraps you in its horrible and disturbing world that you somehow don’t want to leave until you figure out what’s really going on...The story sucks you in like a tornado and whips you around with increasing speed and intensity, becoming more terrifying, more vivid, and more complex with each chapter...I think anyone who enjoys reading horror, fantasy, science fiction and the like would enjoy this book, whether an uninitiated teenager trying out horror for the first time, or a long-time Stephen King veteran."
-Liz Stillwaggon Swan, PhD, Contributing Writer for Psychology Today magazine

"Summoner of Sleep is a fascinating and thought-provoking dive into the all-too-familiar world of tampering with human genetics and the consequences of power and control. Winters successfully diverges from her well-loved YA fantasy series into a whole new genre that captivates and entertains. 
—Christie Stratos, Author of Anatomy of a Darkened Heart


“A genuinely scary and disturbing treat akin to a modern-day H.P. Lovecraft story on speed.”
-Simon Paul Woodward, Author of Wearing Shadows

"I read this book in three days, couldn’t put it down. This author has an amazing imagination. Can’t wait for the next book."
-Amazon Review

"Wow. This is one crazy ride...I recommend this book if you love monster stories that probe the deeper reasons that drive us to do the unthinkable. It will keep you up and keep you thinking."
-Nicole Sallak Anderson, Author of Origins

"Superior character and world building that will have you hooked from the very first page...Winter's is a true asset to the Fantasy and Horror genres alike, and merges the two with expert precision."
-Dylan Butcher, Author of Eyes of Sleeping Children

"The creepy visuals of the monsters are something that will stick with me for a long time...If you enjoy shows like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Lovecraft County, this is the book for you. There are cliffhangers and twists and turns in nearly every chapter. It has the dark fantasy of Pans Labyrinth, the small town feel of Roswell, and the twisted sensibility of American Horror Story. Although we've seen movies and books in this genre before, I found this story to be one of a kind."
-Shannon Dee, Writer & Director for the Award-Winning Series, Not From Around Here

"This book is spellbinding...It reminds me of a mix of Nightmare on Elm Street meets Constantine...At one point, I looked up at the clock, just past 2 am, in a flash the situation reminded me of watching a scary movie at dusk...Chills!"
-Dennis D. Montoya, Author of Over the Dragonwall
 

 

 

Victorian Epitaphs and Horror Novels - My Interview with Fiona Mcvie

Now that I've finally finished my new book (YAY!), I have more time for interviews.

I had a blast answering Fiona Mcvie's questions. She asked me everything from what I want on my tombstone to what new authors have grasped my interest. You can check it out here.


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Have a question for me that's not posted here? Leave it in the comments and I'll respond. :)

Telling Secrets - My Interview With Sunshine Somerville

Which of my characters are based on real people?

Do I ever let them in on the secret?

Find out the answer to these fun questions (and many more) in my latest interview with Sunshine Somerville.

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Have a question for me that's not answered here?

I'd love to hear from you!

What's On My Nightstand - Reading Recommendations

Curious about what I'm reading? Here's what's currently on my nightstand:

A Monster Calls: I had such high hopes for this book, especially given its gorgeous artwork, but ultimately I was disappointed. I thought it was going to be able actual monsters, secret worlds, spooky things...magic. At least that's how it was presented. Instead, it was a depressing middle-grade book. The protagonist is picked on at school, his dad is ass, he hates his grandma and is forced to live with her, oh, and his mom is dying an extremely painful death. The story is really sad and at points gut-wrenching, especially if you've ever had anyone close to you die of cancer. I can appreciate what the author was attempting to do with this story, and some parts were genuinely creative, but ultimately I found it increasingly difficult to stay motivated to read it.

Tuck Everlasting: I remember when this came out in theaters back in the day and never knew it was a book until recently. A free copy recently landed in my lap and I've been reading it at night before going to bed. It's an extremely easy read with an intriguing concept. The best word to describe this book is cute. It's definitely geared towards a younger audience, or for people who just want something light and whimsical to read.

Collected Ghost Stories: This book is seriously creeping me out! The use of descriptions and story concepts are haunting, and dare I say reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft (yay!). James does an incredible job of transporting you into the story in just a few short lines. The biggest surprise about this book is that it's a lot easier to read than most Gothic horror stories, but it has just as much bite.

Suspended: This is a mysterious, fun, and easy to read story that is full of imaginative and vivid imagery. The Dream Travelers are an interesting and original concept, and the story’s many twists and turns keep you hooked until the last page. This story reminded me of The Night Circus meets Alice in Wonderland. I enjoyed getting to know each of the unique characters and their equally unique magical abilities. Noffke has written a delightfully whimsical book that is sure to delight fantasy and YA readers.
 
What's next? I just got The Chaos of Stars and am really looking forward to reading it. The concept of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses living in modern times sounds really interesting.

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What's on your nightstand at the moment?

Have any books you want to recommend?

Please share below.  :D

Roughing It In The Rockies - Saturday Symposium with K.J. Simmill

Beautiful!

Did I really complete an eight-day wilderness solo in the Rocky Mountains?

What is the one word that friends would use to describe me?

How long does it take me to write a book?

Find out the answers to these questions and more on K.J. Simmill's Saturday Symposium.

Have a question not listed? Ask me anything below. In the meantime, here are two hints to answer the first question above:

Favorite Reads of 2016

I don’t know about you, but I’ve read so many books this year I can’t remember all of them. I admit I had to check my Goodreads and Amazon lists to jog my memory. Even still, there were just a few books that really stood out to me that I read in 2016 - books that I’ve not been able to stop thinking about since I read them. And so, I’m closing out the year by celebrating these fantastic stories:

A Darker Shade of Magic – V.E. Schwab: This book came to my attention when I was shopping on Amazon. It was in one of those “if you liked xyz, then you’ll like xyz” lists. Although I don’t recall the initial book that led me to A Darker Shade of Magic, I’m certainly glad it did.

It was a little slow at first, but once I got a few pages in, the story exploded into a fantastic and whimsical tale - a story that I can honestly say is one of the most original and imaginative stories I’ve ever read. A chameleon coat, magical war, and four dazzling Londons—it’s all completely and utterly delightful and immersive.

I just added Schwab's other books in the series to my reading list and can't wait to dive into them!

Anatomy of a Darkened Heart – Christie Stratos: This book made me fall in love with historical fiction. I was totally addicted to this book from the very first sentence, and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it and hurrying up whatever I was doing to get back to reading it. In fact, months and months later, I’m still thinking about it.

The descriptions of costumes, physical attributes and expressions, even the wallpaper, are all vivid and compelling, adding to the haunting ambiance of this Victorian masterpiece. This is the perfect book to curl up by the fire with. My only qualm is that the next book in the series isn’t out yet.

Dreams of Terror and Death – H.P. Lovecraft: Comprised of twenty-one surreal short stories, this book is delightfully spooky, masterfully written, and is a perfect read for those who’ve never read Lovecraft, or are die-hard fans (like me). Most of the stories are short enough to read if you want a quick story before bed, and others are long enough to hold your attention for quite some time.

My absolute favorite stories in this book are: The Strange High House in the Mist, The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, and Through the Gates of the Silver Key. Lovecraft's way of storytelling will completely infuse you.

What are some of your favorite books of 2016?

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Happy Holidays! May you find plenty of awesome new books to read in the New Year :)

Five Books You Need to Read for Halloween

Looking for some spooky stories? You’ve come to the right place. :) I recently shared my horror movie recommendations, and this week I’m sharing my favorite scary books. Before you start reading, here's what you need:

• A nightlight
• Funny show or movie queued up on Netflix to watch after 
• A good cup of tea (preferably chamomile) to help you sleep

Here we go…

In a Glass Darkly: I don’t know how this one slipped my radar for so many years, especially since it’s considered a classic, but now that I’ve picked it up, I can’t put it down! Although a bit slow at first, this book has developed into an extraordinarily creepy tale about a metaphysical doctor’s experiences with the supernatural. Each story creates an atmosphere of mystery and dare I say anxiety. Without giving anything away, I’ll just say that I’ll never look at a monkey the same way again. This is easily one of my favorite books of all time. This quote pretty much sums up what to expect:

“My memory rejects the picture with incredulity and horror. Yet I know it is true. It is the story of the process of a poison, a poison which excited the reciprocal action of spirit and nerve, and paralyses the tissue that separates those cognate functions of the senses, the external and the interior. Thus we find strange bedfellows, and the mortal and immortal prematurely makes acquaintance.”

Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children: I read this book before it became a sensation (and a movie). It’s an interesting concept and I love the creepy vintage photographs that accompany the story. The one with those twins in the white outfits on the back cover takes the cake for the scariest picture. For a brief time, I started collecting creepy Victorian pics too, but they freaked me out so much I had to get rid of them. Although I didn’t really care for the ending, it’s still worth a read if you’re looking for spine-tingling fantasy.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone: This was a random buy, primarily chosen for its beautiful cover. The description about a devil’s shop of human teeth was equally as intriguing. This story is incredibly imaginative and descriptive, although at times, so descriptive that I felt a bit nauseous.

M.R. James Collected Ghost Stories: Considered to be the most terrifying writer in English, his classic supernatural tales draw on the terrors of the everyday, in which objects unleash terrible forces. Muhahaha.

H.P. Lovecraft’s Book of Horror: I know what you’re thinking. She’s recommending another thing of H.P. Lovecraft. Yes and no. This books is actually a collection of works that inspired Lovecraft. There are stories by Charles Dickens, Robert Luis Stevenson, and Edgar Allen Poe to name a few. I chose to include this book because it's an excellent collection of the masters of horror.

Have a scary book you're reading at the moment? Give me a shout below. I love recommendations. :)

Writing, Lovecraft, and Kickboxing - My Interview With Mistral Dawn

What's the easiest part of being a writer? What am I working on now? Why is H.P Lovecraft my favorite author of all time? Am I really a kickboxer? Find out the answers to these questions and more in my interview with author Mistral Dawn.

I Heart Reading Interview

What was the most difficult part about writing my new book?

Are birds and squirrels necessary for my writing process?

Why was I inspired to write the Strange Luck series?

Find out in my interview with I Heart Reading. While you're there, be sure to check out Majanka Verstraete's books. She writes really cool speculative fiction children's books, as well as supernatural YA books!

National Book Lovers Day - Recommended Reads

It's National Book Lovers Day! Observed each year on August 9, (and sometimes on the first Saturday in November) bibliophiles everywhere are celebrating. So, find your favorite reading place, a good book (whether it be fiction or non-fiction), and read the day away. Need some suggestions? Here's what I've been reading lately:

Only Human by J.D. Estrada is a delightfully clever read full of imaginative, high-concept YA and Fantasy elements. As the description states, ‘this isn’t your typical book.’ The originality of this story, its many twists and turns, and the seamless weaving of real moments in history definitely mark this book as out-of-the-ordinary.

Through the main character, Nathaniel, we get to meet vampires, angels, demons, therians, plant people, and other supernatural beings, as well as learn some interesting insights about “humans”. Nathaniel’s quips were always entertaining and the subtle philosophical components were also a nice touch. There were many quotable lines in this story, but my favorite was: “He who wins the battle defines history.”

At first the story reminded me of The Man in the High Castle meets 12 Monkeys, then it took a completely unexpected and clever direction that no longer became definable. Estrada has written a fresh and original story that is sure to delight any reader. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Human Cycle series and see what’s in store.

The House of Seven Gables was recently recommended to me and I was lucky enough to find a copy at my local library book sale. Score! Set in the mid-19th century, the story follows a peculiar, gloomy, New England mansion, which has been haunted since its construction by fraudulent dealings, accusations of witchcraft, and sudden death. Muhahaha! I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm loving this haunting Gothic tale.

It's no surprise that I'm reading another H.P. Lovecraft book. He's my favorite author of all time and his writing never ceases to amaze (and scare) me. Lovecraft's Dreams of Terror and Death short stories are haunting and compelling. Each one is more frightening than the next. Some of his stories are 2-3 pages long, others are 30+ pages. I wanted to share my favorite stories, but simply couldn't narrow it down. If you're a fan of horror, you'll love this book! 

What are you reading for National Book Lovers Day?

My Writing Room

Welcome to my writing room! There's super cute music boxes here that perfectly compliment all of the doomsy existential books behind it :)

There's a cozy reading nook with a bookshelf filled with random knickknacks. But, unless you make a reservation, it might be occupied.

More books...Yes, that's Hermione's wand thank you very much.

And this is where I sit. A lot. 

These little notes keep me going on hard days.

When I'm ready for a break, I turn around and bang on some more keys.

If you don't know who or what Cthulhu is then you're seriously missing out. Go forth and read some H.P. Lovecraft stat!

My day always ends by looking at this adorably funny pic next to my door.

That's all! I hope you enjoyed a tour of my writing space. 

Disney Meets The Devil - What's on My Nightstand

Random. The only word to describe how I select books to read and the order in which I read them. I do it because it’s, well…fun. If you’re looking to read some totally random (good) books, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what I’ve been reading (in this order):

1) The Lurker at the Threshold By: H.P. Lovecraft: The more books I read, the more I realize that Lovecraft is my favorite author of all time. He was not only a genius with creating a complex pantheon of gods, but his style of writing has a way of getting in your head. Lovecraft never really tells or shows you anything to evoke fear; instead, it subtly creeps into the story on its own. The Lurker at the Threshold is one of the very few actual books he wrote—the rest are all short stories—and it does not disappoint. This horror story not only had me clinging to every masterfully written word, there were a few moments when I didn’t want to read it alone. I’m so sad that it’s over now :(

2. Anne of Green Gables By: L.M. Montgomery: I watched the movie and show growing up, but for some reason never read this beloved classic until now. It’s filled with wholesome, Disney-style antics and plenty of heart-warming moments, and I liked that every chapter had a different adventure. Montgomery’s descriptions of Prince Edward Island are absolutely breathtaking.

3. Meditations By: Marcus Aurelius: I always like having a non-fiction book to read, and I usually pick one that’s philosophical in nature. I’ve been obsessed with Stoicism for a few years now and have read many of Aurelius' insightful passages, so I’ve been really enjoying reading his complete insights in Meditations.

4) Lost Souls By: Poppy Z. Brite: Billy Martin, professionally known as Poppy Z. Brite is a trans man and prefers male pronouns and terms, which I will do so here. Much of his work features openly bisexual and gay characters in dark, gothic scenarios. Years and years ago, I read Exquisite Corpse and LOVED it. Then I tried reading one of his newer books, Liquor, and really didn't like it. I had completely forgotten about him until my hubby recently let me borrow Lost Souls from his library, and I’m so glad that he did. This book has me completely and totally hooked! The essence of New Orleans is effortlessly captured. Dark, twisted, and unbelievably addicting, this is the real McCoy of vampires books!

What are you reading at the moment?  Have a recommendation for me? Post your comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

Categorizing Your Novel - Genre Definitions

You wrote a book (hooray!). It’s got a little bit of everything and will appeal to multiple audiences, so it’s absolutely, positively impossible to categorize into one genre. Sound familiar? Getting your book into the hands of your intended audience can be quite tricky, so it’s important to understand how to properly categorize your book before you begin querying an agent, or share your self-published novel with the world. Check out this high-level snapshot of popular fiction genres, including info about average word count, protagonist age, and common themes:

Chick Lit: These books strictly appeal to chickens. Just checking to see if you’re paying attention. :) Chick lit is about all things girly. We’re talking dating woes, romance, climbing the career ladder, finding your passion, and personal antics. The protagonist is usually in her 20-30’s looking for the right ________ (fill in the blank). Career. Man. Attitude. These stories are fun, quirky, and entertaining. You’re good to go in the 70-80k word range.

Commercial Fiction: Full of face-paced, high-concept hooks and plots which will attract a broad, mainstream audience, commercial fiction has strong narrative story lines and usually falls into multiple genres. Stories contain lots of events, high stakes, and dangerous situations. Think Stephen King, Dan Brown, and John Grisham. 70-90k words is ideal; however, there are exceptions. There are no hard and fast rules about the protagonist’s age, but they tend to be adults. Book titles are straight to the point, perfectly encapsulating what the novel is about.

Fantasy: One of my favorite genres! Magic, supernatural powers, strange kingdoms, sorcery, other worlds, spells, talking animals, fairies, wizards, dragons, goblins, mythical creatures, and monsters are all common elements in fantasy stories. Themes usually include a quest for something or battle against good and evil. Think Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings. There are dozens of sub-genres such as urban, historical, epic, and dark fantasy. Word count varies from 70-120k. The protagonist’s age will vary largely based on your sub-genre.

Horror: Boo! The goal of a horror novel is to scare the reader. This can be accomplished with blood and gore, graphic violence, monsters, crime and murder, psychological terror, supernatural elements, or even something innocent like children or dolls. Think H.P. Lovecraft, Bram Stoker, and Stephen King. There are tons of sub-genres like dark fiction, dark fantasy, cutting edge, erotic, extreme, occult, gothic, psychological, supernatural, paranormal, etc. The horror genre often incorporates folklore and fantasy to create manifestations of evil. 80-100k words is a good rule of thumb. No strict rules about the protagonist’s age.

Literary Fiction: Appeals to a smaller audience and can fall into any sub-genre such as literary thrillers, mysteries, or epics. Notable qualities of literary fiction include excellent writing, style, multi-layered themes, descriptive introspective narratives, complex characters, and originality. These are books you might've read in high school like The Great Gatsby or To Kill A Mockingbird. Literary fiction ranges anywhere from 60-120k words. Covers and titles tend to be more obscure or artistic. Just like commercial fiction, there are no rules for the protagonist’s age.

Middle Grade: The protagonist is typically 10-years-old for a younger MG novel, and up to 13-years-old for older, more complex books. Themes are generally broad like trying to fit in or save the world, with the protagonist’s mindset on friends, family, or the immediate world. Word count is generally in the 30-50K range, although this can vary based on your theme/sub-genre. There shouldn’t be any profanity, graphic violence, or sex. Voice is usually in the third person. Examples include The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Charlotte's Web.

Mystery: Mysteries focus on solving a crime, usually murder, rather than the details of the crime itself. The puzzle behind the crime is central to the plot with the climax usually occurring towards the end. The protagonist is usually a witty investigator or detective thirsty for justice. Common sub-genres include cozies, spy, detective, hard-boiled, and supernatural. On average, word count ranges from 70-90k. Check out Mystery Writers of America to learn more.

Young Adult: The protagonist is in the 12-18 range and deals with adult-like problems such as grief, revenge, death, or love. Themes include the hero discovering how they fit into the world beyond their immediate surroundings (friends, family, etc.) and reflection on what happened to them and why. The voice is usually internal, and some swearing and minor violence is acceptable. Word count is generally in the 50-85K range. Sub-genres include fantasy, historical, LGBTQ, mystery/thriller, steampunk, mystery, paranormal, and contemporary. Popular YA books include Harry Potter, Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Lord of the Flies.  
 
Science Fiction: Incorporates scientific and technological elements into the story’s setting, characters, and their challenges. Scientific rules are bent or defied in some way. 100-120k words is standard; however, there are exceptions. There are dozens of sub-genres such as apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk, time travel, science fantasy/future fantasy, etc. No rules about the protagonist’s age.

Remember, these are general guidelines and agents/publishers may categorize differently depending on their needs/wants. Regardless of which publishing route you choose; my advice is to write the story you have to tell. If it ends up being a little bit longer or shorter than your intended genre but you’ve given it your all, then accept it and go for it! You may be an exception to the rule. Also, ALWAYS get feedback from your friends and family before you share your book with the rest of the world. For example, if you think that your book falls into the YA category, give it to your friend’s teenage daughter to read and ask for honest feedback. If she says it was boring, maybe you’ve got a MG book instead.