Were the sinister Shadow Gods in my new book inspired by an evil fish?
How is an ancient Bolivian legend tied to my story?
Click HERE to learn the surprising, and funny, secrets behind A Darling Secret.
~~~
I hope you enjoy learning more about A Darling Secret. Don't forget to check these out too:
Showing posts with label scary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scary. Show all posts
Friday, October 6, 2017
Evil Fish and Bulbous Trees - 10 Things You Didn't Know About A Darling Secret
A.I. Winters is an award-winning horror and fantasy author. Her titles include Summoner of Sleep, Strange Luck, The Nightmare Birds, and A Darling Secret.
Born in Northern California, Winters has since lived in every region of the country, but now resides in Colorado with her husband. She has published numerous articles on writing and publishing, and has worked as a grant writer and copy editor for non-profits, municipalities, and major corporations.
When not writing books, she enjoys breaking a sweat in Jiu-Jitsu class, baking desserts, and traveling.
Learn more at: www.aiwinters.com
Thursday, January 5, 2017
How to Write Horror - Guest Post by Mercedes Fox
It's no secret that I love horror, which is why I'm especially excited to share this guest post today. If you've ever been curious about writing horror, or are just a fan of the genre, then you're in luck! Mercedes Fox, author of the Vengeance of the Werewolf series, reveals her trade secrets.
How to Write Horror
Although I put my books in the horror category I’m not sure they are actually scary. I tend to lean to putting them in the horror-splatter punk genre. The best way to write about horror is write about something which scares you. I’ve always had a fear of the closet monster or monster under the bed. Even now at 42 my imagination still rules my impulses.
You must first setup the scene. Make the reader smell it. Make the reader hear the world around them. Put the reader in your character’s shoes by ramping up the nerves. Horror/thriller scenes are best in the dark or a dark room. Somewhere spooky, like an abandoned barn or old mine shaft or old slaughterhouse. Aisle 13 at Walmart is not scary unless the power is out, zombies are breaking through the glass doors and wandering about. You can hear the breath rattling in their chests. Or the werewolf is inside with you. The reader hears the click of its claws on the floor.
A fellow writer and teacher of writing, Rayne Hall, said it best, “cowards are the best horror writers.” Another trick is to not keep the reader on edge the entire book. You must run your story on a squiggle line. Take them up and down or you lose the effect. Allow the reader to calm down and relax and then spring the monster on them.
I find short chapters help keep the story moving and it provides a good scene break. If the chapters are too long I tend to zone out. Although I’ve only wrote about werewolves, I’m going to do some reading of the greats (Tim Miller, Matt Saw, Sam West to name a few). I want to try my hand at psychopaths who don’t go all furry.
To tighten up your writing and really get the reader involved once you’ve wrote your first draft, take a look at all of Rayne Hall’s books in her Writer’s Craft series and then go back through your manuscript. A couple word tweaks here and then make a huge difference. I know from experience. After following the steps above my editor made comment my writing improved 100% from the first book she edited. She also said she never eats when reading my work :)
~~~
Bio:
I’m married for 22 years and the proud mamma to three dogs. I’ve published three books. I love werewolves so my books revolove around them. I write horror/thriller/splatterpunk; my books are explicit in everything from sex to killing. I write what I like to read. I enjoy reading, movies, shopping with my mother, folding origami cranes, crocheting, peg doll painting, and benchrest shooting. I’m also a big Harry Potter fan. Click here to learn more.
~~~
Have you checked out these posts? You might enjoy these, too:
How to Write Horror
Although I put my books in the horror category I’m not sure they are actually scary. I tend to lean to putting them in the horror-splatter punk genre. The best way to write about horror is write about something which scares you. I’ve always had a fear of the closet monster or monster under the bed. Even now at 42 my imagination still rules my impulses.
You must first setup the scene. Make the reader smell it. Make the reader hear the world around them. Put the reader in your character’s shoes by ramping up the nerves. Horror/thriller scenes are best in the dark or a dark room. Somewhere spooky, like an abandoned barn or old mine shaft or old slaughterhouse. Aisle 13 at Walmart is not scary unless the power is out, zombies are breaking through the glass doors and wandering about. You can hear the breath rattling in their chests. Or the werewolf is inside with you. The reader hears the click of its claws on the floor.
A fellow writer and teacher of writing, Rayne Hall, said it best, “cowards are the best horror writers.” Another trick is to not keep the reader on edge the entire book. You must run your story on a squiggle line. Take them up and down or you lose the effect. Allow the reader to calm down and relax and then spring the monster on them.
I find short chapters help keep the story moving and it provides a good scene break. If the chapters are too long I tend to zone out. Although I’ve only wrote about werewolves, I’m going to do some reading of the greats (Tim Miller, Matt Saw, Sam West to name a few). I want to try my hand at psychopaths who don’t go all furry.
To tighten up your writing and really get the reader involved once you’ve wrote your first draft, take a look at all of Rayne Hall’s books in her Writer’s Craft series and then go back through your manuscript. A couple word tweaks here and then make a huge difference. I know from experience. After following the steps above my editor made comment my writing improved 100% from the first book she edited. She also said she never eats when reading my work :)
~~~
Bio:
I’m married for 22 years and the proud mamma to three dogs. I’ve published three books. I love werewolves so my books revolove around them. I write horror/thriller/splatterpunk; my books are explicit in everything from sex to killing. I write what I like to read. I enjoy reading, movies, shopping with my mother, folding origami cranes, crocheting, peg doll painting, and benchrest shooting. I’m also a big Harry Potter fan. Click here to learn more.
~~~
Have you checked out these posts? You might enjoy these, too:
A.I. Winters is an award-winning horror and fantasy author. Her titles include Summoner of Sleep, Strange Luck, The Nightmare Birds, and A Darling Secret.
Born in Northern California, Winters has since lived in every region of the country, but now resides in Colorado with her husband. She has published numerous articles on writing and publishing, and has worked as a grant writer and copy editor for non-profits, municipalities, and major corporations.
When not writing books, she enjoys breaking a sweat in Jiu-Jitsu class, baking desserts, and traveling.
Learn more at: www.aiwinters.com
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
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?
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?
A.I. Winters is an award-winning horror and fantasy author. Her titles include Summoner of Sleep, Strange Luck, The Nightmare Birds, and A Darling Secret.
Born in Northern California, Winters has since lived in every region of the country, but now resides in Colorado with her husband. She has published numerous articles on writing and publishing, and has worked as a grant writer and copy editor for non-profits, municipalities, and major corporations.
When not writing books, she enjoys breaking a sweat in Jiu-Jitsu class, baking desserts, and traveling.
Learn more at: www.aiwinters.com
Thursday, March 24, 2016
The Scary Reviews Interview
David Spell started The Scary Reviews because he's always been a huge horror fan and wanted to have a place to post his favorite horror book reviews. Not only did he see his dream to fruition, his site also features insightful horror/fantasy author interviews, guest posts, and a fabulous Women in Horror spotlight. I'm thrilled that he will be reviewing Book II in the Strange Luck series, The Nightmare Birds, as part of the Women in Horror feature in late 2016. I'm so excited!!!
Until then, you can check out my interview with The Scary Reviews, where you'll learn how many books are planned in the Strange Luck series, how I got the title, and what inspires me to write. And don't forget to check out the other author interviews, too! They're incredibly interesting and I've already discovered a bunch of new books to read as a result.
A.I. Winters is an award-winning horror and fantasy author. Her titles include Summoner of Sleep, Strange Luck, The Nightmare Birds, and A Darling Secret.
Born in Northern California, Winters has since lived in every region of the country, but now resides in Colorado with her husband. She has published numerous articles on writing and publishing, and has worked as a grant writer and copy editor for non-profits, municipalities, and major corporations.
When not writing books, she enjoys breaking a sweat in Jiu-Jitsu class, baking desserts, and traveling.
Learn more at: www.aiwinters.com
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