We are doing everything we can to get Alice and Friends released tomorrow for Halloween, my favorite "holiday". I think it's by far the best book I have released and I bet you agree! For one day only, it will be at a Halloween special price.

My books now go through a professional editor who has a sharp little red pen. My agent also had her fingers in the pie as well. With everyone involved, the pie sure has a lot of fingers poking at it! This benefits readers but it does tie my hands at times as I try to move fast and they slow me down. But never fear, I am a busy writer and I produce the horror. I promise, the upcoming holidays won't slow me down...tons of ideas still blaring at me.

Alice is a highly unusual novel. I somehow touched a few genres. There is a mystery here for sure, a psychological aspect (okay, it's chilling, who are we kidding), blatant horror, a cannibal or two, family ties, a nod to horror master Richard Laymon, a snicker and hint about the Z is for Zombie series (but is not part of the series at all but fans of the series will find a HUGE clue to the series mysteries embedded in this book) and it's a thriller.  I feel this is a book that once you read, you'll want to go back and read again just to see all the clues given all along as to where this was headed. It's a rollercoaster and I never, ever lie, but ummm...well, I may not tell the reader everything up front...hee hee. What is more fun than those first sharp turns and spins on a coaster? It's having them at the end...one after another...wham, wham, wham....blinding speed and plunging falls...and what's at at the end? A slam into an ice cold pool...that's what's fun!

I think you'll enjoy this one. What I wrote is terrifying, but what you will think about after you've read it? Much worse. I think you'll be haunted and have chills every time you see a dark road, a smoke house, family photos, a basement. a fair,.....(you get the idea).

Husband and I were looking at new homes in a little Texas town and we started laughing about a house we had before. One day, our cat ran inside the house with a mouse in its mouth! We had 2 other cats and do you know not one of those silly cats would chase the damned thing once it was in my house! It seems obvious, doesn't it that a cat would chase a mouse in a house since they do anyway? But animals and people don't always behave in ways we see from experience or what would be common sense or how we expect. How do we understand human behaviour then? Criminal profiles help. Yup. I said it. They are basic standards of what is expected from particular "signatures" or ways they do specific things. I like to look at people and behaviour too. Doesn't it seem that people would do _________, ____________ and _________ and expect that if they do this they will get the same outcome each time? Yet even if the outcome is the same, they don't seem to get it because they think they are doing something differently or base their expectations on other people. I can't always predict what my husband and son might do, but I can almost always predict how the end of that behaviour will be.

I didn't guess those cats wouldn't chase the mouse, but (after it was caught and released) I knew those same cats would be bitching about the mouse being GONE. I guess that is interesting...figuring out the outcome.

That all said, when I write, I know the outcome but I never know how we will get there. I guess that is like real life, isn't it? I can't figure out what all will happen on the journey, but the outcome is going to be a house with a pool next time (and a place for the herb garden and fish pond). Meanwhile, the mice need to stay hidden from the cats and stay out of my house and away from me.

Did I say the mouse was released? Come on. I'm a horror writer; did you think I released it? Really? Mice coming into my house are just itty bitty snacks....a cat(t) is always ready to pounce.

*evil almost-Halloween chuckle***

I was sent an e-mail today with pictures of Wal-Mart shoppers that are funny. I know some people will say it is bad to make fun of them. These people also say it is terrible to belittle and make fun of other people in varied situations. I think this...if people didn't put themselves out there in such silly situations (or outfits or looks) then we would not laugh. I don't laugh at fat people for being fat. I laugh if one wears short shorts and has on a halter because that is such a silly display. It's the display that is so funny!

I am a horror writer. So...let's say I drive by a car wreck and see a person decapitated and the head lands atop a post. If some one yells "Heads up", yes, I would laugh. If I knew the person who was killed and saw it happen, I would not laugh and be horrified. It is when the situation is personal that it is no longer humourous and does that not depend on individuals? That's my point.Also, some in some jobs (morticians, cops, doctors, etc.) we have to laugh and find the humour or it drives us crazy to see the horror that man enacts. As a horror writer, death and weirdness is very real to me and yes, I have to find humour or have a pretty strong gut for it. But it is my choice to write what I write as it is a cop's choice to do what he does...so why do it? Demand. There is a demand for what we deliver.

I am to the point in my life that there are many things I have to laugh at. 

I find it funny how people use religion or politics or anything to further their cause. When students wrote papers for the college class in Literature I taught, I warned them to not use the Bible as a reference to "prove" anything as it is interpretation and not scientifically based. The Bible does have some good life lessons and helpful advice and it it aligns with some scientific history, but to say it says "XYZ" is interpretation. Also, as written, each word may have a deeper meaning. In other words, people use it to further their own ideals but it doesn't make them FACT.

There is a part that is about loving thy neighbor. Well, I can be nice to my neighbor, but if they are a child molester, you can bet I don't love them, will laugh if they do funny things, and if they come near my child, I will let them meet Mr. .38 Special!  See how I can take this and make it my own personal take? I say I can do that BUT _____________. Isn't that how we all are? We try to be one way but when things are about us, they change. No matter what the event or situation, we personalize it OR we remove ourselves.

I am beginning to theorize that people who are so about themselves and being such "great people who do no wrong or are forgiven" are really psychologically inept. It just isn't healthy at all and leads to unconscious or conscious acts of very evil deeds. If we think we are "saved" after certain requirements then are we free to act poorly? Some think so and I feel these are the ones behaving the worst. On the other hand, when we act badly based on our own personal evaluations, at least we are honest and acting in a psychologically beneficially manner.

I might giggle at the Wal-Mart people and laugh at people who show themselves as victims (etc) and  I do it aside, not where they could see it and be hurt, but I don't hurt children. I don't destroy marriages, covet, steal, lie, cheat or murder. I am sarcastic, a horror writer, profane in speech, selfish, and vindictive at times. Judge me. I would rather be how I am than be the former, and when anyone says the Bible doesn't distinguish, I say..."use a reference that is accepted and not interpreted" and base your judgement on MY personal mind set.

Until then, I will find the humour in a car wreck or a tree falling on a house or a cannibal. It's how I survive the world....finding the funny parts in horrific tales.

Why does everything seem a little better when one gets a $2,000 blue diamond bracelet, a dozen white roses and a massage?

Wow. Now people say they have never heard of blue diamonds. (they aren't like those horrid pink rock things...good Lord)....but they are real diamonds.( the Hope diamond is blue) Diamonds may be chocolate, blue, green, or red, yellow...or the ones we see that are clear. A few years ago, my husband bought my diamond wedding band in Jamaica because the thousands he paid were a fraction of what it costs in the US. In a later trip, I fell in love with a ring that is big blue and white diamonds. Was it expensive? Hell yes. But it again was insured and appraised at many times what was paid. As time passes, I have added two more blue diamond rings. My earrings are from Jamaica.. and are huge diamonds set in a hoop. . Again...they were a fraction of the price here. Now what is my point? (besides my bracelet is awesome?)  Most of my jewelry is from Jamaica. I have also bought an emerald there that appraisers tell me is impossible to get in the US (The size and clarity and quality) unless I spent 100,000. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why is jewelry in the US so expensive. I don't know about other places, but it is outrageous. If we buy something worth 100,000 for $500 does it lose value? Is it a lesser gift or purchase because of the price? I think the appraisal is what counts...gosh...and the beauty of the item!

So, what about people? Can we do appraisals on them? I think if we try to use a Biblical judgement, that is almost hogwash because who in the hell are we, humans, to judge people? Yet we do. So what is an appraisal of a person that is acceptable and fair? I have you thinking now!

Is EVERY life valuable? I can't say so because I am for capital punishment which is a whole other topic. To me, no, not every life is valuable...some people are just pure crap. Their mothers may value them...and that's ok. I am talking about a legitimate appraisal. I think we can use the diamond test. CCC (color, clarity, cut) Some people need to work on their color (aura) and get themselves right. Some are just too cloudy and screwed up. Some are great, get dirty, but can be cleaned up. I am interested in the cut. Is a person (despite mistakes and crazy choices) cut to be a person who improves my life and the life of others?

I don't know how people see my CCC. I am a horror writer...I should be a gothic black diamond, right? But I am a blue diamond. (they are a blue green shade, the color of the ocean in Jamaica) I am the ocean. I have tides. I am strong and can turn in a flash to destroy. It isn't personal (always) but I can and will take out everything in my path. Sometimes I seem calm and serene
, but tidal waves are benath the surface and slide along until they strike, and when they do....they decimate without any consideration. I am life and I am very, very scary abd I will take ships and write stories of terror. I have undiscovered depths and remember, I am salty.

Blue diamonds remind me of who I am.. The hardest mineral and the ocean. And as for my appraisal? I can look in the mirror and see a force of unknown magnitude, and I am a healing balm.

What color diamond or precious stone are you and why?

I have been busy! I have this great reviewer who is very honest about my writing and he had helped me so much! He didn't get into SIx Shooters and Fangs....said it was well written but not his "thing". I will finish the series, but it isn't my "thing" either. I have 2 more for the zombie series and hope that will be the end but then I have this silly voice that tells me I may not be finished after the ninth book! How long can a series go? Arrrrrrrrrr. I really love the story and the characters and they have so much to do and so many adventures....it is hard to let go!   On the other hand, my favorite reviewer has talked to me about my writing as has my copy editor. Now they both like Time of Grace and ALice type stories...you know.,.thrillers/horror with a bit of mystery and tons of psychological terror. Those are the books I enjoy the most and the writing is very easy for me. I am torn because the Z series is what sells like mad. I have to make sales and pay my way but people are zombie crazy and let's face it, most of the zombie books are horrible out there. (McKinney is great however). The Walking Dead (I LOVE it) adds fuel to the craze. So I have a zombie story and I have a series so people can get wrapped up in something they KNOW for 9 books. That is great for my sales and fan base. I am supplying exactly what is wanted. BUT.,....BUT.....I am a far better writer when I write my psychological horror/thrillers. My agent says "write both" (she's a tyrant...lol) What does this mean? It means that by next March (marking one year into writing full time) I will have 20+ books available which is a lot. 30-40 by year 2? That is more than prolific...it is insanity!

My new favorite thing people say to me: "Can you make me a character but not  hurt me? And I read mysteries so can you make it a mystery?"

Arrrrr Again.If I write you into a book, you can bet you will get hurt very badly and die and maybe even eaten. It won't be a mystery, but a thriller/horror and I will add all your annoying habits! With a writer, be careful what you ask for!

Love October! Boo!

My books are now going to paperback. I am a little over-whelmed by the reception that I have gotten for my work. My son is homeschooled and I balance that time (teaching) with other things and writing and I am lucky he works around my schedule. I am also fortunate to have a loyal, dedicated husband who is supportive and helpful always. He lies here snoring in his sleep beside me and I feel blessed that he loves me and gives me the opportunity to write full time. I forgive the snoring. (lol)His honesty and sweetness really help and I am so glad I have him! 14 years and he is still n love with me...go figure.
Anyway. Time of Grace and Alice getting finished for paperback and kindle will match covers. Then Z is for Zombie series will go up on paperback. I am looking at either the 8th zombie book or a new horror book. I have been compared to Stephen King and Robert McCammon, been told I am vulgar and verbose,,,I have heard I am fantastic and that I rush at time...but yanno what? When hubby and son say they love me...that is the best of all.

As the book has its last editing work, I am wondering, again (as with all books) how I can give up the story and the characters I have so fallen for. When I write, I am in love with the book. I give it heart and soul and it becomes a special entity to me. I still miss my people from Time Of Grace and luckily, I have 2 more books left of the zombie series (I love those folks). I also have many more for the vampyre series so I can keep those characters a while. It's hard sometimes when I work on a book and I have that ah-ha moment where I am in love with the story and I know right then that it will have to end and I will have to give it away. It's like seeing a child grow up and go out on his own. Bittersweet. 

Those who write know how I feel. Readers should like this, that I truly love my own books and write as well as I can for each. That's dedication. The thing that keeps me happy is that I have a million story ideas and they are each almost full blown books in my head so I won't run out of ideas. There will be more and more books started and finished. At least, I will always have story going that I love deeply. And isn't that they best? Never ending fun!

I have said often that while yes, I have a series about zombies and one about vampyres, those are not my main interest, I love nothing more than delving into the secrets of psychotic people...or at least unusual personalities and behaviours.  I was talking to D about this and he was sharing about this nutty female who calls his work (because he changed his cell phone number to get away from her and preserve his relationships with a girl he loves). This makes me go "hmmm."  First of all, if someone has to "hide you" or avoids you in any way...it's a big clue, isn't it that he doesn't put you at the top of his list? Why would anyone want to be a secret or to be hidden? What does this say about respect and consideration? Some people, like D no less, do have periods of boredom and so they play with fire but in the end, they aren't going to see it through...not saying this is right to do...but we know it happens. My issues is why any self respecting person would see this and still get played? AT some point, they want it to be real just to keep some respect and keep the game? I feel a book here. I don't blame the men (as most females do) but have to blame the females who get played as they are simply stupid and deluded in the game. I think these females think they are proving their value in some way. The issues is that while they think the other woman is being played, it is them who are the joke's butt. I think all that hope and stress, the worrying, obsession and energy they put into this is quite scary and that's the point of this book idea. How can anyone use so much energy on a fairy tale where they are a joke? In my idea for this story, people like D finally get so tired of the game and being pressured by the nuts, that they finally break and "get rid" of the other woman. It's like closing the book at the end of the story so they can begin a new story.  I have read only one along this line and the crux was the other chick wondering why in the hell the man stayed with the "old, disgusting, pathetic" wife (he was married) and the end explained that what people didn't know was the wife was a tigress in bed and insatiable which he LOVED despite what he said about her. The wife, no matter how "yucky" was his perfect mate...manifestation of his personality and he seriously saw the rest as events but his wife as his perfect mate.

Anyway, it's an idea I am playing with. Reality breeds fiction.

In some books, if a scene is difficult, I have actually played it out and gotten the feelings and problems. With the book I am into now...wow...50 Shades of Grey indeed. "Tie me up and let's get kinky" (oh for the book..not for me....**embarrassed laugh***) I have found some of the scenes difficult if not acted out...I mean don't we need to be tied up and spanked and tortured with nipple clams to really get the ability to describe it? And my husband, supportive man he is (for surely it isn't for HIMSELF) offers to help with the scenes. Isn't that sweet? (LOL) 

That is what is in my head right now... how a writer's world and reality can converge in ways unexpected. Writers may be the kinkiest people ever.,.(except those who just describe and never partake which is boring). I think our reality blurs with fiction. Writers dare to imagine it...and I think some of us dare to indulge. It's all about testing boundaries, as my agent says.

Which is an off topic..but I now have an agent and a professional copy editor working for me. While it should be easier (oh and a web designer) to have people working for me, it seems to get bigger every day. Writers who write a little and enjoy that part need to appreciate that time to be himself and be a little fish. As my aquariam grows and i grow as a fish, things do get more involved.


See? This is how reality and what was simple and a dream merges. Would I go back to that innocence of being a no body writer and not testing boundaries? Nope. My experimentation and growth allow me to entertain with more boundaries crossed, more sharp edges, stronger reality, and isn't that what I am supposed to do? Entertain? ALl the world's a stage, you know...but who else gets to LIVE fiction and make it real? Yep, I love being a writer. And by far....the more psychotic the better....life is an experiment and I can see blowing up the lab!

Cheers!
catt


Check out hubby's tattoo...isn't this awesome? He branded himself with my name...now that is a reality I think rocks!

More fun than zombies...my romantic husband!

I saw that I had  a very nice review for my favorite book (of mine). When people give detailed comments, I get to see the book as others see it and trust me, that helps a lot. The reviewer mentioned this is a coming of age book which eluded me. It really is one and I may have missed that because it is told in first person MALE point of view, was very difficult to write, but is my all time favorite because of the fun I had with some real history. To be compared along side of Stephen King and Robert McCammon on this one was a delight. It's not always easy to be noticed in the horror-writer market and I have used the zombie series to get my brand noticed and to pay me to do this full time, but this is who I am...mainstream horror....a little supernatural, a lot psychological...and strong characters, I like to immerse myself in whole other worlds when I write true horror fiction and for someone known for gore and violence, I feel that most readers are surprised at how subtle my writing is. despite my writing, I am most influenced by the horror writers of the 50s-70s when dread and unease was more fearful than blood and gore (Think Psycho movie) and my favorite writers are Thomas Tyron and Ira Levin. I will read anything frightening and nothing scares me like those two because of the subtle styles they used. Richard Laymon is my other big influence and is very differrent than the other two, but isn't that what horror should be? Scary, unpredictable, and stylized for whatever theme is being written about? George Romero probably got it most correct when he did NOTLD because so much of the movie was subtle and suggested and other parts were pretty grahpic for that time period. It was balanced. Absolute discomfort and changing tempos are what seem to work best. (IT by Stephen King) This is just my late night rambling as I think about the reviews and letters people send me...what people say about my writing. It isn't easy to be a writer. Yes, E-books have done a big business based on people who someone said could write but who really need to stop pumping out very bad prose. But it is hard to be a good writer over the course of many books. I know I don't always get a hit out of the park or even score with a few books, but I am trying to entertain people. That's all. I want to amuse people or scare them, make them think, or make someone uneasy...that's my job. Getting a great review that tells me I am hitting the points I want to hit...that makes the job enjoyable, Cheers and when you love a book, let the author know; it does make a difference!