March 4, 2013

March is upon us! All the hard work over the past several months will culminate in the publication of the independent horror comic series debut Cutter # 0 – This introduction to The Cutterverse will lead into  our six issue story arc.

The Cutter Team has also created a few bonus comics touching on the back stories of our main characters and a few side bits o’ humor.

We got the T Shirts, posters and other Cutter swag ready to go.

Christopher Gibbs and I will be hitting some conventions and getting to know everyone face to face.  We can’t wait to let our baby loose on the unsuspecting public.

The process has at times been frustrating and exhausting.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

To see this monster (which found life three years ago as a tickle in the back of my skull) finally clawing its way into reality is breathtaking.

Watch for our upcoming Kickstarter campaign to in mid April and make sure you stop by the Cutter Site – www.facebook.com/cutter2013 to sign up to receive the debut issue FREE ,also to check out sneak peeks of art and updates on the Cutterverse.

Team Cutter thanks you for your support!

February 12, 2013

A few new pictures from Cutter as we rocket toward our deadline! March 2013 here we come. The Cutterverse Team has added more Conventions to the Cutter site. www.facebook.com/cutter2013. Stop in and check them out. If you are in the area please come and support Indie Creators! We would love to meet you!

Working on several single shot story tie ins for Cutter - one shots featuring our main characters and back story info.

Please leave your questions, suggestions or comments on this site or over at the Cutter site.

February 10, 2013

I’ve been doing some soul searching the past few days. What events have brought me to this point in my creative life? What experiences have shaped my beliefs and passions? How have I molded these views into the stories I tell?

Of course most of the casting / molding occurred during a rather unconventional childhood. Hard and extreme, I wouldn’t change it.  It created an unbreakable foundation for the whirl of chaos you see today.

As I’ve grown through my twenties and into my thirties I’ve watched my views and beliefs change and flex. Suddenly I find myself a fully fledged adult with opinions and outlooks based on my own thoughts not others.

While these views are skewed though the kaleidoscope of a horror writer they are my own and I thrust them into each piece I create.

I fuck with religion, I’m irreverent to those supposedly in power and I don’t mind telling folks when they are being absolute ass clowns. I would hope they would return the favor should my own mouth get too big for my arse.

This is what creates my style, contempt hidden within the guise of humor and terror, a wonderful vintage which I quite enjoy.  

Please stop by the Cutter site www.facebook.com/cutter2013 to check our latest updates and upcoming conventions we shall be attending. Here's a peek at one of our variant covers - created by Tim Shay.

February 4, 2013

Back after a bit o hiatus. The holidays were a bear and I needed to focus completely on the upcoming launch of Cutter.

Things are picking up speed and coming together nicely. It is my sincere hope to blog more often and too greater purpose as this year progresses.

My anthology is still in the process of being edited and I am working on issues #2 and #3 of Cutter.
Here's a few more glimpses of the Cutterverse for ya!

New Orleans

I shall be attending the Wizard World Con in New Orleans this weekend. Hope to see you there!

Balance

The creative mind is a dark and twisted thing BUT loves to bask in the sun.

It can be stubborn – irrational – damaged beyond redemption – self destructive and moody.

Creative minds can also be caring and loyal – fiercely defensive of their loves – forging new paths into the unknown – irrepressible and free.

To balance all of this you must be a bit on the odd side.

Sometimes a creative person may be in the same room with you, but is actually a million miles away.

The inner workings are off and different from the considered norm.

I can attest that it is a stunning and brilliant roller coaster and creators are nothing if not FUN.

*UPDATES*

Christopher Gibbs and I have signed on to the Cincinnati Comic Convention and the Fan Boy Expo Knoxville for the upcoming year. We may also be heading to the Boston Comic Con BUT that is still on the table and has yet to made concrete.

Cutter is approaching publications and we have begun work on Issues #2 and #3

Gods & Monsters is still in the editing process. I have completed that final story I wanted to stick in there. I’m now in the re-write stage and hope to have it done this week.

We have posted new art and contests on the Cutter page, make sure you stop in. We welcome all questions and comments.

Impetus

The energy or motivation to accomplish or undertake something.

A force that causes the motion of an object to overcome resistance and maintain its velocity.

I’m reaching that crux that all creators can run into = EXHAUSTION!

 Multiple projects on the table, each one requiring you to be brilliant, (there’s no way in hell you’re not going to give 100% to anything you’re working on) promoting, marketing your brand, networking, making future commitments, PLUS making a living…….

New ideas for future work jotted down daily, the discipline to finish the things you’re working on instead of drifting to a new project.

All of this can turn into a rock slide of muck that rains down over all of those around you. A creator is married first and foremost to the WORK.

I know we try not to be, we try to give equal attention to all aspects of our life. In the end the love for creating will win out and it will always come first.  Our brains are wired that way, I shall quote Ben Templesmith – “I create because I have to.”

It proves difficult finding a balance; enough time for everything and the energy to provide what’s needed by the forenamed everything.

You must find the drive to push through, follow the course and see all aspects of creating + life to the conclusion.

It’s in there, you’ve got to track it down and beat it into submission.

  Never give up or sacrifice any aspect of what’s important.  

I will keep repeating that sentence like a mantra in hopes to continue to retain and preserve my sanity.  

Redemption

Loving the broken and repellent.

 Why do we care so much for those evil baddies?

Could it be that we recognize the evil in ourselves just under the surface?

Absolution of the worst evil, at least one redeeming quality, something we can identify with. Does it give us hope that we can also be saved?

It’s extremely difficult to write a villain / antagonist that that has nothing within them the populous can identify with.

Even the most horrific characters in fiction have a fan base that adores them.

What is this draw to the unclean?

The urge to redeem - to save - to find something (anything) sympathetic.

Cases in point – pick a legit serial killer and watch his documentary. Cute pictures from childhood, how they volunteered at the ASPCA or a church group. Meanwhile on the weekends they were skinning and eating children.

The human need to redeem ever the highest form of filth is fascinating.

This is why I use my main villain / antagonist to deliver some of the most important meanings within my work.  Nothing sticks in the brain better than an excellent bad guy.

 I understand the protagonist IS the most important piece of the puzzle. In certain instances you just can’t pile that much dirt on them. Their journey may contain a completely different message or emotion.

ENTER THE ANTI HERO!

My favorite archetype to write, using this beast you can combine the “I don’t give a fuck,” of the bad guy – with the twisted need to do good shit and be loved.

 What a journey this guy can take you on.

Don’t be afraid to let the story voice take complete control. Don’t forget to pour that hidden vision into the killer/ monster/ evil alien/ serial killer. They can often be the best catalyst for impact.

Fear

Writers take their own fears, views, traumas and turn them into fodder for their fiction.

From childhood we collect impressions and feelings. These are taken and through hard work or a soul selling pact, we place them into our words. We don’t quote – we just extract the feelings created.

The best of us can delve the deepest, re live the worst and slap you in the face with overwhelming clarity.

I take my collected thoughts, experiences, interactions and such and then turn them into monsters.

I then use these metaphors to create a vision / message of the opinion I’m trying to secretly tell my readers.

I guess you could look at these methods as some form of subtle implantation. As a horror writer I find this highly acceptable.

In the course of my writing I tackle several touchy subjects. A re- occurring theme involves religion.  Nothing gets a reaction out of people quicker that poking around with God.  I don’t just write about religion to get a reaction. The subject has confounded and provoked me my entire life. May hap the creation of my work is some kind of self imposed therapy. If so, it’s not working. I come out at the end with more questions and subjects to twist.

Enough rambling for now – UPDATE ON PROJECTS TIME!

Cutter # 0 has started its final decent. We are almost ready to put the whole thing together and disburse it to the masses.  We are still conducting giveaways on our Facebook page so please stop in www.facebook.com/cutter2013.

Gods & Monsters progresses slowly since I added that last story. My editor is most like to kill me before this is over. We look for it to go off to print sometime in January.

Cutter T Shirt Giveaway

When our Cutter fan page hits 200 we will be giving away our brand new Cutter T shirts. Stop in and check out the page. comments and inquiries  are appreciated. www.facebook.com/cutter2013

T-shirt design drawn by Christopher Gibbs

Tired Tentacles

I've spent the day working on the business end of writing and creating. Looking through distributors and finishing up some more promotional swag for Cutter. Tentacled T shirts will be available SOON.

My artist partner Christopher Gibbs is at the Fan Boy Convention in Tennessee this weekend. This will be the first introduction of our Cutter marketing swag to the public and I can't wait to get feedback. The Cutter Fan Page is up and running strong. Please visit us at www.facebook.com/Cutter2013. You could win free stuff! Please leave your contact information as a message and we will be glad to place you on the list to receive Cutter #0 - FREE! Upon publication the end of November.

My next book, Gods & Monsters, is coming together nicely. We are still in the editing stage AND developing a cover. I've backed myself in a corner.....I started another piece  and I REALLY want this story included.....may be a slight delay but if I believe IT CAN BE DONE!!!

Soon Christopher and I will put our heads together and set up a list of upcoming conventions.

Monsters Marching Forward...

The promo poster and stickers for Cutter are in the HOUSE! Outstanding art from Christopher Gibbs and Dennis Willman......The Legion moves forward. We have also launched our fan page an invite you to take a look and  sign up for art and promo giveaways. Get on the list for Cutter # 0. We have a shite ton of surprises in store!!! www.facebook.com/Cutter1013

Illusion and Reality

 I explained in earlier posts some of my time this week, time I most often set aside for writing, has been given to study of the craft. As a neurotic spider monkey with an OCD problem I believe I can always improve.

Write better, create better characters…improve in all aspects of the craft and just BE better. On this note I was reading some excellent material on inspiration and themes. That age old question “Where do you get those ideas?”

Although I write about monsters and terror my inspiration comes from “THINGS” that happen around me, from the smallest detail of life to the most significant worldwide incident. I pull snippets and bits from everything, Overheard conversations, interactions between strangers, trash, stray animals, frozen squid…everything.

One theme I return to again and again is the aspect of illusion and reality. What is real and what is not. What appears to be REAL but may not be.

It is my firm belief that each person’s reality is as different and individual as they are. How you view the world is as unique as your fingerprint. Outside influences may bend and shape your perception BUT the view from your castle is your very own.

My own perception of how human’s view reality shapes my outlook and worms its way into a vast amount of my fiction, to lose your grasp on reality and not be able to verify what is there and what isn’t ….that’s a terrifying thought.

To realize your grasp is slipping, to know that what you are seeing and hearing may not be there….BUT HOW CAN YOU NOT TRUST YOU OWN EYES AND EARS? To fully understand that your grasp on sanity is slipping and not have a way to tighten your grip….well that’s where horror comes from.

I enjoy slipping back and forth during my writing, keeping the reader from fully understanding if what is happening to the characters is really happening or is this just the final break down.

I believe this creeps into my writing due to the fact I’ve had numerous experiences in my life with mental illness and it’s after effects. This influence is drawn from my job in law enforcement or through members of my own family. Perhaps this is my way of dancing around my own darkest fear. The fear that I may lose my grasp on what is real and what isn’t.  hmmmmm …. I believe this tuning up thing is working.

Christopher Gibbs and I have gotten started on some promotional gear for the launch of our horror comic series Cutter.

First off we will be publishing a teaser issue (Cutter # 0) during November.

Posters, T shirts and stickers will start finding there was around your local Cons AND we hope these wonderful goodies will prime you for the debut of Cutter #1. (Early 2013)

 Promotional stickers….Come see us at our next Con and pick one up.

Soothing The Savage Beast

 I have to take just a moment to reflect on how music helps me write.

  I tend to think of this as another artist / creator once again extending their hand to make me better at the craft.

  My characters all have their own favorite songs and sometimes....they tell me what they want to hear when we get ready to write a certain scene. Even the Monsters speak up and hand me a request list.

   It amazes me how some art work, music or even watching an actor project emotions non verbally can inspire me to write better, create better.....hell just do better at the craft.

  Have you even seen an artist that can make you literally FEEL the texture of the color blue? Or taste the color green?

 I have, his name is Ben Templesmith, look him up.....truly an amazing individual.


 I tend to focus more on the music, perhaps that's my selfish nature BUT some songs help that movie that's constantly running in my head snap into sharper focus.

Cutter wouldn't have been half so angry and terrifying without Hendrix and Hunt The Winterlands not half so engrossing without Florence and the Machine....My tastes are varied and I steal from all genres of our modern bards.

 Writing this novel with my schizophrenic / bi - polar Pandora station in the background has led to some amazing chapters today.

I couldn't have done near so well without this particular aspect of The Muse.

Doctor Her & Contributing

The best creators take time out to mentor up and comers like me. Those who've established themselves firmly in the creator community  take time to instruct and walk us newbies through the confusion of creating as a business.

When I started writing as more than just an activity to get the snarl of chaos out of my brain, I had no idea the ins and outs of what it really took to get your work out to be read.

I owe a huge debt to numerous creators in all fields for helping and teaching me how to do it right.

I myself, though not even close to being as well known as those that helped me, have started contributing myself. I was invited to write for a blog that discusses the impact of Doctor Who on culture from a woman's perspective. Although the blog (http://doctorher.com) revolves around The Doctor, we branch out all over the place and discuss numerous topics that impact lives and world views.

The contributors are diverse and the post and topics are thought provoking.

 I invite you to support your Indie Creators and take a look at the blog. Feel free to leave comments or ask the site web mistress (Courtney Stoker) if you'd like to be a guest contributor.

Shuffling That Monster Walk

It's zombie week on Chiller....

This proves quite the distraction when attempting to work on your new novel. More planning and plotting completed. The main protagonist is pretty acerbic and angry, this should prove to be an interesting ride.

The supporting cast is immensely diverse, so many personalities bouncing around in the old noggin this evening. Of course there are a multitude of monsters throughout.

 A few pages written and I see the story and characters grow stronger in their voice. Right now is the fun part. In a few weeks when the plot starts twisting and the story starts mutating, it should get even more interesting. It's not really work yet, I'm to full of plans and I keep telling myself I know exactly where everything is going. 

Anyone who writes knows this is a line of bull shite we feed ourselves.

Wrote a piece for the Doctor Her Blog, but I appear to have forgotten my password to get in. I'm waiting on a response from the wonderful blog mistress, Courtney Stoker so I may share my outlook on  Captain Jack Harkness. I'm hoping this stirs up some debate and discussion since I've taken the piece at a completely different  angle to the norm.

Lawman work resumes tomorrow and I'm sure it shall be as wonderful (insert sarcasm) as always. I shall persist in putting words down on paper every day even if it kills me OR someone else tries to kill me.

Ink on the Tentacles

 Working on the blogs today. Still haven't gotten my head in the right space to tackle the revisions on the novel. Everything I put on paper today appears to be crap. I know I'm not the only author / creator to deal with these issues. Often the creator is harder on themselves than any critic. My characters are patient and they will wait until I am sure I can give them the brilliance they deserve. Today on  www.doctorher.com , a blog I contribute too, I discussed the aspect of loneliness. I don't believe a creator ever feels more  alone than when their Muse is being difficult. May-hap it's time for me to give my brain a rest and cause chaos in  the real world for a bit. Let the battery re charge and slay some dragons.
  The revisions for my next anthology are finished and I'm halfway through a new piece for an amazing horror mag, so I'm not completely off kilter. Today may be a good day to reminisce at the pub over a few pints. Speak with friends and collect memories. Maybe ease drop on a few conversations for some new character material.
  As always I continue to study and improve my craft. Those books may be left undisturbed today as I untangle  this knot in my brain.
  I've decided then...

  I shall be selfish and frivolous, back to the ink and tentacles in the morning!