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!

Carmen Dioxide

I’m branching outside my comfort zone. I’m writing a type of character I’ve never written before. She’s amazing, brave, no bullshit and transgender.

She popped in as I was following a particular story arc off into the sunset. The person needed to carry these burdens would absolutely have to be STRONG.

I’m privileged to count several Trans individuals as friends. I’ve never met anyone stronger or more determined than these ladies and gents.

Like most of my characters Carmen came to me fully formed with her own history.  This is not a stereotype and not a character meant to cash in on some trend.

This is a pivotal and extremely important guide and teacher for the series. Artist Christopher Gibbs and I are already working on development and concept art.

It is vitally important to me that she be portrayed and written with accuracy. Needless to say my research will be extensive. I am fortunate to have wonderful friends and acquaintances to help in this process.

The Cutterverse Awakes

Quick updates on the forthcoming behemoth know as Cutter.

Our fan page hit 1000 yesterday. For independent creators this is a heavy milestone. Needless to say the entire team was ecstatic and of course we gave away some original art work in celebration.

We've decided to use our web page as more of an interactive tool. We solicit suggestion and comments from our fans.

We've asked them to help name one of our pivotal characters and ask for opinions on our current artwork and story arcs.

We post quotes from our characters and snippets of information about the Cutterverse and how life works there.

This is all preemptive to the release of  Cutter # 0

It's turning into this amazing little interactive universe and I have to admit, although it requires a feck ton of work I'm really enjoying it. I hope as the Cutter Team moves forward we can keep this interaction going and bring it with us.

 This is in no way an original idea, Steve Niles has been doing this same thing on his forum for countless years. I think being one of his disciples has shown me the importance of  being accessible and respecting your audience. Just another way a MENTOR has made my creative experience better and more fulfilling.

Christopher Gibbs and I are starting to commit to Cons around the country and the always being updated list is available on the events section of our Cutter page www.facebook.com/cutter2013
Please stop in and help us spread the Cutterverse disease!

Nov. 11

Support for Independent Creators

I have to admit I am no millionaire but I have taken the initiative to support independent creators on Kickstarter and other sites.

These brave souls place their dreams at the mercy of strangers. To me this equates with placing your child on a sacrificial alter.

I don't have much but I give what I can. When I look over their projects and see the love and dedication poured into each detail I gain so much respect.

The creative community is moving forward and cutting out the middle man. We are taking the initiative and
offering our work directly to the masses. Unchanged, exactly how we see it, without interference from those worried strictly about profit.

No longer are we victims of others that can't understand our vision.

I am just ecstatic to be involved in this revolution and I encourage you to take a look and send your support.

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.

New Cutter Artwork - Tim Shay

Sneek peek of some new Cutter artwork -Tim Shay - Come and visit us www.facebook.com/cutter2013

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.  

Tim Shay Joins The Cutterverse.

We here in the Cutterverse would like you to meet our newest addition Artist Tim Shay

Tim Shay is an avid freelance artist living in Southern California with his wife and 4 kids. He artwork has been featured in several projects including Breygent Marketing's Dexter Season 4, Deadworld, Red Sonja and Vampirella Sets, Cryptozoic's Tarzan, Batman: The Legend, and The Walking Dead (Seasons 1 and 2) sets, as well as Gary Reed's "Voices from the Deadworld" graphic novel.

He strives to capture a lot of realism and emotion in his artwork. He has some exciting projects lined up for the future and continues to thrive on a steady diet of ink and lead.

For contact information and samples of his work, please visit www.TimShay.com or his Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tim-Shay-Sketch-Art/129818253735791.

Detectives

Come check out some more of his work www.facebook.com/cutter2013


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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

Eyes Wide Open...

Tasting Green and Feeling Orange

The impact of mentors on baby creators.

 Over the past several days I had the extraordinary opportunity to get advice, information and suggestions from someone I’ve admired (as a writer and artist) for years.

Just a few words and a little time have re fueled my creative fire.  I don’t think enough emphasis is put on the importance of mentors.

I know that those who’ve achieved success and have spent some of their time gifting ME with that hard earned knowledge have helped me avoid the pitfalls and failures that are almost required.  

Another kind writer has offered extensive advice and encouragement.  I credit him for teaching me the importance of making things happen on the merits of your own power.

Instead of being selfish and attempting to keep others from creating great things, a few have stepped up and quietly extended their hands.

They may even face the ridicule of their peers.  I watched an acutely cute version of this. The comments were meant in jest BUT it showed a clear divide between the person that respected me as a growing fellow creator and an individual smug and comfortable in their success.

If YOU are a mentor, THANK YOU….. If YOU have a mentor - you are a lucky bastard and must treat them kindly and realize how important they will be to your future.

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.